1. Admissions Policy
Purpose
This policy outlines the principles and procedures for admitting learners to London City College programmes, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance with OTHM and Ofqual requirements.
Policy Statement
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- Entry requirements vary by programme but generally include:
o Relevant Level 3 qualification or equivalent.
o GCE Advanced Level in 2 subjects or equivalent.
o Mature learners (21+) with relevant work experience may also be considered.
- All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency if English is not their first language.
- Admissions decisions will be based on academic qualifications, work experience, and/or interview performance.
Procedures
- Applicants submit a completed application form and required documents.
- The admissions team reviews applications against entry criteria.
- Conditional or unconditional offers are issued in writing.
- Records of all admissions decisions will be securely stored.
2. Complaints and Appeals Procedure
Purpose
To provide learners with a clear process for raising complaints or appealing academic decisions.
Complaints Process
- Complaints must be submitted in writing within 10 working days of the issue.
- The Student Services team will acknowledge receipt within 5 working days.
- An investigation will be carried out, and a written response provided within 20 working days.
- If unresolved, the complaint may be escalated to the Academic Director.
Appeals Process
- Learners may appeal an academic decision (e.g., assessment outcome) within 15 working days.
- Appeals must include supporting evidence.
- Appeals will be reviewed by an Appeals Panel consisting of senior academic staff not involved in the original decision.
- Decisions of the Appeals Panel are final.
3. Assessment Policy & Criteria
Purpose
To ensure assessment is fair, valid, reliable, and aligned with OTHM standards.
Policy Statement
- Assessments will measure learners’ achievement of learning outcomes and assessment criteria.
- Assessment methods include coursework, projects, presentations, and portfolios.
- Assessment is criterion-referenced (pass/fail), in line with OTHM specifications.
- Learners will receive clear assignment briefs and marking criteria.
Procedures
- Tutors/assessors provide formative and summative feedback.
- Assessments are internally verified before submission to OTHM.
- Learner progress will be tracked and securely recorded.
4. Academic Integrity Policy
Purpose
To promote honesty, integrity, and ethical academic practices.
Policy Statement
- London City College does not tolerate plagiarism, collusion, or any form of academic misconduct.
- Learners must acknowledge all sources using appropriate referencing styles.
- Work must be original and produced independently, unless group work is specified.
Procedures & Consequences
- Suspected cases will be investigated by the Academic Integrity Panel.
- Penalties for misconduct may include:
o Re-submission of work.
o Failing the unit.
o Dismissal from the programme (in severe cases).
5. Internal Quality Assurance and Verification Policy
Purpose
To maintain the integrity and consistency of assessment decisions.
Policy Statement
- All assessments are internally verified before external submission.
- Verification ensures that assessment is fair, valid, consistent, and meets OTHM standards.
Procedures
- An Internal Verifier (IV) samples learner work and assessor feedback.
- Regular standardisation meetings are held to align assessment practices.
- Assessment records are securely stored for auditing purposes.
- Reports from OTHM External Quality Assurers (EQA) are reviewed and acted upon.
6. Equality and Diversity Policy
Purpose
To ensure all learners and staff are treated fairly and with respect, in line with the Equality Act 2010.
Policy Statement
- London City College is committed to promoting equality of opportunity regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or belief.
- Discrimination, harassment, or victimisation will not be tolerated.
Procedures
- Staff will receive training on equality and diversity.
- Reasonable adjustments will be made for learners with additional needs.
- Complaints of discrimination will be investigated under the Complaints Procedure.