At the heart of support and guidance in the College is the relationship between students and tutors. You will be a member of a tutor group of about twenty students in the same year of entry to the College. You will meet your tutor for a weekly tutorial period in which a programme of activities will enable you to develop a range of skills, including career planning, time management and study skills. Your tutor will also be available to meet you individually on a regular basis to discuss issues which either of you may wish to raise. Your tutor will help you to settle into College, encourage you to take responsibility for your own learning and to participate in the wide range of opportunities available outside your examination courses. Within the partnership between student and tutor, you will discuss your course and personal timetable, evaluate your progress through the Progress Review process and consider other aspects of personal development, including career plans. Your tutor will also provide appropriate references for progression to higher education or employment. Other staff will also be available to provide support where necessary, including the student guidance officer, careers and study skills staff.

Every student at Hills Road is involved in Progress Review. This will enable you to assess your progress, establish action plans and record experiences. Structured discussions about your progress are held with your subject teachers and tutor two or three times in each year, but more informal discussions may occur at any time.

Some students are eligible for an Education Maintenance Allowance. Students whose household income is below £30,810 are eligible for weekly payments of up to £30 dependent on satisfactory attendance and progress. Details of this scheme should be available from your current school and can also be found on the government website, www.ema.dfes.uk. The College also manages a Learner Support Fund which is able to provide financial support for students whose needs cannot be fully met by the Education Maintenance Allowance. Further details about the criteria for application are available from the guidance office and will be given to all students on enrolment at the College.

Students living within the Cambridge Area 14-19 Partnership area may be entitled to subsidised transport through the LEA. (Subsidised rail travel may be available to students, subject to annual review by the relevant rail company. Details of travel schemes will be sent to all students who receive an offer of a place.)