Welcome

Ofsted Inspection

SDC has maintained an outstanding Ofsted status since 2004. In 2006 the College was also awarded Beacon Status as an example of excellence for others to emulate. South Downs College has achieved one of the finest inspection reports in England. Ofsted has judged South Downs to be an outstanding college and one of the most successful institutions in England.

The entire report can be viewed on the Ofsted website at www.ofsted.gov.uk.

College overall effectiveness	outstanding grade 1
Capacity to improve	outstanding grade 1
Achievements and standards	outstanding grade 1
Quality of provision	outstanding grade 1
Leadership and management	outstanding grade 1
Equality of opportunity	outstanding grade 1

Key Strengths

• outstanding success rates that have continued to improve
• excellent pass rates
• much outstanding and inspiring teaching
• exemplary teaching resources and accommodation
• outstanding advice and guidance for learners
• excellent additional learning support
• outstanding leadership and management across the College
• excellent quality assurance that has improved outcomes for learners
• the College’s very strong financial position
• thorough lesson observation system that leads to improvement
• excellent governance

Communication With Parents

The College is keen to involve parents/carers and to keep you informed of how your son/daughter is progressing on their chosen course. Parents’ evenings are held for all courses during the academic year, although parents/carers are welcome to make appointments individually throughout the year if they have any concerns.

In addition, we will send you copies of your son/daughter’s Individual Learning Plan to keep you informed of the progress they are making. We are keen to support your son/ daughter in every way to ensure they gain the most they can from their time at South Downs College and that they are able to achieve their potential. Pastoral support, advice and guidance and study support will ensure that your son/ daughter receives the best possible experience.

Beacon College Light The Way

Michael Oakes, the College Principal said “It is an outstanding achievement for students and staff to be formally recognised by the government as a Beacon College. We aim to provide all our students with a high-quality and enjoyable learning experience.”

Full Time Adults

As a mature student aged 19 or over on 1 September 2011, you are welcome to apply for any full time course listed in this brochure. Please follow the normal application process by filling in the application form at the back of this prospectus. It is likely that fees will be applicable. However, help with tuition and assessment fees may be available and in some cases courses may be free. Individual guidance for the best options for your circumstances will be given at your interview. For further information on costs please contact Reception on 023 9279 7979.

If you feel that you cannot commit to a full time course there are many part time courses leading to national qualifications at all levels from Pre-Entry to Level 5 on offer both daytime and evening. Please see our part time brochure or visit our website for details. SDC has a specialist adult careers advisor who can help you with your choices. Please contact Advice & Guidance on 023 9279 7929 for further information.

Childcare

If you are a young parent (under 20) and want to start or continue in learning, you could be eligible for help with your childcare costs through the ‘Care to Learn’ scheme. Please see the website for more information www.direct.gov.uk/caretolearn

‘Free Childcare for Training and Learning for Work’ is a scheme to support adults (aged 20 and over) by paying for childcare and travel costs while they are undertaking learning leading to work. This scheme is aimed at families who have a household income of £20K or under and where one partner is in work and the other partner is looking to enter learning. Please see the website for more information www.direct.gov.uk/freechildcareforlearning

If you do not meet the criteria of the above Government scheme (aged 20+), it may still be possible to receive help with your childcare costs if you are in receipt of an income based benefit. Please telephone Student Services on 023 9279 4606 for more information.