At EKC Sheppey College, our dedicated team of support staff are here to empower and assist students on a daily basis.
Student Progression Mentors play a crucial role in supporting students’ personal development and academic success. Their responsibilities include monitoring student progress and attendance, providing guidance and working with parents to ensure students get the help they need.
We sat down with Amelia, Jade, Lindsey and Nadine, our Student Progression Mentors, so that you know who to go to if you need support in College.
Amelia Miles:
How long have you worked at the College?
I have worked at Sheppey College since June 2024.
What do you do in your day-to-day role?
My day to day work includes helping students with their mental health and wellbeing. I also encourage them to go to lessons if they are feeling anxious and help with any safeguarding concerns.
How do you support students?
I support my students by being there for them, giving them a trusted person to talk to. I contact external agencies if they need further help and refer them to our college counsellor. I join in classes that I mentor and go on trips with the students too, which is really fun.
What’s your favourite part of the role?
My favourite part of the job is when you see a student who has been struggling, start to become themselves again. Seeing them smile after a tough time is the best feeling.
What’s your one piece of advice for students?
One piece of advice from me would be, don’t stress if you don’t know what you want to do career wise but make sure you get important qualifications (especially Maths and English). Life can change in an instant, and you will find your passion. I’d also say just smile more, even if you don’t feel like it as this can boost your mood.
Finally, a fun fact about yourself:
I studied Musical Theatre at College and I have performed at the Royal Albert Hall. Nowadays I have two kids and enjoy painting in the evenings.
Jade Compton:
How long have you worked at the College?
I have worked at Sheppey college since June 2025.
What do you do in your day-to-day role?
My role involves protecting students’ health and wellbeing. I ensure that students are kept safe from harm, abuse, neglect or exploitation both inside and outside of College.
How do you support students?
My goal is to create a safe learning environment and to take action if concerns arise. I am one of the main points of contact for safeguarding issues. I also liaise with external agencies such as the police and social services if needed.
What’s your favourite part of the role?
My favourite part of the job role is supporting the needs of others. I get a great sense of purpose from helping others overcome complications in education and life.
What’s your one piece of advice for students?
Don’t let the worries of tomorrow take away the peace you have today. I like to remind students that often in education we are overcoming stepping stones in order to reach our life goals.
Take one step at a time and take each step slow and steady. We learn and grow and figure life out as we go, and no-one has all the answers at once. You find that each step we take in life brings us closer to happiness and success.
Finally, a fun fact about yourself:
My favourite thing to do with my friends is karaoke.
Lindsey Black:
How long have you worked at the College?
I’ve been part of the EKC Sheppey College community since March 2021, starting as a temporary covid tester and returning later that year as a Student Progression Mentor.
What do you do in your day-to-day role?
I provide social, emotional, and mental health support to students while ensuring their safety and wellbeing through safeguarding.
How do you support students?
I work closely with teaching staff to advocate for students, arrange tailored support to help them succeed, and offer a listening ear whenever they need reassurance.
What’s your favourite part of the role?
Being part of a community-focused college and helping learners achieve their goals is incredibly rewarding—watching our students grow and thrive from start to finish is the best part of my role.
What’s your one piece of advice for students?
Always be kind—to yourself and to others. It’s the foundation for growth and success.
Finally, a fun fact about yourself:
Once upon a time in my beauty therapist era, I ended up waxing celebrity legs.
Nadine Havill:
How long have you worked at the College?
I’ve been at EKC Sheppey College for almost two years now, but I’ve worked in education for around seven years.
What do you do in your day-to-day role?
No two days are ever quite the same. I spend a lot of time talking with students and supporting them with any concerns they may have. I also work closely with parents to make sure the right support is in place to help our students succeed.
How do you support students?
Alongside day-to-day conversations and wellbeing support, I’ve helped students get involved in the wider community — including volunteering with local charities. Whether it’s offering guidance, a listening ear, or simply trying to make them smile, my main goal is always to help them feel heard and supported.
What’s your favourite part of the role?
Definitely getting to know the students. I love when they feel comfortable enough to open up and let me help them through whatever they’re facing. It’s such a privilege to be part of their journey.
What’s your one piece of advice for students?
Don’t let anxiety or social media tell your story. You get to write the real one. Choose peace, not pressure, and remember your worth isn’t measured in likes.
Finally, a fun fact about yourself:
I love music and can often be found singing (badly but enthusiastically) around campus.
A big thank you to Nadine, Lindsey, Amelia, and Jade for sharing their insights.
If you ever need support at College, don’t hesitate to reach out, as our teams are here to help you thrive and succeed.
Find out more about the help and support available at College.
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