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Our Additional Learning Support (ALS) service helps students who have additional needs. We offer support for students with learning difficulties, disabilities, or medical conditions, aiming to help you reach your full potential. Support can be provided for students with:
- Specific Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities.
- Hearing, Visual, Sensory, and Mobility Difficulties.
- Autism.
- Physical Disabilities and Medical Conditions.
- Mental Health Difficulties.
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
- Mild, Moderate, and Severe Learning Difficulties.
- Support with developing English and maths skills.
We are committed to helping every learner succeed through outstanding teaching, learning, and training. Supporting students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is a key part of the college’s strategic plan, ambition, and core values.
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How can I find out more about your learning support services?
There are several ways you can find out more:
- Attend a college open day where the Additional Learning Support team will be available to talk about the support we offer for young people with SEND.
- Apply for a course – you will have the opportunity to tell us about any support needs during the application process.
- Contact the Additional Learning Support team directly using the details at the bottom of this page.
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How does the college know if students need extra help?
There are several opportunities to tell us about your support needs:
- You can disclose support needs when completing your application form.
- You can speak to the Additional Learning Support team during enrolment.
- Teaching staff may refer you to the Additional Learning Support team if they notice any additional needs in class.
- You can contact the Additional Learning Support team at any time using the contact details on this page.
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How will college staff support students with special educational needs?
The type of support provided will depend on each student's individual needs. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support all students with learning difficulties and disabilities. Support may include:
- In-class support from Learning Support Assistants for students with high needs.
- One-to-one additional lessons with specialist teachers.
- Exam access arrangements – if you had support in previous exams, please inform the ALS team and your course tutors as assessments will be needed.
- Loan of assistive software and technology, where appropriate.
- A personalised support plan outlining the help available to you.
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How do I apply for additional learning support and exam access arrangements?
You can let us know about your support needs when you apply for a course. It’s important that any needs are identified and assessed before your course interview. Please provide evidence such as an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP), an Educational Psychologist report, a Form 8, or a medical letter from your GP or specialist.
If you have an EHCP, please send us a copy. The college will then begin a formal consultation process with your Local Authority.
Once you are enrolled, your teachers will complete initial and diagnostic assessments to help identify any additional support needs. If necessary, they will refer you to the ALS team. The ALS team will meet with you to discuss your needs and create a personalised support plan.
All support measures will be agreed with you and reviewed regularly.
For more information about Additional Learning Support, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
