Parent FAQ

Below are some of the main questions that we are asked by parent/carers. If you have a question, which isn't covered below, please email studentservices@s6f.org.uk or ring 01723 365032.

How do I access the parent portal?

A text is sent out to all parent/carers after enrolment with an access link to the portal. If you need a reminder of your login, please contact Student Services on 01723 380726 or email studentservices@s6f.org.uk. Please also ensure that your contact details are up to date with college.

How is my son/daughter’s progress monitored at college?

Teachers and GSTs monitor attendance by completing registers for every timetabled session. Teachers also conduct regular assessment points which measure the student’s progress and academic attainment. Together with the GSTs who conduct termly reviews with all students, teachers offer feedback, praise and intervention to ensure the student remains on a positive journey, stretching and challenging themselves accordingly. Where there are improvements to be made, teachers will advise the student of appropriate targets and GSTs will support the student to access extra intervention, guidance or resources, in partnership with the Progression Tutor and Engagement Tutor.

What careers support is available?

All students have access to our experienced Careers Team. We encourage all students to book a personal guidance interview to discuss their goals and ideas for the future and explore the different routes available to them. In addition, the team offer help with gaining work experience, organise careers events, support students with mock interviews for jobs or university, and run an Aspire programme to prepare students for applying to competitive universities. You can find out more information including how to contact them on the Careers page.

How does my son/daughter apply for university?

Students apply through UCAS and start their applications towards the end of the lower sixth. They are given information and guidance on how to do this during their Prep sessions and are supported by their Guidance Support Tutor throughout the process.

Does the college run Parents’ Evenings and how do they work?

The college contacts parents/carers throughout the year with feedback on their son/daughter’s performance. However, we run formal Parents’ Evenings twice a year, either face to face or virtually. Appointments for these are booked by the student directly with their teachers and GST. Click here for parent’s evening dates

How can I support my son/daughter at college?

The College encourages parents/carers to take an interest in their son/daughter’s college activities, and timetables, grades and messages can be accessed via Parent Portal. Where students are struggling (whether that is personally, socially or academically), it is helpful for college to be in communication with home and we would ask for any queries or information to be shared with the relevant GST in the first instance. You can see contact details for their GST on the parent portal.

All students benefit from a quiet space to work, access to resources, regular exercise, a healthy diet and an established sleep schedule, and if your son/daughter is struggling to access these, their GST can offer support and guidance. We also ask students to commit to 12-15 hours independent study a week outside of lessons, and a maximum of 10 hours paid employment in order to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Where do I find exam information and timetables?

All of the latest exam information including the Student Exam Handbook and exam policies is available on the Exam webpage. Your son/daughter’s exam timetable will be added to their portal in advance of their exams, with further information available from the Exams Office, if needed.

How does my son/daughter access counselling at college?

The college has an embedded professional counselling service, run by fully qualified specialist counsellors and psychotherapists. You can find more details about the service on the Counselling page. The service is accessed through self-referral only (though staff can advise students on how to apply if needed). Students can make a request through portal at any time during their time at college, or email counselling@s6f.org.uk

How do I pay for trips?

All trips need to be paid for through the college’s secure online payment service, Wisepay. Click here for more details

How do I report an absence?

Please see the attendance page for details on how to report an absence.

Please note that where a student is marked absent without parent/carer agreement, communications from college will be made in a timely fashion for safeguarding purposes.

Can my son/daughter take holidays during term-time?

The College’s expectation is that students will not take holidays during term-time. If a parent/carer wants to take a student out of lessons during term time for a holiday the following procedure will need to be followed:

• An email to Student Services outlining the request for the holiday and the reason it needs to be taken during term time

• It will be the student’s responsibility to complete any outstanding work and to complete the work assigned by teachers in the time set by the teachers

• Students will need to check their timetables on their return as they may have been timetabled for catch up lessons which will be compulsory to attend

If the college has serious concerns about a student’s attendance and academic performance, we will advise that they do not go on the holiday as it may jeopardise the student’s achievement