During this nerve-racking time for parents and teens, a few handy words of advice can make a world of difference.
“The period following GCSEs is an important one, as whatever decisions you make will go on to have life-changing consequences,” shares Dianne Allison, head of marketing and admissions at Hurstpierpoint College in West Sussex.
“However, this needn’t be a cause for worry, as with the right guidance families will find it easy to understand what post-school options are available and discover what’s best for their child.”
Below, Dianne shares some of her top tips for school leavers and their parents about applying for college and what next steps to take.
Top tip 1: Allow plenty of time to submit your college application
Our recruitment period at Hurst College runs from September through October, so it’s important to be well aware of any deadlines. Applications are sent a year in advance, for entry the following year. October 20, 2023 is the closing date for applications for 2024 entry. All bursary and scholarship documents must also be submitted by this time. I advise all parents and students to prepare in advance and to mark important dates on their calendars, so nothing is forgotten!
Top tip 2: Familiarise yourself with the application process
There’s so much information available online, including on our website, so I advise taking a look. Learning more about how to apply will put your mind at ease.
The application process for Hurst is simple. It begins with a visit and submitting your application by the deadline. Students are then required to attend an interview and sit reasoning tests and scholarship assessments. Decisions letters are sent out in the first week of December, and you’ll be given a week to confirm.
Top tip 3: Book a personal visit to the college
There’s no better way to tell if a college is a good fit for your child than by seeing it with your own eyes. Parents and students can book a personal visit to Hurst College and see the sixth form in action. You’ll be able to sit in on lessons, explore the campus, speak to current students and have a one-to-one discussion with the head of the sixth form.
Every college is different, and each child is unique, which is why it’s vital to make sure both are a good match to help your child unlock their full potential.
Top tip 4: Visit a college open event
It’s best to attend as many open events as possible to confirm your decision. Our sixth form open morning will take place on October 7, 2023. You’ll get a taste of what life in the sixth form is like, can meet with tutors and make sure you’re confident with your choice.
Students with a confirmed place can also attend our choices morning in January. Here they can discover more about the A-level courses we offer and speak with advisors to help them find subjects they’re passionate about, have an aptitude for, and will help them achieve their ambitions.
Top tip 5: Choose a college that values individuality
At Hurst, we value every student for their individuality and have created a warm community where students feel free to express themselves and can learn from others around them.
We welcome as many as a third of new arrivals every year, helping us to create an open and diverse atmosphere that motivates students to reach out to others, start conversations and make friends for life. We are all bound together by our love for learning, adventure and fun.
Our holistic approach to education enables students not only to succeed academically but in all areas of life. In our latest ISI inspection report, Hurst College was voted Excellent in every category.
We place great emphasis on our co-curricular programme offering leadership and young enterprise opportunities and a wide range of societies, meaning there’s something for everyone. This is vital for students to mature into well-rounded individuals, built for success. Our upper sixth co-educational halls of residence act as the perfect bridge between college and university life, helping to prepare them for what comes next.
Students can also benefit from the strong partnerships we have with local businesses, allowing them to partake in a unique work experience scheme, and providing them with real-life experience and skills to boost their employability.
We find encouraging their independence and enabling them to take an active role in their education increases what our students can take from their time at college. There are limitless opportunities available to our students, and it’s the perfect environment for them to create, innovate and flourish.
Visit hppc.co.uk to find out more about life at Hurst College and how to apply to the sixth form.
