Ahead of the end of term, the college would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and inform you about a few items.
Key dates
Here are the key dates for your diary:
- College finishes for the Christmas break at 12pm on Friday 19 December 2025 – college buses will run from 12pm.
- Teaching begins again on Monday 5 January 2026 – timetables will run as normal.
Last Day College Bus Times
Powys - Celtic
Radbrook: 12:10
Abbey: 12:15
Frankwell: 12:30 (Please allow for traffic, if the bus is slightly delayed.)
Powys - Lakeside
12:10pm London Road Campus
12:15pm Abbey Foregate bus stop, English Bridge Campus
12:20pm Barker Street, Welsh Bridge Campus
Ludlow
12:15 Barker Street
12:25 Abbey Foregate
12:30 London Road
Oswestry
12:10pm London Road Campus
12:15pm Abbey Foregate bus stop, English Bridge Campus
12:20pm Barker Street, Welsh Bridge Campus
Madeley
12:10pm Barker Street, Welsh Bridge Campus
12:20pm Abbey Foregate bus stop, English Bridge Campus
12:30pm London Road Campus
Priorslee
12:10pm Barker Street, Welsh Bridge Campus
12:20pm Abbey Foregate bus stop, English Bridge Campus
12:30pm London Road Campus
Whitchurch
12:10pm Barker Street, Welsh Bridge Campus
12:20pm Abbey Foregate bus stop, English Bridge Campus
12:30pm London Road Campus
Communications over the festive break
If there are updates or changes in arrangements for students' return to college in January, we will communicate them via the MySC app. Please look out for updates.
Information will also be sent out in the following ways:
• College’s social media channels, please search for Shrews Col
• This website
• Parent information page on this website
Staying safe and healthy over the break
The college website has some excellent resources to help you stay safe and healthy over the break.
Student Assistance Programme (SAP), provided by Health Assured
You will have access to a 24/7 helpline staffed by BACP-accredited counsellors to help you with any concerns. This includes linking you up to local safeguarding and emergency services where immediate action is needed to keep yourself or a friend safe. You only need to call 0800 028 3766 to access this service.
Safeguarding
If you believe that you or the person you are enquiring about is suffering a genuine life-threatening emergency, you should call 999 or go to your nearest Accident and Emergency department.
If you are concerned that a child (under 18) in Shropshire is in danger of harm, contact the Emergency Duty Team on 0345 678 9040. A similar service operates in Telford and Wrekin on 01952 676500. Alternatively, you can seek advice or report a concern to the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000.
If a person over 18 is in danger due to mental health-related issues, the Mental Health Crisis Team can be contacted on 0300 124 0365 (covering the Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin areas).
Staying safe if you’re going out over Christmas
Here is some great guidance on staying safe if you plan to go out over the Christmas break.
We want you and your friends to enjoy Christmas and the New Year. We hope this information will help keep you all safe.
Here is some general advice for when you go out:
- Tell people where you are going, when you will arrive and when you will be coming back.
- Let people know when you have arrived.
- Stay with your friends and people you can trust.
- Watch out for your friends to make sure they are safe.
- Make sure your phone and Bluetooth are on so you can be located in an emergency.
- Always use a trusted taxi company instead of hailing one, and ensure the details match the one you get into.
- Budget for Christmas. Spending too much can be a real financial burden. Be wary of competitions, ‘deals’, and fake products.
- Don’t leave drinks unattended. Learn your limits.
- ‘Talk to Frank’ for information and advice on drugs and alcohol which may be affecting you or others 0300 123 6600
- Report crime anonymously on 101 or www.fearless.org. If you find yourself in immediate danger, call 999.
Ask for Angela
If you’re out this festive season and someone makes you uncomfortable, ask for “Angela”.
Bar and restaurant staff will recognise that you need assistance in leaving and will call you a taxi or help you leave discreetly – without fuss.
Warm Welcome locations
Shropshire Council is running several ‘warm welcome’ locations over the Christmas break.
Details of the locations are here.
Staying healthy
Here are some tips to stay healthy during the festive break:
- Make the most of the festive break to get some downtime, relax, and sleep. Don’t make plans for every day—it’s okay to do nothing some days!
- You don’t need to be ‘stuck’ in the house – take walks, exercise, but also find the time to rest
- If you feel low and have negative feelings, remember they will pass—but there’s always someone to talk to. Call the Samaritans on 116 123 or the Student Assistance Programme on 0800 028 3766.
- Please remember to protect yourself from STIs and unwanted pregnancy by using a condom.
OpenClinic provide a range of NHS free and confidential services, including:
- C-Card (free condoms and lube)
- Contraception
- Emergency Contraception
Find clinic locations and opening times, as well as more information on the services above at www.openclinic.org.uk or call the team on 0808 178 0955 (or 0300 404 2996 for services in Shropshire
End of term thanks
It has been a busy yet fulfilling few months at our college. I am very proud of your dedication.
The Christmas break is a chance to relax, recharge, and reconnect with friends and family. For those with exams or coursework deadlines in the New Year, I encourage you to balance your preparation with well-deserved rest.
Please also keep in mind that this time of year can be challenging for some. Be kind to yourselves and each other, and remember that if you or someone you know needs support, you are not alone.
Balancing studies, personal goals, and life outside college is not always easy, and your resilience and determination are commendable. Remember, it's vital to take pride in your progress, regardless of its size, and to celebrate the effort you put into your growth.
I wish you all a wonderful, peaceful, joyful Christmas and a Happy New Year. I look forward to welcoming you back in January, ready to embrace the opportunities of the new term.
With best wishes,
James Staniforth
Principal, Shrewsbury College