What will colleges do once they have applicants’ results?
A key thing to remember is that colleges don’t receive GCSE results directly (unlike with A levels and Ucas). Colleges will be keen to see your results. If students have already applied to a college they may well have already been sent details about how to send in their results. In other years, this may have meant going to the college in person, but in recent years and especially this year, bearing in mind social distancing, the college might ask them to send a photo of their results slip or a scanned image.
Remind students to check emails and the college website if they are not sure. Results help colleges to make decisions about what courses are right for students. Most importantly, if the results aren’t quite what they expected, there is no need to panic.
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What if students’ results are not as expected?
The college will have a course that meets students’ needs, whether they have done better than they thought or not quite so well. If they have any questions, they should contact the college. Careers advisers and course leaders will be on hand to answer any questions.
Is anything different about the admissions process as a result of the pandemic?
In many ways, admissions will be the same as any other year. Applicants let the college know their results and they will confirm the course. What might well be different is that some or all of the process might be online.
Can you approach colleges about possible places now?
The first thing to do is look at the college website. This will give a clear picture of the opportunities that are available. Colleges offer a wide variety of courses, both A levels and vocational/ technical, in a wide range of subjects from art and design to digital, engineering to sport, agriculture to health and social care and many others, at a level to meet students’ needs and progression and/or career aspirations.
Learners can apply online. The website will also have “contact us” details. You can do this by phone, online or by email. Get in touch and college staff will be able to advise on the best course and how to apply.
Is there a deadline?
Colleges take applications all year round and will try to find an option for you whenever you apply. Most students start college in September so there is no time like the present if you have yet to apply or you have changed your mind about your next steps. Contact your local college and they will be able to guide you through the process and on to a course that is right for you.
