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Frequently Asked Questions

We've collated a list of our most frequently asked questions and you can find the answers to these below.

We are always here to help you answer any questions, provide support, and make sure you have the best experience possible with the college, but if you don’t find what you’re looking for, you can contact us here.

Starting College

  • What is life at the college really like?

    When you study with us, we want you to feel like one of the family. It’s more than just your course, it’s more than an education; we want your time at college to be a valuable unforgettable experience. The college offers students a dynamic and stimulating learning environment. During your time at the college you will meet new people, make new friends and become more independent, with the opportunity to learn in a productive and supportive environment alongside people of all ages.

    You will be allocated a personal tutor at the start of your programme, who will help you settle in and provide general guidance and encouragement through regular tutorial reviews. You will have the opportunity to learn in fantastic setting and use the most up-to-date equipment available. If you (or your parent/guardian) want to visit one of our colleges, meet our friendly staff team, and learn more about college life, you are more than welcome to get in touch to arrange a visit, or you can attend one of our Open Days. 

  • What if during the first few weeks I find I have chosen the wrong course?

    You can speak to your Progress Tutor or one of our Student Services team, who will liaise on your behalf with the relevant tutor. It is very important to us that students are happy on their course, and that they feel they have made the right decision.

  • Are there facilities to buy a snack or meal?

    All of our colleges have well-equipped facilities for food and drink, offering a selection of meals and snacks that are great value for money. There are also vending machines providing snacks and drinks. For further information see the relevant college page.

  • Is there a dress code at college?

    There is no specific dress code at college but for some courses you will be required to wear PPE (personal protective equipment), specific uniform, or follow additional health and safety protocols. For more information speak to your college tutor when you start with us. 

Parents

Support

Apprenticeships

  • What are apprenticeships?

    Apprenticeships are a popular alternative for many school leavers and offer employment-based qualifications, which allow young adults to 'earn while they learn'. If you're interested in apprenticeships, our dedicated Apprenticeships team will be more than happy to help answer any of your queries. Please see our apprenticeships page for more information.

  • What does it cost to do an apprenticeship?

    Apprenticeships are funded by the government and topped up with contributions from your employer. So, as an apprentice, you won’t have to pay anything for your apprenticeship. Plus, you will be being paid by your employer so you can ‘earn while you learn’!

  • How do I apply for an apprenticeship?

    Applying for an apprenticeship isn’t like applying for a course. First, you have to find a vacancy and apply for that position, like applying for a job. 

    We have a dedicated apprenticeship team that can help you find, apply for, and even prep for the interview and/or role.  

    You can see our current apprenticeship vacancies here. If you don’t see a role that interests you, keep checking back, register for our talent pool, and/or get in touch with our apprenticeship team to register your interest.

  • Are apprenticeships just for young people?

    You can do an apprenticeship at any age, there is no upper age limit - you could apply for an apprenticeship right up to retirement, if you wanted! So long as you are 16 or over by the time you want to start your apprenticeship, you can apply. You can register your interest and apply whilst you’re still at school. You’ll just need to be 16 or over by the time you’d be starting the apprenticeship. Apprenticeships start all year round too, so no need to wait until January or September.

T-Levels

  • What are T-Levels?

    T-Levels are Level 3 courses, equivalent to 3 A Levels and developed in collaboration with employers and businesses to ensure the course content meets the needs of industry. T-Levels are split between classroom and work placement, with 45 days in industry. 

  • Who can study T Levels?

    T-Levels can be studied by 16-18 year olds after finishing their GCSEs.

  • What subjects are on offer?

    Find out which T-Levels we offer at each of our colleges here.

  • What are the entry requirements?

    Our T-Level courses generally require you to achieve five GCSEs at grade 5 or above, including English and Maths. However, please use our Browse Our Courses page to find the course you're interested in and check specific entry requirements.

  • How will I be graded?

    Students who complete their T-Level will receive an overall grade of Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction*. They will achieve a nationally recognised certificate which will show their overall grade and a breakdown of what they have achieved.

    The T-Level certificate will include:

    • An overall grade (shown as Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction*)
    • A separate grade for the core component, using A* to E
    • A separate grade for each occupational specialism, shown as Pass, Merit or Distinction

    It will also include confirmation that the student has:

    • Met the minimum requirements for English and Maths qualifications
    • Completed the industry placement
    • Met any additional mandatory requirements

  • Are there any fees?

    No, because all T-Level students are aged 16-18 these courses are fully funded.

  • What are my progression options?

    T-Levels will provide several progression options to students. These include skilled employment, an apprenticeship, or Higher Education.

    To help T-Level students access Higher Education, UCAS tariff points have been allocated to T-Levels.

  • Can I go to University after a T-Level course?

    One T-Level is equivalent to three A-levels and gives students the ability to achieve the same amount of UCAS points, so you can progress into just as you would after your A-levels. More information on UCAS points can be found here on the GOV.UK website.

  • How are T-Levels different to A Levels?

    T-Level courses are backed by businesses, they’ve been designed with employers to develop the knowledge, attitude and practical skills young people need. One T-Level is equivalent to three A-levels and has the same UCAS points. During your T-Level you will also undergo industry placement which gives you a unique insight into the industry that you're interested in. 

  • How does my placement work?

    You will spend 80% of the course in the classroom, learning the essential skills that your employees need and the other 20% is a meaningful industry placement, where you put these skills into action.

    Your industry placement will last at least 315 hours or approximately 45 days. 

  • Am I guaranteed a job at the end of my T Level?

    T-Levels are designed to prepare students for the world of work but your next step options remain open at the end of the course. Students will be well prepared for the world of work or further study.

  • What do I need to know as an employer?

    T-Level industry placements are a free government scheme so you don't need to pay to take on a T-Level student for a placement. There may be certain business costs, like time invested in planning, training and supervising, and you can choose to pay the student if you wish.

    Taking on a student for their industry placement can have huge benefits for your company, such as:

    • The opportunity to train grassroots talent to suit your business needs
    • A solution to entry-level job shortages
    • Minimising the cost of recruitment by working with a local college
    • Develop the mentoring and management skills of your team
    • An invaluable source of new ideas and a fresh perspective

    The College will offer support for both employer and student throughout the industry placement.

Merger

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