Applying for courses

College applications

Each college has its own closing date for applications. Details of these dates are provided to students and parents / carers at the Year 11 Information Evening.

When considering a college course please check the grades required to make sure you are able to achieve these.

Four important things to know:

1. Applications are all completed online.

2. If you are applying for an Art, Drama or Music based course you will have to submit a portfolio or undertake an audition as part of your interview.

3. You can only apply for one course option at each college BUT you can apply to as many colleges as you wish.

4. Once you have submitted your application you will be contacted to:
   
   Colchester Institute - Log in and book an interview date and time
   
   Colchester Sixth Form - Will email and request you submit your Personal Statement and then they will send you your interview date and time.
   
   Sigma Sixth - Will email you an interview date and time

If your son / daughter requires support with their college interview please contact Mrs Green and she will arrnage for the interview to be brought into school time and will provide the relevant support.

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 or training ( Apprenticeship) until you are 18 years of age.

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

• Pick which course(s) / qualification you are interested in taking when you leave The Thomas Lord Audley School school.

• Look at the entry requirements for this qualification. Make sure you are able to meet these.

• 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).

• 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 Language, 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 a Career quiz to help you with careers research and employability skills.

• Make sure you have your CV completed and up to date especially if you are considering applying for either an apprenticeship or employment.

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

During September / October of Year 11 we invite Post 16 Providers into school to host an information assembly to give students an insight to what is available to them post The Thomas Lord Audley School. We encourage all our students to visit as many providers as possible to give them a broad selection to choose from. We also encourage students to apply to multiple providers to ensure they have options come August.

You may be entitled to some financial support to continue in education once you leave Thomas Lord Audley School. Please click on the link below for more information:

www.gov.uk/1619-bursary-fund/overview