If you identify as an estranged student then we can provide you with extra support.
Estranged Students are students studying without the support of a family network, due to a breakdown in those relationships. Students in this position often have no contact at all with their family or sporadic and challenging contact. Causes of a breakdown of familial relationships could include (but are not limited to): emotional or physical abuse, mismatched expectations about family roles and relationships, or a clash of personality or values. Estranged students do not necessarily have experience of being in care.
If you identify as an Estranged Student then we can provide you with extra support.
NESCol has signed the Stand Alone Pledge. The pledge underlines our determination to ensure the specific challenges that estranged students face are acknowledged and acted upon through bespoke support.
We can help you choose a course that sets you on the right path to reaching your career goals.
Our Student Advice and Support Team can help and advise you in making your transition to College as smooth as possible. Once enrolled, we can continue to help you with Study Skills Support and Additional Learning & Assessment Support where required.
Students at NESCol will have a dedicated Academic Tutor who can support with pastoral or academic issues.
The Students’ Association can assist you with peer support and advice on clubs, societies and social experiences that could enhance your NESCol experience.
NESCol also supports the This Is Us student-led community. This Is Us is a dedicated and safe online space for estranged HE students (and recent graduates) in the UK to connect, share info, arrange meet-ups and more! It’s free, national, and open to all ages & years of study.
All our students can leave College with a CV, and advice on navigating volunteering and job markets.
If you identify as being an estranged student, then it is important that you let us know as soon as possible.
The easiest way to tell us is to do so when filling out an application or funding application for a full-time course or at the point of enrolment on your course. Alternatively, contact the team directly by dropping into your local Student Advice Centre, or by emailing studentsupport@nescol.ac.uk.
For Estranged students at Altens Campus, Fraserburgh Campus or the Scottish Maritime Academy your key contact is Aimee Ridgeway: A.Ridgeway@nescol.ac.uk.
For Estranged students students at City Campus your key contact is Lianne Marriott: l.marriott@nescol.ac.uk.
Don’t take our word for it! Find out what our students think about studying at NESCol.
“I like the relaxed, friendly atmosphere and my parents and lecturers have all commented on how I’ve grown in confidence. I’ve made new friends and look forward to coming to College each day.“
“I’m a practical person and after doing the construction course while I was still at school, I knew I wanted to get started in the industry. I’m enjoying learning and the lecturers are great, they’re helpful, friendly, and really encourage me. “
“I’ve had such a positive experience with the College and can’t recommend the workplace learning route highly enough. I think it’s important to recognise that there are various routes to achieving qualifications and this was the right path for me.”
“I loved attending NESCol, it’s a welcoming and supportive environment.”
“NESCol is such a supportive place to study, and the staff go above and beyond to help you achieve your goals.”
“I met a lot of lovely people on the course, some were adult returners like me, but I also got on well with a lot of the younger students and we had some excellent discussions and debates. “
“Studying at NESCol has pushed me out of my comfort zone and has made me the person I am today. I have had great experiences and the opportunity to apply my knowledge in childcare settings, which has made my learning more meaningful.”
“There are so many standout moments from my time on this course! During my time at NESCol, I can say I have performed in Aberdeen’s top music venues including the Lemon Tree, Krakatoa, and Drummonds. It’s so great that the college can offer people of all ages those kinds of opportunities. “
“There are excellent volunteering opportunities during the course and it’s so useful to be able to apply your newly learned knowledge in a real-life setting.”
“I really came out of my shell throughout my years of studying and have made many memories!”