Applying for courses

Ready to apply? Competition for college and university places can be fierce, but we can help. Find out how and when to apply, then use our tips and make your application stand out from the crowd. 

College applications

Each college has its own dates for applications. You’ll apply through each individual college.

You need to check with the college, or colleges, you're applying to and find out what their process is.

Five important things to find out:

1. How to apply – is it an online form? 

2. Will you need to attend an interview, or provide a portfolio or any other additional information? (Use the advice on college interviews to prepare if you do!)

3. Can you apply for more than one course? Is there a limit to how many courses you can apply for?

4. What are the closing dates?

5. What happens once you've submitted your application? How, and when, can you expect to find out if you've been offered a place?

What's Next - The Parents Guide....

Click on the above links to visit each college and complete the following activities:

• Think about an important question – do you want to go to college or complete an apprenticeship?

  • • Remember you must be in education until you are 18 years of age.

• Look through the website at the variety of courses on offer.

• Pick which course(s) / qualification you are interested in taking when you leave secondary school.

• Look at the entry requirements for this qualification.

  • • It may be that you need to study a lower level if you do not meet the entry requirements for a level 3 course.

• Look at the content of the course and what will be required of you while studying (e.g. is work experience a mandatory component and what days are you in college).

• Look at the application process (how to apply).

• Make a note of key dates (open evenings / application deadlines etc).

• Travel – Can you physically get to the college or workplace?

• Do I need to re-take my GCSE in Maths or English, if so, can I do this here?

• Remember not to be tempted to pick a college / course just because your friends are going there / taking that course.

• Remember to research what Career you are planning to go into. Make sure the course you study will enable you to reach your career goal….

• You can use KUDOS to help you with careers research & employability skills.

• Make sure you have your CV completed and up to date.

• Make sure you are prepared for the interview process & questions.

• Year 11 students receive a 1-2-1 Careers interview with a careers advisor during the academic year.