Applying to college FAQs

We do not have an official deadline for applications. However, if you know what course you would like to do, it is advisable to get your application in early as many courses are very popular. In September 2024, more than half of our courses had waiting lists, so it is important that you apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

We encourage all prospective students to apply to more than one college to keep your options open whilst weighing up your choices. Applying does not commit you to studying with us. In fact, you don't have to make a formal decision about your post-16 studies until you receive your GCSE results in August 2025! If you complete an application, between now and GCSE Results Day, there are plenty of opportunities for you to try your course and experience student life at college events.

Apply for the level of course that you would like to study and is achievable with your predicted GCSE grades. If you're not sure which level of study is most suited to you, check out the information about our course levels and entry requirements here.

Absolutely! Attending events during Year 11 is crucial to supporting prospective students to make their mind up about the college and course that's right for them and their future career ambitions. We offer plenty of opportunities for you to visit the college and meet our friendly staff again before enrolling on GCSE Results Day.

Once you have applied, you will receive invitations to exciting applicant-exclusive events in 2025 including, College Experience Evenings on Wednesday 5th March and Wednesday 2nd April, and New Student Welcome Day on Thursday 3rd July. These fantastic events offer the chance to experience a two-hour session in the course you have applied for, get hands-on with our cutting-edge facilities, and meet your potential future tutors and classmates.

No matter what your GCSE grades, there is a place for you here at Warrington & Vale Royal College, so do not worry if you did not get the grades you hoped for. There are plenty of options available, whether you need to start a level below or on an alternative course. If you do not achieve a grade 4 or above in maths and/or English, you will also resit this alongside your main course at college.

Apply for the level of course that you would like to study and is achievable with your predicted GCSE grades. If you don't achieve what you expected on GCSE Results Day, speak to our friendly tutors at enrolment who will advise on what course is best for you!

Course Discussion
Once you have applied, you will be invited to a mandatory course discussion appointment with the tutor. If you have applied for more than one course, you will have more than one course discussion. At this appointment, you will find out more about the course, have the chance to ask questions, and if successful, secure an offer of a place for September 2025. This offer is subject to your GCSE grades and a reference from your school. Enrolment appointments on GCSE Results Day are allocated in date order of when you received your offer of a place. This means that applicants who secured their offer early in the year will be prioritised in the first instance.

*Please note, we currently have a waiting list for course discussion appointments. If you miss two course discussion appointments, your application will be temporarily withdrawn until you contact our Admissions Team to advise on how you would like to proceed.

Early Enrolment
In June 2025, you will receive information from our Admissions Team about securing your place by starting your enrolment early online. In doing this, you will be prioritised for an enrolment appointment on GCSE Results Day.

Applying refers to the process of choosing a course and expressing your interest by submitting an application. Once you have applied, you will be invited to a course discussion with the tutor and if you are successful in securing a place, you will be invited back to the college on GCSE Results Day to officially ‘enrol’ on the course, fully securing your place.

The nature of technical courses, T Levels and apprenticeships, means that you choose to study just one subject area to an advanced level, as opposed to three or four different subjects, like with A Levels. However, if you are unsure which course to choose, we would encourage you to apply for multiple courses and attend multiple course discussion appointments to keep your options open. When completing your application, please indicate which subject is your current first-choice. If this changes throughout Year 11, please contact our Admissions Team to let us know.

No problem! We completely understand that prospective students will still be making their mind up about their future throughout Year 11. If you change your mind on the course you have applied for, simply contact our Admissions Team as soon as possible to change your application and arrange a new course discussion appointment.

If you currently receive extra support in school, please note this on your application. We will arrange for you to meet with our Additional Learning Support and/or Safeguarding & Welfare Teams to discuss how we can fully support you during your time at college.

You will find out more information about the uniform and/or equipment required for your course at your course discussion appointment. If you do need to purchase either or both of these, details of where to buy them from will be provided to you at enrolment on GCSE Results Day.

You may be entitled to financial support at college to support with the cost of transport, uniform, kit, and free college meals - find out more.