Information for School Leavers

Application Process - full time

The College does not have a closing date for applications but the majority of forms are received between December and April (for students wishing to start at college in September). If you are in Year 11 at school it's usually a good idea to wait until you have your predicted GCSE grades or mock examination results before you apply. Predicted grades can help to identify what might be the right level of course to apply for.

We are a popular college offering a wide range of courses, some of which have a limit on the number of students they are able to take. For this reason you should make your application as early as you can.

How to Apply for a Full Time Course

Step 1: The Application Form

Complete and return The College application form found inside this guide. It is perfectly acceptable to apply for more than one course but, if you are not sure what you want to do at The College, then we advise you to come in for a preliminary interview. If you need another application form ask your Careers Teacher/ Connexions Adviser or call The College helpline on 01202 205205.

Step 2: Acknowledgement of Application

You will receive a letter from our Central Admissions Unit acknowledging receipt of your form within 5 working days.

Step 3: Interview and Acceptance

Central Admissions will inform you by post of your interview date. If you have applied for more than one course you may be asked to attend more than one interview. At your interview you will have the opportunity to find out more about the course you have applied for. If you have a Record of Achievement you should bring this with you to the interview - you will find it provides a very useful basis for discussion.

Normally at interview you will have the chance to visit College facilities and to discuss any personal support needs. If you have a disability or any kind of learning difficulty it is important that you make your needs known. Don’t forget that the interview is an opportunity for YOU to ask YOUR questions. Make sure that you go away from the interview fully informed about the course and what to expect when you are a student at The College.

Step 4: Enrolment

Towards the end of July each applicant will receive a pack of information from the Central Admissions Unit. This ‘pack’ will give you the date and time when you should come to The College to enrol on your course. Enrolment days are always held after the publication of GCSE results so that you know whether you have met the entry requirements for the course. Should your examination results be better or lower than those required for your chosen course, College guidance staff will be available to discuss other options with you. This service, which we call ‘HELPWEEK, will run after the GCSE results are available. Late applicants are also welcome to visit us during ‘HELPWEEK’. Dates and times for ‘HELPWEEK’ can be obtained from The College helpline on 01202 205205.

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