Student Support & Guidance

Support while you learn

Student support services are an important part of the student experience. On these pages you will find information on what we can offer, from learning support if you need extra help with your studies to the opportunities provided for sport and recreational activities. Many students need financial assistance, childcare or other welfare services and you can find out about these too.

At Westminster Kingsway College our dedicated teams offer a wide range of support to help you to achieve your goals.

Learner Consultants
We are committed to making sure that you are supported throughout your studies and provide Learner Consultants teams at every teaching Centre to help guide you in the right direction. The service is free, confidential and impartial, with qualified staff on hand to assist you in taking the next step.

The Learner Consultants offer:

• General information on courses
• Guidance on how to complete the application form
• Financial advice
• Careers advice to help you choose a suitable programme of study

The Learner Consultants standard of service was confirmed when the College was awarded the Matrix Standard for Information, Advice and Guidance Services.

Careers Advisors
We have a dedicated team of Career and HE Advisors from the College and from Connexions Careers whose job is to help you find out what it is that you really want to do.

They are here to get you ready for life after College and can advise you specifically on:

• Different careers suitable for you
• Different qualifications available at every stage of your career
• Making decisions about the future
• Finding work, including writing a CV and interview techniques
• Information about sponsorship
• Training opportunities
• UCAS and entry into higher education
• Computerised careers materials

Welfare Advisors
Welfare Advisors can offer advice or referral on many issues including welfare benefits, finance, housing, immigration and personal problems.

Tutors
Students have access to a named Tutor while they are studying at the College. Your Tutor will be a source of guidance and support and will help you set and achieve your learning targets and goals.

Teaching
We are extremely proud of our teaching staff. With extensive industry experience in their area of learning, as well as many being examiners or moderators for the exam boards, they are on hand to help you learn everything you need to know to get the right qualifications and be prepared for the world of work. Many of our team are still working in the industry and offer the latest teaching methods to ensure that you get the most relevant training in your chosen career.

Connexions
A Connexions Personal Advisor is based at one of our College Centres and works with students aged 16 to 19 years (up to 24 years for disabled students). Connexions also have offices in the local community that you can visit and work closely with our Student Support staff.

Child Protection
If you are under 18 years and you are suffering any kind of physical, emotional or sexual abuse, in or out of College, you can tell a member of the College staff and we will deal with the matter in the strictest confidence. Only those very few staff that need to know will be informed. However, we are bound to report this information to the local authority in which you live as they are responsible for undertaking any investigation.

Childcare
Our Childcare Co-ordinator will be glad to answer any enquiries about the childcare facilities available. Please call 0870 060 9801 and ask to speak to the Childcare Co-ordinator. If we are not able to help you with a place for your child in our nursery we may be able to assist you in finding a childminder or a nursery, which must be registered with the local social services department.

IT at the College
While you are at Westminster Kingsway you will have access to Blackboard; our virtual learning environment. This gives you online access to learning materials you may need for your course, as well as your marks and grades, your timetable and your attendance.

Keeping all students safe
Westminster Kingsway College always puts students' wellbeing and safety first. All Centres offer appropriate security staff, with College ID compulsory for all users of the building. Staff are recruited appropriately and given full training to ensure that you are well cared for while at the College. We operate a zero tolerance drug policy and do not accept inappropriate behaviour of any kind. Smoking is not permitted on any College site.

Catering
The King’s Cross and Victoria Centres have catering facilities, which offer a variety of snacks and hot and cold dishes. More information is available in the Student Handbook, which you will receive when you enrol.