Application Guidance
I’m Ready. How do I Apply?
Sixth Form College
Taking the Next Step At One, we’re keen to help you understand our application process so that you know what to expect throughout the process, from submitting your application right through to enrolling with us in August.
Our easy to use application portal will allow you to check on your application and keep up to speed with the stages you are at.
Where do I Start? Choosing what you would like to do after High School can be tricky. There are so many different Post 16 options and sometimes it can be hard to decide which route is right for you. The first step is to explore what opportunities there are for you and a great way to do this is to attend various college open days and taster days to see what each college has to offer. Although our final open event takes place in February, that doesn’t mean there are no further opportunities to visit us. After you’ve applied to One, you’ll be invited in for an interview - this is another chance to have a look around and find out more. In June, students who have been offered a place with us are invited in for a taster day. There are also various other events throughout the year that you can join us for. Keep an eye out for our emails regarding events such as our Art Exhibition, performances, and our Student Leadership Conference.
The Application Process Once you’ve had a look around at an open event, the next step is to submit an application through our easy onlne application portal. Head to our website and click the ‘apply’ button. You will be asked to create an application account. It’s important to remember your username and password as this will allow you to check on your application.
What if I need to make a change? It’s really simple to make a change to your application. If you would like to make a course change then you just need to give us a ring on 01473 556627 or email our Admissions Team: admissions@suffolkone.ac.uk
How do I check the status of my application? If you want to check on your application status at any point during the process, then just head back to our website, click apply, and log-in using your username and password.
What Happens Next? Once you’ve completed your application, you will receive a confirmation email. When we receive your application we will invite you in for an interview.
Shortly after we’ve received your application, we will invite you in for an interview. At your interview we will be able to offer advice and guidance about the best courses for you. This is a great opportunity to ask questions, check you are happy with your programme, and have another look around the college. After your interview we will be in regular contact throughout the year. We will update you on the performances and events that you can attend. A great way to keep in touch with all that’s going on, is by following our social media platforms.
Year 11 Progression Event Our progression event coincides with our final open event on Tuesday 11th February. This is a chance for you to speak with universities and employers about their outreach events and employment schemes. Curriculum staff from One are also present to discuss your subject choices, offering advice and guidance about all aspects of college life.
O U T S TA N D I N G
The Interview Stage
Each Step of your Application Take a look at this timeline for what to expect! This timeline will give you an idea of what to expect throughout the application process. This may change depending on when you apply to us. It’s wise to apply sooner rather than later as this will allow you to focus on your GCSEs. We recommend getting your application in before 31st January 2020. It’s always best to know you’ve got your offer.
Start October/November Attend Open Event
October/November Apply Online
December Attend Interview
February Year 11 Progression Event
March Student Leadership Conference
April/May Exam Revision time (Check out our website for revision tips)
June Day One: Pre-Induction Taster Event
August Enrolment (20th August 2020)
September Induction and the start of your academic journey with us
Voted BTEC College of the Year 2018
Getting your Application in Early It’s a good idea to get your application in early, as courses can fill up quickly. Knowing the entry requirements for the courses you would like to study in September will help you to aim high when setting your exam goals. During your GCSE exam period we know that you need to focus on your revision and therefore you won’t hear from us as much during this time. We’re here to help if you do have any questions, just email: admissions@suffolkone.ac.uk
Above is the front screen of our application portal. This is where you will make your application.
The Information we ask for... Once you’ve decided on the courses you would like to study, head to our website to start your application. You’ll need to register for an account, or log-in with your username and password, if you’ve already set up your application account. Set aside some time to dedicate to your application as there are a number of questions to answer. You’ll be pleased to know that our application portal will allow you to save your application progress and log back in, if necessary. On the application form we ask for:
aYour contact information aAny special educational needs/requirements you have aThe grades you are predicted to achieve in the summer
Top Tips for Your Application:
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It’s really important that you fill out the information in full, it helps us to understand you as a student and makes sure that we enrol you onto the right course.
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Please make sure you provide us with all of the GCSE courses you are taking/have taken and your predicted or actual grades. Without this information your application may be delayed.
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If you are intending to study A Levels, please ensure you pick three A Level courses on your application form.
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BTEC Subsidiary Diplomas and BTEC Extended Certificate courses count as one A Level and must be taken alongside other courses. However, BTEC Extended Diplomas count as a full time course (three A Levels) so please keep this in mind when filling out your application form.
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Remember your log-in details. This will mean you can log back into your application to check your status.
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Apply early, it’s always best to know you have your offer. This will allow you to focus on your GCSEs.
Course FAQs There are some questions we are often asked about the application process, so we’ve tried to make your experience as smooth as possible by answering these below. We have a dedicated team on hand to help if you have any queries, just pop us an email or give us a call.
How many A Levels should I choose? Usually students will take three A Levels, in exceptional circumstances some students will take four. A Levels are now Linear, meaning that you will continue to study all three A Levels over both years of study with us. Three is the standard number of A Level courses.
What’s the difference between an Extended Diploma and an Extended Certificate? A BTEC Extended Diploma counts as three A Levels and is a full time course, an Extended Certificate counts as one A Level and students must take this alongside two A Levels or equivalent courses.
Can I do a BTEC course and A Levels together? You can take a combination of one or more Extended Certificate courses or Subsidiary Diplomas with A Level courses. If you take Health & Social Care Level 3 Extended Diploma then you will not be able to take an additional course due to the work experience element of the course.
What is a Level 2 Course? Level 2 courses are equivalent to GCSE Level. Students who need to improve their GCSE English and/or Maths grade or need a year to improve their grade profile are enrolled onto a Level 2 course. Once the Level 2 course has been completed many of our students stay with us and progress onto a Level 3 course.
Will my GCSE results affect my subject choices? We’re dedicated to ensuring that each of our students is on the right course. To help you to succeed on the right course, we set entry criteria. At your interview we will look at your predicted grades to check which courses we would recommend.
What if I don’t get the results I expected? If in August you do not receive the results you were expecting please come and see us at enrolment. We offer a range of courses which means we are likely to have another course to suit you. We’ll have a team on hand to help you on this day, who will support you to find the most suitable course for you.
What if I’ve chosen the wrong subjects - how do I change the subjects I’ve selected? If you change your mind about a subject you’ve chosen after your interview, you can email the admissions team and request a course change. You can get in touch with the admissions team by emailing: admissions@suffolkone.ac.uk or call us on 01473 556627 Course changes can be made up until early June, we then stop course changes so we can prepare your timetable ready for Day One (our pre-induction taster event).
If you decide a course is not right for you after Day One then course changes can be made up until the first week of July. After this time all other course changes can be requested at enrolment.
Day One We can’t wait for you to join us for your pre-induction taster day in June. If you’ve been offered a place at One then we will send you an invite for this day. This is our pre-induction taster day for prospective students, where you will have the opportunity to try out your chosen subjects and experience what student life is really like at One. This day is a great chance to help you decide if your chosen courses are right for you.
Enrolment 2020 Enrolment is the last stage of your application before you start college with us in September. Enrolment takes place on GCSE results day in August (Thursday 20th August 2020). Please ensure you are available to come into One on results day with your GCSE results to enrol onto your chosen programme. On this day, you’ll complete your enrolment paperwork, we’ll take your photo for your student ID card, and provide you with all the information you need about induction and the start of term.
I am away for enrolment, what do I need to do? If you are away for enrolment it is really important that you contact us with the dates you are away. We will then let you know the process you need to follow, failure to follow our procedure may mean we are unable to offer you a place in September.
It is really important to take Enrolment Day - 20th August 2020 into account when booking any summer holidays.
Dates for your Diary We have seven interview evenings that take place between November and May. Once you’ve submitted your application please be aware that your interview date will follow shortly, keep an eye out for your notification! Student Leadership Conference......... 17th March 2020 Day One (Taster Day)...................... 25th June 2020 GCSE Results and Enrolment Day...... 20th August 2020
Get in Touch We have a number of ways for you to contact us throughout the application process. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you have.
Admissions Phone: 01473 556627 Admissions Email: admissions@suffolkone.ac.uk Twitter: @suffolkone Facebook: /suffolkone Instagram: @suffolkone Transport Queries: transport@suffolkone.ac.uk Finance and Bursary Queries: finance@suffolkone.ac.uk
01473 556627 admissions@suffolkone.ac.uk www.suffolkone.ac.uk One Sixth Form College, Scrivener Drive, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP8 3SU