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We have put together a number of frequently asked questions to assist you in the application process. Should you have any questions not answered within these pages, or concerns at any point during the application process, please do not hesitate to contact our Admissions team.

Disclaimer

This guide describes the programmes of study offered by Colchester Institute. We take all reasonable steps to provide education services in the manner set out in this prospectus. We have tried to make the programmes as accurate as
possible at the time of publication but information is for guidance and does not form any part of any contract.

We will also take reasonable steps to provide the programmes listed but we may have to modify or withdraw a particular course depending on customer demand and other factors. We will take reasonable steps to cause as little disruption to applicants as possible but cannot be held responsible for any consequent loss.

How do I apply for a full-time course?

Please refer to our How to Apply section here:

Is there a closing date for applications?

We start accepting applications from 1st October 2020 and have extended our initial deadline to the 31st March 2021 for a guaranteed place on your chosen programme (subject to you satisfying the entry requirements), although we do
still accept applications after this date.

How do I apply for an apprenticeship?

If you are interested in an apprenticeship but do not yet have a contract of employment from an employer, we
strongly advise you to apply for a fulltime programme as well so you have a back-up. We will process your full-time application until you inform us you have secured an employer and have an apprenticeship contract in place.

To do this, find your chosen subject area on the course finder pages of our website, Choose ‘Apply Online’ and tick the box to confirm that you are interested in an apprenticeship. The apprenticeship team will contact you for more information.

To view our live apprenticeship vacancies and get other information on how to find an employer please visit: globe

If you already have an employer with an apprenticeship contract of employment in place then our apprenticeship application form is available on our website at:

How do I get additional support?

If you have Special Educational Needs or a Disability (SEND), please let us know in the learning support section of the application form. Our Additional Learning Support team will then contact you for further information and to assess your needs.

If you have particular interview requirements, please indicate this on your application form. If you would like to discuss the types of support available, please speak to our Additional Learning Support team at one of our Open Events or contact us:

als@colchester.ac.uk

What if I don’t get the GCSE results I need?

If you don’t get the GCSE results you needed to meet your conditional offer, don’t panic. We hold advice sessions at the end of August each year so you can come and speak with our tutors to find out about your options. The dates and times for each advice session are displayed on our website in the months leading up to GCSE results day.

What happens after I apply?

Once you’ve applied you will be sent an email asking you to log in to your account and book an interview. The interview is to determine that you have applied for the most suitable programme of study and whether you meet the criteria. Depending on your programme or apprenticeship, you may be asked to demonstrate your abilities, for example an audition in Performing Arts. Please check your email account regularly so that you don’t miss important information about your interview.

What if I change my mind?

If at any point during the application process you wish to change your programme choice, please contact our Admissions team on:

01206 712777

You don’t need to make a second application.

Will my school/college be contacted?

Yes, if you are currently at school/college, we will ask them for confirmation of your predicted grades and general information about how you are progressing.

How will I know if I have been offered a place?

Once you have attended an interview, we will contact you with details of whether your application has been successful. Offers will be subject to meeting the entry requirements of the programme as outlined in this guide.

In the event that you do not get onto your chosen programme, we will do our best to ensure you are referred to an appropriate alternative. Please check your email account regularly so that you don’t miss important information about your offer.

DBS Checks?

If your programme features contact with children or vulnerable adults, you will be asked to complete a
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before starting your programme. There will be an additional cost of approximately £45 for a DBS check.

When I finish my programme, will I be able to progress onto the next level of study?

We always encourage our students to aim high to achieve their maximum potential. On most programmes there is an opportunity to progress onto a higher level, and after Level 3, we offer a number of different degree-level programmes too.

Progression to a higher level is not guaranteed and will be subject to you gaining a satisfactory result in the preceding qualification and meeting the necessary entry requirements for the higher-level qualification.