How to support your teen when choosing a college

It probably feels like only yesterday you waved that little four-year-old off for their very first day of school and now they’re a teenager getting ready to leave secondary school – and deciding what to do afterwards.

Choosing those next steps is one of the biggest decisions your young person will make. As a parent or guardian, you naturally want to help them make the right one.

But finding the balance between offering guidance and giving them space to decide for themselves isn’t always easy.

How to support your teen

The good news is there are plenty of ways to support your teen without taking over the process.

If your teen is starting to explore their options, here are some practical ways you can support them, especially as our Open Events approach.

Start the conversation early

It’s never too soon to talk about next steps. Ask your teen what subjects they enjoy most and what kind of learning suits them. Do they prefer practical, hands-on work or more academic study? These early chats can help narrow down course types and college options.

Encourage open discussions rather than quick decisions. It’s okay if they’re unsure – that’s exactly what open events are for!

Focus on the future, not just the next step

College is about preparing for what comes next, whether that’s university, an apprenticeship, or employment. Do they already have a dream job in mind or are they still finding their future focus? Will they need a degree or other higher education qualification to achieve their goals? Could they consider a T Level to get that work experience in early?

Understanding the career links and university pathway options will help your teen see how their course connects to their future goals.

Research together

Spend time exploring different colleges and courses online. Look beyond course titles; check the modules, assessment styles, and progression routes to see if every element is going to work for them.

Make a list of questions to bring to open events, such as:

• What support is available if my teen needs extra help?
• Are there opportunities for work experience or enrichment activities?
• What are typical next steps after completing the course
• Can we access any financial support to help us as a family?

Beyond the qualifications, you want your young person to be happy, comfortable and settled during their time at college, so it’s about finding a place that feels like a second home. At the RNN Group, we know that choosing a college works best as a partnership between students, families, and staff, and we’re here to make sure everyone is on the same page when it comes to your child’s future.

Reassure and encourage

Choosing a college can feel overwhelming. Remind your teen that there’s no “perfect” path, just the one that’s right for them. Encourage them to follow their interests and trust their instincts rather than going where their friends are or where they think you’d rather they go.

It’s a choice they should want to make for themselves and your calm reassurance can make a huge difference as they make this exciting transition.

Attend an Open Event

You’ve flicked through the prospectus and scoured courses online but you can only really get a feel for a college by visiting it in person.

Our Open Events are the perfect opportunity for families to discover what makes the RNN Group of Colleges unique, from our supportive staff to our industry-focused courses.

You’ll get to tour the facilities and learning spaces, meet tutors, support staff, and current students and get a feel for the atmosphere and campus culture. Encourage your teen to take the lead during the visit, but be there to listen and help them process what they learn.

What we offer at RNN Group

We have three further education campuses in South Yorkshire and North Nottinghamshire: Rotherham College in the town centre, Dearne Valley College in Manvers, and North Notts College in Worksop.

They all offer something different. Rotherham is a hub of creative arts with a fashion and design workshop, performing arts theatre, music studio, and computing and games animation suite. It also has a working restaurant and hair salon that are open to the public, as well as a new construction centre for students considering getting a trade.

Our Dearne Valley campus is home to our animal care and land-based studies departments with a flurry of animals indoors and out. There’s also a state-of-the-art health suite, a motor vehicle workshop, esports gaming room, and our sports and protective service department with on-site gym and a dedicated football academy.

While over at North Notts, there are construction workshops for plumbing, joinery, bricklaying and welding, an EV motor vehicle centre, sports facilities, plus a fully-equipped early years and childcare setting with forest school activities, sensory and role play areas, and baby and pregnancy simulators.

Our next Open Events

Our next Open Events take place this month on the following days:

• Rotherham College – Saturday 15th November 9.30am-2pm
• North Notts College – Saturday 22nd November 9.30am-12pm
• Dearne Valley College – Saturday 22nd November 9.30am-12pm

Book your free place now and start your teen’s journey toward a bright future.