Welcome to Further EducationSchool Leavers – What can I study?Benefits of Vocational StudyCourse Types – Qualifications ExplainedStudy ProgrammesT-LevelsProgramme Levels and Entry RequirementsWork ExperienceApplying for a Full-Time courseProgression to Higher EducationOur ProspectusParents and Carers – Welcome from the PrincipalParents and Carers – How can we help?Schools LiaisonStudent LifeCareers AdviceFAQ
At Colchester Institute we are passionate about your success.
Our aim is to provide you with every opportunity to gain the skills, qualifications and experience that will give you the best possible chance to succeed on your Study Programme or apprenticeship, to progress onto higher levels of study and to gain rewarding work in the job or career you choose.
We have high expectations of our students and in return we want you to have high expectations of us. We aim to deliver on those expectations by ensuring that you receive the best possible practical and learning support to help you to succeed.
Our tutors have excellent experience of the world of work and delivery takes place in industry standard teaching and training facilities, which are being updated all the time. In Colchester, we have recently added a fantastic new facility for training in Health and Social Care to our £10m development supporting STEM subjects, and we now have a great new fitness gym for use by all students. At Braintree we have just completed a whole campus transformation programme, providing outstanding learning environments for all subject areas, including some of the very best facilities in the country for Digital Media and Engineering. When they visited us in May 2022, Ofsted inspectors confirmed what we already knew – that Colchester Institute is a ‘good’ college in all that it does!
Our website aims to provide you with the information you need to help you make the right choice about your next steps in education and training – but of course this cannot tell you everything! I hope that you will come and meet with staff and students and explore our campuses at one of our Open Events. Come and see for yourself how continuing your education and training at one of Colchester Institute – whether in Colchester or Braintree – can set you on the right path to success, whether your next destination is a university degree, a further course of study, an apprenticeship or into the world of work.
I look forward to meeting with you.
Alison Andreas
Principal and Chief Executive
There are many different study options available after taking GCSEs. If you have an idea of the job or career you’d like to pursue or you wish to continue your education developing a particular talent, skill or passion, then one of our technical and professional programmes could be the right choice for you. There’s a fantastic range of options available and vocational learning can help you get the skills, experience and qualifications you need to kick-start your career or to go on to higher education. Many of these skills are transferable which makes these courses a great choice, even if you haven’t fully made up your mind.
Our vocational Study Programmes are designed to help you learn about specific employment areas, they are hands-on and provide the opportunity to practise skills in real situations while working towards recognised qualifications. Throughout the programme you’ll be assessed on ability, knowledge and theory relating directly to your chosen industry, rather than doing lots of lengthy essays and exams.
We have a huge range of inspiring subjects for you to choose from. Our full-time courses are designed to help you develop the transferable skills employers are looking for, or prepare you for study on a higher-level qualification. We also offer Apprenticeship programmes in a variety of industries to provide you with relevant practical experience.
Full-time study
- Develop your vocational skills
- Enjoy learning alongside your peers
- Achieve a recognised qualification
- Progress onto a degree or full-time work
Apprenticeships
- Earn while your learn
- Gain valuable work experience
- Achieve a recognised qualification
- Progress onto a degree or full-time work
Whichever route you choose, you’ll receive hands-on learning through work experience, and develop your English and Maths skills too, ensuring you are ready for a bright career and a successful future!
As vocational qualifications are designed in partnership with employers, universities and professional organisations, your training will enable you to develop the skills that are highly valued by employers. You’ll have the opportunity to broaden your understanding of your chosen area through work experience and placements throughout your programme.
The in-depth skills and knowledge acquired on a Level 3 vocational programme can provide the ideal preparation for progression to higher level study, such as a degree, HNC/HND or higher apprenticeship. Most colleges and universities accept vocational qualifications as fulfilling entry requirements.
The UCAS Tariff points system is used when making offers to applicants and most post-16 qualifications are allocated a total UCAS point score. The table below shows how many UCAS points the most common qualifications are worth.
UCAS Tariff Points
If you are planning to go on to university after completing your Level 3 programme you can visit ucas.com to check the UCAS points required for the course you are interested in.
School Leavers (Further Education) Course Levels
BTEC Diplomas
BTEC facts and statistics
- In 2015, 1 in 4 students who got into university in the UK did so with a BTEC (UCAS report – Progression Pathways Jan 2016)
- Almost 79% of BTEC students go on to receive a First or Second class degree (The outcomes associated with the BTEC route of degree level acquisition, London Economics 2013)
- 90% of BTEC students are employed full time after graduating (UCAS report – Progression Pathways Jan 2016)
- 74% of businesses prefer recruits to hold a mix of academic and vocational qualifications or value them equally (Inspiring Growth: Pearson/Skills CBI Skills survey 2015)
- Learners who hold BTEC qualifications have high rates of progression between learning levels compared to other types of vocational qualification (Department for Business, Innovation and Skills – October 2015).
Read more: http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/about-us/qualification-brands/btec/progress-with-btec.html
What is a BTEC qualification?
BTEC Diplomas are work related vocational qualifications suitable for a wide range of students, designed to deliver the skills required for different career paths. The courses are a mix of theory and practical, and enable progression to a range of next steps including:
- Employment
- Apprenticeship
- Further/higher study programme
- University or other Higher Education
They provide a practical, real-world approach to learning and an alternative route to traditional GCSEs and A Levels. BTEC qualifications were established over 25 years ago and are recognised by universities, employers and professional bodies across the United Kingdom and in over 100 countries worldwide.
BTEC Diplomas Equivalences
BTECs are equivalent to GCSEs and A Levels, BTEC graduates can go on to university or start their career straight away. The table below shows the progression routes available to all BTEC students together with their more traditional equivalents.
What are BTEC Level 2 qualifications?
These are one year, level 2 qualifications for students who would like to take up a career in a broad occupational area. They are vocational courses that provide a mix of essential and optional subjects tailored to suit local employment opportunities and develop knowledge, skills and understanding fo employment or progression to a BTEC Level 3 qualification. Students will experience a broad range of study in preparation for a wide range of careers in the vocational area. All programmes include Functional Skills. Some courses include the opportunity to develop other skills relevant to the occupational area and work experience.
Who should study a BTEC Level 2 qualification?
For students with at least four GCSEs (grades D – G), or satisfactory completion of an appropriate programme at level 1, these programmes are recognised and understood by employers and provide an excellent stepping stone to BTEC Level 3 qualifications. The courses are assessed by a range of methods including assignments, practical exercises, role plays, projects and case studies. Much of the course content is based on actual work situations that test the student’s ability to solve real problems individually and in a team.
Who should study a BTEC Level 3 qualification?
These qualifications are for students with a minimum of four/five* GCSEs (grades A*-C), or satisfactory completion of an appropriate level 2 entry route, who wish to prepare for a career in a specific occupational area and/or progress to higher education. College-based study consists of a combination of theory and practical activities related to the world of work. Much of the course content develops your ability to solve real problems. Subjects are mainly assessed through coursework.
*dependent on course area
What is a BTEC Subsidiary Diploma?
A BTEC Subsidiary Diploma is a one year level 3 programme, worth 60 credits and is equivalent to one A Level. This may be beneficial for students who wish to study a shorter level 3 programme. In many areas, there is an opportunity to progress to a second year and complete a larger Diploma.
What is a BTEC Diploma/Extended Diploma?
A BTEC Diploma is a two year programme, worth 120 credits and is equivalent to 2 A Levels. An Extended Diploma is a two year programme, worth 180 credits and is equivalent to three A Levels. This programme can attract the maximum in UCAS points, which allows for progression to university.
Practical Awards, Certificates and Diplomas
Practical Awards, Certificates and Diplomas are designed to give students realistic experience and the practical skills that they will need in the world of work. Alongside practical sessions, students will also study the necessary theory to enable them to develop the knowledge required for working life.
Our Study Programmes, or full-time courses, combine a number of different components to equip you with a set of well-rounded skills for the future. Every programme incorporates a vocational qualification (for example an Extended Diploma), development of Great English and Maths (GEM) and work experience.
Study Programmes Explained
All of our full-time courses for our 16-19 year old students are designed around you, your targets and your ambitions. Our courses consist of three key areas that make it easy for you to understand your workload and what is expected of you.
The programme will be individually tailored to you and will consist of a qualification, core skills in English and maths and work related learning. Read on for a more detailed breakdown of these key areas.
T Levels are Level 3 qualifications that follow on from GCSEs. They are the equivalent to three A Levels and are new qualifications that will combine classroom theory, practical learning, and an industry placement. An industry placement involves working with an employer for 45 days to ensure you really get to know the subject.
The two-year T Level courses have been developed in collaboration with employers and businesses so that the content meets the needs of industry and prepares students for work.
They will provide excellent destinations for students, including full-time skilled employment, higher level apprenticeships and Higher Education degrees.
Early Years Educator T Level
From September 2023 we will be starting our first T Level at Colchester Institute and it will be in Early Years. The qualification is taught over two full academic years. We are very excited about this and the opportunities it will provide for our students.
Qualification Title
T Level Technical Qualification in Education and Childcare (Early Years Educator)
The Early Years Educator T level will include study of a range of thought-provoking topics including:
- What are parenting styles?
- Why do we need to plan educational programmes for children’s interests and development?
- How do our early attachments influence future adult relationships in our lives?
Students will develop knowledge about child development, safeguarding, specialist educational needs, as well examining the specifics of social interaction, how language is acquired and understanding behaviour.
The course will be assessed by passing all units, which include:
- Employer set practical project
- Examinations
- Completion of work placement (750 hours)
Assessment Method
Core Component (covering 12 core elements)
- Paper A – written examination
- Paper B – written examination
- Employer set project (ESP)
Occupational Specialism Component
Synoptic assignments (covering five specific themes)
The T Level Qualification
These qualifications will be graded overall as Distinction*, Distinction, Merit, Pass, and there will be grades for each aspect of the course. The table below shows the UCAS value of each grade type.
| UCAS Tariff Points | T Level Overall Grade | A Level |
| 168 | Distinction* | AAA* |
| 144 | Distinction | AAA |
| 120 | Merit | BBB |
| 96 | Pass | CCC |
Finding your work placement
The College will source work placements for all T Level students. For Early Years we have long established, excellent relationships with over 100 childcare providers and schools in North Essex. We have specialised staff who will visit you in the workplace and check that you are competent in your practice and that your learning is going well.
Our very successful and welcoming Early Years team are raring to go with this exciting, brand new qualification. Are you?
PROGRAMME LEVELS AND ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Aim Higher Level 4 and beyond!
Level 3 Typically* 5 GCSEs (grades A* – C / 9 – 4)
Level 2 Typically* 4 GCSEs (grades A* – E / 9 – 3)
Level 1 Typically* 3 GCSEs (grades A* – G / 9 – 1)
Entry Level No formal entry requirements, just an enthusiasm to learn and develop your skills to allow you to progress on to another programme within the College.
Unsure which programme level is for you?
Come along to an Open Event or speak with a Careers Advisor at school for guidance.
*Specific entry requirements for each programme are listed on the individual subject pages. In some cases we will consider other qualifications that are deemed to be equivalent to GCSEs, for example functional skills and qualifications achieved outside the UK, provided valid certificates are produced.
GCSE GRADING SYSTEM FROM 2017*
Ofqual has introduced a new grading system for many GCSE subjects. These GCSEs will be graded 9 to 1, instead of A* to G, with 9 being the top level. The Ofqual grading structure below is a comparison guide of the current and new GCSE system. For more information please visit: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofqual
Please note: The new grading system (9 – 1) only applies to GCSEs taken from 2017.
Work experience will be an important element of your Study Programme
We’ve teamed up with local employers to bring you a range of placement opportunities to help you gain valuable skills for the workplace and prepare you for an exciting career.
All students will take part in at least 30 hours of work experience as part of their course. Some courses will require more substantive work experience of between 45 – 60 days.
Applying for a Full-Time course
The application window for full-time courses and joint apprenticeship applications opens on Monday 3rd October 2022 at 12pm.
Applicants will receive an acknowledgement within one week of the application being received by our Admissions team, if you do not receive this you should contact the team on 01206 712777 to check that your application has been received.
In order to apply for a full-time course you will need to follow the below steps:
- First select the course you wish to apply for using the course finder button located after step 3.
- Once you are on the page of your chosen course and you are certain that you would like to apply for this course, click the ‘Apply Online’ button for the campus that you would like to study at.
- You will be taken to our online application login page and you will need to set up an account. Click ‘create an account’ to begin the application process.
We have also prepared a step-by-step video guide – please view this video which will guide you through the application process.
Our highly experienced Careers Advice and Guidance team provide wide-ranging support to students wishing to apply to university, including dedicated UCAS support throughout the year.
Alongside Course and Progression and Destination Tutors, our Advisors provide support right the way through from the point of choosing institutions and selecting suitable higher education courses through to securing a place at university.
Colchester Institute also hosts an annual ‘Moving on Up’ Progression Fair, organised for students to find out about the opportunities available for when they have finished their studies with us. We encourage students to attend this event and ask lots of questions about what employers and universities are looking for and what you need to do during the rest of your time here to put yourself in the best position to secure one of these opportunities.
The event is attended by over 40 representatives from the world of work, including employers, universities and volunteer organisations. There is also the opportunity to discover more about what you can do here if you choose to study at University Centre Colchester.
For further information on careers information, advice and guidance please contact careers@colchester.ac.uk.
There is so much choice available when it comes to studying a full-time study programme at Colchester Institute. Our programmes, in a range of inspiring subject areas, give you the transferable skills employers are looking for in the workplace, or the appropriate route for study on a higher level qualification. We also train people in a range of industries through Apprenticeships.
We blend vocational, hands on learning with work experience as well as developing your English and math skills. Our aim is to get you ready for the exciting world of work or progression onto further study or higher education.
Firstly, may I extend a really warm welcome to you, as parents and carers of students joining (or re-joining) us, here at Colchester Institute.
These pages are designed to provide you with information which will help you to support your son or daughter to enrol and settle quickly in to College, so they can have a productive, enjoyable and successful time on their programme of study.
We have tried to include everything that you may need to know, but please use the contact details found further down the page to phone or email us if you still have other questions.
Our aim is to ensure that all our students have the opportunity and encouragement to engage positively with their programme of study; to attend regularly; to work hard and to achieve the best results that they can. In doing this, we also hope to prepare and inspire our students to take their next steps into interesting and rewarding careers or higher level programmes of study.
Experience has shown us that students are most successful when Colleges work in partnership with parents to support them. We look forward to a long and successful partnership with you, and your son or daughter, and hope to see you at future College events.
With best wishes
Alison Andreas
Principal and Chief Executive
Every week we visit numerous local schools and colleges, delivering presentations, attending parents evenings and careers conventions. We also talk to Year 10, 11, 12 and 13 students, discussing course choices and career options.
The Colchester Institute Schools liaison team are dedicated to providing a thorough and comprehensive service. We are happy to visit schools, colleges and youth centres to speak directly with students about the options open to them at Colchester Institute. These talks can be at any time and delivered to whole year groups, or smaller groups. Alternatively, we can also offer taster activities and workshops on campus or within your school. Please contact us with your requirements and we will try our best to accommodate your needs!
We are always happy to attend school or college based careers evenings to provide information to students and parents about the FE and HE courses at the College. Please get in touch using our contact details shown below.
Student Life at Colchester Institute
The duration of a full time study programme can vary by course and students are given timetable details at the start of their course. It is usual for students to be in College for at least two to three days a week. It is expected that all students will attend all timetabled lessons.
The College is open from 9am until 5pm Monday to Friday, with evening classes, salons and restaurants being open up to 9pm or 10pm on Tuesdays to Thursdays in Colchester and Braintree.
As well as their chosen subjects there will be elements of enrichment and work related experience for all students – which may include work placements, depending on the course being studied.
Careers Advice
Good careers advice can make a positive difference to a student’s aspirations and motivation whilst at college. It can be instrumental in increasing their self-confidence and enable them to discover opportunities they never would have considered.
Based at our Colchester Campus, Colchester Institute’s team of careers advisers provide information, advice and guidance to enable their students to make informed decisions about their future and help find the best job or career possible for them. Our advisors have a wealth of experience and hold at least Level 6 or higher guidance qualifications.
If you are still at school we recommend that you contact your school careers adviser for help about your future pathway.
Alternatively you can contact the National Careers Service helpline for information and advice about jobs, careers and training.
National Careers Service helpline
National Careers Service
Telephone: 0800 100 900
It can be confusing to plan your next step after leaving school as there are so many different options to choose from. To help you get started please explore our useful links.
In order that we can quickly provide you with assistance please use the menu below to find the most appropriate enquiry route for your query.
