Your questions answered

Yes! You can still apply to us even if you’ve applied for a college or sixth form place elsewhere. You don’t need to confirm your place until you get your GCSE results in the summer.

Yes! We offer the widest range of options for school leavers in the region. We offer hands-on career focused courses in over 20 different subject areas and apprenticeships too, where you can earn whilst you learn,

Applications for 2022 are open now! All applications are submitted online and it is an easy process consisting of filling out personal details and predicted grades – it should only take you 15/20 minutes in total. You can apply for more than 1 course if you are still unsure exactly what you want to do.

You can find out more on how to apply to Nottingham College on this page.

There is no specific deadline for applications. However we would recommend applying at soon as possible so that you can focus on the rest of Year 11 and your GCSE’s. Some courses do get full as well so it is in your best interests to sort your application as early as possible to ensure you get a conditional offer and do not miss out on a place for your preferred course.

Yes! You can apply for more than one course if you haven’t decided yet (if you choose to study A Levels you will need to choose a minimum of three subjects). There is no obligation to accept a place at this stage, you can decide once you receive your GCSE results and confirm your choice with us when you enrol.

You can apply for more than one course with us, but as our courses for school leavers are full time you will only study one. You might also have to study Maths, English or both alongside your course if you did not pass them at GCSE.

A Levels are different, you will mix and match different subjects (3 or 4).

If you have applied for more than one course with us, you will need to make your decision on which course/A Levels to continue with when you enrol in the summer.

If you do not pass your GCSE Maths or English (or both) at school then don’t worry, it is not the end of the world and can re-take the subjects with us at College.

Hopefully with different teachers and a fresh learning environment we will help you pass them so you can progress to a Level 3 course with us. To study any Level 3 course you will need a grade 4 or above in GCSE Maths and English.

Of course! We know lots of choice can be overwhelming so if you’re not sure what you want to study then don’t worry. Our team of expert advisors and careers support are on hand to help you navigate your options and give you individualised advice. You can book an appointment by calling us on 0115 9 100 100 or by sending an email to: careersteam@nottinghamcollege.ac.uk

We also have a brand-new course navigator which is interactive and designed for mobile devices. It lets you browse courses tailored to your interests.

Find out more and give it a go here.

If you don’t get the exam results you had hoped for it’s important not to panic. We are here to help, and we have lots of study options to suit many circumstances. There are usually a few key options:

1. Depending on your exam results you may be able to study your chosen course at a lower level. You will still have the opportunity to progress.

2. If you didn’t pass your Maths or English qualifications you may be able to study them alongside your chosen course.

3. We offer GCSE re-sits so you can re-take subjects if you want to improve your results.

4. If there are spaces available you may be able to transfer to another course with different entry requirements.

If you have applied and accepted a place with us and didn’t get the exam results you hoped for, it is important to still attend your enrolment session. We will be able to discuss your options with you and get you enrolled onto a suitable study option.

You can edit your application and apply for another course by logging into your account.

This will depend on the course/s you have applied for, but the majority of our courses will invite you to a ‘meet the tutor’ session. This is your chance to meet your course team, have a look around the college and ask questions. Once you apply you’ll be sent further information via email so keep an eye on your inbox.

We don't expect it to be perfect but its great if you can showcase the areas that will be covered on your chosen course - it can be work you've completed at school or at home.

It means we have offered you a place on your chosen course dependent on meeting the entry requirements. The full details are included in your letter or email.

Yes, you will confirm your choices at enrolment so still have time to change your mind.

In short, college is totally different to school. You can find about what makes college different in our article here.

Absolutely, leaving School for something new is a big thing, but just remember everyone will be in the same boat. You will be invited into College over the summer to meet your new coursemates, tutors and to see your new surroundings – the aim of this event is to help you settle and to prepare you for starting properly in September. Our friendly tutors will do everything they can they help you settle and feel comfortable at College – you will also have an achievement coach who will be there to support you and make sure everything is in place for you to achieve and do well on your course.

There is no specific dress code at Nottingham College but we do have a no cap/hats policy in College buildings. For some specific courses such as Construction, or courses where you need to use specialist facilities such as labs or kitchens, then you will be required to wear PPE (personal protective equipment) or follow additional health and safety protocol. Some of our Hair, Beauty and Travel and Tourism courses also require a uniform, you'll be given all the information you need when you enrol.

This varies depending on your course, but you can expect to spend at least 2 and a half to 3 days a week in College. If you need to resit your GCSE Maths and English, this will be built into your timetable as additional hours.

Some courses require you to complete work experience and this can be in blocks of weeks or days during the term and you would attend college in between on certain days. For A Levels you can expect to be in college most days as you will be studying a minimum of 3 subjects.

Yes! We have a 6-week window at the start of term in September where you are able to swap to another course if you change your mind. This will be dependent on personal circumstances, course availability and whether you meet the entry requirements. Our team of Achievement Coaches and Tutors will do their best to accommodate changes where appropriate.

Hear how sport student Tijan swapped his course and opened up new career opportunities for himself.

Yes! The Student Wellbeing team offer a wide range of activities which give EVERY student a chance to meet new friends, develop employment skills, enhance your CV, gain an extra qualification and make sure your time with us is an unforgettable one. You will find information about this when you join the college by checking StudentNet and college notice boards.

Yes! There are lots of competitive and non competitive options for playing sport at Nottingham College. Activities include basketball, futsal, football, rugby, tennis, badminton, table tennis, ice skating, boxing, tai chi, yoga and indoor cricket. Students can take part with classmates and friends from across the College. The activities run during lunch and late afternoon on the different College campuses and are FREE for students.

The Association of Colleges (AoC) runs national representative squads and teams in many sports and take part in international events and competitions.

Yes! The Student Wellbeing team regularly organise trips and recent ones have included Alton Towers and the theatre. Lots of courses also offer trips, both in the UK and abroad.

We recently secured funding from The Turing Scheme to which will give hundreds of our students the opportunity to go on funded study trips abroad to countries such as France, Spain, The Netherlands, Nepal and more.

Yes, you can find term dates on our website or StudentNet once you have a college log in.

Timetables are finalised at the end of the summer and you will receive yours after you have enrolled.

Some courses require you to attend a ‘meet the tutor’ event which can be booked through your application account. We will also be in touch to invite you in over the summer to meet your new coursemates and to give you information to help you get ready for College. Enrolment takes place after GCSE results day in late Summer and you'll get sent a letter or email with further information.

You will be given a materials list during your induction days and this will depend on which course you are applying for. The list will vary per course.

For art, design and creative courses we will send you a kit-list and you will be able to buy the items you need from our College Art Shop.

If you have studied art and design recently you may have a lot of the materials you need already (pencils, pens, paints, scissors, glue & sketchbooks etc.)

Our college sites are in central locations that are easily accessible by public transport. You can find information on the nearest tram/bus stops and train stations on our website.

Our Basford, London Road and Highfields campuses all have limited parking available to students on a first come first served basis which costs £1.50 for half a day or £3 for a full day. A valid Nottingham College parking permit will need to be displayed which you can request from reception.

Student Finance may be able to help you with a contribution towards travel to college, visit the Student Finance page to find out more information on how to apply.

Many public transport providers do offer discounted tickets and passes for students - you'll need to show your student ID card or enrolment letter when purchasing.