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Inclusive learning support

We have a team of specialist staff who are experienced in supporting learners with dyslexia, dyspraxia, autism, attention deficit (hyperactivity) disorder, sensory and physical needs, moderate and severe learning difficulties.

Types of Additional Learning Support:

  • Specialist assessors who can screen for exam access arrangements
  • In-class learning support
  • One-to-one teaching sessions
  • Drop in sessions for coursework, study skills, Functional Skills English and Maths, ESOL needs, dyslexia support
  • Support for learners with visual, hearing, speech or mobility needs
  • Accessibility software
  • Specialist equipment and laptops
  • Specialists in autism, dyslexia and specific learning difficulties
  • Access to specialist equipment – such as tablets, laptops, reading pens and keyboards.

  • The Inclusive Learning Support team

    Richmond upon Thames College is passionate about supporting students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities in a safe and inspiring learning environment.

    We have a dedicated and friendly team of skilled specialists who are responsible for ensuring that effective and appropriate support and reasonable adjustments are in place for students requiring assistance with accessing their academic studies. Which extends to their progression to further/higher education, apprenticeships or employment.

  • Specialist learning environments

    The Learning Support Workshop (G32) is a supportive study area accessible to students who have additional learning needs and high needs.

  • How do I get support?

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

    We ask all learners to disclose any medical conditions, learning difficulties or physical or sensory disabilities or additional learning support needs at the application stage (via the application form), enrolment stage (via the enrolment form) and at induction (via ALS disclosure form). If you disclose a medical issue, learning need, disability or learning difficulty that may affect your study, we can advise you on what support would enable you to access and achieve on your course. You may be invited to meet with one of our specialist staff in order to discuss your needs further. We also offer advice and training to your teachers on how they can support you to access teaching and learning and what access arrangements you are entitled to in your exams and assessments.

    Once you start your course we will support you by providing reasonable adjustments, as recommended by one of our ALS specialists. If you feel that you would benefit from additional learning support you can email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

  • Exam Access Arrangements (EAA)

    Exam access arrangements are modifications tailored to the exam settings for each student, reflecting their specific requirements and needs based on their normal way of working within the centre. They ensure that all students have the same opportunity to be successful in their exams. At HRUC we follow the JCQ and other exam boards guidance for all our exams.

    Some examples of Exam Access Arrangements are:

    • 25% extra time
    • A computer reader
    • Or typing on a computer.


    Did you have access arrangements in your exams at your previous school or college? 

    If so, it would be useful if you could provide a copy of the following from your previous school or centre of learning in order to help us to put appropriate arrangements in place for you here at HRUC. 

    Please obtain either one of the following as evidence:

    • FORM 8 and assessors certificate
    • Medical letter detailing your needs, this must be on headed paper from the NHS this cannot be from the GP
    • If you have an EHCP, you do not need to send anything in.


    Please note without the correct approved evidence, your EAAs could not be guaranteed.

    If you didn’t have access arrangements at school but think you should have done or have recently been diagnosed, you will have the opportunity to tell us. Your tutors will work with you to put appropriate Access Arrangements in place for your exams at college.

    Please send your evidence to:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

  • Students with High Needs (Education, Health and Care plans) on Mainstream Provision

    Students should indicate on their application if an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) has been agreed by their Local Authority (LA). An EHCP will help us to assess a student’s needs and make suitable recommendations regarding the reasonable adjustments and additional support we are able to provide.

    A member of the ALS team will attend the curriculum interview for students who have indicated that they have an EHCP. During this meeting we can advise and discuss the needs, outcomes and provision recommended on the plan, therefore a written copy of the plan is required at this point.

    The LA should write to the ALS Manager to request a placement consultation including a copy of the EHCP (in word format), which states RuTC as a named provider. We require a copy of the final plan by the start of the academic year of entry. You may need to inform the LA that RUTC is now the first choice of college, to ensure that we receive the EHCP.

    We will consider requests from the LA to provide provision for a student with an EHCP. To consider this request, we require a copy of the plan to enable us to assess whether we are able to meet the students’ needs and provide suitable provision in principle.

    Students with EHCP will be given provisional offers until we are able to formally agree to meeting their needs, as required in the EHCP.

  • Support for Adult learners

    We ask all learners to disclose any medical conditions, learning difficulties, physical or sensory disabilities or additional learning support needs at the application and enrolment stage. The ILS team also assess students for exam access arrangements such as extra time, modifications to papers and more.

    Students who are 19+ years old with Education Health and Care Plans (EHCP) issued by the Local Authority are not required to pay course fees (ie tuition fees are free). Students will be required to provide a final copy of their EHCP provided by the LA as evidence.

  • ILS Contacts

    To request ILS: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

    ILS Enquiries: 0208 607 8445

    EHCP Coordinator (including High Needs Students on mainstream programmes): Paul Smyth, 0208 607 8173 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.