GOING TO COLLEGE
If you are thinking of leaving school next year and going to college, this page is to help you choose and apply. This page is a work in progress - we'll update it regularly to give you the latest information.
The most popular colleges for our students are Merton, Carshalton, NESCOT, the Aurora Centre and Sutton and District Training. Most young people can find the course they need in one of these.
Start looking at colleges well in advance; check out their Open Days to see if you like the look of them.
In November we’ll speak about colleges at the EHCP Review.
From January, its time to think about making your application for September.
If you are applying for the Aurora Centre then you will need to apply much earlier.
Mr Lansley is happy to help you if you need information.
Good Luck!!!
APPLYING FOR COLLEGE
Colleges have Open days advertised on their websites. Have a look to see when they are and see if you can get along to them.
You can get advice and discuss your choices at the EHCP review. Your case worker sends information to colleges that they need.
Applications for colleges are made online from the college’s website. You usually register your name and a password and then the college will contact you for an interview.
Interviews usually take place at the college but might be ‘virtual’ online. They are to find out if you are suitable for the course and for you to ask them questions too!
During the summer term, you might have the chance to visit the college to meet the staff and take part in some activities.
During the summer holidays you’ll enrol for your course to get your identity badge ready for the start of term!
You can find the college website addresses below:
https://stcg.ac.uk/merton-college
https://stcg.ac.uk/carshalton-college
https://stcg.ac.uk/foundation-learner-send/aurora-provision
https://www.suttondistrict.co.uk/
For applications to Carshalton, Merton, Aurora and
South Thames…
https://application.stcg.ac.uk/?ReturnUrl=%2FPage%2FCreateAppPersonalDetails%3FUIOIDs_InList%3D37122
(you will need to 'create an account’)
CHOOSING A COLLEGE
CGS TRANSITION MARKETPLACE
In November we run a Transitions Marketplace in which parents and students are invited to meet staff from our 6th Form, local colleges and other organisations that support young people as they approach adulthood.
This is a really good chance to ask questions and get a better idea of where you want to study post 16, and what you’d like to do!
CHOOSING A COURSE
If you are interested in joining the Foundation Learning Department at Carshalton or Merton College, we would love to support you through the application process.
Our Foundation Learning courses cater to students with SEND, offering tailored programs to meet your needs and help you achieve your goals. You can find more information about these courses and how to apply through the following links:
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Carshalton College Foundation Learning: Carshalton Foundation Learning
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Merton College Foundation Learning: Merton Foundation Learning
Application Process:
Families will need to create an account with the South Thames Colleges Group (STCG), which will generate a unique student ID number for the young person. Once this step is complete, they are welcome to apply for the Foundation Learning course they feel is most appropriate.
Important Notes:
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Final course placement may be subject to change following a support interview with our Inclusive Learning team to ensure the best fit for the student’s needs.
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We encourage parents and guardians to speak to their Local Authority (LA) about initiating a formal consultation as part of the transition process, this often takes place during your EHCP review or once you have decided on where you are applying for college.
Taster Sessions:
To support students in making an informed decision, we are happy to arrange taster sessions at the college for those who have completed an online application, these are usually arranged in groups through the school, during the summer term.
If you have any questions or require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help make this transition as smooth and supportive as possible!
Kind regards,
Elle Phillips
Head of inclusive learning
Merton and Carshalton College.
The below table might make the process of thinking about college a little easier and also give you a starting point for your research.
The table shows the different courses that each college offers young people with SEND and what the theme or focus of the course might be. You can get an estimation of the grade that your young person could achieve by talking to the Year 11 teachers at Parents' Evening and EHCP reviews.
If you are considering college after Year 11, please look on the college website for information and any dates for open-days. You can apply to more than one college and there is often the flexibility to change courses if after the interview you feel that the course is unsuitable (provided courses are not full).
GOOD LUCK!
What ever you decide there will be help along the way at every stage.
