STUDYYOURWAY
SUPPORT & PASTORAL SERVICES GUIDE
STUDYYOURWAY INTRODUCTION
Support & Pastoral Care at St Brendan’s Sixth Form College: Your Guide for 2026 Entry Students
Choosing where to study after your GCSEs is a big step, and it’s completely normal to want to feel supported and confident as you move into your next chapter after Secondary
At St Brendan’s Sixth Form College, student wellbeing is at the centre.
Whether it’s academic or career guidance, emotional support, or simply having someone to talk to, our teams are here to help you build your independence and help you thrive
This guide gives an overview of what support and pastoral care look like at St Brendan’s, so you can feel fully prepared for September 2026.
Student‐Centred Support
Why students feel confident coming to St Brendan’s
STUDYYOURWAY WHYCHOOSEUS
Students frequently describe St Brendan’s as a place where staff genuinely care You’re treated as an individual, not a number, and your wellbeing is always taken seriously.
A Welcoming Community
From induction day onwards, you’ll be supported in settling into college life, meeting new people and becoming part of the wider community.
Help From Day One
Support doesn’t start halfway through the year - it begins as soon as you join, helping you feel comfortable, confident and ready to succeed.
How to access support once you join
Getting help is simple. Support is available through:
Your Progress Tutor
The Welfare Team
The Safeguarding Team
Inclusive Learning Team
Student Services and online resources
Whether you have a quick question or need ongoing support, the college ensures every student knows where to turn.
Wellbeing & Pastoral care: support for students
The Welfare Team
STUDYYOURWAY WELLBEING
The Welfare Team and on-site College nurse are here to look after your emotional, physical and personal wellbeing They understand the challenges young people face and provide a friendly, supportive space to explore any worries, such as:
Mental health support and wellbeing advice
Guidance around stress, anxiety or low mood
Illness, health concerns or minor injuries
Support with attendance or engagement
Help with personal or home‐life challenges
Signposting to external professional services if needed
Students are welcome to drop in for a chat, or you can request a confidential appointment You’re never expected to handle difficulties alone - there’s always someone willing to listen.
Chaplaincy
Our College Chaplain is available to support all members of the St Brendan’s community irrespective of faith or identity, and inclusivity is at the heart of the College’s values. Whether you’d like a confidential chat, or to take part in workshops or community activities, the Chaplaincy offers a range of wellbeing support.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding is the word we use to describe what we do to protect you from harm, abuse and exploitation. It is our promise to do all we can to keep you safe, physically, socially and emotionally.
STUDYYOURWAY WELLBEING
It isn’t just about keeping people safe when something goes wrong. It’s about promoting your welfare, teaching you about ways to keep yourself safe and building a positive, supportive environment for you at College, where you can thrive.
What our safeguarding process aims to achieve:
Safe digital systems
Clear reporting routes
Regular updates on staying safe
A campus culture built on mutual respect
Your safety as a priority, always.
Financial Guidance
If you need financial assistance, the team can guide you through bursaries, travel support and other funding options, making college life more accessible for everyone.
Personalised academic and progression support: student facing teams
The Progress Tutor team
STUDYYOURWAY PROGRESSION
Your Progress Tutor will be your main point of contact during your time at St Brendan’s Think of them as your personal guide; someone who knows you, supports you, and helps you stay on track academically and personally.
Progress Tutors support you by:
Running one‐to‐one progress meetings
Tracking your achievements across subjects
Offering study skills and organisation tips
Helping you manage deadlines and prepare for exams
Supporting you with university, apprenticeship or career planning
Support That Adapts to You
Whether you need help settling in, balancing your workload, or improving your confidence in class, your tutor will tailor their support to your needs Their goal is simple: to help you get the most out of your sixth‐form college experience.
Careers
The college’s careers and guidance services offer support with UCAS applications, Apprenticeship routes, CVs and interview skills and Work experience opportunities.
You can drop into a 121 session or join one of the many events held on campus across the year.
Inclusive Learning: tailored support
Inclusive learning team
STUDYYOURWAY INCLUSION
If you have a learning difference, disability, medical condition, or an EHCP, the Inclusive Learning Team provides personalised help so you can fully access your courses. This may include exam access arrangements, in‐class support, or specialist resources
FINALNOTES
Starting sixth form college is exciting - and at St Brendan’s, you won’t go through it alone
With dedicated safeguarding, personalised academic guidance, a caring Welfare Team and a whole‐college approach to wellbeing, you can be confident you’ll have everything you need to succeed.
To learn more, explore the college’s support and guidance pages or visit an open event or taster day to meet the team for yourself.