About Student Services
Students Services Nationally Recognised
Sussex Downs College has been re-accredited, following a week long assessment, with the nationally recognised quality mark for organisations which provide support to individuals to make learning and work more accessible – the Matrix Standard.
The Matrix Standard is assessed and based on achieving excellent and consistent end results for users of the service. The focus for the accreditation was on the front line service delivered by student services, Employer Training, Newhaven campus and the International College.
Pauline Standen, Student Services Manager said: “The quality award is relevant to all our staff regardless of their role, our staff operate as one team and our learners know they will be treated as individuals with impartial and individual support. Our aim is to promote wellbeing and support them to develop their full potential.
“Our front line provision is at the heart of the college’s support service. Working together with our sister service, student support, our experienced staff assist with information covering a broad range of topics including admissions to full time and part courses plus financial information. We also provide a counselling service, access to careers advice through Connexions and encourage students to participate in students union and student council events and activities.”
The assessor highlighted a number of strengths for the college including: “Sussex Downs College demonstrate quality management systems and a culture of continuous improvement providing a strong framework for the delivery of services.” He went on to say: “Staff continue to live up to the college ethos ‘putting students first’ with all staff able to demonstrate a clear understanding, and provide examples, of how they put the ethos into practice at all the sites visited.”
Student Services are at the heart of the college’s support services. Our experienced staff will assist you to access:
• Admission to full and part time courses
• Guidance sessions to help you make appropriate course choices
• Financial information, including EMA and Discretionary Learner Support Fund
• Information about applying to Higher Education and AimHigher
• A free and confidential Counselling service
• A Connexions Personal Adviser and Connexions Careers Advisor
• Student Participation, including The Students’ Union and Student Council
• Childcare facilities for children up to 14 years in our nursery and children’s clubs.
