Applying to college: A guide for parents of school leavers.

When should my year 11 child start applying to college?

Most Year 11 students begin exploring their college options during the autumn term, with applications for most colleges opening in September. It’s normal for young people to feel unsure or overwhelmed, and that’s where parents and guardians play a crucial role.

At this age, your child doesn’t need to have their entire career mapped out. What matters is helping them explore their interests, strengths and ambitions, and encouraging them to visit colleges to see where they feel most comfortable.

It is also important to understand how your child feels they learn best. Technical courses, T Levels and apprenticeships blend traditional, classroom-based learning with hands-on, practical study and industry placement experiences, allowing those who learn best by "doing" to thrive. T Levels and Level 3 Extended Diplomas are equivalent to 3 A Levels once completed, and can open doors to a range of fantastic destinations, including higher education, apprenticeships and directly into skilled employment.

Visit the college and explore your child's options.

One of the most effective ways to help your child choose the right college is to experience the environment first-hand. Now that our main Open Evenings have taken place, there are two excellent ways to visit Warrington & Vale Royal College:

1. Book a Campus Tour

Campus tours run throughout the year and are perfect for parents and school leavers who prefer a quieter, more personalised visit. You’ll have the chance to:

• See our industry-standard facilities
• Meet some staff and ask course-specific questions
• Explore the campus at your own pace.

2. Attend our SEND Open Evening on Wednesday 14 January 2026

This dedicated event is ideal for students who have additional needs or have an EHCP, or simply prefer a calmer environment. You’ll be able to:

• Speak directly with our SEND and Learning Support Teams
• Learn how we support EHCPs and individual learning plans
• Explore the campus with fewer crowds
• Understand the transition support available.

Parents often find this evening incredibly valuable for building confidence in the support systems we provide.

The college application process explained.

Understanding each stage of the application journey can help you prepare and support your child with confidence. Here’s how the process works at Warrington & Vale Royal College:

Step 1: Apply

Applications are now open for September 2026. Your child can apply either:

• Online at wvr.ac.uk/16-18 by selecting their course and clicking "apply now"
• On paper, available on request or at our campus's receptions.

There’s no need for final decisions; applying simply notifies our Admissions Team of your child's interest in the course or courses they are considering, allowing them to begin the next steps.

Step 2: Course Interview

After applying, your child will be invited to an interview. This is not a test. It’s a supportive conversation where our tutors learn about:

• Their interests
• Career goals
• GCSE predictions
• Any additional support needs

Parents are welcome to attend if the applicant wishes.

Step 3: College Experience Evenings & New Student Welcome Day

These exciting events give students the chance to try their chosen subject in a real college setting. They will:

• Take part in workshops
• Meet their future tutors
• Get a feel for life at college.

While students are in their sessions on College Experience Evening, parents are invited to a special briefing hosted by our Principal & Chief Executive, Nichola Newton.

Step 4: Enrolment

On GCSE results week in August 2026, students will enrol on their chosen course. Our teams will:

• Support any students who achieved different grades from those they had predicted
• Offer impartial advice if they wish to switch courses
• Provide guidance on transport, bursary, timetables and support services.

We aim to make enrolment smooth, welcoming and stress-free.

How can parents support their child through this process?

The best way to support your child is by having open conversations about what they enjoy and the kinds of subjects or careers that interest them. Visiting colleges together is especially helpful, as seeing the environment and meeting tutors often gives students the confidence they need to make a decision.

It’s normal for young people to feel unsure or nervous about interviews or in-college events, so remind them that these are friendly, informal opportunities to explore their options rather than tests. Try to offer guidance without taking over; this is an important step towards independence, and your encouragement will help them feel ready for the next stage of their education.

Remember, your child doesn’t need to have their entire future planned out. At Warrington & Vale Royal College, we focus on “careers not courses”, meaning we help our students discover and grow into the path that suits them. As long as they have an idea of what sector they’re interested in, we will support them to build the skills and knowledge they need through our technical courses, T Levels and apprenticeships.