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Home » Information for Parents and Carers
We look forward to welcoming you and your young person to our community. At Harrogate College our values are at the heart of our college and alive in everything we do. We believe in guiding students towards their goals, equipping them with the confidence and strength of mind for future endeavours.
We appreciate you may have lots of questions about life at Harrogate College and so we gathered together some information we hope you will find useful. If you have any questions, simply contact us and we will be happy to help.
To report a student absence, please contact your curriculum office – alternatively, please call the college on 01423 879466.
General enquiries: 01423 879 466
Based on one site at Hornbeam Park, Harrogate College has excellent modern facilities and provides a professional and friendly environment to study and work.
Easily accessible by public transport, car, cycling or on foot, our campus can be found at:
Harrogate College
Hornbeam Park Ave
Harrogate
HG2 8QT
College opening hours:
8am-5pm Monday to Thursday
8am-4.30pm Friday
We have high expectations of our students and in turn we hold ourselves to high expectations. All students receive a copy of these at the start of their time with us.
Your expectations of us:
Our expectations of you:
Harrogate College provides a secure, welcoming and friendly learning environment where students feel safe, enjoy learning and can achieve their goals. We recognise that positive behaviour needs to be modelled and can be learned. Our ‘I’m In’ strategy means that all staff and students have a responsibility for the inclusive culture in college.
Read our ‘Promoting Positive Relationships and Supporting Behaviour policy’
This policy lays out our approach to open and honest relationships and communications, built on restorative approaches, with an emphasis on cooperation, cohesion, and de-escalation and mediation in resolving behavioural issues. Primarily the key premise is that behaviour is a form of communication of an emotional need (whether conscious or unconscious) to be viewed in the context of relationships rather than an internal problem.
Our approach to attendance improvement puts student experience at the centre. We recognise that absence represents one way that a student responds to their personal experiences, in and/or outside college.
Our ‘I’m IN’ Attendance and Punctuality Handbook 2024-26 outlines key information for staff including the attendance strategy and expectations, approaches to improving attendance, barriers to attendance and the processes for recording and monitoring attendance.
Whilst we strive to provide a safe environment with a welcoming and supportive culture, we recognise that students can sometimes behave in a way that does not meet expectations. Students will be made aware of the core expectations during induction, and reminded of these if they do not meet them.
Behaviours that negatively impact others, including bullying, discrimination and threatening behaviour, will not be tolerated. By this we mean that action will be taken to repair harm, and provide students with the support to make positive changes so that these behaviours are not repeated.
The college does not tolerate sexual harassment and sexual violence, and takes reports of this behaviour very seriously. It must never be ignored, and the victim will be offered support. It is the responsibility of all staff to create a culture of inclusivity, challenge and safety. We will use restorative approaches and mediation wherever appropriate.
We have a clear process for dealing with sexual harassment outlined in our ‘Promoting Positive Relationships and Supporting Behaviour’ Policy. It will be dealt with by curriculum and safeguarding teams collaboratively, and may involve liaison with external agencies such as the Police or Children’s Social Work Services where appropriate. The college will take a victim-led approach, taking into consideration the alleged victim’s wishes and feelings.
Children and young people who abuse others will be responded to in a way that meets their needs as well as protecting others within the college community through a multi-agency risk assessment.
Students are encouraged to report any incidents of sexual harassment and violence, and can do so using the ‘report it’ button on the Student Safeguarding Page, or by speaking directly to a member of staff or the safeguarding team.
We recognise that anyone can experience sexual harassment or violence. Females are more likely to experience sexual harassment and violence than males, but we must remember that males can still be victims. People from the LGBTQ+ community are significantly more likely to experience it than others, and people with disabilities are also disproportionately affected.
If parents/carers have questions or concerns, they are welcome to contact the safeguarding team by email: safeguarding@harrogate.ac.uk.
You can find more information about sexual harassment and violence in education settings in this government guidance.
Safeguarding Lead: Kerry Walker
How we are safeguarding our students
Safeguarding covers anything that may pose a risk to the safety and wellbeing of an individual, this includes but is not limited to the following:
As a college, we take measures to ensure that our safeguarding duty is being met. These measures include:
You can view our safeguarding policy here: Luminate Safeguarding Children and Adults Policy
f your child has concerns about themselves or a peer, please encourage them to speak to a member of staff. They will ensure your child gets the help and support they need from a specialist member of staff. Alternatively they can report issues and concerns via the ‘Report It’ form, or email safeguarding@harrogate.ac.uk.
If you need to report concerns about a staff member in relation to misconduct against your child, please contact zena.johnson-cawdron@luminate.ac.uk.
Here at Harrogate College, safeguarding your children and looking after their wellbeing is our number one priority. In order for us to do this, it is important that we ensure your child’s emergency contact details are up to date, just in case we can’t get hold of them directly. If you have changed telephone numbers recently, or wish for another contact number to be added to your child’s record, please get in touch with the college by emailing contact@harrogate-college.ac.uk so we can update the record.
There is support available for several safeguarding issues through the agencies below:
Children’s Social Work Services
Leeds – 0113 222 4403
Bradford – 01274 437 500
North Yorkshire – 01609 780 780
Emergency Out of Hours Duty Team
Leeds – 0113 535 0600
Bradford – 01274 431 010
North Yorkshire – 01609 780 780
Crisis Line
Leeds – 0113 378 3645
Bradford – 01274 221 181
North Yorkshire – 0800 561 0076
Samaritans (depression/suicidal thoughts)
Telephone – 116 123
Email – jo@samaritans.org
Forward Leeds (alcohol/drugs)
Telephone – 0113 887 2477
Email – info@forwardleeds.co.uk
Childline (free and confidential helpline)
Telephone – 0800 1111
Website – www.childline.org.uk
Karma Nirvana (honour-based abuse/forced marriage)
Telephone – 0800 5999 247
Email – info@karmanirvana.org.uk
Leeds Domestic Violence Service
Telephone – 0113 246 0401
Email – hello@ldvs.uk
CEOP: To report concerns around online abuse and exploitation
Website – ceop.police.uk/safety-centre
Report-it: Online service for reporting hate crimes
Website – report-it.org.uk/your_police_force
Black Minds Matter (free therapy access to mental health services for black individuals and families)
Website – https://www.blackmindsmatteruk.com
Mermaids UK (support for trans and gender-diverse youth)
Website – https://mermaidsuk.org.uk
Barnardos services (national LGBTQ+-friendly services across homelessness, mental health, abuse and more)
Website – https://www.barnardos.org.uk/get-help
Sane (national mental health charity with 24hr free emotional support)
Telephone – 0300 304 7000
Website – www.sane.org.uk
North Yorkshire Mental Health Crisis Support
Telephone – 0800 0516 171
Hear to Help (emotional wellbeing support)
Telephone – 01423 856 799
Harrogate and Ripon Mind
Telephone – 01423 503 335
IDAS (domestic abuse services for North Yorkshire, York and Barnsley)
Telephone – 03000 110 110
Email – info@idas.org.uk
Website – https://www.idas.org.uk
Together we can make sure it’s safe for every child to go online. We want to support parents and carers with online safety advice.
The NSPCC have some useful guides to support parents and carers in keeping children safe online here.
CEOP helps any child or young people under the age of 18 who is being pressured, forced or tricked into part in sexual activity of any kind. This can be something that has taken place either online or in ‘the real world’, or both. The CEOP Safety Centre has clear information and advice on what can be reported to CEOP, the reporting process and what will happen if you do decide to make a report. You can visit the CEOP Safety Centre and make a report directly to CEOP.
For more information and support, visit the Parent Zone website here.
A great college experience isn’t only about the qualifications. Our Student Life activities help students learn new things, connect with similar people and develop hobbies. Involvement in extracurricular activities not only helps students socially but also allows learners to develop valuable skill sets. As a college, we are committed to STEM 7 – and Student Life activities and societies provide opportunities for students to develop these skills further.
Our wide range of groups and societies include:
From one day celebrations, to month-long events – there is plenty for our students to attend, help organise or promote. Examples include:
All students are automatically members of our Students’ Union – allowing everyone to have a say in college life. We also run a Student Voice system where representatives from each class feed back to senior college members. Student suggestions are taken into consideration by the leadership team to ensure that their voice is heard.
All students have the opportunity to develop leadership skills by becoming a class representative, wellbeing ambassador or ‘I’m in Green’ champion. We also have a Student Union President Role which is an elected and paid role. The student union president represents the student body and develops skills that make university personal statements and CVs stand out.
Students can also volunteer on the Students’ Union Committee and represent fellow students on topics such as mental health, equality and diversity, sports and societies, and education. Volunteering helps students gain valuable experience in leadership roles – perfect for impressing future employers and universities.
Whether it’s more education, an apprenticeship or employment, when it comes to next steps, there’s a lot to think about. Our impartial careers advice service can help students to plan their future and work towards their goals. Students have opportunities to connect with employers, develop their employability skills, gain work experience and plan their next steps.
Mental health and wellbeing support
It’s always good to talk. Our students can access a team of counsellors and mental health officers, and we have dedicated pastoral staff who can refer learners to support services. Our Safeguarding team is also available for support and advice to help students to achieve their full potential throughout their time at college.
Our Oasis Room is a safe space to calm down if students are experiencing anxiety, stress or sensory overload.
Academic support
Students receive academic support from their teachers and coaching tutors. They can also contact our ilearn team for skills training, 1:1 advice, workshops or engaging learning materials. They can also visit our Active Learning Zone to access a range of resources such as books, Google Chromebooks, CDs and DVDs.
Additionally, students can take part in exam preparation sessions.
Financial support
We believe finance should not be a barrier to a good education. We provide a generous bursary scheme to help to provide support with costs in areas including travel, meals, childcare, equipment, course kit, and residential and educational visits (subject to eligibility). Read more about the support we offer on our Financial Support page
Are you a student with special educational needs and disabilities that needs specialist support? We’re here to help.
Our friendly Coaching Tutors act as a safety net for students. They ensure measures are put in place so that everyone has a positive experience at the college and their needs are supported.
By the end of college, you will have met or made good progress across all areas, including developing skills for adulthood, employment, community, inclusion, independent living and health.
Wave 1 – Quality First Teaching+ includes:
Wave 2 – Targeted Support includes:
Wave 3 – Specialist/High Needs Support:
All of Wave 1 and 2 and then the following:
At Harrogate College, we provide a service for all students across the college. The High Needs team is committed to helping people with learning difficulties/disabilities to overcome the barriers within learning, identify strategies that will help them in adulthood, build on personal and social skills and be fully integrated into the college community.
Students who do not have an EHCP but require some support will receive this through Wave 1 (Quality First Teaching) and targeted support. You should apply for your chosen program and discuss your support requirements at the interview.
We have a range of facilities that allow us to meet the needs of our students.
Support will be assessed on an individual basis and will vary depending on your assessed needs or education, health and care plan (EHCP).
A support plan will be created with the student and, if appropriate, will be shared with tutors and co-professionals such as learning support assistants or teaching assistants. We also have dedicated quiet and safe spaces known as Oasis rooms – for students during times of sensory overload, mental health issues, crisis or experiencing periods of sudden change.
We understand that choosing a subject to study post-16 can be a daunting decision.
We recommend that students apply for subjects that they have an interest in. If your young person requires any guidance, they can use our course comparison guide, careers quiz or visit the National Careers Service website to take a quiz and research careers.
Following submission of a completed application, a member of our Admissions team will invite the candidate to interview at the relevant campus. All invitations and information regarding bookings are sent via the email address on the application.
Our interviews are an opportunity for candidates to meet members of our Curriculum
team, discuss the course they have applied for, their career aspirations and if
successful, receive an offer.
Candidates do not need to wear a suit to interview, however, we advise that they wear comfortable, smart dress appropriate for an educational setting.
We ask that your young person bring along either a recent school report or a copy of
their qualifications, if applicable. Some course areas such as art may require candidates to bring a portfolio of work. Full details of what candidates should bring with them will be advised via email.
Yes! They can apply for as many courses as they want up until enrolment, as well as attend multiple interviews in order to make their decision. They can, however, only enrol onto one course.
Yes! They can accept more than one offer. Accepting an offer tells us that they accept the conditions of their offer and that they are still interested in being considered for a place on the course.
When your young person attends their interview, the curriculum team will discuss the
course that they applied for. Through this discussion, the curriculum tutor may decide
that there may be a more suitable level or course for your young person’s academic
level or interests.
We will invite your young person to enrol in person to complete their journey in joining us. They will need to bring their exam results, National Insurance number and a form of ID. The level of the course offered at interview will be reviewed at enrolment based on exam results and curriculum will enrol accordingly, if conditions are met. Your young person will then receive their start date and ID badge.
We are here to help and if students want to change course, they should discuss this with their tutor who will give them the best advice as to how to proceed.
Speak to us, we are here to help! When we made our offer we will have invited your young person to book an enrolment time. They should attend their enrolment slot and one of our curriculum team will discuss their options and help them find the right course at the right level. It may be that they can take the course at a lower level, or study maths and English GCSEs alongside their offered course.
Timetables vary depending upon the course – these are finalised during enrolment.
Once enrolled, students will receive a bursary form to complete and will be required to provide evidence of the household income to their School Admin team. Further information can be found on our website under Financial Support.
The UCAS points students can receive depend on a variety of factors including the maximum available for a specific course, and the overall grade achieved at the end
of that course.
UCAS have a Points Calculator available on their website at www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator. You can use this online tool to check the number of points that may be available for any course you are interested in.
Some awarding bodies also publish UCAS points breakdowns on their websites, so you can check online or contact the organisation directly for more information. The full title of a course on our website or in our prospectus will usually include the name of the awarding body.