Student support
At Totton College, we believe the personalised and holistic support we offer our students is second to none. We are proud of the excellent student support services that are available to all learners throughout their time with us.
We want to make sure that our students’ experience of learning is the best in can be at every step of the way, so we provide everything from progression coaching to counselling, careers guidance, learning support, help with a disability, dyslexia or anxiety, as well as guidance on bursaries and funding issues.
Information Centre
Our dedicated Information Centre is often the first point of contact for students with a question or issue. Our experienced and friendly team will do their very best to help either directly or by signposting you to appropriate college staff or external services.
Student welfare
The welfare team is available to offer confidential help and advice to any students wanting to talk over anything from relationship or health issues to finance or housing problems. Some students are referred by a teacher if there is a specific need, while others just drop in for a chat.
Student finance
Some learners may be able to apply for financial assistance to help support their learning. If you think you may be eligible or are struggling with your finances, we can help. We can help students to apply for bursaries, free childcare, free meals or assistance with travel costs or essential books or course equipment.
Learning support
Whether you need help with reading, writing or numeracy skills, have dyslexia or simply want some support with gaining better research skills or exam techniques, our learning support team can help. The friendly and approachable team can give you expert support, advice and tuition to ensure you maximise your potential at college.
Careers advice
Students have a wealth of opportunities once they have completed their course, with options ranging from staying at Totton College to do a foundation degree or Access course or applying to university, traineeships or apprenticeships or moving on to employment. During your time at Totton College, regular progression coaching sessions will allow you to talk about your goals and seek guidance on how you can achieve them.
Students can access iLearn for a wealth of information on careers advice, apprenticeships, university open days, voluntary work, work experience and gap years. In addition, our experienced careers advisers run regular events and provide tailored support ensuring every student has explored the most appropriate options to realise their career aspirations.
Health and fitness
We offer excellent health and fitness facilities with friendly, experienced staff providing help and guidance whatever your requirements. Subject to induction, all students have access to the gym and swimming pool at Totton College’s neighbouring Totton Health and Leisure Centre between 8:30am and 4pm, all year round. In addition, many students use the dedicated gym within the college’s Sports Hub, which is open during term time only.
Sports team trials will also be organised by both Totton College and Chelsea FC Foundation, which runs its academy hub for Hampshire, Wiltshire and Dorset at the college.
Nacro Students’ Union
As part of the charity, Nacro, you will have the opportunity to join the national Nacro Students’ Union, which offers support and advice to all Totton College students. Each year a team is elected by our student community to represent all students and organise all kinds of social, fundraising and volunteering activities.
Getting involved with Student Union activities is a great addition to your CV or UCAS application, and is also really rewarding. You get the chance to make new friends, gain skills and – as it is affiliated with the National Union of Students – gain fantastic discounts in a huge range of shops and stores.
Nacro Community Voice
We are always keen to understand what helps our students to learn more effectively, and continually strive to further improve facilities and opportunities. We proactively encourage the college Community Voice by carrying out short surveys on different aspects of college life, encourage ideas and debate in the classroom, and invite students to take part in the college’s Faculty Council or one of our student workshops.
Chaplaincy
The college is pleased to welcome students of all faiths as well as those without religious beliefs. We have a chaplain, the Reverend Sally Marchant, from St Anne’s Church, Calmore, who drops into college on a regular basis to talk to students and answer any questions you may have. Reverend Sally has links to a wide variety of faith groups and, alongside our student welfare officers, is always happy to put you in touch with local representatives from any religion.
