Parents FAQs

How does my young person in your care apply for a place at Woking College?

Woking College accepts applications from the date that our new prospectus is issued. Usually, this is in the June prior to entry in September.

 We then process your application and invite you to interview in the autumn term. Following a successful interview and school references, where applicable, your young person in your care will be offered a place for the next academic year.

All this will be confirmed in writing and you will be informed of our Welcome day and Registration days.

How can I find out how my young person in your care is doing at College?
Woking College closely monitors each student’s academic achievements and their personal and social development. Our well-established system of student support and guidance allows students to meet each week with a personal tutor and a tutor group.

Progress reports are sent home throughout the year and students and parents/guardians are invited to attend our Academic tutoring days which are the ideal opportunity to meet personal and subject tutors to discuss the student’s targets and progress

Are students supported in their university/job applications?
Absolutely, our staff are extremely experienced and we are able to provide extensive support and guidance on applications to all Higher Education courses, employment and gap year opportunities.

We have dedicated assistance for Oxbridge candidates as well as respected target A* programme geared to more able students.The College has a dedicated Careers Team who advises on careers and UCAS applications. More about Careers

What is the difference between vocational and non-vocational A levels?
A-Levels are 100% awarded on end of year exams in year 2. Vocational courses are a mixture of continuous assessments or a balance of exams and assessments.
Are applied A levels as accepted by universities as traditional A levels?
Yes, these courses have exactly the same status.
Are there enrichment activities that I can get involved with?
Woking College has the best extracurricular activities in the region with over 75 different activities on offer. The majority of first year students take on at least 1 activity and this ranges from Sport to Drama, Book Club, Board Games, D of E Photography and much more.
What is the average class size at the College?
Dependent on the subject there are usually about 18 students in each class. Some are smaller and some larger but we try not to let class sizes exceed 20. Our teaching staff will introduce group work as well as providing opportunities for individual attention.
What is the College timetable like?
Typically, the teaching day starts at 08:45 and ends at 16:05 Monday to Friday. Each A level and BTEC subject has   four and a half hours of teaching per subject per week

Students will be needed in college on all five days of the week. If your first lesson begins after 08:45 you can arrive at any time before it starts. If you choose to be on campus during college opening hours there are places where you can do private study, access the computer network, get refreshments etc.

What happens if my young person in your care changes their mind about their original choice of course?
They are encouraged to think carefully about their chosen course choices to avoid late changes during enrolment or induction. Once lessons start it is sometimes possible to change a subject if they really need to but their choice of alternative courses may be limited so it’s best to do your research early and ask questions at your Welcome Day.
Can my young person in your care still enroll on a course even if they do not achieve the recommended grades?
We try to be flexible and treat everyone as an individual. But our experience suggests that certain GCSE grades are usually needed if you are to succeed at A level, so you will need to convince us that you have a good chance of success even though you might have achieved a lower grade.