Full Application Policy

September 2015 entry

The following policy relates to applications for places on the College’s full-time 16–19 programmes of study and applicants are asked to recognise that the sixth form college and its courses are designed primarily to meet the needs of students within that age range. Applications from students with learning difficulties or disabilities will be welcomed. An Academic Support booklet is available on request.

Applications from Year 11 students

The College welcomes all applications and will offer places to all students whose applications have the support of their present schools or colleges, who are predicted to qualify for the course they intend to study and who submit a supportive academic reference by the published deadline.

Applications from students residing overseas

Applications from students from overseas will not normally be considered unless the student is moving to Cambridge for the duration of the course applied for with their family. Students from outside the European Economic Area may have to pay tuition fees, and they should contact the Admissions Office for further details.

Students who attend Long Road Sixth Form College

Level 2 Long Road Sixth Form College students who wish to apply for a two-year Advanced level course should be able to demonstrate a good attendance record and submit a supportive academic reference. Students will be interviewed before an offer is made and the offer of a place is subject to the normal entry criteria for a level 3 course.

Students who do not complete their programme of study at Long Road Sixth Form College

Students who do not complete their programme of study at Long Road Sixth Form College will not normally be offered a place at the College in any subsequent year. Former students in this position who are considering making an application should contact the College at an early stage before following the normal application procedure.

Applications from students from other post-16 centres or from students who have taken time away from education

Applications from students in this category will be considered individually. The offer criteria will be based upon a student’s ability to succeed on their chosen programme and will depend upon individual circumstances, a supportive reference and availability of places. Applications from students who could continue at their current institution will not normally be considered.

Applications to join the College in Year 2 of a Level 3 programme

Applications for the second year of a Level 3 course will be considered from students who have taken courses elsewhere. Students must be able to commence their course in June immediately after AS examinations. Applications from students who could continue at their current institution will not normally be considered.

An offer of a place will be subject to the normal admissions criteria for Long Road Sixth Form College and the receipt of a supportive academic reference. Students should provide the College with details of the examination specifications currently being taken, so that the College can confirm that a transfer of examination board (where necessary) is acceptable. Please contact the Admissions Office for further details.

Other applications

The College anticipates that most applications will fall into one of the above categories. Other applications will be considered on their merits.

Partner Schools

In the event that the College is oversubscribed, students from partner schools will be given priority over other applicants. The partner schools are: Bassingbourn VC, Bottisham VC, Chesterton CC, Comberton VC, Cottenham VC, Ely College, Impington VC, Linton VC, North Cambridge Academy, Melbourn VC, Netherhall School, Parkside CC, Parkside Federation, Coleridge CC, Sawston VC, Soham VC, St Bede’s School, Swavesey VC and Witchford VC. All applications must be received by the published deadline.

Interviews

The main purpose of the interview is to provide advice and guidance in order to ensure that the programme and courses of study are suitable. Should this not be the case, advice and guidance will be given about suitable alternatives. Interviews also provide an opportunity for applicants to find out more about the College. Written offers will be made within four working weeks of the interview.

Appeals Procedure

Applicants have the right to appeal against our decision if they are not offered a place. Appeal applications should be made in writing to the Vice-Principal within 10 days of the applicant receiving the admissions decision and must give grounds and particulars for the appeal. The Admissions Policy criteria will be used to determine the outcome. The applicant will be informed of the outcome in writing.

Enrolment at College after publication of GCSE results

Students holding conditional offers will have their places confirmed provided that they meet both the general criteria and the grade requirements for specific courses. Students who need to change their programmes or courses as a result of their GCSE grades will be advised about courses at this stage.

Withdrawal of courses

The College will try to ensure that students are able to follow their first choice of programme and courses. However, the College reserves the right to withdraw a course, for example, if there are insufficient numbers of students or unforeseen circumstances. The College also reserves the right to suspend applications for courses which are full. If particular courses are oversubscribed, then places in these courses will be allocated to students who met the College applications deadline and then on the basis of overall profile, although consideration will be given to individual cases on their merits. No change can be guaranteed, and places depend upon course availability. Full guidance will be given to students during the enrolment process.

Foundation Diploma in Art and Design

A separate policy relating to applications for places on the College’s Foundation Diploma in Art and Design at age 18 is published on the College website.

October 2015