Student support at Writtle College

Moving to further education can be a big jump, but at Writtle College you’ll not only become part of a tight-knit community – you'll also benefit from a range of student support services.

Our student services are available whether you're studying full-time, part-time, or as an apprentice.

The Safe Hub

The Safe Hub is home to support and safeguarding for all students at Writtle College. With staff always on call within office hours, the Safe Hub provides 1-2-1 support and crisis intervention if you need a safe space or to speak to someone straight away.

The Safe Hub is also your go-to spot for things like our weekly free breakfast, free sanitary products and our community food cupboard, as well as weekly visits from the Essex Therapy Dogs!

Young adult carers

Our specialist support service aims to provide comprehensive support to students with caring responsibilities, so that you can get the most out of your time at Writtle College.

Student Development Coaches

Our team of Student Development Coaches promote your personal development and prepare you for the future through group tutorials.

You can benefit from small-group coaching that aims to develop your skills and help overcome barriers to learning and progress, so that you can succeed in every stage of your educational experience at Writtle College.

Mental health and wellbeing

We have a bespoke safeguarding and wellbeing support service at Writtle College. However, as we're part of Anglia Ruskin University, you'll also benefit from access to the ARU service.

If you need more regular support, our team can refer you to resources and support such as the Education Mental Health Support Team, ARU's Counselling and Wellbeing Service, or external services.

Careers support

We offer a bespoke careers guidance service to all our students. When you join Writtle College, you'll be able to book appointments with our team, or drop in to visit the Careers Office in the FE Hub.

Learning support

You’ll have access to the Learning Support Team to help you with your studies. The team are based on site and supports all college students, especially those declaring a special educational need or disability.

The Learning Support Team offers:

Student Personal Development and Tutorial Programme

At Writtle College, we believe that education is more than academics. It's about growing as a person, recognising your unique strengths, and preparing for life beyond the classroom.

Personal development is the process of improving your self-awareness, building confidence, setting goals, and developing the skills to thrive in your personal and professional life.

Whether you're aiming to enhance your communication, manage your wellbeing, or plan your future career, the personal development programme is here to support you.

How you explore personal development at college may vary depending on your course. You may not have a tutorial session in your timetable, but you’ll still have access to inclusive experiences, information, and support around personal development themes.

Personal development includes:

  • Learner Voice activities that consider diverse perspectives
  • Clubs and societies that welcome all identities and interests
  • Fairs and themed workshops that provide careers development information, celebrate difference and promote wellbeing
  • College campaigns and cultural celebrations that foster belonging and respect
  • Group and 1:2:1 tutorials

We’re committed to creating a learning environment where everyone feels valued, heard, and empowered to grow.

Personal development themes

Health and wellbeing

  • Workshops and information on nutrition, sleep hygiene, and overall wellbeing.
  • Encouragement of positive physical and mental health
  • Staying safe

Creativity and personal growth

  • Encouragement innovation, and entrepreneurship
  • Exploration of different hobbies and interests beyond academics

Self-discovery, self-awareness and emotional intelligence

  • Emotional resilience to handle stress, setbacks, and personal growth
  • Effective communication, conflict resolution, and relationship-building
  • Activities that help you understand your strengths, weaknesses, values, and goals
  • Emotional intelligence training, including empathy, and mindfulness
  • Reflection to develop self-awareness and confidence

Career readiness and professional development

  • Hands-on career coaching and networking strategies
  • Understanding the future world of work
  • Developing study skills and effective learning strategies

Leadership and personal growth

  • Public speaking, negotiation, and leadership
  • Critical thinking skills
  • Team-building activities to develop collaboration and problem-solving skills
  • Building cultural awareness and what it means to be inclusive
  • Understanding the meaning of reducing inequalities

Financial literacy and life skills

  • Practical training in budgeting, investing, and managing student loans
  • Time management and productivity workshops
  • Essential life skills like personal finance, and sustainable living

Community engagement and social responsibility

  • Volunteering opportunities and socially impactful projects. Encouraging students to make a positive impact beyond their campus
  • Global awareness - encouraging cultural exploration and diversity education, protecting the environment

Encouraging entrepreneurial thinking, creativity and innovation

  • Mentorship for aspiring entrepreneurs
  • Teach practical business skills like market research, business planning and storytelling
  • Project based learning and real-world thinking

Ongoing mentorship and support

  • Accessible guidance from internal and external specialists
  • Regular goal-setting sessions and personal development check-ins
  • Access to guest speakers
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Multi-faith room and Chaplaincy

At Writtle you’ll find multi-faith rooms and support from our Chaplaincy. Chaplaincy is available to all students irrespective of faith or commitment, and supports you without judgement.

Travel assistance and discounts

As well as our free shuttle bus, there are other ways to get to Writtle College via discounted travel. Find out more about travel routes and discounts.

Declaring a support need, disability or medical condition

If you believe you have a special educational need or disability or medical condition that you have not already declared and you feel we should be aware of, please email us: [email protected].