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Learning Support at Edinburgh College

Learning Support at Edinburgh College
Helping you thrive in your studies

At Edinburgh College, we want every student to have the same opportunity to succeed. Our Learning Support Team works with anyone who has (or thinks they may have) an additional support need or disability, to make sure your learning experience is accessible, supportive, and empowering.

We support a wide range of needs, including:

  • Specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, ADHD or ADD

  • Autism spectrum conditions (ASC)

  • Mental health difficulties such as anxiety or depression

  • Physical or sensory impairments, including visual or hearing loss

  • Long-term health conditions or mobility issues

If you’re not sure whether something counts as a support need, that’s absolutely fine — we can help you figure it out.

Why it matters

Every student learns differently. Whether you need practical adjustments, new strategies, or simply someone to talk to, we’re here to help you get the most out of your time at Edinburgh College. Learning support is not just about removing obstacles-  it’s about giving you the tools, confidence, and understanding to achieve your goals.

What we do

Evidence and assessments
We’ll guide you through the process of gathering or providing evidence so that reasonable adjustments can be arranged for your learning and assessments. If you don’t yet have formal evidence, we can offer screening for Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs) such as dyslexia, and can support you with a diagnostic assessment if needed (not a formal diagnosis).

Higher Education (HE) support
If you’re studying on an HN or degree-level course, we can help you apply for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) through SAAS. This can fund things like specialist equipment, assistive software, or human support such as study skills tutors or mentors.

Your Learning Support Adviser (LSA)
When you meet with us, you’ll be matched with an LSA who will be your main point of contact throughout your course. Together, you’ll look at your learning needs and agree on any reasonable adjustments, which are shared confidentially with your lecturers and other relevant staff through your Personal Learning Support Plan (PLSP).

Extra support
Depending on your needs, we can arrange:

  • One-to-one learning or wellbeing support

  • Study skills or mentoring sessions

  • Assistive technology or software (for example, text-to-speech or mind mapping tools)

  • Alternative Assessment Arrangements (AAAs), such as extra time or use of a reader/scribe

Our goal is not just to remove barriers, but to help you build confidence, independence and strategies that work for you, both at college and beyond.

Contact us

If you haven’t spoken to us yet, please complete the Learning Support referral form here: Learning Support Referral 25/26 and a member of the team will get back to you.

You can also email us at learning.support@edinburghcollege.ac.uk.

If you already have an LSA, feel free to contact them directly their details will be on your PLSP or in your college email.

Using a bilingual dictionary

If English isn’t your first language, you may be allowed to use a paper bilingual dictionary (English/first language) in assessments or exams (except for English, ESOL, or any assessment in your first language).

Please note:

  • You must bring your own dictionary.

  • It must be a word-for-word translation only (no explanations or definitions).

  • You may also be given extra time if using a bilingual dictionary.

You don’t need to go through Learning Support for this- just speak directly to your lecturer before your assessment or exam.