Learner Charter

Issue	June 2026
Review Date	June 2029
Originator	Marcus Westmoreland, Head of Learner Experience
Approved	Senior Leadership Team – 18.06.2026
Version	3.1
Category	Public

Introduction and Scope

The Gower College Swansea Learner Charter sets out the expectations to which all learners of the College are expected to follow and adhere too. In return, the College will aspire to provide the highest quality of education, experiences, training, wellbeing, support and opportunities. The Charter is, therefore, a shared commitment between learners and the college, where both work together to create the conditions for success.

Key Definitions

Gower College Swansea – The College

Learners – All full-time, part-time, apprenticeships, higher education, or employability clients.

The Charter

Gower College Swansea believes that education changes lives, so we put teaching, learning and support of our students first.

Gower College Swansea recognises three learner core values which underpin the charter:

Be Respectful
Be Ready
Be Safe

Being Respectful

Respect is about how we treat each other, and how we create a culture where everyone feels valued, included and able to be themselves.

Learners are expected to:

Behave in a respectful, inclusive and considerate manner towards all members of the college and local community, treating others as you would expect to be treated.
Not take part in any form of bullying, harassment or intimidation, appreciating and valuing the College’s diverse community.
Recognise and respect personal boundaries, including understanding appropriate behaviour and consent
Participate in supported restorative conversations to support positive friendships and relationships when appropriate by reflecting on your own actions considering how they affect others and listening to other perspectives calmly and kindly.
Not break, damage or deface college property, facilities and resources.
Behave appropriately and considerately in communal college areas by using respectful language, keeping shared spaces clean, managing noise levels, and being aware of others around you.
Tidy up any materials or litter you may have created during learning or social activities using the appropriate recycling containers where relevant.
Not smoke or vape on college premises or on any college related transport (except in any designated areas if they apply).
Uphold the Learner Charter outside college and be positive ambassadors for the college with our campus neighbours and in your community.
Ensure all clothing worn in college activities does not offend any member of the college community.
Follow all college policies and procedures (Available on the college website and learner portals).

Being Ready

Learners are expected to:

Attend all classes, exams, appointments, work experience / placements sessions and learning commitments punctually; report and account for any absence or lateness.
Be prepared for all learning experiences by having the relevant resources and/or equipment and wearing appropriate clothing for the activities you are undertaking.
Complete all the work set by college staff to the agreed deadlines, and to the best of your ability.
Tell us promptly about any additional help you may require, or any changes to your physical or mental health status, so we can provide the best support for you.
Show commitment, professionalism and responsibility for achieving success and progress through your learning programme.

Being Safe

Feeling safe includes both physical safety and emotional wellbeing.

Learners are expected to:

Know how and where to report concerns or incidents and to report promptly any forms of violence, harassment, bullying, intimidation, or abuse directed at yourself or other members of college community.
Seek support when you feel unsafe or need help.
Adhere to all points of any safety plan or risk assessment put in place to support you or others to keep the college safe and promote positive wellbeing.
Always displaying your college identification, whilst on college premises.
Not to gamble on college property.
Abide by all college health and safety policies and following safe working procedures as directed by college or work-related staff.
Inform the college at the start of your course/placement of any Additional Learning Need (ALN) or physical, medical or emotional need that may require additional support.
Use the college IT systems appropriately and in line with our IT Acceptable Use Policy.
Inform the college of any changes to your personal details.
Never bring, use, or sell illegal drugs/substances, dangerous weapons or alcohol on college premises or work placement or be under the influence of drugs and alcohol whilst in college or on work placement.

The Charter is part of everyday college life. It will be reinforced through tutorials, learner voice activity, digital platforms and day-to-day interactions to ensure it is understood, visible and consistently applied.

The College’s Commitment

In return for the learner’s commitment the three values of Respectful, Ready and Safe, the college commits to you:

To cultivate a secure, encouraging, and inclusive setting that embraces diversity.
To provide you with accurate details about your selected course and place you in a study programme most appropriate to your unique requirements.
To recognise your individual learning needs (such as Additional Learning Needs, Welsh Language provision) and offer appropriate support to facilitate a smooth transition into college life.
To collaboratively set meaningful and challenging targets that support your journey toward realising your full potential.
To establish positive working relationships with you, grounded in mutual respect.
To communicate clearly and promptly on matters that affect your day-to-day experiences as a college learner.
To provide the highest level of teaching, learning, and assessment to engage and motivate you and ensure learning resources and equipment are available and working.
To deliver impartial information, advice, and guidance regarding career and personal aspirations.
To supply comprehensive and high-quality support services to eliminate learning obstacles and foster positive attitudes and skills.
To attentively listen to your perspectives and take proactive measures to enhance your college experience.
To offer a diverse array of opportunities to enhance your employability skills, explore interests, and pursue ambitions.
To collaborate with parents, guardians, carers and employers in order to maximise your experiences and achievements as a learner.

What happens if a learner breaches the Learner Charter?

Breaches of the Charter may potentially lead to corrective action being taken with the learner in line with the stipulations of the Student Disciplinary Procedure.

The Welsh Language

Mae Coleg Gŵyr Abertawe yn ymrwymedig i hyrwyddo’r iaith Gymraeg, yn unol â Safonau’r Iaith Gymraeg a Mesur y Gymraeg (Cymru) 2011.

Gower College Swansea is committed to the promotion of the Welsh language, in accordance with the Welsh Language Standards and the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011.