What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is on the last day of February each year.
What happens after I apply?
After you apply our Admissions Team will assess your application and look to invite you in for an admissions interview.
Can I apply after the application deadline?
Yes. However, if you apply after the deadline we cannot guarantee a one-to-one admissions interview before your GCSE exams. After the deadline we will assess applications on a first come, first served basis and allocate places where they are available on courses. Anyone allocated a place will receive an appointment for an admissions interview, but it is likely to be after GCSE exams.
Can I apply to more than one college?
Yes. You can apply to and accept a place at as many colleges as you wish. You can your final decision when you receive your GSCE results in August.
What level of course should I apply for?
This will depend on your GCSE results. Please see the college entry requirements below to judge which level is right for you.
I don’t know my predicted grades. How should I complete the application form?
If you don’t know your official predicted grades please provide a realistic estimate of the grades you are hoping to achieve.
I’m unsure what I want to study. What would you recommend I do?
First visit our digital prospectus here
In the digital prospectus you will find a list of the courses available at Priestley. If you see one you like the sound of then read more about that course. If there are some courses that you don’t recognise then it would be worth finding out more about those subjects as well – you never know what you might find that might interest you as we offer many courses not available at other colleges or at your high school.
Another way to find out more would be by visiting an open event or we can even allow you to speak to our careers adviser who will offer independent and impartial advice.
When are your open events?
We typically hold open events in October, November and February and these can be booked on our website when available.
What courses do you offer?
We offer more than 70 different course options and because there are so many we have split them into four different pathways at Level 3 with another pathway at Level 2.
The Level 3 pathway options are: A-Level, Vocational, Mixed and T-Level.
You can view all the courses here > Sixth Form Courses
A-Level Courses
- Minimum of three GCSE at Grade 5 or above
- Three GCSEs at Grade 4 or above
- GCSE English required at Grade 4 or above
- GCSE Maths – see subject guidance
Vocational
- Minimum of six GCSEs at Grade 4 or above
- GCSE English recommended – see course profile
- GCSE – See course profile
Mixed Programme
- Minimum of two GCSEs at Grade 5 and four at Grade 4
- GCSE English at Grade 4 or above
- GCSE Maths – see course profile
T-Level
- Minimum of three GCSEs at Grade 5 or above and
- Three GCSEs at Grade 4 or above
- GCSE English required at Grade 4 or above
- GCSE Maths – see course profile
- GCSE Science – see course profile
Foundation
- Minimum of one GCSEs at Grade 4 or above and
- Three GCSEs at Grade 3 or above
- Grade 2 in English Language and/or Maths
How many courses am I expected to study?
All Level 3 students can study up to four A-Levels or equivalent Vocational courses. Students are able to select a ‘specialism’ as one of their 4 courses.
A T-Level is a full study programme so cannot be studied alongside other subjects/ courses.
Foundation Programme students will typically study their chosen Level 2 vocational qualification, along with one or more of the following:
- English and / or Maths up to GCSE
- A Specialist Project to help develop study and research skills
- Work placement and Work-Related Learning
- GCSE Science (subject to demand)
Every student’s study programme will also include PDP, Personal Develop Programme (tutorial), and enrichment activities.
Which courses can be studied alongside each other?
Students can opt for an A-Level only pathway. There are also Vocational BTEC Level 3 options that can be a full study programme.
Students on a mixed programme can combine A-Levels with some Vocational Level 3 courses.
T-Levels are full programmes so other subjects cannot be studied alongside these courses.
Vocational Level 2 courses can be combined, where appropriate, with:
- English and / or Maths up to GCSE
- A Specialist Project to help develop study and research skills
- Work placement and Work-Related Learning
- GCSE Science (subject to demand)
Please use the Course Builder to work out what study programmes are available to you at Priestley College.
What are Priestley Specialisms?
Students studying A-Level, Vocational or Mixed Pathways can take one of the Priestley Specialisms as one of their four courses. Priestley’s specialisms are designed to provide the in-depth knowledge and skills linked to a potential career or progression route. We have split these into different areas of expertise to support your academic programme and bolster your prospects after college. You can find out more here > Priestley Specialisms
What extra-curricular opportunities are available?
Priestley offers a wide range of extra-curricular enrichment activities during the academic year and encourages all students to take one during their first term at college. These activities can vary from term-to-term and we do respond to student requests for enrichments to be added to the calendar. You can get a flavour of what is on offer here > Priestley enrichment
Can I visit the college before enrolling?
Yes. We typically have open events in October, November and February, when you can visit the college and see the campus. At open events you can meet tutors and current students who will answer your questions about life at Priestley College.
Any students who have accepted their place to study at Priestley College are invited to Welcome Day in July. This is another opportunity to see the campus and will include taster lessons and pastoral sessions, giving applicants a better idea of what a typical day at Priestley College might be like.
As well as these events, look out for opportunities to visit Priestley with your high school as there are various Year 10 and Year 11 taster days as well as subject-specific workshops during the year that might be of interest to you.
Can I sample courses before enrolling?
Yes. Welcome Day at Priestley College provides an opportunity to sample your chosen courses. This takes place in July and any prospective student who has accepted their place will be invited to the day.
What happens if I don't get the GCSE grades I'd hoped for?
If you don’t get your GCSE grades don’t worry. Please still attend your enrolment appointment and we will discuss the options that are still available to you.
What happens during my admissions one-to-one interview?
You will be allocated an appointment for an admissions one-to-one interview once your application is complete. These take place throughout the year after school and your parents/carers are encouraged to attend with you.
During your one-to-one you will meet with a tutor to review your application and the courses you have expressed an interest in. We aim to agree a conditional offer suited to you and your aspirations.
What is the difference between applying and enrolling?
Applying is the start of the process where you submit an application online telling us which subjects you would like to study at Priestley College.
You will Enrol and confirm your place at Priestley in August / September when you have received your GCSE results.
What if I change my mind about the subjects/courses I'd like to study?
You can amend your study programme at any point up to enrolment, subject to course availability.
I have extra support in school. Will I receive this at college?
Yes. When completing your application please state ‘Yes’ to receiving additional support in school and any other medical/mobility issues. During your admissions one-to-one interview we will be able to assess your needs and let you know more about the support that is on offer at Priestley College.
When is enrolment?
Enrolment takes place towards the end of August. You will be invited into college after you have received your GCSE results so that we can confirm you have met the entry criteria. It is at this point you will need to withdraw any applications made to other colleges.
What should I do if I can’t attend my admissions and enrolment appointments?
Please get in touch with the Admissions Team who will look to rearrange your appointment to an alternative available date, where possible.
Do you offer adult courses?
Yes we offer Adult Courses. You can find out more here > Adult Courses
Do you offer any transition days?
Yes. These take place in July.
Will you ask my school for a reference?
Yes. We ask all schools for references for new students.
I have another question. How do I get in touch?
You can email admissions@priestley.ac.uk or phone admissions on 01925 415 415. Our friendly team will be happy to help you.
