Colchester Institute has a wide range of support services. These are available to help you with the practicalities of life as a student, as well as planning for your future career.
Whether you are still at school, have been working for a number of years or are returning to your studies after a long break, going to college is exciting. However, it can also be confusing and may mean changes to your lifestyle. Colchester Institute’s Student Support Services are designed to help you make the most of your time here.
Our Additional Learning Support team can support in a variety of ways. The most important thing is that we know about your learning needs at an early stage so we can ensure the necessary support is in place for you.
We pride ourselves on the support provided to students with SEND needs. We have a dedicated team on hand to support you throughout your time with us. If you have a learning difficulty and / or disability, we encourage you to come and see us as soon as you are thinking of applying for a course. We ask that you declare your need for support on your application form by ticking the appropriate box under the additional needs section.
Our Additional Learning Support team can support in a variety of ways. The most important thing is that we know about your learning needs at an early stage, so we can ensure the necessary support is in place for when you attend an interview and subsequently before you start your programme with us.
We have a range of specialist staff including learning support practitioners (LSPs) who can support students with literacy and numeracy and with study skills. Types of support we can offer include:
- Classroom-based learning support
- Support for Dyslexia and Specific Learning Difficulties (spLDs)
- Exam concessions and Access Arrangements
- Note takers and specialist teaching for deaf learners
- A hearing loop facility
- Communication support workers
- Specialist equipment
If you require Exam Access Arrangements these must be declared / requested within the first 6 weeks of a student’s programme of study. Please click here for more information:
We ask that you declare your need for support on your application form by ticking the appropriate box under the additional needs section. If you wish to discuss your needs at any point during the application process or during your course, please contact our Additional Learning Support Team by emailing als@colchester.ac.uk or calling us on 01206 712861 or 01206 712073.
In addition to the pastoral support services that Student Services provide the Multi-faith Chaplaincy provides a pastoral presence, and helps with projects and classes encouraging spiritual development.
Beks Korniej the chaplain can be contacted at beks.korniej@colchester.ac.uk
Deaf Access Team
Colchester Institute is committed to supporting deaf students so they can access the full curriculum.
We have a team of professionals to ensure students achieve their full potential. The Deaf Access Team can support a range of deaf students to suit individual requirements.
You can arrange a meeting with the Learning Support Team and tell us what support you require and ask questions.
There are times in everyone’s life when things are difficult. It can sometimes help to talk to someone outside your family and friends who won’t judge you.
We offer a professional counselling service for our students. The service is friendly and confidential and appointments can be made via Student Services.
The Student Services Student Counselling Service is currently open to students studying at Colchester and Braintree sites. If you are studying at any of our other sites please contact 01206 712310.
University Centre Colchester at Colchester Institute also provides separate counselling service to members of the public, which provides access to counselling in Colchester and Clacton-on- Sea.
Our professional in-house careers service is available to provide information, advice and guidance. Our team of qualified advisers offer confidential and individual guidance interviews as well as a daily drop-in service once you are a student with us. They can provide help and support with a range of areas including:
- Self-awareness and career choices
- Job applications and CV writing
- Interview techniques
- Progression routes
- Apprenticeships
- Higher Education, including UCAS applications
- Taking a gap year and holiday work
We know that there are times when you may feel overwhelmed so we have included some useful information in case you might need some extra support out of hours when the College safeguarding and welfare teams are unavailable.
