Support

Support for A-Level students

Here at Bedford College, we understand that everyone has different needs when it comes to support at guidance so we aim to make sure that we provide the support that you need when you need it. We are immensely proud of our Student Services’ track record – Ofsted have rated us ‘outstanding’ in this area and we hold the Matrix Standard which is national recognition that our professional guidance and support is of the highest level.


Careers advice

Have any idea where you’ll be in 10 years’ time? Well, with the help of our team of career advisors you won’t have to worry. Our advisors are always on hand throughout your time at the College, offering impartial advice and guidance on your education, training and work prospects. They are even happy to help you complete your CV, application forms and help prepare you for interviews.


Personal tutors

When you enrol as a full-time student at Bedford College you will be assigned a Personal Tutor who will continually offer you one-on-one support throughout your time at the College. The support you can expect includes:

  • regular one-on-one tutorials that give you the opportunity to discuss your College work face-to-face
  • pre-arranged meetings scheduled into your timetable
  • answers to questions you may have about your College work
  • encouragement and support to fulfil your potential with the setting of short and long term goals
  • help with personal development including an individual learning plan, tailored to your future aspirations
  • group tutorials that focus on group issues such as team work, communication and career planning

Financial support

We understand that the cost of studying is a worry to some people so our student finance team can provide you with practical advice on travel costs, welfare benefits, grants, accommodation and much more. Bedford College also offers a bursary for those facing financial hardship. To find out more about the support that could be available to you, call us on 01234 291000.


Additional support

Bedford College has a great Additional Support team who are always on hand to ensure that you reach your potential and have every chance possible to shine. Our committed team can provide you with:

  • the skills you need to improve your assignments
  • specialist equipment such as large keyboards, adapted course materials and other resources
  • special exam arrangements support in accessing the College
  • dyslexia, hearing and visual support specialists
  • an Assistive Technology Centre which has specialist equipment and software designed to make your learning experience as productive as possible

We also have a specialist ‘Deaf Team’ who have been awarded the action on Hearing Loss (formerly RNID) Louder than Words Charter, which recognises that we offer a fully deaf aware service. Bedford College also offers: British Sign Language (BSL) and Sign Supported English (SSE) communicators, electronic and manual note takers, deaf student mentors, driving theory guidance, deaf co-ordinator and teacher for the deaf. To contact the Deaf Team please email Susan Sampson on: ssampson@bedford.ac.uk or text on 07972 137373.


Equality & Diversity

Bedford College is immensely proud to be home to 18,000 students from 107 nationalities, with an age range of 70 years and we have successfully achieved the Investors is Diversity Stage 1 until April 2012. We celebrate the diversity of our student population, encouraging everyone to participate in College life and we are committed to providing a learning environment that values each and every student equally. Bedford College opposes all forms of discrimination or victimisation on any grounds, be it by age, disability, race, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership or pregnancy and maternity. Learn more about Equality & Diversity at Bedford College or read our Equality & Diversity policy.


Bedford College Charter

Bedford College is committed to the wellbeing and progression of all our students. If you would like to know exactly what you can expect from Bedford College whilst you are with us, download a copy of our College Charter.