Information For Parents & Carers
We understand that the transition to college is a big step for students and their families. Whether your young person is leaving school for the first time or returning to education, we know it’s a time of excitement, change, and sometimes uncertainty.
A dedicated hub for Parents & Carers
We’ve created a dedicated hub for parents and carers to give you all the information, and guidance you need as your child begins their journey with us. This section of our website is designed to help you:
- Understand what life is like at Strode College
- Learn how we support our students academically and personally
- Know what to expect—and what’s expected
- Find practical information on transport, finance, and key dates
- Access wellbeing and safeguarding support.
Whether you’re looking for term dates, bursary details, or advice on how to support your child’s learning, you’ll find it all here.
Students are expected to manage their own time, submit assignments, and organise their independent study without the constant daily oversight typical of a school environment.
We offer discretionary funds, such as the 16-19 Bursary Fund (often linked to household income or specific criteria), to help with costs like travel, essential equipment, course materials, and meals.
We operate under the statutory framework Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), which ensures high safeguarding standards for all students, including those aged 18 and over who may be vulnerable. Student safety is our priority.
Level 3 vocational qualifications (BTEC Extended Diplomas, T Levels) are equivalent to A Levels and carry UCAS points for university entry. There’s multiple ways to progress, and no one pathway is correct for all.
Essential Information
Professional Expectations
We expect all students to behave in a way that reflects a professional working environment. Please ensure you support this however you are able, as promoting high-standards is important for your young person’s future in the workforce.
You can learn about our shared values – such as the UCS College Group Advantage and British Values – by following the links below or selecting another option from the menu to your left.
We offer a variety of affordable and nutritious food options at Bridgwater, including Costa Coffee, The Food Court, the AEC Cafe, and the Red Apron. Meal cards and bursaries may be available for students meeting the essential criteria.
We’ve gathered trusted resources to help you navigate any challenges your young person may face, covering mental health, family support, financial hardship, and more. You can easily access these below, and we try to ensure it is frequently updated.
Thinking about returning to education yourself? We offer a wide range of adult learning opportunities, from short leisure course to professional qualifications, Skills Bootcamps, and university-level study.
Working Together
As a parent or carer, you play a vital role in supporting your young person’s success at college. We believe in working in partnership with families, keeping you informed, involved, and empowered to help them reach their full potential.
Our role is to support both students and the people who support them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Our FAQ section below covers everything from attendance and communication to study expectations and campus life.
If you questions still hasn’t been answer, please get in touch with our Information & Advice Team, or contact your young person’s Personal Tutor.
Contact: info@ucscollegegroup.ac.uk
Applying to Strode College – or any of the institutions in the UCS College Group family – is super easy.
First, navigate to your chosen course(s). You can use our “My Courses” feature to select multiple and compare.
When ready, simply press the Apply Now button and complete the application form.
If you have any issues, concerns, or require technical help, get in touch with our Information & Advice Team.
Yes, if your young person is still not sure which course is right for them or would like to start an Apprenticeship, they can apply for more than one course.
We recommend they try not to apply for more than three. If they have applied for very different subjects, they may be interviewed more than once.
Your young person will be kept up to date via email.
However, if they have not received any emails from us, please contact the Admissions team at admissions@ucscollegegroup.ac.uk.
There is no singular best pathway for everyone, but we encourage careful consideration about what suits them best. We recommend that you explore the differences using our guide and talk to your young person about their learning style, career aspirations and the subjects that they enjoy at school.
There are a variety of ways to get to Strode College; most use our plethora of transport options such as train travel and public and private buses, and many drive and lift share if they are able.
Join our Open Event
Come and see what makes Strode College unique. Meet tutors, explore our college, and find the right path for you.
