Frequently Asked Questions

How many A Levels will I be expected to take in the first year?
Your course will depend on your GCSE results. Many students on AS/A2 programmes take 5 AS courses in their first year. At your enrolment interview you will discuss the course you can take depending on your qualifications and career aim. We think it is important that you enrol on a programme which you will suceed on, but which will challenge you to do well.

How many GCSE's are required to do an Advanced level course?
To start an advanced level course you will normally be expected to have at least five A* - C grades at GCSE. For some subjects an average grade of C is required and some courses will expect particular subjects at grade C or above.

Will my BTEC First count towards my GCSE score?
If you have passed an intermediate vocational programme at school you will also need to have at least 3 GCSE grades at C or above to start an advanced level programme. Vocational GCSE qualifications count as any other GCSE.

I have five GCSEs at C+ but got a D in Mathematics. Can I still take an
Advanced-level course?
You can still take an Advanced Level course but you will need to think carefully about your course. This reduces the number of options you can take. You will be guided by your tutors at the College to help you pick an appropriate course for your qualifications and your career aim. With qualifications like this, the following are possible options:

Three AS Levels + one GCSE

Two AS Levels + two GCSEs or Applied A Levels (Double Award) + two GCSEs
BTEC National Diploma + 1 GCSE
BTEC National Certificate + 1 AS + 1 GCSE

Can I do an AS course alongside an advanced vocational course?
We strongly encourage students taking advanced vocational courses to take an AS alongside their course (this will not be possible with Early Years courses).

What does the General Studies programme mean?
We offer a range of courses which are designed to broaden your overall programme. You can choose to take an additional AS in General Studies, Citizenship, Critical Thinking, World Development or Science in Society. Or you might choose to take part in one of our Ambitions Programmes such as the pre-teaching or pre-medical course.

I didn't do very well at GCSEs, can I still come to college?
Some students do not achieve what they expect at GCSE and so cannot progress to an Advanced level course. However, the College offers one-year Intermediate and Foundation level courses to meet the needs of those students. In most cases the programme involves a mix of Vocational and GCSE courses. Staff will help you choose the programme that best meet your needs. Remember many students complete an Intermediate-level course and then successfully progress to Advanced level the following year.

I would like to do some part-time work alongside my study at college. Is that acceptable?
Within reason you should be able to cope with a limited amount of part-time work whilst at college. However, you will be a full-time student, so your priority must be your college work. You must expect to be in college between 8.45am - 4.15pm every day. Part-time work commitments cannot intrude into the college day, since apart from anything else, timetables may change throughout the year. We recommend that you do no more than 15 hours per week during term time. Your personal tutor will provide guidance on this issue and you should consult them if you have any major financial concerns as there may be some help available through the Access Fund.

Will my bus travel to Priestley College be free?
If you use Warrington Borough Transport Services to get to College you will be able to buy a Town Saver pass. The Town Savers cost £6.75 per week or £22.50 per month whilst the Network Saver costs £8.75 per week or £29 per month. A yearly pass is available at a cost of £245.

These passes entitle you to use any WBT service any day of the week including weekends.

To get your pass you will first need to be issued with a photo ID pass from College. These will be available from College at registration, but you will need to bring a passport sized photo with you (2nd Years note: you can use your ID pass from 2010/11). You will then be able to buy your weekly or monthly passes from College or the Interchange. If you live outside of the Borough of Warrington and are unable to use WBT you will need to apply for your own pass from Arriva, Halton, or your local train or bus operator.

Halton passes are also available from College. These cost £12.50 per week and will be available at registration. Arriva passes can be bought online and can cost from as little as £7 per week, depending on where you live. Both Halton and Arriva passes can also be used any day of the week including weekends.

During 2011/2012 we will support those young people who spend more than £13 per week on bus or train fares. We will contribute up to £100 towards travel costs incurred for bus or train fares that exceed £13 per week. This will be paid in two instalments, one at Christmas and one in June. Only those students with an attendance rate of 95% or above will receive the full amount. Details on how to apply for this support are available from Student Services.

Note: Bursary Fund - Students in receipt of a Bursary will be able to access additional support towards travel costs.

Will my course cost anything?
Generally courses are free for students aged between 16-19. However, certain conditions may apply, for example if you are a student from overseas. Text books will be provided by your course departments on a loan basis, however you are responsible for the purchase of your own consumables such as pens and paper etc.

Are hardship grants available?
Priestley College has an Access Fund, which is money provided by the government to help students through Further Education. It is means tested, but anyone can apply. Application forms are available from Personal Tutors.

Can I change my mind if I start a course, but I find that I don’t like it?
Yes, but your aim should be to make the best choice at enrolment. During the induction period, and up until the end of September, you can change a course after discussion with your Personal Tutor. It is not advisable to change courses after the induction period since you are likely to be too far behind to join a new course.

Helping young parents
Priestley College is committed to giving young parents support during their continued education. The head of student services is able to help you complete the Care to Learn form, and to advise on other financial matters. We can also advise and guide a young person about the most appropriate childcare facilities in their local community. Just give college a ring and you will be put through to Head of Student Services who will be happy to help you.

Bursary Funds
See this detailed section of our website