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Information for Parents & Carers

Helping you support your son or daughter

A Message from our Principal

Wakefield College is the largest education provider in the local area and we offer a huge choice of academic and vocational courses at a range of levels, so there are sure to be options available for your son or daughter. Our modern facilities, excellent support services and knowledgeable teaching staff are there because we want to provide the best College experience possible.

Sam Wright,
Principal

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Which Path is the Right Choice?

Our routes to success

Everyone wants to succeed, but we don’t all take the same path or arrive at the same destination. We offer several different routes to our learners, from classroom based learning to on-the-job training, so whatever their ultimate goal, we have got a course for them.

Sixth Form

Our Sixth Form is a supportive environment that provides a stepping stone to higher education and employment. There are 28 A Level subjects or a wide range of Advanced Level vocational courses to choose from.

Sixth Form

T Levels

T Levels are new courses, which follow GCSEs and are equivalent to three A Levels. T Levels combine classroom theory and a minimum of 315 hours’ industry placement to make sure students have real experience of the workplace.

T Levels

Vocational Courses

Vocational courses prepare young people to work in a trade, in a craft, as a technician, or in support roles in professions such as engineering, construction, accountancy, nursing, medicine, architecture, or law.

Vocational Courses

Apprenticeships

Combine on-the-job training in the workplace with an employer and study at College to gain relevant qualifications. Available at Levels 2, 3, and 4. Apprenticeships offer the ability to earn a wage and learn at the same time.

Apprenticeships

Foundation Learning

Foundation Learning programmes help students progress from Entry Level or Level 1 courses onto other courses, Apprenticeships or jobs. It can also help them to build the skills they need to live independently away from home.

Foundation Learning

Wakefield College has something for everyone - our aim is to get students started at the right level and on the best route.

Finding the right level for you

Students learn in different ways, so we offer routes at a range of levels to suit every type of learner.

You may have seen references to ‘levels’ of course, e.g. ‘level 2 course in maths’. These levels are based on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). All UK qualifications are given a level numbered 1 - 8, or ‘entry’.

We advise students on which route is the best option for them to help them succeed.

Level Qualifications Minimum Entry Requirements
Entry FLEX (Foundation Learning) No specific qualifications
Level 1 Level 1 vocational Courses Minimum of Entry Level 3 qualifications in English Language and Maths
Level 2 Level 2 vocational Courses 4 GCSEs at grade A*-D (new grade 9-3) usually with English Language and Maths at grade 4-2
Level 2 Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeships GCSEs at grade 9-3 in English and Maths
Level 3 A Levels 5 GCSEs at grade A*-C (new grade 9-4) in at least 4 subject areas, including GCSE English and Maths
Level 3 Level 3 Diplomas & Extended Diplomas 5 GCSEs at grade A*-C (new grade 9-4) in at least 4 subject areas, including GCSE English and Maths
Level 3 Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeships 5 GCSEs at grade A*-C (new grade 9-4)

Levels 4 and above are higher education courses (university level courses).

Things to know before starting College

Helping your son or daughter to make the right choices about their education needn't be daunting. Our staff are all professionals and can help you with any questions you may have.

How to Apply

Applications can be made online through UCAS Progress at school or home using your son or daughter’s student login provided by the school. Alternatively, application forms are available from the College.

Learn More

Enrolling

After completing your application, your son or daughter would usually be invited to an interview to be offered a place on the course, or options discussed for suitable alternatives. Once accepted onto a course, students will then be invited to come into College to enrol on the course at the end of August.

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Jargon Buster

This Jargon Buster will help you make sense of the many acronyms and terms you may come across.

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Term Dates

View the term dates, academic calendar and induction dates for the forthcoming year.

Learn More

Get a Prospectus

Download a copy of the latest School Leaver and Sixth Form Prospectuses.

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Policies & Procedures

There are a number of policies and procedures we and our students are expected to follow.

Learn More

Key Dates

We have regular open events where you and your son or daughter can talk with our tutors and take a tour of our facilities. There are key points throughout the year to be aware of when making applications etc.

Forthcoming Open Events
Key Dates
September

Applications can now be sent to the College, once we’ve received it an interview will be arranged within two weeks. More information can be found on our How to Apply page.

September/October

The College will be visiting various schools across the region for the launch of our School Leaver prospectuses.

October

Applications can now be made online through the UCAS Progress website.

April

Time is running out for applications, courses will be filling up and options becoming limited, applications received by May 1st will be given priority for an interview date.

August

A level and GCSE results are released, help and advice is available from our guidance events.

September

Induction week for College starters takes place during the first week of term.

Facts & Figures

10,000+

...students taught in 2022/23

Good

...rated as ‘Good’ and 'Strong' for skills by Ofsted in 2023

97%

...overall A Level pass rate in 2023

13

...A Level subjects achieved 100% pass rate in 2023

92%

...HE students positive about teaching and support in 2023

94%

...overall satisfaction rating from FE students

4,795

...vocational qualifications achieved in 2023

155

...years providing education and training in Wakefield

£7m

...cost of the new University Centre hub, opened in 2017

96%

...HE students were in employment 6 months after graduating

320+

...students achieved a Higher Education qualification in 2023

1400+

...apprentices taught in 2023