• How can I improve my study habits? Discover effective study strategies tailored to different learning styles by accessing our Live Online Skills and Behaviours Development Sessions here.

• Where can I find resources on managing stress and anxiety? Managing your mental health is essential. Explore a range of resources on our Wellbeing Resources page, from mindfulness exercises to professional support services.

• I'm feeling anxious about my exam. What can I do? First of all, this is completely natural. Rest assured, you won’t be the only one feeling this way. Talk to your tutor or talent coach (if you’re an apprentice), or for technical support, please get in touch with our Academic Support team through the ‘contact a tutor’ function on MyKaplan. 

• I'm struggling to balance my studies and work.  How can Kaplan Help? We recommend that you speak to your talent coach (if you’re an apprentice), tutor, or a staff member with whom you feel comfortable.

• I'm feeling worried about my studies. How can Kaplan Help? There are several ways in which we can support you:

  • For help with your academic studies, please get in touch with your tutor or a member of our academic support team

  • For help with your well-being, please speak to your talent coach (if you’re an apprentice), your tutor, or any staff member with whom you feel comfortable and your employer. Alternatively, if you are really concerned, please get in touch with our Safeguarding team at safeguarding@kaplan.co.uk

Most people feel stressed sometimes, and some find stress helpful or motivating. But if persistent anxiety or stress is affecting your life, there are things you can try that may help.

• • Your GP. Either via the phone or online, you can book an appointment with a General Health Practitioner at any time.

  • Referring yourself for therapy. You can get free talking therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) on the NHS if you need more support.

  • You can find an NHS talking therapies service.

  • If you need help urgently, but it's not an emergency, contact 111, who can tell you where to get help if you need to see someone. Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111.

If you or someone you know needs immediate help, Call 999 or go to A&E now. A mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as a medical emergency. Find your nearest A&E

What does it mean to be neurodivergent, and how can it affect my learning? Being neurodivergent means that an individual's brain functions, learns, and processes information differently from what is typically expected. This term encompasses a variety of conditions, including ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and more. Neurodivergence is a reflection of the natural diversity of the human brain, with each condition bringing its own unique set of strengths and challenges.

For neurodivergent learners, these differences can significantly impact their educational experiences. They may excel in certain areas while facing obstacles in others, requiring tailored support and strategies to fully access their learning potential. For example, a student with dyslexia might struggle with traditional reading and writing tasks but excel in creative problem-solving and big-picture thinking.

Embracing neurodiversity in educational settings means recognizing and valuing these differences, providing adaptive learning methods, and offering the appropriate accommodations. This approach ensures that neurodivergent learners are not just supported but celebrated for their unique perspectives, contributing to a richer, more inclusive learning environment.

Gain insights into neurodivergence and find support here.

If you suspect that you might be neurodivergent, acknowledging this feeling is a significant first step towards understanding yourself and how you interact with the world. Here's some  guidance on what to do next:

• Research and Self-Reflection: Begin by learning about different neurodivergent conditions. Websites, forums, and books can offer insights into how neurodivergence manifests and help you identify with particular experiences or traits.

• Embrace Your Strengths: Neurodivergence comes with its own set of strengths. Whether it's creative problem-solving, unique perspectives, or specialized interests, recognizing and leveraging these strengths can lead to personal and professional success.

If you are unsure where to start your research, a good starting point is the ALN page, which you can access here.  There, you'll find information about different types of neurodivergence and links to support groups and specialists. 

If you feel you need guidance, support or advice with neurodivergence, then please contact our inclusion team for specific support at als@kaplan.co.uk 

We can help you if you have specific learning difficulties, such as dyslexia, autism and Asperger’s. We’ll work with you to find out the best way to support your learning. This might include:

• 1:1 study support

• Specially adapted materials (e.g. often printing on yellow paper works for learners with Dyslexia)

• Specialist tuition support, e.g. language skills or numeracy skills

• Providing a specific point of contact to seek guidance

• Assistance with planning and managing your studies

• Providing access to a reader, scribe, extra time with actual examinations

• Providing a lesson plan, notes or handouts to the learner before the session to look over.

We can also provide extra learning support if you have other medical conditions, including any mental health issues. These may be short-term adjustments, or more permanent. Just let us know what you need. We can help by:

• Providing access to session notes and live online recordings when sessions are missed

• Allowing you to record a lecture

• 1:1 tutor support

• Work with you to adjust your programme if you need more time or a gentler pace of study.

• Access to a fridge for any medication

• Providing additional time for exams and with supervised rest breaks.

You can learn more at our Accessibility page or by contacting the ALS team at als@kaplan.co.uk 

Your exams are like your driving test; there is always more you can do and more practice that you could have, but at some point, you have to take the test.  It can help to see your exam as fixed and do your best to do as much as possible by that time.  

Exam technique is key, you don't have to get everything right, speak to your tutor if you need some guidance on what areas you should focus on in your exam preparation.

By deferring your exam, you are keeping those exams hanging over your head for a longer period of time.  Sometimes you will feel better for getting them out of the way.  Remember, while you want to do your best, you only need 50/55% to pass.

An important aspect of college days is building relationships and a support network with your cohort. The intention when you all started together was to take the apprenticeship journey together. By deferring your exams, you will lose the opportunities in college to strengthen your relationships with your peers, many of whom will have become your friends.

If you defer, you do not get to attend another Kaplan course. You will pick up where you left off. If you deferred just before your exam but after completing the Exam Prep course, then you will not have any more opportunities to attend college and have access to a tutor (unless you decide to pay for an open market course out of your own pocket). 

If you defer, you do not get to attend another Kaplan course. You will pick up where you left off. If you deferred just before your exam but after completing the Exam Prep course, then you will not have any more opportunities to attend college and have access to a tutor (unless you decide to pay for an open market course out of your own pocket). 

Before you decide to defer, try to identify the trigger that makes you think about deferring. If you don't feel ready now, you never will unless you can identify and address the issues making you want to defer. When you signed up for the course, you had every intention of completing it, so think about what has changed.

It may be that you have a medical or personal issue that requires time to resolve.

But if it is to do with study technique and feeling like you just need more time,  then please reach out to your tutor and PQ and we can support you in thinking about the best way to help you achieve success.