Support

Parents and Carers

Are you the parent or carer of a young person who has already applied or is thinking of joining us?

We want to ensure you feel confident in their education journey, so here you'll find some useful information, resources and frequently asked questions to help you both make an informed decision about their next steps.

As a parent or carer, you play a vital role in your child’s journey and we’re here to support you too – with guidance, information and reassurance at every stage.

Oldham College is the borough’s main provider of post-16 education and training, meaning we can open the door to a wide range of opportunities for local young people.

Our programmes are tailored to support all abilities, backgrounds and ages. Working with more than 700 local, regional and national employers, we connect learning to real life.

From industry insights and work experience to meaningful employer encounters, your young person will gain the skills, knowledge and experiences that employers are looking for – giving them a real advantage in a competitive world.

Parents and Carers

Frequently Asked Questions

Whether your young person has already applied or is thinking of joining us, our FAQs provide answers to some of the most common questions from parents.

Got a question? Contact us

Do young people have to stay in education until they are 18 years old?

Yes. This requirement is stated in the Education and Skills Act 2008, which mandates that young people remain in education or training until they turn 18.

However, this does not mean they have to attend school. They can enrol in a full-time college course, participate in an apprenticeship, or pursue part-time education alongside work or volunteering for a minimum of 20 hours per week.

All 16 to 18-year-olds are required to study English and maths at college if they have not yet achieved a GCSE grade 4 (pass).

Will my child receive careers guidance at college?

Yes. Our Careers service aims to inspire, guide and support your young person every step of the way as they shape their future. The team of impartial, qualified careers advisers supports students in choosing the pathway that’s right for them.

Learners can book a meeting with the team and you are welcome to attend this with them.

The Careers team offers:

Impartial careers advice and guidance, with personalised action plans
Support to explore career pathways and progression options
Information on further study, apprenticeships and employment
Workplace preparation support, including with CV writing, applications, interview skills and employer engagement (this includes mock interviews, guest speakers and careers fairs)
University preparation support, including with choosing the right course, writing personal statements, submitting applications and more.

For more information, visit our Careers Advice page.

What support is available for my child's wellbeing?

We are dedicated to ensuring your child or young person receives the support they need during their time with us, so they can focus on their studies and getting the most out of college life.

Our Safeguarding and Wellbeing team are available to help learners with any challenges or concerns they may have, including their mental health and wellbeing.

For more information, visit our Safeguarding page.

How can I get involved in my child's education?

We encourage all parents and carers to engage with us, as this will help your young person to make the most out of their education.

Throughout the year you may be invited to parents’ evenings and other events at college. You may also have direct contact with tutors and support teams at college, where required.

You can keep up to date with what’s happening at Oldham College by following us on social media. For news and events, visit our What’s On page.

Launching in autumn 2026, our Parent News newsletter will also provide further information about topics important to parents and carers within the Oldham College community.

How does the College keep students safe?

Our main priority is creating a safe and supportive learning environment for everyone who attends Oldham College.

All learners and staff must wear their college ID badge and lanyard while on campus, for the safety of themselves and others. We will challenge those who don’t wear their ID badge. If your child or young person loses their ID badge they will be asked to purchase a new one from Main Reception for £3.

Campus security, including our dedicated Safety Engagement team, ensures that issues that arise on campus are dealt with quickly and effectively.

What financial support is available?

The Oldham College Bursary can help eligible learners with the costs of coming to college, including travel, books, meals and more.

For further information, please visit our Financial Support page.

A male tutor supports a young student with Downs Syndrome

Does your young person need extra support?

Oldham College has a highly-trained and award-winning Additional Learning Support (ALS) team, who are experienced in supporting people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, as well as working with other professionals to provide the most effective support.

Young people with an education, health and care plan (EHCP) or with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) can access support across our mainstream vocational programmes, helping them to thrive alongside their peers.

We also offer specialist programmes for learners aged 16-25, including Supported Internships and Skills for Life, providing personalised pathways to gain greater independence and employment.

Our Rise department is a dedicated and supportive faculty designed to help learners build the confidence, skills, and experience they need to succeed in further education and beyond. Step into Education, a one-year transition programme, provides a strong foundation for future progression, combining essential qualifications with meaningful, hands-on experiences.

Find out more about Additional Learning Support

Resources for parents

Our aim is for parents to feel informed and confident in all aspects of life at Oldham College.

See below for more information and resources to help you support your child or young person in their college journey.

Explore careers – Useful links

Our Careers team has provided some useful websites for helping your child to explore their options:

The following websites may also help you to support your child or young person:

National Careers Service – The National Careers Service website provides careers advice and information on a wide range of jobs, training, apprenticeships, course resources and funding.
WorldSkills UK | Careers Advice – Discover 40 different career routes across multiple sectors and hear from our inspiring role models with industry insights.
Talking Futures – Support for parents when talking about careers, courses including technical qualifications, apprenticeships and going on to university. Talking Futures offers useful resources including video, conversation cards, activities and videos.