Learning for Life at South Leicestershire College

By Elisha Shamba

Formerly known as Wigston College of Further Education before 2001, South Leicestershire College is a general further education (GFE) college situated on the southern outskirts of Leicester. The college runs prevalently from two sites with the main campus located at the former Wigston College and the newly built South Leicestershire Learning Innovation Centre premises based in Market Harborough.

Educational and social inclusion

*The college’s response to educational and social inclusion is outstanding. Learners from all backgrounds are successfully integrated into college life. Learners with disabilities are welcomed and supported. Some 27% of learners are of minority ethnic heritage. Cultural differences and diversity are celebrated in all aspects of the college’s work.

The college also welcomes asylum seekers and refugees. It believes they have a right to education like everyone else. Provided they bring their status documents with them, asylum seekers can enroll on courses in the same way as British students. If they(asylum seekers or refugees) are under 19, they are not charged for most courses. Those aged 19 and above also get a reduction in course fees on many courses. Evidence is required that they are receiving income-based benefits and this includes NASS support. So if one brings recent evidence of their benefits (within a month prior to enrolment) such as a Post Office receipt, the college can reduce the amount they have to pay – at times they wont be required to pay anything depending on the course they chose.

Courses and refund for those who excel

South Leicestershire College offers a wide range of courses including English Language courses in Leicester city centre, at the main campus in Wigston, at their site in Market Harborough and at the Somali Centre in St.Matthew’s.

The full time courses at the main Wigston site include Information Technology classes. Asylum seekers can enroll for a reduced fee of  £199 (the actual cost of the course is £4,950 per year!) and they are allowed to pay in installments. If  they pass all the compulsory exams they get ESOL Skills for Life qualifications in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening at an appropriate level. Learners who have quite good English skills when they start the course may also complete the NOCN Diploma for Progression (in English and IT). Students who pass all these examinations receive a refund of the full £199 at the end of the year.

Advantages of studying at South Leicestershire College

Studying on an English Language or indeed any other course at the college has many advantages for asylum seekers, refugees or other immigrants. It (studying) improves their ability to communicate in their new society and allows them to interact with native speakers of English and people from all over the world who are also learning English. It is also a great opportunity to meet people and make friends and prepare for a new life in the United Kingdom. The college can also assist people who need to prove their level of English or take ESOL qualification s to support their immigration status applications. Once they have improved their English, there is a wide range of other mainstream and vocational courses available to them.

Mission and Ofsted Award

South Leicestershire College’s mission is : ‘To provide excellent and innovative vocational learning and so improve the life chances, employability and economic prospects of our learners.’

Ofsted recently awarded the College the first Grade one for complementary therapies in the UK, endorsing it as one of the best places to specialize in holistic health.

For more details visit www.slcollege.ac.uk

Or contact Peter Hough at [email protected]

*www.ofsted.gov.uk