Bolton College Gatsby Benchmarks

Benchmark

7. Encounters with further and higher education

Activity

Students fully understand the full range of learning opportunities that are available to them.

This includes both academic and vocational routes, colleges, universities and in the workplace. Students have informed discussions on the pros and cons of different Higher Education options, e.g. study in a Further Education college compared with a university, full-time university degree or a foundation degree combining academic study with workplace learning.

By the end of their programme of study, every student will have had a meaningful encounter with a range of providers of learning and training that may form the next stage of their career. This includes, as appropriate, Further Education colleges, Higher Education and Apprenticeship and training providers. This includes the opportunity to meet staff and students via Further Education college visits, Higher Education fairs and visits, and talks from Apprenticeship and training providers.

The College promotes the full range of ‘next step’ learning opportunities for its students including:

• Apprenticeships and training

• Higher level technical education, e.g. foundation degrees, HNCs, HNDs

• Bachelor’s degrees.

Bolton College has met

100% of the three assessment areas in benchmark 7

This happens in a variety of ways including visits, careers and Higher Education fairs and events, visiting speakers, and taster sessions.

The College identifies able but socioeconomically disadvantaged students who would benefit from extra support so they can choose and make progress on a learning pathway that is commensurate with their abilities.