01 June 2026
The summer term can feel as though it is dominated by exams but we do still find time for other activities: Our Creative Faculty hosted another triumphant evening showcasing the work of our year 13 Creative Media students. There was a strong sense of community amongst all who attended and the students demonstrated the warm and supportive spirit that is endemic amongst our students. It is always heartening to see how much the students want the best for each other and the college is incredibly proud to have been part of such a positive event. Well done to everyone whose work we saw and to those who have helped to shape and nurture these young people during their time with us.
Other trips and activities have included our Environmental Science visit to Riverbourne Farm, Human Biology students spent a fascinating morning in a lab at Salisbury Hospital, Geography students conducted their ‘coasts’ tour of Swanage, Studland and Lulworth Cove and History students attended a talk by Sir John Curtice at Arundells, Ted Heath’s former home. Mental Health Awareness Week was celebrated with good luck messages, lucky charms and laptop stickers for year 13 and year 12 were given time to embrace the 5 ways of wellbeing.
SAVE THE DATE
UCAS and Apprenticeships Online Information Evening
Monday 15 June 2026 6pm-7pm
A link to this online event will be emailed to parents nearer the time.
Exams
Don’t forget, there is always support at college if you need it. Our teaching staff have drawn together these revision support documents which are excellent resources:
Revision Support – what to revise
Revision Guide – how to revise
Please take your revision seriously and set aside enough time to cover everything. Every minute that you spend revising is worth it and although it may feel as though you will forget everything, if you have revised sufficiently, you will succeed! Don’t forget to take regular breaks and if exam stress is affecting your wellbeing, please remember that support is available from the team in college.
Preparing for Exams
Coping with Exam Stress
Applications for 2026 Entry
We are still accepting applications for some courses so please contact our admissions team if you would like to discuss enrolling with us in September. We look forward to seeing you in September!
Access Arrangement Paperwork
All year 13 students who receive extra time and/or rest breaks have been sent copies of their paperwork which will be useful for their next steps in work, apprenticeship, training or higher education. Guidance on access arrangements at University and the Disability Student Allowance (DSA) has also been provided. If you or your child have not received an email and would expect to have been sent these details, please contact our SENDCo Nicky Miller.
Wiltshire & Swindon Community Foundation Vocational Grant programme
This programme will open for applications on 1st June. The Vocational Support Grant is aimed at young people aged under 25 who have either started or are about to start a vocational course in subjects like business, engineering, IT, health and social care or if you are undertaking an apprenticeship. The grants can support the costs of:
– educational resources or equipment for the course training or qualification
– IT equipment
– course related study/field trips
– travel costs – in some circumstances
A link to the application page is here: WCF Vocational Grants; the application form is accessed through a link towards the bottom of the webpage. Please note that young people must meet ALL of the eligibility criteria to be eligible to apply for this grant which are as follows:
– aged between 14 and 24 at the time of when applications are considered
– will be studying a vocational subject at school, college, sixth form or undertaking an apprenticeship
– have been living in Wiltshire or Swindon for at least two years (there are some exceptions to this so please speak to us if someone is unable to fulfil this criteria).
– The young person’s parents or guardians receive one means-tested benefit or are in the care of Wiltshire Council or Swindon Borough Council (Looked After Child – LAC)
Unlock Year 13 – Tuesday 07 July
This is a dedicated day for all current Year 12 students, designed to support the transition from Year 12 into Year 13 and, where all the requirements are in place, to formally enrol students into their second year of study.
What students need to have in place
To be guaranteed a place in Year 13, students will need to meet the following requirements before the day:
– A minimum of 90% attendance across Year 12
– Work experience placements need to be logged in the ‘Placements’ tool on Unifrog by the end of May BUT if you have been struggling to find a placement DON’T WORRY, we will support you and provide opportunities for you to complete work experience either in person or virtually and this will not be a barrier to you moving up to year 13. If you need help, please speak to your tutor and we will make sure something is put in place for you.
– Their extra-curricular activities logged using the ‘Activities’ tool in Unifrog
The Unifrog tasks above have been covered as part of the tutor programme since September 2025 and tutors will have details of what is expected and can answer any questions about missed sessions. We want every student to be in the strongest possible position going into July, so if there are any concerns about meeting these requirements, we encourage students to speak to their tutor as soon as possible.
The day itself
All students will begin the day with an introductory session at 9:00am, which will set the scene and explain what to expect. During the morning, students will take part in a series of sessions focused on careers, future pathways, and next steps, helping them to think ahead and plan for Year 13 and beyond. Each student will receive an individual appointment time, when they arrive at college, to meet with their personal tutor. This one-to-one session is a key part of the day: it is an opportunity to discuss progress, review readiness for Year 13, and where all the requirements are in place, formally complete enrollment into Year 13.
Self-evaluation form
Prior to their one-to-one with their tutor, students will be asked to complete a self-evaluation form against the S6C High Expectations framework. This helps students reflect on their own development and gives the conversation with their tutor a clear, structured focus. Further details will be shared with students in advance of the day.
If you have worries or concerns
We know that transitions can feel daunting, both for students and for parents and carers. If you have any concerns about your young person’s progress, attendance, or readiness for Year 13, please do not hesitate to get in touch. You can contact the Pastoral team by emailing pastoral@s6c.mlp.college or by calling the college on 01722 597970. Your young person’s personal tutor is also always available for an informal conversation, and any member of the team will be happy to point you in the right direction. This day is a compulsory part of the curriculum and non attendance may impact enrolment into Year 13.
Rebecca Anderson – Pastoral Lead
Diversity and Inclusivity
– If students would like us to mark a faith celebration which is important to them, or a national day which has significance, or need time off for a faith celebration, then please let Rebecca know.
– The Reflection Room is open to all needing a quiet space in college for a short break. It has low lighting options, objects and books from different faith traditions, meditation hints, colouring, lego, and nature books, and is a space for those of all faiths and none.
University and Apprenticeships
– Any student needing to do an interview for apprenticeship, employment or university can come and see Rebecca to arrange some guidance and practice;
– Any student needing advice on volunteering, work experience, or wider engagement, to prepare for strong applications, should talk to their teachers, tutor or Rebecca as soon as they know what area they may be interested in;
– We offer a full support service for those applying for apprenticeships, but it has to be responsive to the job market, so there are no set dates for the different stages. This means that students need to show a high level of initiative and independence, but we are here to help and we expect to be involved; we can help search, check applications, and prepare for interviews.
Year 13 University Applicants
Student finance applications are now open! APPLY HERE!
For a student toolkit to help with applications CLICK HERE
College Nurse
The College Nurse runs a drop in session from 12pm to 1pm every Tuesday in the small meeting room on the first floor. She is able to offer professional guidance and support or signposting for physical, emotional, mental and sexual health. This includes managing long term health conditions (including migraine and period pain or any medical condition), contraception and sexual health consultations (she can give out contraception and testing kits), smoking and vaping, eating issues, sleep, low mood / self harm, anxiety and panic, concerns about ASD, ADHD or mental health conditions, healthy lifestyle and exercise, or any concerns you have about your general health and wellbeing. You can also ask her, or us, if you’d like to be referred for a series of sessions. The drop in sessions are a confidential service and the nurse will only talk to college or your parents if there is a fear for your safety.
Exams
If you are taking exams this season, and you get hayfever, start taking tablets now or you won’t be able to see your exam paper through streaming eyes.
Pastoral Cupboard
Do help yourself if you need anything from the pastoral cupboard opposite SF07: pasta, sauce, rice, some other food items; plenty of period products so do take full packets or boxes for you and your family; toiletries (including sunscreen); positive message cards to boost your mood; smart clothes for interviews or jobs.
Mental Health Support
If you are struggling then please do talk to Liz or myself. Who Can Help Me posters round college will let you know the sorts of things we can offer support for. Don’t forget we also have our counsellors, the early intervention Mental Health Support Team, the school nurse and a whole range of people we can refer to for just about any issue. Do remember that The Mix (under 25s), Childline (under 18s but they won’t treat you like a baby), Samaritans and Text Shout are all there for you.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Monday 01 June
Term Begins
Monday 08 June
Yr 12 DC5 Mocks Assessment Week
Thursday 18 June
Yr 12 Env Sci Salisbury fieldwork
Monday 22 June
Yr 12 Sport trip to Go Ape
Tuesday 23 June
Yr 12 Psychology trip to Marwell
Yr 12 History trip to Chalke History Festival
Thursday 25 June
S6C Taster Day
Monday 29 June
Staff Training Day
Monday 29 June – Friday 03 July 2026
Yr 12 Geography residential trip
Wednesday 01 July 2026
Yr 12 Business trip to Solent University Experience Day
Thursday 02 July
Yr 12 DC5 reports published on parent portal
Yr 12 Env Sci trip to New Forest Wildlife Park
Monday 06 July – Friday 10 July
Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award trip to Brecon Beacons
Monday 06 July
Yr 12 Law trip to Shepton Mallet Prison
Tuesday 07 July
Yr 12 ‘Unlock Year 13’ Day
Thursday 09 July
Yr 12 Parents Evening
Yr 12 Env Sci trip to Studland
Tuesday 14 July
Term Ends
