Student Behaviour Policy

Policy Statement

At New College Group (NCG) we believe that students, staff members, homestay hosts, accommodation providers, contractors, visitors, and members of the wider community all have the right to be treated with dignity and respect. The same standard of behaviour is encouraged and expected towards private and public property and the environment.

This policy aims to ensure that all students make the most of their time at NCG and that the College remains a happy, safe, and thriving community. It seeks to achieve this by:

• Promoting good behaviour inside the College and towards members of the wider community;
• Setting out principles, guidelines, and sanctions that enable order, discipline, and a positive atmosphere to be maintained.

Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to all students enrolled on a course at NCG, regardless of age, gender, nationality, or other personal circumstances.

The provisions of this policy apply at all times on College premises. They also apply, where appropriate, when students are away from College premises, either on social trips with other students or individually, where their behaviour affects the College community.

Students are expected to adhere to this policy in their interactions with:

• Fellow studentss
• Teachers and other staff members;
• Homestay hosts and their families, friends, and visitors;
• Accommodation providers and their staff;
• Contractors who work for NCG;
• Visitors on College premises;
• Members of the broader local community.

Definitions

• Behaviour: The way in which a person acts or conducts themselves, especially towards others.
• Good Behaviour: Polite conduct that conforms to the guidelines set out in this policy and to the principles and rules provided by current law.
• Misconduct / Poor Behaviour: Improper or impolite behaviour that does not conform to the guidelines in this policy.
• Bullying and Harassment: See the College’s Anti-Bullying and Harassment Policy.
• Discipline: The practice of training people to follow rules or codes of behaviour, using appropriate incentives and corrective measures for non-compliance.

General Principles

NCG encourages all students to:

• Behave in a courteous and respectful manner;
• Speak politely and treat public and private property, other people’s belongings, and the environment with care and respect;
• Respect cultural, racial, religious, or other differences;
• Avoid harassment, bullying, or violence under any circumstances;
• Cooperate fully with any disciplinary process if necessary.

Guidelines on Expected Student Behaviour

Students are expected to:

• Behave respectfully towards others, acknowledging that views and opinions may differ;
• Refrain from offensive language, including rude or derogatory remarks;
• Avoid bullying or harassing others;
• Refrain from any form of violence;
• Attend all scheduled classes and arrive on time;
• Use mobile phones and other electronic devices only as part of approved learning methods;
• Communicate in English during class, while respecting other students’ learning;
•  Complete all assigned homework;
• Listen attentively in class and avoid interrupting others;
• Demonstrate polite behaviour, including using “please” and “thank you” where appropriate;
• Smoke/vape only in designated areas;
• Never bring or consume alcohol on College premises;
• Take care of furniture, equipment, and other College property;
• Treat others’ property and the environment with respect;
• Dispose of rubbish appropriately, whether in the College or the street.

Online Behaviour

Students are expected to:

• Use the internet, social media, and electronic communications responsibly;
• Avoid posting content that is offensive, harassing, discriminatory, or threatening;
• Never share sexual images or private content without consent;
• Refrain from cyberbullying or behaviour that could harm the College community’s reputation;
• Understand that online misconduct, whether on College platforms or personal devices, may result in disciplinary action.

Sanctions

NCG reserves the right to refuse admission or dismiss a student from the College or accommodation, without refund of tuition fees, in cases of misconduct or unsatisfactory attendance. Students are expected to adhere to all guidelines in this and other College policies.

When a student is required to leave the College for misconduct or poor attendance:

• Tuition fees will not be refunded;
• Accommodation will not be permitted;
• Students will be required to pay for any damage caused to College property, accommodation, or property of others.

Grounds for Dismissal or Refusal of Admission

Grounds include, but are not limited to:

• Abusive, violent, threatening, or harassing behaviour, including sexual harassment or sexual assault;
• Racism, homophobia, sexism, religious intolerance, or other discrimination;
• Theft;
• Vandalism or damage to property, including personal belongings;
• Use of illegal drugs or alcohol, smoking/vaping on College premises or accommodation, or attending College under the influence;
• Repeated unauthorised absence or lateness;
• Repeated or serious breaches of College or accommodation rules.

NCG treats all forms of misconduct seriously and will take prompt disciplinary action where necessary. Students are expected to cooperate fully with investigations and disciplinary processes.

Use of Reasonable Force

Reasonable force may be used in line with DfE guidance Use of Reasonable Force (July 2013), only when immediately necessary and for the minimum time required to prevent a student from:

• Committing a criminal offence;
• Injuring themselves or others;
• Causing damage to property, including their own;
• Engaging in behaviour that poses a serious risk to safety or seriously disrupts good order and discipline.

Sexual Misconduct and Harassment

NCG has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, or any behaviour of a sexual nature that makes others feel unsafe, intimidated, or uncomfortable. This includes:

• Sexual assault, unwanted sexual contact, or coercion;
• Sexual harassment, including verbal, non-verbal, or online behaviour;
• Sharing sexual images or content without consent;
• Any behaviour of a sexual nature that violates College rules or the law.

Students found to have engaged in sexual misconduct or harassment may face immediate disciplinary action, including dismissal from the College or accommodation, regardless of whether the behaviour occurs on campus, online, or off-site if it affects the College community.

All students are expected to report incidents, and the College will investigate reports thoroughly and confidentially, in accordance with legal obligations.

Disciplinary Action

1. Initial Concern: A staff member will speak with the student, issuing a verbal warning. A note will be made in the student’s file.

2. Written Warning: If behaviour continues, a written warning will be issued by the Principal, Centre Manager, Director of Studies, or Student Support Manager. For sponsored students, the relevant body will be informed. For students under 18, parents/legal guardians will also be informed. A meeting will be held to agree on a plan for improvement.

3. Final Action: If conduct does not improve as agreed, the student may be asked to leave the College (tuition fees will not be refunded). In serious cases, the student may be expelled immediately, and the police may be contacted if a criminal act occurs.

Appeals Process

Students may appeal disciplinary decisions by submitting a written appeal to the Commercial Director within 10 working days of the decision. The Commercial Director will review the case and provide a final decision.

Reporting Misconduct or Poor Behaviour

Students who believe they have been subjected to poor behaviour should follow the College Complaints Procedure.

If a student makes a false or malicious accusation against another student or staff member, the Principal or Centre Manager may initiate disciplinary action in accordance with this policy.