Parents and Guardians

Information for Parents

Choosing the right college is a big step. At SERC, we work in partnership with parents and guardians to help students feel supported, confident and ready to succeed.

From attendance and academic progress to wellbeing, careers guidance and financial support, our teams are here to help students get the most from their time with us.

We want you to feel informed, reassured and confident that your son or daughter is in safe hands.

Explore Information Call 0345 600 7555

Support for students. Confidence for parents.

Explore the advice, opportunities and services available to help your child thrive at SERC and beyond.

Guidance you can trust

Clear information on qualifications, progression routes and the support available throughout college life.

Support beyond the classroom

Students can access learning, financial, wellbeing and careers support tailored to their needs.

A partnership with parents

We value the role parents and guardians play in helping students stay motivated, engaged and successful.

A Parent’s Perspective

Sharon Rutherford shares her perspective on her son Matthew’s decision to progress to SERC after A Levels and the value of choosing a pathway that matches his goals.

Family Experience at SERC

Stephen Dunlop reflects on his daughter Pippa’s experience as a Level 3 Business student and the opportunities available through college life.

Your Role as a Parent or Guardian

Encourage regular attendance. Good attendance has a direct impact on achievement. Missing classes, coursework deadlines or assessments can quickly affect progress.

Encourage communication. If your son or daughter is unwell or finding something difficult, they should speak to their tutor or support team as early as possible.

Provide encouragement at home. Your support, routine and encouragement can make a real difference to confidence, motivation and success.

Talk to us. Whether you would like guidance on learning support, careers, wellbeing or student services, our teams are here to help.

Our Role at SERC

SERC has a consistently strong student satisfaction record and offers a wide range of initiatives to help students develop personally, socially and academically.

Each student has a personal tutor or Training Support Officer responsible for their progress and achievement.

We also provide extensive pastoral care, learning support, financial support, careers guidance and dedicated support for students with caring responsibilities.

Why SERC

Qualifications, Progression and Student Success

Explore how vocational learning, expert teaching and real-world experience help students progress with confidence.

Vocational Qualifications

To study a Level 3 course at SERC, students typically need 5 GCSEs at Grade C / Grade 4 or above, including English and Maths.

If a student has not yet achieved the required grade in English and/or Maths, they may also study Essential Skills as part of their timetable.

Vocational qualifications combine academic learning with practical skills and can be a strong route into employment, apprenticeships or Higher Education.

Level 3 qualifications such as an Extended National Diploma are equivalent to three A Levels and carry UCAS points. Read more about qualifications at SERC.

Progression to Higher Education

A Level 3 qualification can lead to Higher Education study at SERC, including HNDs, Higher Level Apprenticeships, Foundation Degrees and Degrees.

Students can also progress to university. Last year, 469 SERC students moved on to university study, showing the flexibility of the vocational route.

Qualified, Experienced Staff

Lecturers at SERC bring real professional experience to the classroom and teach using industry-standard equipment and software. Alongside teaching qualifications, staff also hold relevant professional qualifications in their subject area.

High Achievers

Our students are high achievers, with a 91% achievement rate across courses at all levels.

Learning at SERC is practical, project-based and ambitious. Students are encouraged to aim high, build confidence and take part in skills competitions. Read some of our student success stories.

In Safe Hands

Be assured that your child is in safe hands during their time at SERC. Our teams across financial support, learning support and counselling are here to help students overcome difficulties early and remove barriers to success.

Support is available throughout the student journey.

Student Services

Support Services for Students

From learning support and counselling to careers guidance and financial help, students can access practical support throughout their time at SERC.

A student and staff member looking at documents.

Learning Support

We believe every student should have an equal opportunity to learn. Students with disabilities, learning difficulties and/or medical conditions can access support tailored to their needs.

Learning Support helps students get the most from their studies and their overall college experience.

Inspire Students

SERC works with Inspire Students to provide a 24/7 helpline on 0800 098 8816 as well as face-to-face counselling support.

These services are free, confidential and designed to support students when life feels overwhelming.

Financial Support

Further Education students may be able to access financial support such as:

Travel pass
Free meals
Education Maintenance Allowance

Higher Education students may also be eligible for a bursary or support through Care to Learn.

Find out more on our Fees and Financial Support page.

Careers Guidance

Choosing a future pathway can feel like a big decision. Our award-winning Careers Service helps students make informed choices based on their interests, strengths and ambitions.

Whether a student hopes to become a civil engineer, choreographer, social worker or forensic scientist, our Careers Advisers can help map out the best route forward.

You are also welcome to attend a careers meeting with your child.

The service is available to both prospective and current students, even before they decide to join us.

A mother and daughter meeting with a tutor.

Keeping You Informed

If your child is struggling with their course, the first step is to speak to their class tutor. If more support is needed, SERC Extra can help signpost them to the right services, including learning support.

Contact with parents, guardians and friends

The College values the contribution of parents, guardians and friends. However, due to data protection legislation, we can only discuss a student’s progress where the student has given permission and named a contact.

Students can provide or update these details through their student account. We can also discuss College policies and procedures with you to help explain how decisions are made.

Where there is a risk to the life, health or welfare of a student, we will not rely on permission and may contact next of kin and/or relevant third parties where necessary.

Ready for Work with Skills Employers Need

SERC helps students become job ready by combining qualifications with practical experience and employability skills.

Alongside their course, students may benefit from:

Personal Development and Enterprise qualifications
Skills employers need
Work placements
Student company opportunities
Volunteering
Live industry projects

Students smiling while looking at a computer screen.

Study Space

To succeed, students need time and space to study outside the classroom. A suitable study area at home can make a real difference.

Students also have access to Library facilities, bookable PCs and study rooms across our campuses.

Work and Holidays

Many students take on part-time work while studying, but it is recommended that they do not work more than eight hours per week where possible, as this can affect their studies.

It is also advisable that holidays are not taken during term time, as this can have a negative impact on attendance and progress.