A safe and supportive experience for all our learners.
SUPPORT AVAILABLE TO YOU
ANOTHER WAY TO STUDY
The conventional student experience isn’t for everyone. If you’re considering university-level study but aren’t sure it will suit your needs, we have a fantastic local alternative for you to consider.
From degrees in furniture design to a Higher National Certificate in mechanical engineering, there is a course for every interest and, more importantly, one that can work for you and your lifestyle.
Activate Learning runs various Higher Education courses in Berkshire, Oxford, and Surrey, and three of these campuses have University Centre status.
A DIFFERENT APPROACH
Our smaller group sizes mean you will receive a personalised learning experience, with plenty of opportunities for individual support for academic success, personal growth, and career development. However, we never forget that you’re an individual!
Whatever your learning style or support needs, we have an intervention designed to bring out the absolute best in you. Your brain is a powerful tool capable of incredible things, and we are here to help you unlock that potential.
TAILORED SUPPORT
You will benefit from specialist study support to help you overcome learning barriers and thrive academically. You can arrange a 1:1 with one of our specialist teachers to discuss your support needs, and together you will craft an action plan.
Support will be carefully tailored to your specific needs. For example, we can assist in helping you understand your strengths, difficulties, and learning style. This will help with stress management and the best organisation of your time.
We can also help you to improve your academic writing and essay writing skills, exam technique, and the efficiency of your revision. Our extensive and customised support will boost your confidence, as well as your academic attainment.
YOUR MIND MATTERS
If you are struggling with your mental health or with your motivation, you are understandably not going to be in the best mindset to learn effectively.
Our critically acclaimed learning philosophy recognises that three elements must combine in relative harmony to learn successfully: your brain, motivation, and emotions.
This is why we place a strong emphasis on mental health and wellbeing at Activate Learning. Our team of highly trained counsellors is readily available to support you with whatever you are going through so that you can maintain a healthy mindset and continue to achieve your potential.
YOUR MONEY MATTERS
We all feel the sting of rising costs and stagnant wages in this current cost of living crisis. Therefore, furthering your education is more vital than ever to increase your employment prospects and ensure a stable, comfortable income for the future.
At Activate Learning, we offer highly competitive tuition fees and affordable finance options. In addition, a wide range of bursaries and financial support options are also available to eligible learners.
If you have a recognised support need, such as a medical or mental health condition, or a specific learning difference, such as dyslexia, you may be eligible to apply for the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA). Support services can guide you through the application process.
Care-Experienced Higher Education Students
At Activate Learning, we are committed to ensuring care-experienced higher education students have the tailored support, advice, and opportunities needed to thrive in their studies and beyond.
Who Are Care-Experienced Students?
You are considered care-experienced if you have ever spent time in local authority care. For example, in foster care, residential care, or under the care of a guardian. This includes adults of any age.
However, if you are aged 16–25 and have been in care, you may also be recognised as a care leaver and entitled to additional financial or practical support.
We understand that the transition to higher education can bring unique challenges alongside exciting new opportunities. Our role is to help you feel supported, confident, and ready to succeed.
What Support Can You Expect?
- A named contact to coordinate your support and help you settle into college life.
- Specialist services for wellbeing, mental health, academic support, and career planning.
- Collaboration with your support network, including personal advisers and local authorities, to ensure consistent support.
- Financial and practical guidance, including information on Activate Learning’s Care Leaver bursary, local community resources, and funding options through Student Finance England and other external schemes.
- Support for your next steps – as you approach graduation, our team will help you plan your future with guidance on employment, further study, and transition planning.
- Alumni network access – after graduating, you’ll be part of the Activate Learning Alumni community, connecting you with events, opportunities, and ongoing support.
Activate Learning is also a proud signatory of the Care Leaver Covenant, offering additional opportunities, advice, and support for care-experienced students aged 16–25.
If you’re unsure whether you qualify as care-experienced, or would like to discuss the support available, please contact our Safeguarding and Student Support Team at safe@activatelearning.ac.uk. We’ll help you explore your options and plan a pathway that’s right for you.
Further Resources
- Become – Advice, mentoring, and inspiration for care-experienced young people.
- Propel by Become – Find info on uni, college, funding and support for care leavers
- Propel into Work – Career and employability support for care-experienced young people.
- National Youth Advocacy Service – Advocacy and independent advice for young people, including care leavers.
- Care Leaver Covenant – National opportunities, training, and discounts for care leavers aged 16–25.
- Rees Foundation – Grants, community activities, and support for care-experienced adults, including parenting and wellbeing networks.
- Local Authority Care Leaver Offers – Explore your local area’s support for housing, education, and finance.
- National Network for the Education of Care Leavers (NNECL) – University access, progression, and wellbeing resources for care-experienced students.
WHY DELAY? APPLY TODAY!
If highly supportive, affordable, local study could work for you, take the first step toward becoming the person you’ve always wanted to be and book a call with our supportive team.