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It is strongly advised that you apply to more than one college, most people do. It keeps your options open and means you don't have to make your final decision until you actually enrol in summer next year.
You must keep an eye on your emails (school and personal), the colleges will email you with more information and with decisions that need to be made. If you miss these emails you may miss the opportunity to attend that college.
Accept all places, nothing is set in stone until you actual enrol, which you will only do once you have your results and have made that decision.
Barton Peveril - after your interview you will receive an offer by email. You must accept this within 2 weeks of receipt of that email
College Websites:
College Websites:
Click on the logos below for the college websites or the Instagram logo for their social media feed
Eastleigh, Fareham, Southampton City, CEMAST and CETC colleges have all merged to create the South Hampshire College Group. To access information about each of the different colleges and their courses, you now need to go through the combined SHCG website which is the first logo.
CEMAST - Centre of Excellence in Engineering, Manufacturing and Advanced Skills Training
CETC - Civil Engineering Training Centre
College Assemblies/resources:
College Assemblies/resources:
PSC PRESENTATION_2026_ENTRY 2.pdfBP assembly 25.pdfFINAL SPARSHOLT PRESENTATION 25 - 26.pdfSHCG School Presentation 2026.pdfSU 26 Youth Impact Assembly 10_12_25.pdfSHCG have provided this useful timeline and 'how to apply' video to help you through their process.
What are my Post 16 options A4 Sheet.pdfSouthampton Local Colleges 2025 - 2026.pdfWhich college option is right for me 25-26.pdfSEND_Going to College 25-26.pdfcourse options:
course options:
When looking at what to study at college you have choices to make, both on subjects and qualifications. The standard programme will be 3 subjects.
Think about the subjects you need to study to achieve your career goals but also the subjects you enjoy. You should also consider how you prefer to work.
Barton Peveril College have provided a playlist of students talking about 47 of the courses available at their college.
It might help you to hear what students think of each course, what it contains, why they chose it etc
If you click on the icon in the top right hand corner, you will see the list of subject videos available
These courses may be available in other colleges too.
A Levels:
3 subjects to be chosen if completing an all A Level programme
4 subjects may be possible IF you have very high predicted grades and will be applying to a very competitive university
The more traditional option with standard teacher led lessons.
Predominantly exam focussed.
Exams sat at the end of the 2 year course
There may be a small element of coursework in some subjects
BTECs:
Vary in size and can be in place of 1, 2 or all 3 of the A Level equivalents
A more independent option
Varied assessment styles: coursework, controlled assessment and examinations
Assessment throughout the course rather than just at the end
Requires self motivation, organisation and time management skills
A smaller examination focus
Graded Distinction*, Distinction, Merit and Pass
BTEC Extended Certificate
Equivalent to 1 A level
BTEC Diploma
Equivalent to 2 A levels
BTEC Extended Diploma
Equivalent to 3 A levels
T Levels:
T Levels are new courses focused on vocational skills. They commenced in September 2020
1 T Level is equivalent to three A Levels.
The list of T Level Subjects offered is ever growing and includes:
Accounting, Agriculture, Land Management and Production, Animal Care and Management, Broadcast and Production, Building Services Engineering for Construction, Craft and Design, Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing, Digital Business Services, Digital Production, Design and Development, Digital Support Services, Education and Early Years, Finance, Health, Legal Services, Media, Management and Administration, Onsite Construction and Science
Use the link below to check the latest subject offering and research which colleges are offering which T Levels
T levels combine classroom theory, practical learning and an industry placement (at least 45 days), to ensure that students have real experience of the workplace.
80% classroom learning, 20% industrial placement
Assessed via examination, employer project and visit to work placement.
A guide to T Levels.pdfCambridge Technicals:
A new generation of vocational courses developed through the exam board OCR’s links with the University of Cambridge
They are aimed at people who enjoy learning in a practical, work-related way and have been designed to provide high quality, industry recognised qualifications that acknowledge skills, knowledge and understanding of the sector, together with the settings, job roles, principles and values involved e.g. Media, Health & Social Care
Extended Certificate
Equivalent to 1 A level
Diploma
Equivalent to 2 A levels
Extended Diploma
Equivalent to 3 A levels
Kickstart
This Kickstart programme is designed to give the skills, confidence and independence to progress further in studies. It allows students to build on their study skills, soft skills needed for college and employment, as well as giving them the opportunity to research other vocational areas within the college. Students will also study English and maths as part of the programme.
Topics covered:
Preparing for employment
Dealing with your first days at work
Continuous Professional Development
Problem-solving
Personal and professional development
Managing money
Team working
Kickstart is the ideal stepping stone to higher-level technical and vocational study. Students will learn a variety of skills, gain some experience, and get a practical taste of some different vocational areas, such as: Art, Business, Hospitality, Hair & Beauty, Care, Construction (Multi-Trades), or Motor Vehicle depending on location.
Available at: Eastleigh College, Southampton College, Fareham College
Foundation Courses
These are specialist programmes designed for students aged 16–24 who need to develop confidence and social skills and may require extra support or time to complete set work within a mainstream environment. Students may have attended a school for those with SEN, have an Education, Health and Care Plan, had learning support at school, or not achieved the grades to move to a vocational Level 1 programme.
Courses Available:
College Learning Company
Focus on Life Skills
Pathways to Animal Care
Pathways to Land Based Studies
Pathways to Sport and Outdoor Education
Supported Internship
Entry 1 Life & Living Skills
The Life and Living courses support students with learning difficulties and disabilities who would like to develop their personal and social development skills as well as their work skills. The courses are delivered by a dedicated team of specialist and experienced staff. They offer study programmes which help students develop Maths, English, ICT as well as life, personal and communication skills. These courses offer practical and classroom based activities as well as supported trips, visits and work experience to help develop independent living skills. This course is suitable for students with an EHCP, aged 16-24, with moderate learning difficulties and/or disabilities who want to develop their life, personal and communication skills.
Subjects which may include:
Cooking
Shopping
Life skills
Community responsibilities
Recycling
Art
Healthy lifestyles
Preparation for work
Office skills
Communication
Personal skills
Emotional wellbeing
ICT
Leisure time
Enterprise
Maths and English
Students have access to a dedicated kitchen area and art room as well as computer rooms and classrooms.
Available at: Southampton College
Entry 3 Skills for Independence & Work
This is a one year programme for students with moderate learning disabilities/difficulties. Those with (or applying for) an EHCP. Students will have the option to progress to an additional year of the programme in discussion with the tutor. Students will study an Entry 2 programme linked to assessment outcomes for Preparing to get a Job and Independent Living on alternate years of the programme.
The programme is designed to focus on enterprise activity while maintaining the development of English, Maths & IT and personal and social skills. The programme will cover the following topics: Catering and Hospitality, Craft Skills, Enterprise skills, and Employability Skills. Students will also participate in a carousel of enrichment activities covering:
Sport/ gym sessions
ICT/ Digital Awareness
Relationships
Volunteering and Community Action
LEGO/ ELSA Wellbeing sessions
Students will access community work in the area and enterprise activities at our colleges, and will take part in a non-accredited programme to develop preparation for adulthood themes. Students will choose their own priorities to work towards Employment, Independent Living, Healthy Living and Community, Friends and Relationships targets. Students will be encouraged to develop their practical skills alongside developing appropriate business and promotional skills with college sales on main site and in the local community.
Available at: Eastleigh college and Southampton College
These are just some of the courses available across all of the different colleges.
Be aware, A Levels are not your only option, research all the courses available.
Questions to ask:
Questions to ask:
What are the entry requirements?
The entry requirements will vary in each college and each course. Ensure you check what each requires. Some courses will have a specific requirement e.g. a 7 in GCSE Maths to study A Level Maths
How will I be assessed?
Many A Level courses are 100% examined but some include a small coursework element. The Vocational courses (BTECs etc) have a heavier coursework load.
Which subjects go well together?
Most colleges will tell you that you can do any combination of subjects (not an A Level and other qualification in the same subject).
· Ensure you have met the requirements of any future career plans. The UCAS website has all the information about entry requirements for university courses https://www.ucas.com/
· Enjoying a subject is likely to get you a higher grade than just doing a subject because you think you should.
· Try to ensure you balance your subjects and don’t take on too many coursework heavy courses that may overwhelm you
What UCAS points does each course provide?
Your A level (or equivalent) grades will be converted into UCAS points if/when you apply to university. BTECs and Cambridge Technical carry the same UCAS points as an A Level, check the courses you are interested in or click here
Can I do 4 A levels (or equivalent)?
If you are predicted very high grades in each of your GCSEs you may wish to complete 4 A Levels (or equivalent) . It is not the standard programme so it is worth asking at each college you are considering
How will I get to college?
The journey to college is often longer than the journey to school and may well include public transport. It is a good idea to find out about transport options, timings and cost.
53 Questions To Ask When Visiting Colleges.pdfUSEFUL RESOURCES: REQUIRED SKILLS
The 8 skills above have been identified as the essential skills that are needed in any job. Can you think of examples where you have demonstrated these skills and can you include them in any future applications?
For more information click on the image above or on this link: https://www.skillsbuilder.org/universal-framework
Personal Statement:
Personal Statement:
Issues to consider before writing:
Peter Symonds have had a 400 word limit in previous years
Barton Peveril have updated their application form and now have 3 questions instead of a personal statement. The questions are:
Why do you believe Barton Peveril is the right college for you?
Why do you want to study your course choices in particular and what are your plans for after college?
How has your time at school prepared you for studying at college? (Please also tell us about other extra-curricular experiences or activities that have prepared you to be a contributing member of our college community?)
BP College Applications Personal Statement Guide.docx (1).pdfWhen writing your personal statement for college, apprenticeship or job applications, consider the following:
1. Write down all the skills and experience you have (talk to friends and family about the skills they see in you)
2. Link those to what the college/apprenticeship/job are looking for
3. Find the perfect words and expressions, before stitching them together
4. Focus on your strengths
5. Be honest
6. What can you bring to them?
7. Take your time—edit and redraft
8. Read it out loud (it helps you spot any mistakes)
9. Ask someone to proofread your statement
10. Be yourself! They want to be able to get a feel for who you are, not anyone else!
How to write a personal statement for college.pdf
interviews:
interviews:
Obviously college interviews are not going to be the same as job interviews. They are likely to be more informal and more about making sure you are choosing the right courses to get you where you want to go in your career and also to enable both you and the college to find out more about each other.
Preparing for your interview
Preparing for your interview
Feeling prepared is always good when going into an interview. It makes you feel more confident and it makes it more likely that you will present yourself how you want to and get the information you require.
Ensure you look over your application and personal statement beforehand so you remember what you have told them so far. This is all they know about you at the moment so is highly likely to be the starting point of any conversation.
You should check how long it will take you to get to the college for your interview and ensure you are on time. Dressing appropriately is also important. Your outfit should be clean and neat and appropriate for a workplace. If you are wearing your uniform, make sure you are wearing it correctly, first impressions matter.
Common Interview Questions
Common Interview Questions
The interviewer will be asking you questions to get to know you and help establish that you are choosing the right courses for you and your careers goals. They will not be trying to trip you up so do not worry, they will be questions you know the answers to. Remember, they want you to go to their college!
Consider how you would answer the following questions:
What are your predicted exam grades? Have you sat any mock exams? What were the results?
Why have you applied for your course?
What are your hobbies and interests?
What are your favourite subjects at school?
Do you have any additional duties at school? Are you a prefect? Are you on the student council?
What do you want to do after college?
What career do you want to pursue?
Why have you chosen to apply for this college? Have you been on a taster day/open evening?
What do you know about the course/s already?
Do you have any support needs?
What are you looking for in a college?
Do you have a part-time job or do any volunteering work?
Interviews are a 2 way process
Interviews are a 2 way process
Your interview is your chance to ask questions too! Is there anything you need/want to know about their college, the courses and extra curricular activities they offer?
Examples:
How can I get to college? What are the transport options?
What does an average timetable look like?
What is the difference between A-Levels, BTECs and T-Levels?
What kind of enrichment activities are available?
What kind of support is available?
Will I have a tutor I can talk to?
Do not worry!
Do not worry!
It is easy to say and you are bound to be a little nervous, especially if this is your first experience of an interview situation but this is all about you; what do you want to study, why do you want to go to the college etc. The college want to make sure you are making the right choices for you as well as them. As long as you have thought about all of the above ahead of time you will be fine!
College interview questions.pdfPage updated
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