Enrolment FAQs

Enrolment

How do I enrol?

Just come in and see us, we'll be able to take you through from application to enrolment and have you ready for starting in September.

If you want to speed things up, you can apply online by visiting our course pages.

I've made an application but not received the email inviting me to enrolment. What should I do?

First check your junk or bulk email folder in case the email is in there. If not, then please come into campus to see us. We'll take care of you and help you complete your enrolment.

If I get a waiting list place what are my chances?

This varies from year to year and often depends on which subjects are wanted. It is not possible to put any sort of figure on this. The more flexible you are about your subject choices, the more likely it is that we can fit you in. If you are keen to have a place, let us know after the GCSE results are published.

If I change my mind about a course once I have started can I change?

This may be possible but any changes must be requested very quickly and will depend on space availability and your grade profile.

Can I enrol if I was not initially selected for interview?

Yes, you can apply after GCSE results day by coming into our Paddington Green Campus with your GCSE results during our Open Enrolment period. You must still have met our minimum entry criteria. However we consider current applicants before new or re-applications. Courses can fill up over the enrolment period. Please remember this when booking your summer holiday.

What will I need to bring?

Please click here for the full list of all documents you will need to bring with you.

 

Applying FAQs

Who can apply?

We have courses for all ages. We are a general access college for London and we do not prioritize applicants who live in particular boroughs. However, we prefer to offer places to those who live within a reasonable travelling distance. 

How to apply?

Visit the courses section of the website, choose your course, add to basket and complete the online form.

Please make sure you include your qualifications or predicted grades. In regards to your Personal Statement, we value quality over quantity and it should include why you want to study the course.  Please also use this to inform us of anything which you cannot include elsewhere on the form, but that you feel is important for your application.

Or, just come in and see us and we can guide you through from start to finish! We're here to help you every step of the way. 

Can I apply for September now? 

Yes. Our courses are live and you can apply whenever you are ready. With our courses in high demand, we always encourage early applications to ensure you secure a place on a course of your choice. Both Adults and 16-18 year olds can apply.

Higher Education Courses – Do I need to apply through UCAS? 

Yes, you will need to apply through UCAS.

I've completed an online application. What happens next?

We will be in contact with you to either ask you to come in for an interview, or we will send you an offer. 

Can I change the course I applied for after I have submitted my application?

If you would like to change the course you have applied for, please email customer.services@cwc.ac.uk , informing us which course you would like to change to.

What happens if a subject is cancelled?

This happens very rarely. If we have to withdraw a subject, we would do our utmost to provide you with a suitable alternative.  At application stage and after offer, we will contact you to let you know the reasons for the change.

Fees FAQs

Are there any fees (16-18)? 

If you are 16-18 years old and choose to study on a government funded course, there will be no fees to pay.  This does not apply to HE courses where there are fees to pay.  However, there are HE loans available. To be exempt, partially exempt or receive a loan for payment of fees, you must qualify as a Home Student.

Are there any fees (19+)? 

Fee exemptions for Adults (aged 19 or older on 31st August, 2022) are complex and can depend on your benefits status, your age, your highest level of achievement, and the level of course you are intending to study.  All adults will be formally fee assessed during the enrolment process. If you are seeking fee exemption on the basis that you are claiming Means Tested Benefit (MTB), you will need evidence for this. MTBs include Job Seekers Allowance, Income Support, Universal Credit and Employment Support Allowance (WRAG category). Evidence must be dated no more than three months before the start of your course. MTBs are not available to study a Level 3 or higher course for which fees may be applied, however, Advanced Learning Loans are available. To be exempt, partially exempt or receive a loan for payment of fees, you must qualify as a Home Student 

What is a Home Student?

A Home Student is someone who has been normally and legally resident in the European Economic Area for the last 3 years. The evidence for this can be a passport or ID card, your Birth Certificate (UK born citizens only), Home Office documents, a solicitor’s letter or any other documents you hold that would establish your residency status. 

Interviews FAQs

How do I get to my interview?

Click this link to view transport links to our campuses

What do I need to bring? 

If you have a reference from your school/employer, please do bring this, or use the template we provide and ask your school to stamp it. You may be asked to bring your art portfolio or a sample of music. For an audition, you will need to prepare a piece to perform.

Is there anything I need to do if I am asked for interview?

For some courses, if you have been asked to interview, you may be required to demonstrate your ability in the course area you have applied for.

I can’t make the date/time I have registered for my interview. Is it possible to rearrange?

Yes, you should be able to change your booking either through the booking system or by calling us. Please do this as soon as possible so that we can offer your slot to another applicant.

Can my parent / guardian come with me?

Any visitors including parents or guardians will be required to wait at Reception during your interview. 

What criteria are used when selecting for offer or interview?

The criteria include your academic potential and predicted grades, journey to College, school report or references, combination of subjects, your contribution to your current school or place of employment and participation in extra-curricular activities. Please be aware that in most years the College has been heavily oversubscribed and we cannot guarantee to interview all applicants even if they meet our minimum criteria.

What does it mean if I am called for interview later than someone else or if I don't have an interview?

We have so many applications that we spread interviews throughout the year. Different subjects hold interviews at different times.

Do we operate any quotas when selecting students?

Each applicant is judged on their merits and we will not use quotas when offering places. However, during the enrolment period courses can fill up.

Offers FAQs

When will I hear whether I have a conditional place or not?

We aim to let everyone know the outcome of their application as soon as possible. We do generally let people know at interview, but the email confirming this can take a little longer.

What sort of offer can I expect?

Most of our offers are conditional on your GCSE results, but we can also ask for a portfolio of art work, performance audition or written work. Our offers are based on our individual courses. Please see the relevant page on our website for specific entry criteria. Some course areas like Performing Arts may require an audition. We do also offer unconditional places if you have prior qualifications. We also might refer you to another course, and occasionally we are unable to offer a place for your original choice and will write to you with the explanation. 

I've received an offer without an interview, is this correct?

Yes, if we feel that your application is strong and your predicted or achieved grades are correct for the course you have applied for, we can progress straight to making you an offer. 

I've received an offer, but I still want an interview, is this possible?

Yes, just contact us on customer.services@cwc.ac.uk, and we will be able to arrange an interview for you at our next session. 

Can I change course after I have been offered a place?

We will do our best to accommodate you but cannot guarantee this since other courses may be full. If you change to a course in a different area, for example, from ICT to Business, you will need to submit another application. If you wish to change courses following the publication of GCSE results, this will depend on the availability of places, but we are often able to do this.

I’ve been offered a place on a different course; why?

Based on your application or interview, we may feel that an alternative course or different level would be more suitable than your original choice and make you an offer accordingly. We can often review this at enrolment.

What happens if I do not reach the offer conditions?

If you do not make your predicted grades, we will offer you a place on an alternative course or level. Please do ask or come to the dates advertised as Open Enrolment.

What happens if I decide not to take up my place?

You would need to let us know if you wish to withdraw as soon as possible, either by email, informing us during the Enrolment process, or by returning your Enrolment pack on GCSE results day, indicating that you do not wish to take up your place.