How to apply and enrol
We hope you have found the perfect course - now you will be ready to apply.
Helpful tips
Think carefully about your choice of course, discuss it with your School Careers Advisor also you can get impartial advice from our team on 01245 293031.
When to make your application
| Full Time Study Programmes APPLY NOW! We are pleased to receive applications from October for courses starting the following academic year and we encourage everyone to apply as early as possible to have the best chance of securing a place on their chosen course. |
| Part Time Courses and Short Courses APPLY NOW! We are pleased to receive applications from October, you will be contacted nearer the course start date with information how to enrol. |
The application process
For Full Time courses you can apply on-line or download an application form and return it to the Admissions team. You will receive an automatic acknowledgement.
Your application will be reviewed by the curriculum team to establish suitability of your chosen course, the curriculum team may need to contact you to discuss further. If you have been accepted on the course you will receive an offer which will detail the entry requirements.
For Part time courses you can apply on-line or download an application form and return it to the Admissions team, enclose a signed Employer Information Form with your application if required (see Employer Sponsor Payment).
You will receive an acknowledgement; enrolment information will be provided nearer the course start date.
Accept & Enrol
Reply to accept your place by the date stated in your offer letter and you will receive your enrolment details at the end of July. Enrolment commences straight after August GCSE results day; to give you the best opportunity of securing your place on your chosen course please enrol on the date given in your enrolment letter. All courses are subject to availability and student numbers.
You will not be able to enrol without proof of all your qualifications. Once you have enrolled you become a member of Chelmsford College.
Maths and English
Students who have not achieved a GCSE grade C/4 or equivalent in English or maths will study these subjects at the level appropriate to their ability as part of their programme. Please note that individual Level 2 literacy and numeracy qualifications may not be the equivalent of a full GCSE qualification.
Money matters
Tuition Fees
16-18: Good news for all students aged between 16-18 before 31st August of the academic year you start your course; you will not pay any course or exam fees during your study programme subject to ESFA funding. However, there may be some equipment or other requirements that you may have to buy for your course. Details will be available prior to enrolment.
19 plus: If you are 19 years old or over when you start your course, it is likely you will have to pay an annual tuition fee. These fees are available on application and will be subject to change dependant on funding regulations which are generally finalised May/June. Depending on the course and circumstances, some 19+ learners may be eligible for free tuition. Please contact admissions team for clarification.
Advanced Learning Loans
These are government backed loans that are available to help students aged 19 and over pay their course costs for eligible courses at Levels 3 to 6. The Advanced Learner Loan is easy to apply for, doesn’t take your household income into account and doesn’t involve a credit check. For further information, please contact the National Careers Service, visit our website or visit www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan.
We will supply you with information that you require to complete your loan application prior to enrolment. Evidence of loan application should be in place prior to the commencement of the course. If evidence of an approved loan application has not been received by week 6, the college reserves the right to withdraw the offer of a place on the course.
Discounted Fees
A 10% discount of the tuition fee will be given for courses of 24 weeks or more (excluding apprenticeships, Higher Education courses and Advanced Learning Loans) where the full year's fees are paid by the start date of the course.
Instalments
Instalment plans are available for courses that are over 24 weeks or more (excluding Higher Education Courses, Advanced Learning Loans and Employer Sponsored payments). Only tuition fees can be paid by instalment, all other fees such as equipment or awarding body fees are required to be paid at enrolment. Instalment terms are made up of a 50% payment at enrolment followed by 2 payments of 25% at 1/3 and 2/3 duration. An administration fee of £25 will be payable at enrolment if you choose to pay by instalments.
If a student fails to pay by the date given, they will, in the first instance, be liable to a £10 per week cumulative charge. If the subsequent instalments are not made within two weeks, students will be excluded from the class and referred to the Small Claims Court, further costs may be incurred.
Please note that any student who withdraws at any stage of the course is still liable for subsequent instalments and the late cumulative charge will be applied.
Employer Sponsor Payment
Students whose course fees are being paid by their employer will need to complete the Employer Information Form and return it to the college for the attention of Course Admissions before coming to enrolment. If requested the employer will then be invoiced for payment (please note, invoices are printed and sent by post and must be paid in full upon receipt).
For courses of under 12 weeks in duration invoicing will not be available and all fees must be paid in full prior to the start of the course.
Call 01245 265611 if you need an Employer Information Form sent to or download from the college website
Failure to produce a correctly completed Employer Information Form will delay enrolment.
Financial Support
Financial assistance may be available to those who are struggling with their learning due to financial difficulties. Applications require evidence of personal circumstances. All assistance is subject to availability of funds.
Full & Part Time courses
- 16-19 Bursary Fund
- 19+ Discretionary Adult Education Budget Bursary Fund
- 19+ Discretionary Advanced Learning Loan Bursary Fund
Additionally, the College provides information and guidance on other sources of financial assistance available to those enrolled on funded courses.
Students who can demonstrate a genuine financial hardship which is causing a barrier to learning may apply for help with essential course related costs, food allowance and childcare. Please note applications require information and evidence of personal circumstances.
NOTE: funds are very limited and not an entitlement, therefore early applications are encouraged.
For details see website for Funding Policy and Support pages or contact Student Support Office on 01245 265611.
Help with travel and childcare for unemployed students may be available from Job Centre Plus. For more information, please contact your local office.
Students are required to have resided in the United Kingdom for the previous 3 years to be eligible for ESFA funding. There are exceptions to this rule which are set out in the ESFA Funding Regulations.
Childcare Costs
For those under 20 studying full time or part time on a funded course, Care to Learn can help with childcare costs while you are learning. More information can be found at www.gov.uk.
Fee Refund Policy
If a student withdraws from a course no refund shall be paid. All outstanding fees become due immediately upon withdrawal. In exceptional circumstances a partial refund may be granted at the discretion of the relevant Director of Curriculum if the student can demonstrate extenuating circumstances are preventing them from continuing their course. Refunds will only be available on courses of 25 weeks or more if a request is made within the first two weeks of the learners start date. Equipment, material & uniform fees are non refundable.
Refunds will be subject to an administration charge. The amount is currently set at £15.
Class Closures
Where numbers enrolling or attending a class fall below the economic minimum, classes may have to be cancelled or amalgamated. If a class has to be cancelled after commencement a pro-rata refund will be given.
Term Dates
Available on website.
Help and support for students
We aim to support our students as much as possible and if you join us you can expect an extensive range of services and facilities to help you achieve your goals and enhance your experience at college.
Learning Coaches
Every student has Personal Development Progress (PDP) session every week. These sessions are delivered by Learning Coaches and academic staff at Chelmsford College.
PDP sessions form an integral part of the study programme and provide students with opportunities to place learning into context and develop employability skills that support progression. A broad range of tutorial themes cover personal safety, citizenship and employability.
Student Support Team
This team is available to help students overcome any barriers that they may find to their learning for example financial hardship, emotional, well-being or social issues can be addressed.
Student Support is also a point of contact for any safeguarding or child protection issues and access to the College Chaplaincy Team. We are also committed to providing support for students who are either in care or have recently left care.
Additional Learning Support
We embrace students of all abilities and we have a dedicated team of staff who can offer a wide range of support.
Please visit the Learning Support page for more information about how to access learning support.
The Careers Advice Team
Here to provide you with support and guidance as you navigate your way through the maze of decisions you will make along your way. The team can give you impartial advice on everything from course choices and gap years to UCAS applications and progression opportunities. They can also put you in touch with employers looking for apprentices, give you advice on your C.V. and help with job interview techniques, they aim to help you make the right decisions for you.
IT Helpdesk
We have extensive IT facilities throughout the college providing internet access, Microsoft packages, printers and scanners.
Equal opportunities for all
We are fully committed to providing equal opportunities for all and we aim to ensure that all our staff and students feel valued and able to fulfil their potential. Students with a criminal record are not prevented from applying for a course; each student will be assessed on an individual basis.
Keeping you safe
We are committed to the safety and well-being of everyone at Chelmsford College. Our Safeguarding Policy exists to ensure that the welfare of the student is always at the centre of our activities.
General information
Car/Bike Parking
Limited parking spaces are available at each College campus with designated "Blue Badge" spaces and bicycle racks. Anyone wishing to park on the college sites must apply for a parking permit.
College Membership Cards
At enrolment your photo will be taken and you will receive your College Membership Card which will last the length of your course. This membership card gives you the right to use college facilities and replaces cash when it comes to paying for things at college - for example in the cafes and refectories and for additional printing in the Learning Centres.
College Membership Cards must be worn and visible at all times on college premises.
Working with Parents/Guardians
We believe that students achieve best when parents/guardians, teachers and students work in partnership. The parents/guardians of our students play an essential role in supporting them and to this end we positively promote two-way communication between home and college. We host two parents' evenings and provide two student reports per year.
Course Enquiries
Call 01245 293031
Application & Fee Enquiries
Call 01245 293170