
Parents & Carers
Working Together Parents & Carers Booklet
Studying with Kirklees College
Our students are at the heart of who we are and what we do. We strive to deliver a fun, safe and inspirational learning environment for everyone, students, teachers and parents/carers, by working together to build a supportive partnership that create opportunities and changes lives.
To create a fulfilling learning experience there must be rules and guidelines. These are set out in our Code of Conduct and Student Charter, which our students receive when they start. It’s important that they understand these rules and guidelines and our expectations of them.
We appreciate that as parent/carers, helping to make decisions about career choices and further study can be daunting and you may have questions.
We are here to support you through the process, enabling you to help make the right choices at the right time.
We pride ourselves in being a college of opportunity and we offer a wide range of vocational courses not readily available at school sixth forms. Our courses are underpinned by strong links with employers, providing students with work experience opportunities to help prepare them for work.
We offer an inclusive learning environment where we celebrate diversity, embrace challenge, encourage success and enable opportunity, all positive stepping stones for our students as they work towards building a rewarding future.
Programmes and Open Days

Which way now? We offer a wide range of options – but which one is right? Our team is here to support you make the right choice.

PAD (Progression, Achievement and Development) is a students personal learning journey supported by a dedicated Progress Coach focusing on their individual progress, needs and goals.

The impact of Covid19 means that we are all having to re-evaluate how we do things. In the past we have opened up all our centres to families for open days, unfortunately with current restrictions this is not possible. Why not book your place on one of our virtual open days.
Taster Sessions
Reporting an Absence
We operate an absent reporting procedure, known as “Miss IT Miss Out” (MIMO). Students are expected to report and take ownership of their own absence, we do however appreciate that this is not always possible and that a Parent/Carer will inform us of a student’s absence.
We expect a high level of attendance from our students. It’s important for their wellbeing and progression and demonstrates value and respect for their education and those providing it.
Via Text
Text 07860097457 before the first lesson of the day using ONE of the following buzz words:
Sick
When you are unwell
Stuck
Problems with getting to college due to transport.
Medical
Doctor, hospital, dental appointments
Formal
NUS business, probation, court appearance, job interview
Late
If you are delayed coming into college
Respect
Bereavement/Funeral of close family member
Example: MEDICAL 110275
Reporting an absence
You can also call or email the college to report an absence, but please make sure you do this by 8:45am.
Everything you need to know
As a parent/carer you can review the progress of a student through the parent portal. To gain access to this you need to be the first next of kin contact registered on our system and have provided an email address so we can send you your unique log in details. If you wish to enable a second parent access please contact us.
We hold parent/carer evenings twice a year and you can contact the study programme leader (SPL) any time to discuss progress over the phone.
Please contact the study programme leader (SPL) or the curriculum Progress Coach if a student wants to discuss changing courses. The college career’s service is also available by appointment, students can book an appointment at college
Students that are aged 16-18 without a grade C or above in their GCSE English and Maths must continue to study these subjects as part of their study programme.
This is government legislation and applies to all students irrespective of which institution they study at.
As a parent/carer of a Kirklees College student, it’s important that you are kept up to date with your child’s progress and development, all of which we discuss at our parents’ evening. You’ll receive a letter inviting you to attend, and when and where the evening will be.
The College’s Designated Safeguarding Lead is Polly Harrow, Assistant Principal Safeguarding & Inclusion. Deputy Designated Safeguarding leads are Nathan Shaw (ext 7372) and Rory Hillas (ext 2409). Alternatively, if a student feels they or someone else is at risk they can speak to any member of staff who will help them.
Any student can apply for the college bursary for support with travel costs, equipment, childcare, trips and free meals. This is means tested – find out more at Financial Support
Quite often a complaint can be resolved at an informal level. If you e-mail your complaint to the college or telephone you will be advised about the formal and informal complaints process.
Should wish to make a formal complaint, please download the complaints form and policy here and Email us here
- Access to work experience and employment opportunities
- Participation in:, Enterprise and Skills competitions; Reward and recognition awards and events
- Enrolment lanyards /student card
- £5 print credit
- Access to Free Wifi
- This is our voluntary work service scheme, which helps students gain valuable experience working with charities and experience to create a stronger CV
Our Commitment to you

Ofsted Report
It’s GOOD news for Kirklees College as we have been awarded a Grade 2 (Good) for the second time in recognition for the achievement and progress that learners make whilst studying with us. Inspectors said the college had maintained the good quality provision and outcomes achieved by students and apprentices.