Starting college is an exciting step, and at NKC Gravesend College, we are here to support both learners and their families every step of the way. Understanding how college works, from expectations in the first few weeks to behaviour standards, attendance requirements, and the support available helps ensure a positive and successful experience.
What can learners expect at NKC Gravesend College?
At NKC Gravesend College, we set clear expectations to help learners succeed. This includes:
- Strong attendance and punctuality standards
- Clear behaviour expectations that reflect a professional environment
- Ongoing support to help learners achieve their goals
Our approach reflects a real-world, workplace environment, helping learners develop the skills, attitudes, and responsibilities they need for their future. By working together, NKC Gravesend College and families can support every learner to get off to the best possible start and make the most of their time at college.
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Is there a Probation Period?
At NKC Gravesend College, we want every learner to succeed, and that journey starts with a strong beginning. That’s why all new learners enter a 6-week probation period when they first join the college.
What Is the Probation Period?
Unlike school, Further Education (FE) colleges use a probation period much like how a place of employment might use a probation period, to help ensure that: The learner is on the right course, and The college environment is the right fit for the learner. During this time, learners are expected to demonstrate a positive attitude and commitment needed to thrive and succeed in their chosen area of study.
What We Expect
We ask learners to treat college as they would a place of work. We’re preparing them not only for academic success but for future employment. This means demonstrating key workplace values, such as:
- Punctuality: arriving on time to every session, with correct kit/equipment/uniform
- Attendance: attending all scheduled classes
- Respect: showing consideration for peers, staff, and the learning environment Teamwork: listening, communicating, and working well with others
- Responsibility: following the college's clear expectations and policies
- These are not just academic standards, they are life skills that will support your young person throughout their career.
Supporting Success
It is each learner’s responsibility to make the most of their probation period. Successfully passing this phase confirms their commitment to the programme and sets the foundation for longer-term achievement. In some cases, it might be necessary to extend a learner’s probation period. This would be discussed on a case-by-case basis. We encourage you to check in regularly with your young person during these first 6 weeks and to contact the College if you have any questions or concerns.
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Behaviour Expectations
At NKC Gravesend College, we have clear rules and expectations in place to keep everyone safe and to create a positive and respectful learning environment, just like in the workplace. We understand that young people sometimes make poor choices. When this happens, we have systems in place to support them and help guide them to learn from their experience.
College is Not School, it is ‘The Work-place’
From the very first day, we explain to students that college is different from school. It’s more like a workplace. Students are treated with respect, but they are also expected to behave responsibly, follow the rules, and show maturity, just like an employee would in their place of employment.
The First 6 Weeks
A Probation Period During the first 42 days (6 weeks), all new students are on a probation period. During this time, any minor concerns about behaviour or attitude are recorded as a Cause for Concern (CfC). These records help staff understand if a pattern is emerging, for example, if a student is often late or not following instructions.
We will also log CfC’s if there are concerns regarding a learner’s emotional well-being such as anxiety, so that tutors are able to consider their strategies for support in light of any disclosures. Tutors will speak with learners about these concerns and explain the next steps if the issues continue. We hope that any negative behaviours are modified with low-level interventions, and any well-being concerns are supported positively.
Post 6-weeks
Summarised Disciplinary Process Once a learner has successfully completed their probation, any behavioural concerns will follow the College’s Behaviour Policy, which can be found on our Website under ‘Policies’. For more serious or ongoing issues, we use a three-stage disciplinary process:
- Stage 1 - Initial Warning: Used for low-level issues. Learners may receive up to three Stage 1 warnings before moving to Stage 2. Parents may or may not be contacted at this stage, depending on the situation.
- Stage 2 - Formal Warning: At this point, you will be contacted and invited to a meeting with your child and college staff. This is a chance to work together to support your child in making the right choices.
- Stage 3 - Final Stage: If behaviour doesn’t improve or a serious incident occurs (such as involving drugs or alcohol), a Learner may move to Possible outcomes include written warnings or possible removal from their course and College.
Our Approach
We would always rather work with families early to avoid things reaching the higher stages of disciplinaries. Removal from college is a last resort but we will take that step if a Learner is:
- Disrupting others’ learning
- Risking the health or safety of others
- Ignoring their academic responsibilities
A Place of Opportunity
Places on courses at NKC Gravesend College are competitive, and being enrolled is a privilege. We want every learner to succeed and to leave us with strong qualifications, having had a valuable College experience. That’s why we ask all learners to take our behaviour expectations seriously and make the most of their time with us. With your support, we aim to help your child grow into a confident, responsible, and work-ready young adult within society.
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Attendance & Abscence Reporting
At NKC Gravesend College regular attendance is a vital part of every learner's success. We kindly ask that you support your young person in maintaining strong attendance and staying engaged in their studies.
Attendance Expectations
Learners are expected to attend all timetabled lessons, and we expect a minimum of 90% attendance from all learners. Being present and on time to all sessions helps learners stay on track academically and socially.
Appointments
Please schedule appointments outside of lesson times whenever possible. If an appointment during college hours is unavoidable, your young person must bring written confirmation (e.g., a letter, text, or email) so we can record it appropriately on our system. Hospital appointments are approved absences.
Holiday and Exam Planning
Refer to the college calendar when planning holidays to avoid clashes with term time. Maths and English exam dates are fixed. Please note that exam dates are non-negotiable, as these are set nationally.
Exams/assessments at course level will be shared in advance locally by their Tutors with learners and dates/times are non-negotiable as they will be booked during college weeks/ hours according to availability and course schemes of work.
Keeping in Touch
It's essential that we have up-to-date contact details for you, including a working home address, email address and mobile number. This ensures we can contact you in case of emergencies or important updates. Important: Due to GDPR regulations, we are unable to contact anyone who is not listed in our system. If you change your email, you must update it through the existing email on file. This protects your young person’s data and ensures compliance with safeguarding rules.
Reporting Absences
All absences must be reported by the learner, not the parent/carer, unless they are considered to be vulnerable learner i.e. a High Needs Learner.
Learners should log their absence before 8:45am each day they will be away. They must provide: Their full name Student ID number, Course name, Reason for absence. Each course may have a slightly different system for reporting absences. Your young person will be informed of the exact procedure for their curriculum area by their Tutor.