Support for Parents

Support for Parents & Carers

At Central Saint Michael’s Sixth Form, we’re dedicated to helping your child thrive. Our comprehensive support services focus on well-being, finances, careers, and academic guidance to ensure every student can reach their full potential.

Keeping you informed

We know how vital it is for parents and carers to feel confident about their child’s education journey. That’s why we work hand-in-hand with you, offering clear communication and partnership at every stage. From selecting courses and exploring future careers to monitoring progress and personal development, we’re here to empower your child to grow in confidence, excel academically, and prepare for their next steps.

Take a look at our FAQs below, and if you have any other questions, please get in touch at [email protected]

Frequently asked questions for parents or carers

How can you help your child succeed?

You play an essential role in supporting your child’s success. Encouraging them to share their College experience and reassuring them about the care available can make a big difference. If you ever have concerns, you can contact your child’s personal tutor or our Welfare and Safeguarding teams directly.

Attendance and punctuality make a huge difference, not only for College life but also as a key habit for future employment or university studies. Helping your child plan their journey and encouraging regular attendance are great ways to support them.

Our students benefit from practical, real-world experiences through work experience and volunteering opportunities. You can support your child by helping to find these experiences, which build valuable skills and confidence.

Encourage your child to keep developing their English and Maths skills and to explore new interests through extracurricular activities.

We regularly celebrate student achievements and special events, and we welcome you to join these occasions. You will receive updates on your child’s progress, welfare, and successes through reports and meetings, and we invite you to review these closely.

If you feel your child’s progress could improve, we’re always ready to discuss how we can work together to support them better.

Attendance and punctuality are an important part of everyone’s life. You can help your child to plan their journey so that they attend College regularly and on time. This is an important trait for working life that employers value highly.

Our on-site facilities give students access to real-life working environments. This could include structured voluntary work as well. You could help your child to find work placement/s to enhance their experience.

You could encourage your child to value the importance of English and Maths and to continue to develop these skills. You can also encourage them to develop new interests by taking part in different activities.

From time to time we celebrate various achievements and festivals, and you can support your child by attending these celebration events. We will also invite you to College for parents evenings to update you on your child’s welfare and progress on their course. We will provide you with frequent updates about your child’s achievements and reports to help track their progress and keep you informed. We would like you to review these reports.

If you are not happy with the level of achievement and progress of your child, we would be delighted to talk things through with you. We welcome your views on how we can work better together to improve the quality of education.

We invite you to support your child to make the most of their time while studying at Central Saint Michael’s Sixth Form.

What support services are available?

Our Student Support Hub, based at Sandwell College, is the go-to place for help with welfare, finance, and more. We also have a drop-in station in the reception area of Central Saint Michael’s Sixth Form to ensure our services are fully accessible to our learners.

For those needing additional well-being support, our dedicated Mentoring Team provides guidance to students experiencing anxiety or emotional challenges. Student Support Officers help signpost services and assist with any further needs, including safeguarding.

Specialist teachers, learning coaches, and assistants offer tailored learning support. Our Careers Advisors guide students through their options, helping with university applications, work experience, and employment pathways through one-on-one sessions, group tutorials, and events.

How to raise concerns?

If you have any worries about your child’s progress or well-being, please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s tutor or our Student Support team. We’re here to listen and act.

Contact numbers:
College Main Office: 0123 456 7890
Welfare Support: 0123 456 7891
Safeguarding Team: 0123 456 7892
Learning Support: 0123 456 7893
Attendance Line: 0123 456 7894
Careers Team: 0123 456 7895

What enrichment is available?

Our students have the chance to participate in a wide range of trips, events, and activities throughout the year. For students under 18, we ask for parental permission to take part.

Students also lead and engage in activities tied to important themes like Mental Health Awareness, Diversity, and Charitable Causes. There are plenty of clubs and sports to get involved in, all supported by our Student Liaison team.

We host talks and workshops on important topics such as knife crime prevention, sexual harassment awareness, and financial literacy. Health and well-being organisations visit regularly to offer guidance.

Student voice is important here. Learners can shape their experience through the Student Union and Council, gaining leadership skills and a strong sense of community.

Faith and What quiet spaces and faith support is there?

Our multi-faith and quiet contemplation rooms provide peaceful environments for reflection, prayer, or simply taking a moment to relax.

Our Chaplaincy team supports students of all faiths and beliefs, offering confidential pastoral care and someone to talk to during difficult times.

Our promise to you.

Expert tutors committed to high-quality teaching and ongoing student support
Clear guidance to help your child progress to university, apprenticeships, or employment
Preparing your child for a successful future with the skills and qualifications they need

Together, we aim to unlock your child’s potential and equip them for a competitive world.

What’s life like at Central Saint Michael’s Sixth Form?

Sixth Form College life here is about much more than classroom learning. Every student follows a tailored Study Programme that matches their interests and goals. This includes at least 30 hours of real-world work experience, making sure they leave fully prepared for their next steps.

For students yet to achieve key English or Maths qualifications, we provide focused support through resits and functional skills classes.

Beyond lessons, students enjoy a busy calendar of enrichment, employer talks, trips, and even political debates — all designed to broaden horizons and build confidence.

How will my child travel to College?

Our College is situated in a great location with plenty of transport links.

West Bromwich Central tram station is just a short walk to Central Saint Michael’s Sixth Form, making Birmingham City Centre or Wolverhampton easily accessible by Metro.

We’re just around the corner from West Bromwich bus station, served by buses from across the West Midlands.

Plus, all students will be given a FREE bus pass (via a mobile app) that allows travel on West Midlands buses in Sandwell, Dudley, Walsall, Wolverhampton, Solihull, Birmingham and Coventry, OR from anywhere along the Wolverhampton to Birmingham Metro line. You can pay a bit extra to top up one option to include the other, AND you can travel at any time, including evenings and weekends. This will be renewable termly if you keep up a good record of progress, behaviour and attendance.

What is the dress code?

We celebrate individuality and diversity here. While we don’t have a strict uniform, students are asked not to wear hats or hoods indoors (unless exempt) and to wear their ID badges at all times.

What financial support is available?

Full-time courses are free for students under 19 at the start of their course.

Discretionary Learner Support Fund (DLSF)
We provide financial help with equipment, uniforms, trips, and meals for eligible students, especially those from low-income families.

Free Meals
Students who qualify receive meal credits to spend in our catering outlets. Eligibility depends on criteria including household income and benefits status.

More information about financial support can be found here.

Differences Between School and College

We know moving to College can feel daunting. Our experienced staff prioritise your child’s well-being, ensuring a welcoming, safe, and supportive environment where young people can settle in and flourish.

Careers Guidance

Our specialist Careers Advisers support students with planning their next steps, whether that’s university, apprenticeships, or employment. Your child will have access to fairs, one-to-one advice, and online resources.

To book an appointment or learn more, please contact our Careers Team on 0123 456 7895.