Helping Your Young Person Succeed
Supporting your young person at college is important to their success. While they’ll have more responsibility for their learning, your encouragement and involvement can make all the difference.
Understanding College Life
College is a step up from school and your young person will have more freedom and independence. They’ll be expected to manage their own time and studies but they’ll still need guidance and support. Encourage them to stay organised, attend all classes and ask for help when needed.
Study Support and Mentors
Your young person has access to a range of support at college:
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Support and Achievement Mentors – Offer advice on studying, help students stay focused, provide one-to-one support, and assist with motivation during weekly sessions
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Tutors – Help with coursework, assignments, and academic progress
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Counselling and Wellbeing Services – Support your young person with emotional or personal difficulties
Encourage them to use these services to help with any challenges.
Your Role in Their Success
As a parent or carer, you have an important part to play in helping your young person do well at college. Encouraging them to attend all their classes is one of the best ways you can support their learning.
It also helps to check in regularly, ask how things are going, listen to any worries, and offer support when needed. Celebrating their progress, even the small wins, can boost their confidence and keep them motivated.
Supporting Your Young Person at College
Use this checklist to stay informed, involved and supportive throughout your young person’s time at college.
Before They Start
- Help your young person explore courses that match their interests and goals
- Attend Open Days together
- Support them in completing their application and preparing any documents
- Encourage them to plan their travel route and understand their timetable
Once They’ve Started
- Talk regularly about how they’re settling in
- Check they’re attending classes and managing their workload
- Remind them to reach out to tutors or support staff if they’re struggling
- Help them create a quiet space to study at home
- Encourage good time management and rest
Staying Involved
- Sign up for access to the college ePortal (for students aged 16–18)
- Stay in contact with tutors if there are concerns about progress or attendance
- Encourage them to use college support services (Support & Achievement Mentors, Learner Support Zone, Careers Team)
- Avoid booking holidays during term time
- Celebrate progress and achievements, no matter how small
Planning Ahead
- Help them explore next steps – Higher Education, Apprenticeships or Work
- Encourage them to book a careers advice appointment if unsure
- Talk about CV building, part-time work or volunteering opportunities
- Support them with applications for university or apprenticeships (if applicable)
