Applying to College

It's great you're looking to join us at Oaklands College and we look forward to welcoming you on campus very soon. Our application process is easiest online via our website - find a course you'd like to study and click the Apply Now button to start the process.
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The Application Journey

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    STEP 1 - APPLY ONLINE -

    Applying online is easy. Search for your chosen course and click the pink 'Apply Now' button next to the course information and fill in the application form. From there we can process your application online.

    Remember - you can apply for more than one course with us in your application - so if you're not sure you can cover both in one application and make a decision further down the line.

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    STEP 2 - RECEIVE AN OFFER - Our dedicated admissions team are on-hand to ensure that all students applying for a course at Oaklands College receive an offer, which acts as a formal acceptance of a place at the college.

    Conditional offers require students to meet the grading criteria set for a designated course. You can find these entry requirements on the course information page or in our 2023/24 Full and Part Time Course Guide. However, if you do not meet the grading criteria please do not worry. We will make sure that you have a place on a course that is right for you at Oaklands.

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    STEP 3 - ACCEPT YOUR PLACE OR INVITATION TO MEET A TUTOR – It’s important that you accept your place so that you don’t lose your spot on your chosen course. This will also allow us to invite you to course specific taster events and information evenings.

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    STEP 4 - GET YOUR GRADES – GCSE results are released on the 24th August 2023. As soon as you receive these, make sure you upload them onto your Oaklands account. However, if you do not meet the grading criteria please do not worry. We will make sure that you have a place on a course that is right for you with us at Oaklands.

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    STEP 5 - ENROL - You will be invited to attend one of our advice and enrolment days at the end of August where our Student Support team will issue you with your student ID, course information and timetable and fully enrol you onto your course as an Oaklands College student!

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    STEP 6 - ATTEND YOUR INDUCTION - This is where you will be issued with your confirmed timetable, meet your classmates and get a proper introduction into what will be coming up in your first term at Oaklands College.

    We can't wait to welcome you!

Student FAQs

Applying online is easy. Search for your chosen course or scroll through the course pages. Under each department is a breakdown of courses by level and type, so click the choice that you feel is right for you.  

Online you'll see 'Apply Now' next to the course information and from there we can process your application online.

Remember - you can apply for more than one course with us in your application - so if you're not sure you can cover both in one application and make a decision further down the line.

If it's not possible for you to complete an application online you can also apply via post in the form in the back of your printed Course Guide or you can download the 2023-24 A4 Portrait Application Form if you prefer. Please send your applications to Oaklands College, Hatfield Road, St Albans Hertfordshire AL4 0JA.

If you are applying for a full-time course, you need to provide a reference. If you're younger than 19, your reference should come from your current or last school. If you're older than 19 or have not been in education for two years, your reference can be from your last school or an employer.

Student References Form

Our dedicated admissions team are on-hand to ensure that all students applying for a course at Oaklands College receive a conditional offer, which acts as a formal acceptance of a place at the college.

Conditional offers require students to meet the grading criteria set for a designated course. You can find these entry requirements on the course information page via the college website (www.oaklands.ac.uk), or in our 2021/22 Full and Part Time Course Guide. However, if you do not meet the grading criteria please do not worry. We will make sure that you have a place and course with us at Oaklands.

An example of a conditional offer is as follows:

A Level 3 Diploma in Art and Design requires four GCSEs at Grade 4/C or above, including English, Maths and an art-based subject or Level 2 equivalent.

If you do not achieve the grades required on your conditional offer, don’t worry – You can re-sit your Maths and English alongside your main programme whilst you are with us at Oaklands College.

In the event that you do not have the grade requirements for a particular course, you can enter at either Level 1 or 2.  These are 1-year courses which, on successful completion, allow progression onto a Level 3 programme.

Between now until your start date in September 2021 you will be invited to attend one of our Course Information Evenings where you will be able to meet Head of Department and course tutors, find out more about your chosen course and ask any questions you may have.

We would encourage all applicants to attend these sessions, to ensure they are fully prepared to start their new course in September.

At Oaklands College, we understand the current situation surrounding education can be stressful and unsettling, which is why we are dedicated to ensuring all students have a guaranteed place at Oaklands College this September.

Choosing a study programme that's right for you can feel daunting, but rest assured we are on hand to give you all the information, help and advice we can to help you make the right decision for you.

There are lots of people able to help - a great starting point is our Student Advice team at Oaklands who can talk through your options with you. They provide independent advice and guidance which means they are entirely focused on your specific circumstances and interests. You can contact them via email to info@oaklands.ac.uk or call 01727 737000.

If you are currently at school, try checking in with your Connexions Personal Adviser - they'll also be able to give you that one to one advice on your next step.

Our Contact Centre is the best place to check in with any questions. They are available on 01727 737000, or email on info@oaklands.ac.uk. During office hours a Live Chat facility is available via our website.

For those of you who do not have three years permanent residency in the UK or EU, contact the International Office on + 44 (0) 1727 737000.

Please note that courses offered may change subject to level of interest and funding regulations.

The College reserves the right to replace or withdraw courses as necessary and will endeavour to advise you as soon as possible of any changes which may affect your application.

Please view the updated Course Entry Requirements - Individual requirements depend on the course subject. You will find specific entry requirements on the course page.

If any individual courses with entry requirements do not have the correct details please note that all courses will be amended to reflect the latest information shortly.

Entry Level - No formal entry requirements.

Level 1 - A minimum of 4 GCSEs at grade 3 - 1 or successful completion of an Entry Level programme.

Level 2 - A minimum of 4 GCSEs at grade 9 - 3 including a grade 4 in either maths or English and a Level 1 qualification.

Level 3 - A minimum of 4 GCSEs grade 9 - 4 including maths and English or a full Level 2 with a merit profile and grades 9 - 4 in English & maths.

T Levels - A minimum of 5 GCSEs grade 5 and above which must include English & maths at a minimum of grade 4. Please also refer to individual T Level information for specific entry criteria.

A Levels - A minimum of 6 GCSEs grade 5 or above which must include English & maths and a grade 6 in subjects specifically being studied.

Parent FAQs

College provides a safe, secure, adult learning environment where your son/ daughter can meet new people and study a wide range of academic and vocational subjects leading to higher education or employment.

Learning support is available to help with students’ learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Student Advisers are on hand to support students with any worries.

Full and part-time students starting a course in 2023 aged 16–18 on 31st August 2023 and resident in the EU for the last three years are exempt from all tuition fees. In some cases materials charges will apply, these are to cover items such as equipment, protective clothing and art materials.

If your son/daughter is attending college full-time your Child Benefit and Family Tax Credit should not be affected. You will need to ensure the appropriate authorities are informed of the transition from school to college.

A subsidised Uno bus service is provided to our main campuses. In addition there are many discounts available to students. Please see the previous pages.

We have a dedicated team of vocational specialists and tutors who have worked in the industries they are now teaching in, and have real experience and knowledge of the skills that your son/daughter will need to succeed in their chosen course, and ultimately, their chosen career.

Each student will be assigned a Personal Tutor to support their development and progress. Your son/daughter will meet regularly with their Personal Tutor to discuss how they are getting on at college and provide any information and advice they require. You will also have access to your son’s/daughter’s targets and progress meetings via the Parent Portal.

It is usually possible to change to another course within the first few weeks.

Yes, but fees will apply.

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE?

Career Choices we Offer

During these difficult times, your education may feel challenging, but planning for your future career shouldn't! #FindYourFuture at Oaklands College and apply now for a September 2023 start.

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