Apply Online
2. Create an account
Register or sign-in if you have previously created an account.
3. Apply
Complete the application form.
Application Process
Step-by-step: choosing the right course, applying and enrolling.
Step 1
Choose Your Learning Style
We believe strongly in helping every student to identify their preferred way of learning. Use the following information to find the type of course that suits you best.
Vocational?
- I prefer coursework to exams and enjoy working on projects.
- I have a specific career in mind.
- I want the opportunity for work experience.
This route will give you the career specific skills and qualifications that enable you to have the choice of university or moving on to your chosen career.
Apprenticeship?
- I know what career I want and I would like to start working now.
- I want both the student experience and work experience.
- I want to start earning money.
An Apprenticeship may be the right choice for you. You will work at a local company for several days a week and also attend college.
Step 2
Choose Your Level
Our courses are normally divided up into levels and range from level 1 to level 3. As a school leaver, you will normally start at Level 3, however we provide courses from Entry Level.
Level
Level 3
Qualifications
- Advanced Apprenticeship
- City & Guilds
- Diploma
- BTEC
- Diploma
- Subsidiary Diploma
- Extended Diploma
- NVQ
- T-Level
Entry Requirements
- At least four GCSEs at grade C/4 or above or BTEC Level 2 Diploma;
- suitable references;
- successful interview.
Progression
- Employment
- Higher Education
Level
Level 2
Qualifications
- Intermediate Apprenticeship
- City & Guilds
- Certificate
- Diploma
- BTEC
- Certificate
- Diploma
- NVQ
Entry Requirements
- At least two GCSEs at grade D/3 or above or level 1 vocational qualification;
- suitable references;
- successful interview.
Progression
- Advanced Apprenticeship
- Employment
- Level 3 Qualification
Level
Level 1
Qualifications
- BTEC
- Award
- Certificate
- Diploma
- City & Guilds
- Certificate
- Diploma
- NVQ
Entry Requirements
- At least two GCSEs at grade E/2 or above or an entry level qualification at the required grade;
- suitable references;
- successful College.
Progression
- Employment
- Intermediate Apprenticeship
- Level 2 Qualification
Level
Entry Level
Qualifications
- Award
- Certificate (ELC)
- Diploma
- English for speakers of other languages (ESOL)
- Essential Skills
- Functional Skills
- Skills for Life
Entry Requirements
- No formal qualifications required;
- completion of a maths and English assessment;
- suitable references.
Progression
- Employment
- Level 1 Qualification
- Level 2 Qualification
- Training Programmes
Step 3
Choose Your Course & Apply
We offer an excellent range of academic and vocational courses for school leavers.
Choose Your Course
To find a course you’re interested in, check out our courses page.
Apply For Your Chosen Course
To apply for a course first register, then add course(s) you’re interested in to your ‘course bag’ by visiting the course page(s) and clicking the ‘apply’ button.
Questions? Unsure?
Contact us we will arrange a general guidance interview to help you make your decision.
Step 4
Attend an Interview
Once we have received your completed application form, we will invite you for an interview so that you can talk to a tutor from the subject area(s) you are interested in.
The Interview
The interview is a great opportunity for you to find out more about the course, the support services and facilities we offer and get a better feel for College life. After that, you may be offered a place on a course via email or given advice on alternative options. The email will detail the course subject and level you have been offered a conditional place on and advise you how to accept your offer.
What if I change my mind?
If during or after the interview you decide that the course you’ve applied for isn’t right for you, don’t despair! You can go back to the Student Information Centre for further discussions and they will arrange another interview for you.
Step 5
Accept Your Place and Enrol
At the end of your interview the course tutor will offer you a place on the course that is right for you. You can then accept your place on the course there and then or accept at a later date.
Await Your Exam Results
Once you have accepted your place you will need to wait for your exam results to be released and then providing you have achieved the grades that you need you can then enrol.
Better or worse results than you were expecting? Don’t worry. We will find you a place on an alternative course. We might need to adjust the level of study, in which case we will work with you to do this.
Your First Day
Enrolment takes place during late August and September. You will be contacted by our admissions team before the end of July informing you when you will need to come in.
On your first day head to reception and remember to bring the following:
- confirmation (and a photocopy) of your examination results sheet or qualifications;
- proof of identity (which could be one of the following: Passport, Birth Certificate, Driving Licence, National Insurance Number or Credit/Debit Card);
- confirmation of your application for the Advanced Learning Loan (if applicable);
- a completed Student Health Form (found in your joining instructions);
- any applicable fees (including enrichment fees).