Helping your child take their next step after school is a big decision - and we’re here to support you both.
Education after 16 doesn’t just mean staying at school. Your child can choose college, an apprenticeship, or sixth form - and whichever path they take, they must stay in some form of education or training until age 18.
At college, students gain more than just qualifications. Our study programmes are designed to build real workplace skills - like teamwork, communication, and leadership alongside technical knowledge.
We understand that choosing the right course and career path can feel overwhelming. That’s why we offer expert guidance and practical support to help your child make the choice that’s right for them.
- What options are there for my child at college?
There are four great routes to choose from - all designed to help your child build skills, gain confidence and get where they want to be. Each one can lead to a great job or even a degree-level qualification.
- A Levels - academic qualifications which see learners choose 3-4 specific subjects to study over a period of two years. Subjects are usually chosen to suit an individual’s career or Higher Education goals.
- Vocational courses - a more practical, hands-on approach to learning, equipping students with specific industry skills for the workplace.
- T Levels - nationally-recognised Level 3 qualifications equivalent to three A Levels or a Level 3 vocational course. They include a 45-day (315 hours) work placement with a reputable employer.
- Apprenticeships - offers paid practical, hands-on training for specific careers.
Supported education
We understand that every young person learns differently. That’s why our Step-up and Progress programmes offer tailored support to help students gain the skills and confidence they need for further study or employment. Through our Step-up and Progress Hub and Mansfield Education Hub, our dedicated team provides an inclusive environment where every learner is encouraged to thrive.
Discover how our supported education pathways can help your child reach their potential. - Why choose us?
A safe and supportive environment
At West Notts College, safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do - ensuring every student feels safe, respected, and empowered to speak up.
Personalised study programmes
Your child will follow a personalised study programme designed to help them build the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed for further study, university, or employment.
An array of student support services
We’ve got a great student support network offering advice and guidance on careers and future employment, finance, health and welfare, additional learning support and much more.
Getting here couldn’t be easier!
Whether by bus, train or on foot there are many different transport options available. We also offer the West Notts College Travel Scheme which provides a flexible and great value bus travel service.
Campuses across Mansfield and Ashfield
We have eight campuses each boasting state-of-the-art facilities.
Employability, strong industry links and work placements
We’re always investing in college facilities to make sure our students have access to the most up-to-date, industry-standard equipment. Our strong links with employers means your child can secure work placements as part of their wider learning – providing them with vital industry experience and employability skills, getting them ready for the world of work.
They’ll learn from tutors who really know their industry
Most have worked in the industry they're teaching, so your child will learn the skills employers are looking for. They'll support and encourage them to achieve the best results possible.
Pronoun-safe and encouraging environment
We respect and value everyone’s gender identity and offer a pronoun-safe space. We believe that using correct pronouns is essential for fostering inclusivity and respect.
LGBTQ+ celebration
We proudly celebrate LGBTQ+ diversity, including Pride. Our college is a supportive community that welcomes and embraces individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
- Useful links
- View our 16-18 performance table
- See schools and colleges national performance tables
- Tell Ofsted your views about West Notts College.
FAQs
- What steps are in place to protect my son/daughter at college?
We take the safety and security of our students very seriously indeed. We have robust and well-documented processes for keeping students safe, and have a zero tolerance of any form of bullying whether that be in person or online.
Safeguarding is the term used to describe activities that help make our students safe and free from home in college and in their lives outside of college. All staff has a responsibility for safeguarding, which means they all need to have an awareness of health and safety, and be able to identify and report concerns about students if they feel they are subject to abuse.
Prevent is a strand of the government’s counter terrorism strategy. As a college, we have an integral part to play in helping to help prevent terrorism, and protect young people who may be vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism.
Our staff are fully trained in the Prevent strategy and are expected to uphold and promote the fundamental principles of British Values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.
- Is it the law that my child must stay in education until they are 18?
In 2013, the age of compulsory education in England rose to 18. The intention of this move was to tackle the problem of young people leaving school unskilled and unprepared for the world of work.
All young people must do one of the following until they’re 18:
- stay in full-time education, for example at a college
- start an apprenticeship
- spend 20 hours or more a week working or volunteering, while in part-time education or training.
- How is college different from school?
At West Notts we place more emphasis on a comprehensive education experience and ensure that our students’ time is enhanced with learning outside of the classroom. This might include work placements, visits to the industry the students hope to work in, talks from experts and specialists in their subject area, and trips and visits that enhance the overall learning experience.
As well as professional teaching backgrounds, our tutors have industry-relevant experience – meaning our students are taught by people who’ve been there, done that. By coming from an industry-specific background, tutors can bring their working knowledge into the classroom.
We pride ourselves on the support we offer including a personal tutor to guide students through their studies, support coaches, the careers and employability team, the student welfare team and the work placement team.
- How will I keep up-to-date with my son’s/daughter’s progress?
We will send you a written report twice a year and you will be invited to two parent evenings a year where you can meet the tutors and hear about their progress. We are here for you throughout the year, do not wait for an event if you are concerned or need guidance. We will be pleased to arrange a meeting for you to come and talk to us about any concerns and provide you with further progress information.
- How do you monitor the quality of teaching?
Every tutor is observed by their Head of Department. We also provide the opportunity for peer observations so that tutors can observe and share best practice with their colleagues. Some of our awarding bodies also monitor teaching and learning when they visit.
- What happens if my son/daughter doesn’t achieve the entry requirements?
Don’t worry! An advisor will speak to your son/daughter and advise them of their options. If they don’t achieve the required grades, we can usually offer an alternative at a lower level.
- My son/daughter had support at school – will they get support at college?
Yes, The Inclusion Service offers support, advice and guidance for students with a wide range of learning needs or disabilities.
- What support will my child receive?
As a student at West Notts, your child will have access to a comprehensive range of monitoring and support.
- My son/daughter is not sure which course they would like to do. Who can help?
The college has a careers and employability team who deliver professional and impartial advice and guidance that aims to help individuals make informed, considered and timely decisions about their education, training and employment.
- Can my son/daughter do more than one course?
It is not possible to study more than one full-time course at the same time. Students who choose to study A Levels can take up to four A Level subjects or choose to study two A Level subjects and an AAQ qualification.
- What financial support is available for students?
We don’t want paying for courses to hold students back from achieving their goals. That’s why there’s a range of financial support available depending on their personal circumstances.
- Will my son’s/daughter’s attendance at college affect our state benefit?
No, your child attending full-time education should not affect your Child Benefit or Family Tax Credit, you should inform HMRC via their online service to confirm your son/daughter is continuing their education, find out more here .