Everyone has different needs when it comes to support and guidance. At The Bedford Sixth Form, our team of Student Services advisers make sure that we provide the support you need, when you need it.
Our Careers Advisers are available throughout the year, you can contact them using the Live Chat icon in the bottom of your screen (available Monday – Friday 8.00am-5.00pm, or leave a message if outside of these hours) to make an appointment or email studentservices@bedford.ac.uk for further information.
You will be given an academic mentor who you will meet Monday to Thursday to register with at 9am. Plus one lesson a week academic mentoring session, where we will work with you to ensure you reach your target grade in your subjects. They will communicate with you regarding announcements and opportunities you can get involved in, for example career planning and helping you apply for University and employment post 18. They will also complete a 121 with you at least 3 times a year to check that everything is going well.
You will be assigned a professionally trained Pastoral Mentor when you start your course who will give you one-on-one support throughout your time with us. They will help you with any pastoral issues that may affect your ability to obtain your target grades such as mental or physical health issues.
You will have one lesson a week with our guidance teacher, this teacher will introduce you to concepts that are important for you to be an active citizen and enter the adult world with the tools for you to thrive. Examples of these topics are how to keep safe, how to budget, how to apply for a bank account, how to budget, understanding contracts especially house rental contracts etc.
We have a dedicated team and comprehensive programme in place to support you through the UCAS application process. We encourage you to start preparing your UCAS applications early, so it is with teachers by late October for a standard entry, or by late September for Oxbridge or Medicine, to be reviewed and checked. We also run drop-in sessions throughout the UCAS application period, where you can get advice about the whole process.
Throughout your time with us, our careers advisers are here to help you find the right path, providing impartial advice and guidance on everything from your university choices or training and work prospects, to CVs and interview preparation.
Our Student Services team are here to provide you with practical advice on student bursaries, travel costs, higher education funding, grants and much more.
We also have a range of financial support packages available to help with essential costs, such as equipment, books, clothing or meals, as well as bursaries for vulnerable students or those in severe financial hardship.
At the Bedford Sixth Form, we have a counsellor available to help if personal difficulties are getting in the way of your studies. Counselling offers you a safe, confidential place where you can talk about any difficulties with someone who will listen to you without judgement or blame and guide you in exploring your own emotions.
You will also have access to a Mental Health and Wellbeing Practitioner who can provide you with guided self-help to help manage your mental health. The one to one and group support will focus on managing anxiety, low mood, sleep and building confidence.
The Student Services team also works with external agencies such as CAMHS and Bedfordshire Wellbeing Services to refer students for more specialist mental health support.
If you have an identified learning difficulty and/or disability you may be entitled to additional support. This could include: help in and outside of class; the loan of specialist equipment you may need to complete work; support with making special arrangements for taking exams; support in accessing our facilities.
For further information:
The email address for main Additional Learning Support queries is: ALSteam@bedford.ac.uk
Our phone number is 01234 291333
If you have any EHCP specific queries, please email: EHCP@bedford.ac.uk
We are committed to providing the support our students need so that everyone achieves their full potential and has an exceptional and transformational experience. Find out more information here on how the support we offer to care leavers studying on our courses and how to access this.
We take the wellbeing and safety of every single student very seriously. We strive to ensure a safe and welcoming environment at The Bedford Sixth Form, and have safeguarding and anti-bullying policies in place to ensure that young people and vulnerable adults studying with us do so in a safe and secure environment. If you have any concerns about these issues, our trained staff are here to help.
The Bedford Sixth Form has a safe haven space, reflection and prayer room for use by students.
