Year 11 Transition Offer
Middlesbrough College provides a structured, supportive, and student-centred transition programme to ensure all Year 11 learners move confidently from school into further education. The transition model is underpinned by early engagement, multi-agency collaboration, and tailored support to meet individual needs.
(Pre-enrolment engagement)
All applicants are invited (and expected) to attend a Subject Showcase Event for their chosen course. These events are a key part of securing a place and preparing for the transition into college.
During the event, students and parents/carers will:
- Meet curriculum leaders and subject tutors
- Gain detailed information about course content, expectations, careers, placements, and progression routes
- Take part in course-specific taster sessions or workshops
- Tour specialist facilities and learning environments
- Access information about student support services
- Participate in 1:1 discussions to identify any support needs early
These events typically take place after school hours and are designed to help students confirm their course choice while enabling the college to assess suitability and identify any additional support needs at an early stage.
Information Sharing and Transition Planning
Middlesbrough College works in partnership with schools across Teesside through established data-sharing agreements to ensure a seamless transition.
Information shared includes:
- EHCPs and SEN support plans
- Safeguarding history and vulnerability indicators
- Care experienced status
- Involvement with social care or youth justice services
- Any additional wellbeing or learning needs
This information is shared securely through electronic systems and multi-agency meetings (including Teams discussions), allowing the college to:
- Plan early interventions
- Allocate Additional Learning Support (ALS)
- Put safeguarding measures in place before the student starts
The college works closely with local authorities and external agencies to meet SEND and safeguarding responsibilities and ensure continuity of support.
Parent/Carer Engagement
Recognising the vital role of families in transition, Middlesbrough College actively seeks input from parents/carers through a pre-entry information form.
This provides:
- A structured way for parents to raise concerns (e.g. anxiety, attendance, bullying history, learning barriers)
- An opportunity to share contextual or pastoral information
- Early identification of support needs that may not be captured in formal records
This collaborative approach helps build a fuller understanding of each learner before enrolment.
Individual Visits and 1:1 Transition Support
The college offers bespoke transition visits for students who may benefit from additional reassurance.
These may include:
- Individual or small group visits with parents/carers or professionals
- Meetings with safeguarding and ALS teams
- Tours of key support services such as Student Services and wellbeing spaces
- Familiarisation with safe spaces (e.g. quiet areas for regulation and time-out)
This personalised approach helps students feel safe, supported, and confident before starting college.
Additional Learning Support (ALS) and Inclusive Practice
All student information is centrally recorded and shared appropriately with teaching staff on a need-to-know basis, ensuring:
- Inclusive teaching strategies are in place from day one
- Lessons are adapted to meet individual needs
- Students receive tailored in-class and out-of-class support
The ALS team provides a wide range of support, including:
- Specialist learning support assistants
- Dyslexia and communication support
- English and maths intervention
- Assistive technology and adaptive resources
The college is committed to removing barriers to learning and enabling all students to achieve their potential.
Safeguarding and Wellbeing Support
Student welfare is a core priority at Middlesbrough College. The college offers:
- A dedicated Safeguarding and Welfare Team
- Access to counselling and mental health support
- Support with issues such as bullying, wellbeing, and personal safety
- Drop-in services and crisis support
Students are encouraged to speak to tutors or safeguarding staff if they have any concerns about themselves or others, ensuring a safe and responsive environment.
Multi-Agency and External Partnerships
The college maintains strong working relationships with external partners, including:
- Social Care
- Youth Justice Services
- Police
- Local Authorities
These partnerships allow for:
- Ongoing information sharing
- Early identification of risk
- Timely referrals to specialist services
- Coordinated safeguarding responses
This ensures that vulnerable learners continue to receive consistent and appropriate support throughout their transition.
Pre-Entry Resources and Welcome Information
Students receive online welcome packs tailored to their needs, including:
- General new starter information
- Targeted information for specific groups (e.g. care experienced learners)
These resources support early familiarisation with:
- College expectations
- Support services
- Timetables and routines
Summer Transition Offer
Kidz Konnekt Partnership
Middlesbrough College works in partnership with Kidz Konnekt to deliver a summer programme for:
- Year 11 students progressing to college
- Existing students to maintain engagement over the holidays
These programmes focus on:
- Team building and social development
- Confidence building
- Developing positive relationships
- Supporting emotional wellbeing
ROOTS Transition Programme
The ROOTS provision offers a structured transition pathway, including a summer course designed to support learners before September.
The programme:
- Builds confidence and resilience
- Supports friendship-building and social integration
- Develops employability and life skills
- Can lead to a Level 1 Award in Employability, Training and Personal Development
ROOTS emphasises personal development, career exploration, and wellbeing, promoting resilience, optimism, trust, and support.
Ongoing Transition into College Life
Transition support continues into the academic year through:
- Personal tutors and THRIVE personal development sessions
- Careers advice and progression planning
- Work placements and industry experience opportunities
- Continued access to ALS and safeguarding teams
This ensures students are supported not only during the move but throughout their journey at college.
