Student support


Information and Advice


Please click here to see what information and advice we can provide.

What is Student Support?


Student Support is anything which helps you to access a course and learn during your course. There are several ways Student Support can help you.


Who is able to get support?


All students can apply for support to help them access our courses. All requests will be considered and we will endeavour to support students were we can.

Student support is aimed at those with the greatest need, these will include students with:

If you are not eligible under the above categories, we may still be able to offer you support - please ask

How do I apply for financial help?


If you have a problem paying fees for a course, whether or not you are entitled to claim for the reduced fee, then contact us and ask for an application form to apply for financial help from the Student Hardship Fund. Applications to the fund should be sent to the Business Manager at the ACRES Office, Uckfield Community Technology College, Downsview Crescent, Uckfield, TN22 3DJ and will be treated in confidence. We may be able to arrange payment over a longer period or, in some cases, arrange a reduction of fees.

If you are in receipt of a means tested benefit or your family income is below £25,000 and you are enrolling on a course leading to a qualification or accreditation, you may be able to apply for help with the expenses associated with your course. For more information or to request an application form, please contact the ACRES Office (please see below for contact details)

What support can I access if I have a disability or learning difficulty?


We aim to try and ensure that all adults who wish to do so are able to access learning opportunities provided by ACRES.

Facilities and access do vary at the different venues we use, so please contact the ACRES Office and ask to speak to our Student Support Officer to check out how best we can help you. Details of access at our venues are also available on the 'Venue' page on this web site.

When you enrol on a course you will be asked if you have a disability or a learning difficulty. When a disability or learning difficulty is delcalred, our Student Support Officer will contact you to discuss how we can best meet your needs and to ensure that we make your learning as accessible and rewarding as possible.

All information given will be treated in strict confidence.

What resources are available to support students?


We have a range of assistive technology and equipment for computers available to assist with physical disabilities or difficulties, for example, ergonomic keyboards or mouse trackball. Please let us know if you have hand mobility difficulties when you enrol or speak to your tutor if you are having difficulties.

If you have a hearing difficulty, please let us know so that the tutor can take account of your difficulty within the class. A portable hearing loop is available if required.

We have a bank of resources for use within the class, for example, calculators, dictionaries and curriculum related books. Please discuss your needs with you tutor.

If you have a learning difficulty, for example dyslexia, please let us know so that you can be supported with your learning. If you are on a course leading to a qualification, we may be able to facilitate extra support in the classroom if needed. Please discuss your needs with your tutor.

At what point am I able to apply for Student Support


We would like to be able to support students and discuss their need from their first point of contact with us. Please let us know of any support you would find useful before you enrol on your course. If however, you find that after starting a course, you require some additional support, please let us know. Your tutor will be able to discuss with you any learning support you may need or if your financial circumstances change and you feel you would like help with your remaining course fees, please contact the ACRES Office to discuss the options available to you.

How do I find out more information or find out if I am eligible for Student Support?


Contact the ACRES Office by

Telephoning : 01825 761820
Emailing : adultlearning@uctc.org.uk
Writing to : The Student Support Officer
ACRES Office
Uckfield Community Technology College
Downsview Crescent
Uckfield
East Sussex
TN22 3DJ


All information is kept confidential.

If you would like a confidential private interview, please ask and we will arrange an appointment for you.

Safer Learning - Your Rights and Responsibilities


ACRES is committed to ensuring that all students, whether attending advertised programmes or courses being run in partnership with other organisations, are aware of their rights and responsibilities in creating a safe learning environment and that staff are appropriately supported to provide this.

What should you do if you think you are being harmed or abused?

If you think you have been harmed or abused by another student or learner, member of staff or visitor, you should report this as soon as possible.

Tell someone you trust about what is happening. This can be your tutor or contact our Student Support Officer on 01825 761820

You can also contact :
Samaritians - 08457 909090
Victim support - 0845 3030900