Moving from school to College is a big step, so it’s important for students to know what to expect when they arrive.
What do I do if I’m unwell or have a problem which prevents me from getting in to College?
Parents/guardians must advise the College via the College Portal before 8.40am on the day if their young person is unable to attend College.
If notification of absence is given by a student, rather than a parent, this should be done before 8.40am on the first morning of their absence by emailing attendance@reigate.ac.uk. The parent/guardian must also email attendance@reigate.ac.uk for the absence to be authorised. Students who do not let the College know why they are absent or who are unable to substantiate their reason may risk losing their place at College.
Will I have to be at College all day?
The College day starts at 9.00am and finishes at 4.15pm, with common morning and lunch breaks. All lessons are compulsory, however students can go off-site during free periods. Most students can expect to be at College most of the day.
Will I have a morning and afternoon registration?
There is an electronic registration system which means students will be registered for every lesson they attend (not just AM and PM sessions) and absences will therefore be flagged immediately.
Do I have to attend all my lessons?
Yes. Attendance is compulsory at all lessons since good attendance will lead to success. Students will not be able to progress if attendance falls below 95% other than in exceptional circumstances. Systems are in place to pick up sudden drops of attendance and parents/guardians are immediately notified. The College expects to receive valid and timely reasons for lack of attendance.
The majority of students will be studying 3 subjects and for each subject you can expect to have at least 8 hours of study per week. This is broken down as follows:
- 4 hours of timetabled lessons per subject
- 2 hours of timetabled structured learning per subject
- and at least 2 hours of additional homework or coursework per subject.
Watch our video to find out more:
Will I have tutorial periods?
Yes. Every student is allocated a Personal Tutor. This will be someone who teaches them and who will therefore get to know them well. There is a timetabled tutorial period each week which is used for disseminating information and undertaking tutorial activities. Students are expected to attend all their tutorial periods.
What other classes will I have to attend?
Students who gain a place on the College’s Aspire Programme have an additional tutorial added to their Study Programme to help them enhance their university applications.
All students who do not have a grade 4 or above in GCSE Maths or English Language are required to re-sit them while at College and are offered additional classes to help them achieve the necessary grades.
Are there study facilities available for private study?
Yes! The College has a brilliant standalone, two-storey Independent Learning Centre (ILC) that is equipped with computers and ‘plug in points’, for students’ own devices. Text books and laptops are also available for hire on a daily basis. The ILC has the feel of a university library, where all students work in silence and respect the ILC’s ‘silent study only’ policy.
The College also has a Supported Learning Centre, on the second floor of the Priory Building, designed for students who benefit from greater staff input. Staff work with students to help them become successful, independent learners.
Will my lessons be covered if a teacher is away?
Yes. Classes are not cancelled due to teacher absence.
Does the College have a refectory?
Yes. The two-storey College Refectory is open from 8.00am to 2.30pm every day during term-time and serves both hot and cold breakfasts and lunch.
Breakfast
Breakfast is available before College starts, until morning break and options include cereals, pastries, toast, American style pancakes, fresh fruit, yogurts and of course a full English that includes egg, bacon, sausage, hash brown and beans (including vegetarian options).
Lunch
Hot food is available at lunchtime (including vegetarian options) such as pasta pots, hot chicken wraps with a choice of fillings, homemade pizza, mozzarella sticks, sausage rolls, soup, chicken and chips and a self-service salad bar. There is also a large selection of homemade sandwiches, wraps and baguettes as well as crisps and snacks.
The first floor servery offers various burgers with a choice of fillings, in addition to hot dogs, Paninis, Ciabattas, Burritos and a variety of sandwiches, wraps and baguettes.
Thick shakes are a big student favourite and are sold in nine different flavours – including strawberry, chocolate, banana, vanilla, bubble gum, cotton candy, mint and more! Home made donuts are also available on most days.
Snacks and drinks
There is also a large selection of hot and cold drinks and other snacks available from the vending machines in the Refectory.
Special dietary requirements
The catering team is happy to accommodate individual requests for students who have any special dietary needs.
How do I pay for food?
We are a cashless site and payment can only be made by debit/credit card.
Students are welcome to bring packed lunches to College and can eat them in either the Refectory or the outside eating areas.
For further information, please download Making the Move to Reigate College or email enquiries@reigate.ac.uk.
