Boston College has done more for my daughter than just teach her A level courses. They have helped her confidence grow and have made her feel invaluable as a student.
Like you, Boston College wants what's best for your young person. We want to make sure every student chooses the course that's right for them, achieve the qualifications they need for a successful future, and enjoys their time at College.
This section provides all the information you need about your young person starting at Boston College, including a handy handbook and key contacts if you have any questions or concerns. College is a different environment from school, but by working closely with both students and parents, we aim to make the transition a smooth and positive one.
Why Boston College?
Education after 16 doesn't necessarily mean staying at school or sixth form. Your child can stay at school, go to college, or start an Apprenticeship.
Every year, Boston College welcomes 4000 students through its doors - 1700 of these study full-time, and 170 more are studying at University Level.
The College offers a variety of study programmes tailored to meet your young person’s individual needs, alongside a selection of Apprenticeships and T Levels designed by employers, and has a growing reputation for academic excellence at University Level.
The College has outstanding levels of student support, with award winning careers guidance services and a fantastic Student Services Team. We welcome students form a diverse range of backgrounds and our culture is one of respect and inclusion.
A Guide for Parents
A Guide for Parents provides you with information about the College which will support your young person whilst they are here.
The handbooks include information on the learning experience, disciplinary procedures, personal property, and health and safety.
British Values
Boston College actively promotes British Values, which help students develop their own voice and confidently express their opinions. They also remind us that it’s okay to respectfully disagree with the views of others. The British Values embedded throughout the College are:
- Democracy
- The Rule of Law
- Individual Liberty
- Mutual Respect and Tolerance
Safeguarding and Prevent
Boston College places the highest priority on the safety and wellbeing of students, and is committed to creating and maintaining a friendly, welcoming and safe working environment for all students. This includes learning taking place off College premises.
The Government's strategy to stop people becoming involved in violent extremism or supporting terrorism in all its forms is called 'Prevent'. As a college, we also have specific 'Prevent' duties. Prevent is part of the government's counter-terrorism strategy and helps support and protect those students that might be vulnerable to radicalisation.
For more information on the College's Prevent duties and Safeguarding, please read our 'A Guide for Parents Extremism and Radicalisation' and our Safeguarding Policy. Alternatively, if you would like to speak to a member of the Safeguarding Team, please call 01205 365701 or email safeguarding@boston.ac.uk.
Keeping in Touch
Boston College believes that good communication provides better support for students, and therefore always encourage you to get in touch should you have any questions or concerns. There are several opportunities throughout the year for you to give or receive feedback on your young person's progress.
Parents Discussion Evenings - You will be invited to Parent Discussion Evenings in October and March. Information collated from your young person's individual learning journey will be available to give you a full overview of attendance, commitment, progress and achievement.
Parents Reports - You will receive reports regarding your young person's progress in October and January each year, in readiness for Parent Discussion Evenings. A final report will be sent in May, which will also show progression.
Parent Surveys - Parent surveys are issued twice a year, normally in November and April. Boston College values your comments and feedback, and are committed to further improving the service provided.
ProMonitor - Boston College uses the student tracking system, ProMonitor, to keep you informed about your young person’s journey at College. By asking your young person to log in to their account, you can easily review their attendance, track their academic progress, and monitor their achievements throughout the year.
Our 'Parental Promise'
Supporting Your Young Person Through Their College Journey
At Boston College, we recognise the vital role parents and carers play in supporting young people during this important stage of their education. College is not only a place for academic development, but also a stepping stone toward independence, responsibility, and adulthood. This promise sets out how we will support your young person, what you can expect from us, and the standards of behaviour and conduct we uphold.
Our Commitment to Your Young Person
We will:
- Provide a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment where every student is encouraged to succeed.
- Deliver high-quality, future-focused education, with personalised academic and pastoral support.
- Help students develop life skills, including resilience, time management, and personal responsibility.
- Communicate openly and clearly with both students and families regarding progress, wellbeing, and attendance.
- Treat each student as an individual, encouraging personal growth and preparing them for further education, training, or employment.
- Providing three progress reports per academic year outlining your young person’s academic performance, attendance, and engagement.
- Offering two Parents’ Evenings per year where you will have the opportunity to meet with teaching staff, ask questions, and discuss your young person’s progress, these may be held virtually.
Dress Code Expectations
Boston College students are expected to dress in a way that is appropriate, respectful, and reflects a professional mindset, preparing them for workplace environments.
We ask that students:
- Dress cleanly, modestly, and appropriately for a shared learning space.
- Avoid clothing that may be considered offensive, overly revealing, or that displays inappropriate slogans, graphics, or references to drugs, alcohol, or violence.
- Wear suitable clothing for practical courses (e.g., lab coats, safety gear, or uniforms where required).
- Remember that appearance contributes to a professional and respectful atmosphere.
We will speak with students privately and supportively if dress is not in line with the expectations, and we encourage parents to reinforce these values at home.
Our Expectations for Student Behaviour and Conduct
We expect students to:
- Respect others, including fellow students, staff, and members of the wider community.
- Take responsibility for their learning, attendance, punctuality, and attitude.
- Engage positively with all aspects of college life—both inside and outside the classroom.
- Follow all college policies, including those on technology use, academic integrity, and student behaviour.
- Uphold a culture of tolerance, kindness, and maturity in all interactions.
Our Expectations for Parent Behaviour and Conduct
We expect parents to:
- Encourage your young person to take responsibility for their academic and personal decisions.
- Support healthy habits like sleep, nutrition and time management.
- Encourage your young person to seek support from the Student Services Team if they are struggling academically, socially, financially or emotionally.
- Stay involved through Pro Portal, Parents’ evenings, newsletters, updates, and events
- Treat Boston College staff with respect and dignity at all times
Working Together with You
We are committed to working with families to ensure students are happy, supported, and successful. We will:
- Keep you updated regarding your young person’s attendance, progress, and wellbeing.
- Involve you in a timely manner if we identify any concerns.
- Invite you to Parents’ Evenings twice a year.
- Share three learner progress reports each academic year.
- Welcome your feedback and respond promptly to queries or concerns.
- Partner with you to encourage positive habits, resilience, and future planning.
- Keep you informed about your young person’s progress through Pro Portal
By working together, we can help our students grow into confident, capable, and responsible young adults. We are committed to maintaining open and supportive communication with all families. If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to discuss your young person's progress, please do not hesitate to contact us. To help us accommodate you and ensure staff availability, please schedule appointments in advance by contacting reception or the relevant department.
Careers Programme
Our Careers Programme keeps you and your young person up to date with all the career services available throughout the year. It provides clear information on what support is on offer, when sessions are taking place, and how your young person can access guidance to help plan their next steps, explore career options, and make informed decisions about their future.
FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions that Boston College has received from parents and carers.
Boston College provides a wide variety of courses, from academic A Levels to vocational programmes in areas such as Construction, Hairdressing, and Uniformed Public Services. Alongside full-time courses, the College also offers Apprenticeships for students who want to earn while they learn.
In addition to these course options, Boston College creates a supportive learning environment where your young person can develop confidence and independence, preparing them for further study at university or a successful transition into employment.
Each young person has a personal tutor who tracks attendance and progress. A Guide for Parents provides contact details for the Senior Learning Leads.
You can talk to their tutor or you can contact the Student Services Team who provide dedicated support services. You can contact them by calling the College's Main Reception on 01205 365701 or email support@boston.ac.uk.
Attendance is closely monitored. Each week between November and April you will receive an email from the Curriculum Team regarding your young person's weekly attendance. If your young person is under 18, tutors will contact you if their attendance becomes a concern.
You can report a student's absence in one of the following ways:
- Email - absent@boston.ac.uk
- Call - 01205 365701 select Option 2 and leave a voice message.
We recommend students submit an application as soon as they can. Our courses are very popular, so the earlier they can secure a place the better.
Once their application form has been submitted, they will be invited to an Application Review to discuss the course in more details. Your young person can track their application status via their application account.
The College's Application Review is just a friendly chat - they are nothing to worry about. They are to make sure that your young person has chosen the right course for them, and for the College to get to know them a little more.
Don't worry, Boston College has a wide range of courses and options available to match your young person's exam results. The College is open on GCSE results day and you can call to discuss all of the options for their next steps in education.
To order uniforms for the following course areas, Animal Management and Agriculture, Construction, Electrical, Health and Social Care, Performing Arts, Plumbing, and Uniformed Public Services, please visit the Hazelwood Clothing Company
To order uniforms and kit for Engineering, Motorsport, and Automotive Technology, please visit Cromwell Industrial.
To order uniforms and kit for Sport, Fitness and Wellbeing, please visit Kitlocker.
Getting to college should be simple and reliable. Whether you’re commuting daily or travelling from further away, there are plenty of transport options to suit your needs. From local bus and train services to dedicated bike shelters and FREE on-campus parking, you will find a range of accessible ways to travel to college.
For information and options for travelling to College, please visit the Travel to College page.
Boston College allows students to pay for their meals using a cashless finger scan system. iPayimpact is the simple and easy way to top up your young person's account using a debit or credit card.
To create an account
- Visit, iPayimpact and select 'Register'.
- Enter your details. Once you have registered you will be guided through the process to add money onto your daughter/son/ward's account.
From assistance with bursary funds, childcare fee support, transport to the College, and student loans, Boston College aims to give your young person the best advice and guidance on financial support available at the College, whatever your situation. Please visit our Fees & Funding page for further information.
Hear from our Parents…
This has been the best decision my daughter could have made to move from school to college. The full experience has been excellent and my daughter is flourishing under the colleges care.
My daughter has been made to feel very welcome at Boston College. She is the happiest we have seen her for several years.
I would like to thank my son's lecturers, since being at College he has become more responsible and his work has improved 100% on his work.
My daughter has settled in extremely well at Boston College and has said that she would happily attend every day if she could.
We are very pleased with the support and the course that our son is studying at Boston College. This is his third year and he is enjoying college and is gaining knowledge and life skills that will help him in future.
Get in Touch
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the College by calling Main Reception on 01205 365701, where our friendly team will be happy to help or put you in touch with your child’s tutor or a member of the course team.