Parents

At Richmond upon Thames College (RuTC), we are committed to the education and career preparation of our students. 

We understand that you, as parents, carers and guardians, need to know that your child is reaching their full potential and is safe and cared for, during their time at college.

12 things parents and guardians should know about College

The college experience

FE colleges provide high-quality technical and professional education. Preparing students with valuable skills for higher education, the workplace, and enhancing their career opportunities.

  • What is an FE college?

    Further Education (FE) colleges are education and training institutions that provide vocational and academic courses and opportunities to people aged 16+ (including adults). Most students are between 16 and 18 years old, as all young people must stay in education or training until their 18th birthday.

  • How are FE colleges different to schools?

    FE colleges provide a wide range of study options beyond secondary education. Some key points about FE colleges are:

    • Unlike schools, FE colleges are attended by people from 16 years old upwards
    • Many courses offered are geared towards careers and the workplace
    • Staff are highly experienced, industry trained and qualified
    • Facilities are state-of-the-art and industry standard
    • Colleges have a diverse and inclusive student population.

     

    What is it like to study at college rather than at school?

    FE colleges provide a different learning environment to schools. In FE colleges there are no students below the age of 16 years. The environment is generally more adult-like, where students take responsibility for themselves and their learning. However, plenty of support is available to students should they need it. Students are only required to attend college for timetabled lessons.

    Colleges tend to be slightly more relaxed in comparison with school sixth forms, and students address their teachers on a first name basis. On most courses, students don’t have to wear a uniform, they can wear what they like. Although some courses will require a uniform or specialist clothing for certain lessons.

  • Will my child need to travel to different colleges?

    No – your child will study at one college. This will be the college where they enrol.

  • Attendance and timetables

    The timetable at FE colleges is different to school. Students are usually timetabled for 16-21 hours a week. Students usually have free periods during the week and are not necessarily expected to attend college every day. The college day might be longer with lessons or tutorials taking place as late as 4pm or 5pm.

    Free time can be used for coursework or further research and students might spend time volunteering or working part-time.

    Read our Student Attendance and Punctuality Policy for further information. 

    Many extra-curricular activities such as sports, music, crafts and clubs are also provided at college and students are encouraged to help set up and participate in these activities.

    Find out more about our Enrichment programme here.

  • Safety for students while at college

    Children, young people and their parents/carers have a right to expect the college to provide a safe and secure environment and a fundamental right to be protected from harm. This means everyone who comes into contact with children, young people and their families, including those who do not have a specific role in relation to safeguarding children, have a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people. 

    Every member of staff has completed their Level 2 Safeguarding qualification and training is updated regularly.

    Student IDs

    We ask all staff, students and visitors to wear ID at all times and to enter the building through our electronic gates so that we know who is on-site.

    Security team

    Our dedicated, professional and friendly security team helps look after the safety of the campus and members of the college’s management team are on duty throughout the week to help deal with any general issues.

    Find out more about Safeguarding here.

Qualifications explained

FE colleges provide academic and vocational education and training to anyone above the age of 16 years. There are many qualifications to choose from and we can help set your child on the right path for them.

Learning and financial support

At RuTC, we offer financial help and support so that there are no boundaries to accessing your education. Our Student Services team also provides a listening ear and support to students who want to raise issues that might be affecting their experience at college.

  • What support is available?

    For most students, courses are free if they are under 24 years old and studying for their first qualification equivalent to GCSE or A-Level. Older students and students studying HE may need to pay a tuition fee. For those who will need to pay a tuition fee, there may be help available, please visit the link below for more information.

    We also offer a bursary and free college meals to students who qualify, so make sure you have a look at the Fees and Financial Support page to see how we can help you.

    Can I still get Child Benefit/Child Tax credit?

    Yes - as long as your child is studying in an approved education establishment. Harrow, Richmond and Uxbridge Colleges (HRUC) is an approved centre.

    My child has additional needs and was getting support at school, will it be the same at college?

    Richmond upon Thames College aims to support students to reach their full potential, become independent learners and achieve their goals. We will ensure that reasonable adjustments are in place to enable them to fully access the curriculum and college life.

    We ask all learners to disclose any medical conditions, learning difficulties, additional learning support needs or if they have an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) in place, at the application, enrolment or induction stage.

    You can find out more on our Inclusive Learning Support page.

  • Advice on careers and applying to university

    The careers team at Richmond upon Thames College provides students with impartial advice and guidance to support their career goals and aspirations, explore options ranging from skills, and training, to part-time courses, further education and higher (university) education and help them plan their next steps before, during and after they complete their course.

    You can find out more on our Careers and Employability page.

How we keep you informed

We will provide all the information you need to know about your child's experience at college.

  • Monitoring students' progress

    We value our relationships with parents, carers and guardians and are keen to work in partnership with you to ensure that your son or daughter can achieve their full potential.

    While we encourage students to take responsibility for their learning and conduct, your involvement is key. We are committed to maintaining contact with you through regular reports on attendance, letters of concern and congratulations about achievement, students' reports and parents' evenings.

    You will be able to communicate directly with your child’s tutor via email and telephone. If you do not have direct contact information, you can contact us via our online enquiry form, which will go through to our Reception team who will pass on your enquiry.

    We need your contact details

    At the time of enrolment, parent/guardian contact information should be added to our system. If it is not, then we require the student to email us from their student email address confirming your details so that we can add it to our system: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or students can go to the office in person, room G21.

How to apply

Students apply to Richmond upon Thames College via an online form or by downloading a hardcopy form, you can find out more from our How to apply page. It will only take a few minutes to apply and once we have received your child’s application, they will then be able to select an interview date and time that is convenient for them (we encourage parents/carers to come along too).