Follow our student case studies to see what life is like at Esher.

All students have an individualised timetable that is designed to provide you with a broad and balanced study programme, appropriate to your individual abilities, interests and ambitions.

students in the cafe
Nyah Before College Using The Computers In The Cafe

I'm so glad I made the jump

Meet Nyah
girl smiling in LRC

I love how social Esher is

Meet Katie
Boy on rugby pitch

Wednesday is Game Day

Meet Aaron
Fashion student standing with garment on mannequin

I want to go into the Design Industry

Meet Eda
English 2

I like all the opportunities available

Meet Louis

Your Study Programme

When you enrol at Esher, your weekly timetable will include;

  • Four timetabled lessons for each of your three (or four) core subjects
  • Your Extension Study option
  • A timetabled Tutor period for your Personal Development Programme (PDP)
  • A Supervised Academic Study (SAS) lesson

Other timetabled lessons might include;

Half termly Study Skills courses, delivered by our Learning Mentors, to help you adapt your study habits to succeed on our higher-level courses.

Excellence at Esher programmes, including High Achievers, Oxbridge, Medicine, Veterinary and Dental programme, and our Roll of Sporting Excellence programme.

 

 

Your Core Subjects

Fine Art Lesson

Your timetable will include four timetabled lessons per subject. Each lesson is 65 minutes long. However, to be successful in your subjects, the College recommends that students spend 10 hours per subject per week (including your four timetabled lessons). But don’t worry, your tutor and teachers will give you a good deal of support and help to develop the skills and mindset you need for this. Many students will make up the remaining hours with personal study, or by attending a subject specific clinic or an extra-curricular event such as trips and visiting speakers.

 

 

Your Extension Study option

College Production

Extension Studies provide an excellent way to develop wider skills and abilities such as team-working, problem-solving, creativity, critical thinking and the capacity to conduct independent research, all of which are greatly valued by both universities and employers.

In your first year Extension Course, you will have the opportunity to undertake a Complementary Study option alongside your core A Level or BTEC subjects. For example, you might decide to get involved in Community Volunteering, take part in the College production, play team sports or join the Duke of Edinburgh scheme.
In the second year, you have the opportunity to choose a specific Progression Pathway to support your progression and develop your skills further. The most popular current choice is the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).

Your Personal Development Programme (PDP)

Period 4 Students In Their Tutor Group

A massive part of sixth form life, is your weekly timetabled PDP session with your tutor. These sessions are designed to help you succeed not only in your studies, but also in your personal growth.

In the first year, the initial emphasis is on a smooth transition from school to college and making new friendships, beginning with the ‘Your Start at Esher’ induction in early September. This includes a one-to-one with your new tutor so that we are fully aware of your learning needs. During your first few weeks of College, your subject teachers will run course induction sessions, highlighting our Learning to Learn programme, which is designed to help you make the step up to independent learning.

For the rest of the first year, the PDP is designed to focus on issues of a particular relevance to young adults, including sessions covering safeguarding. The programme is regularly updated in light of student feedback. Amongst several popular sessions, students highlighted the Christmas Charity Fundraiser as a time in which the College comes together to support a common cause, bonding burgeoning friendships within the tutor group. In March, we hold our annual Higher Education Day, when more than 70 different universities and colleges come to Esher for our own “Uni Expo” to offer support and advice about the many opportunities on offer after Esher. Our Progression Guidance team also run specialised days for gaining work experience and finding out more about apprenticeships and employment. In June, we hold our After Esher Day, to help you begin the UCAS application process.

Your Personal Tutor
As a member of a tutor group, you will have a personal tutor who is likely to teach one of the subjects you are studying. Your tutor will take a close interest in your academic progress, attendance and welfare to help you have a successful time at college. There will be opportunities for regular meetings with your tutor, as part of the full tutor group and on an individual basis. If you have any problems, your tutor will find a solution or help you get support from the Student Services available in the College.

Tracking student attendance and academic progress.
If there are concerns, your tutor or subject teacher will communicate these home. More significant concerns, or where students do not show improvement, will be referred to the Tutor Team Leader (equivalent to a Head of Year in schools). These pastoral managers may request a meeting or communicate with parents/carers via phone, Microsoft Teams or in person. They will, in the first instance try to support you through your time at Esher Sixth Form College, in line with our Cause for Concern procedures.

All new 6.1 parents/carers will have the opportunity to meet with your personal tutor at Parent-Tutor Evening in the first half-term of teaching.

Your Supervised Academic Study (SAS) lesson

Girl studying

New for first year students, we are introducing one timetabled study period with a member of staff to help with your studies.