Students at Wiltshire College & University Centre are benefiting from a more personalised tutorial experience this January, with lecturers playing a central role in supporting their wider development.
The approach sits at the heart of the College’s Wiltshire Advantage, which focuses on developing skills, confidence and personal attributes alongside academic qualifications.
Under the revised model, introduced at the start of the academic year, weekly tutorials for 16–19-year-olds are largely delivered by curriculum staff. This allows lecturers to build stronger relationships with students and tailor discussions to their individual courses and aspirations.
Tutorials encourage students to reflect on their future goals and develop wider skills such as communication, problem solving and leadership, helping to prepare them for progression beyond college.
Kirk Purnell, Director of Teaching, Learning and Assessment, said, “Moving tutorials closer to the classroom has been a really important step. When lecturers deliver tutorials, they know their students well and can personalise support in a meaningful way.”
He added, “The Wiltshire Advantage gives us a clear framework to develop confidence and wider skills alongside academic learning, helping students feel supported and prepared for what comes next.”
Early feedback suggests the new approach is having a positive impact. In a recent survey of nearly 3,000 learners, 94% said they have had a great experience on their course so far, while more than 95% said they feel welcomed and respected at the college.
More than nine in ten students also said they felt mostly or fully prepared for their studies following their first weeks at college, reinforcing the value of consistent tutorial support and strong relationships with teaching staff.
The Wiltshire Advantage also builds on existing work with employers, including skills scans and engagement activities that identify the wider attributes valued in the workplace. The College plans to strengthen these links further to ensure students develop skills aligned with industry expectations.
With lecturers at the centre of tutorial support, the Wiltshire Advantage is helping students feel more confident, more prepared and more supported throughout their time at Wiltshire College & University Centre.
For more information, visit wiltshire.ac.uk.
