Frequently Asked Questions

If this page does not answer your question, then email advice@warkscol.ac.uk or call 0300 45 600 47.

Questions

My son/daughter isn't sure what he or she wants to do once they have left school. What can I do to help?

My son/daughter didn't enjoy school and wants to do something more practical, what does the college offer?

What qualifications does my son/daughter need in order to apply?

I am not sure whether qualifications gained abroad are the same in this country. How can I find out?

My son/daughter wants to go to university, should they study A levels?

How many hours a week will my daughter have to attend college?

My son/daughter has decided which course he/she wants to apply for. What happens next?

How do I follow up my son/daughter's application?

The course requires a portfolio, what is this?

How much will college cost?

What will students need to buy for their course?

Can I continue to get child benefit?

If my son/daughter doesn't like their course, can they change?

I am concerned about my son/daughter's progress – what do I do?

My son/daughter is being bullied – what can I do?

Can my son/daughter access additional learning support?

How can my son/daughter travel to college?

Are courses available to adults?

Answers

My son/daughter isn't sure what he/she wants to do once leaving school. What can I do to help?

Don't worry. We have open days in October, January and June which give you an opportunity to meet lecturing staff and visit the campus. Also, once invited to interview you will be able to visit the college and have a look around. Alternatively our Student Services is here to help prospective students and their parents, offering careers advice and support in choosing an appropriate course. Call 0300 45 600 48 to book a Student Services appointment.

My son/daughter didn't enjoy school and wants to do something more practical, what does the college offer?

There is a good mix of academic and practical courses at Warwickshire College at all levels. Just because a student didn't like school does not mean he/she won't be a high achiever at college. NVQs are very practical as are diplomas. Students might also consider an apprenticeship if a particular job is attractive to them.

What qualifications does my son/daughter need in order to apply?

We have courses to suit all levels, from foundation learning (pre-GCSE) through to university level. Each course description on our website states the entry requirements needed to start the course. If he/she isn't sure what grades they will get, it's always worth talking to Student Services about the options available. If your son/daughter doesn't meet the entry requirements for the chosen course, it is possible to enter at a lower level and progress that way.

I am not sure whether qualifications gained abroad are the same in this country. How can I find out?

Contact the college's Student Services Advisers for an equivalency comparison of overseas qualifications. If appropriate, we can also direct you to other services such as UK NARIC (the national agency responsible for advice on and translation of international qualifications). Call 0300 45 600 48 to book a Student Services appointment.

My son/daughter wants to go to university, should they study A levels?

Some students have started from entry level courses and progressed onto higher level courses to get a university place, so there are routes for everyone. Universities have different entry requirements for each course – published on www.ucas.com/students/coursesearch Most accept BTEC nationals with good grades instead of A levels, but check for any other specific requirements. Universities use UCAS points – BTEC national extended diplomas can be worth 360 points, equivalent to three A levels at A grade, enough to get into some very well-respected universities. If your son/daughter does not meet the requirements for a level 3 diploma/A level course they could study level 2 (GCSE) for a year to boost their grades.

How many hours a week will my daughter have to attend college?

A typical full-time student will study approximately 16 hours per week, plus homework. If your son/daughter is on an apprenticeship programme he/she will be expected to work approximately 37 hours, including time at college.

My son/daughter has decided which course he wants to apply for. What happens next?

Applying for a place couldn't be easier. Once they have decided what course to apply for, students can either apply online or complete a paper application form. Use the course titles in the guide to complete the 'course choice' section of the form. Paper applications must be returned to our Admissions team who will process the application and arrange an interview for your son/daughter with a course tutor.

How do I follow up my son/daughter's application?

If they applied using a college application form or online they will receive a letter about their interview/assessment and offers sent from the Admissions team. They can follow up their application by contacting Admissions on 0300 45 600 45.

The course requires a portfolio, what is this?

A collection of a student's work, usually required for art or design courses. This could be work from school or completed in their own time.

How much will college cost?

There are no tuition fees for full-time students aged 16-18. Students may be expected to pay for their own equipment, uniforms, travel costs and residential trips/visits where necessary; however financial support can be provided by the college, assessed on an individual basis to help with kit and material costs. See Money Matters or contact Student Services on 0300 45 600 48 or advice@warkscol.ac.uk for more information on financial support.

Alternatively, your son/daughter might also want to consider an apprenticeship so they can earn and learn at the same time.

What will students need to buy for their course?

This varies. Some courses require students to buy protective clothing, uniform or equipment. Others expect participation in residential visits and trips. This is made clear at interview and for some courses on the course information.

Can I continue to get child benefit?

The parent or carer of any student under 18 can continue to receive child benefit whilst the student remains in full-time education. You should ensure that the appropriate authorities are informed of the transition from school to college. Contact the national child benefit helpline 0845 30 21 444 with any queries.

If my son/daughter doesn't like their course, can they change?

They should talk to their Personal Learning Adviser (personal tutor) or a Student Services Adviser as soon as possible. It may be possible to transfer to another course if it's early in the academic year.

I am concerned about my son/daughter's progress – what do I do?

If your son/daughter is under 19 years old, contact their Personal Learning Adviser and discuss your concerns. They may suggest you come into college and discuss the matter in person.

My son/daughter is being bullied – what can I do?

This should not be ignored. Listen to your son/daughter. Encourage them to discuss the problems with their tutor or a member of staff from Student Services or the college counselling team. From here we can take action as outlined in our anti-bullying policy. If they are unwilling to discuss the issue, but you feel the problem is affecting their progress at college contact their tutor and request a meeting.

Can my son/daughter access additional learning support?

Yes. Please declare on the course application form if your son/daughter has any additional needs so that we can make a support assessment. We're committed to providing an inclusive learning environment and we aim to make the most of every student's learning opportunities. It is important to us that students with disabilities, including learning disabilities, feel welcome and are supported throughout their time at college.

How can my son/daughter travel to college?

All six of our college centres have bus links for students living more than three miles away. For full travel information visit the transport pages. These contain details of bus routes to the sites and bus pass costs. Students can also cycle to college and lock their bikes at one of our bicycle parking areas.

Are courses available to adults?

We offer a range of full and part time courses for adults. Search for courses on our website or speak to an adviser. Call 0300 45 600 48 to book a guidance appointment.