FURTHER EDUCATION - APPLYING FOR COURSES

Before you apply for anything, check prospectuses/websites and go to open evenings plus the Routes 16 exhibition on 3rd and 4th November.

Apply Sheffield www.applysheffield.org.uk

The following schools use the Apply Sheffield website, www.applysheffield.org.uk  for applications:

If you go to one of these schools, apply to sixth forms, The Sheffield College, Longley Park Sixth Form College and many training providers through the Apply Sheffield website.

The website lets you search for courses and training opportunities in and around Sheffield. It will show you what’s available and what the entry requirements are.

You then apply online, using your own private login. Your Personal Adviser will issue you with a user name and password.

After this, use the website to check what’s happening with your applications.

To find out more, speak to your Personal Adviser in school.

If you don’t go to one of the above schools, you can still use the website to find out about local opportunities - so remember to visit:www.applysheffield.org.uk

Applying to sixth form schools

If you don’t attend a sixth form school

Sixth forms at All Saints, High Storrs, King Ecgbert, King Edward VII, Notre Dame, The Sheffield Academies, Silverdale and Tapton all use the Common Application Procedure.

Make sure that the courses and subjects you want to study are offered at your preferred school(s) and that you meet any entry requirements; you will have to provide estimated grades.

If your school uses Apply Sheffield, apply through www.applysheffield.org.uk See above for details.

If your school is not using Apply Sheffield, apply on a Common Application Form. You can obtain these from your current school, a sixth form school or The Admissions Team, Howden House, 1 Union St, Sheffield S1 2SH,  0114 273 5790. 

You can choose up to three schools, ranking your first, second and third choices in order of preference. All your preferences will be considered but they will try to offer you the highest ranked school available.

However, some sixth forms have more applicants than places. When this happens (and if all relevant entry requirements are met) then those applicants who live closest to the school are given preference. You will only receive a single offer. For this reason, it’s important to think carefully about your choices and to consider a back up plan. You can get advice from Careers Co-ordinators, Personal Advisers and The Sixth Form Admissions team on 0114 273 5790.

For more details, see the schools’ own prospectuses.

If you already attend a sixth form school

To apply to the sixth form at your own school, follow the school's internal application procedure.

When?

The closing date for applications is 30th January 2009. Offers will be made by 20th February 2009. You must reply to this offer by 2nd March 2009.

Contact independent schools to find out how to apply - see page 40 for addresses.

Applying to Longley Park Sixth Form College

If your school is using Apply Sheffield, you apply through this website – see above.

If your school is not using Apply Sheffield, use a paper based application form. You can get these at school and from the college. If you attend one of the seven partner schools, listed below (and if that school is not using Apply Sheffield) give your completed form to the Transition Tutor at school. The College will then contact you to arrange a guidance interview in school.

The seven partner schools are:

If you go to any other school or college (or have left school), send the completed form to: Admissions Office, Longley Park Sixth Form College, Horninglow Road, Sheffield S5 6SG.

When?

Students who apply before 31st January 2009 are considered before later applicants.

Applying to The Sheffield College

If your school uses Apply Sheffield, apply through this website.

If your school doesn’t use Apply Sheffield, use The Sheffield College application form. You can use one application form for any of The Sheffield Colleges (Castle College, Hillsborough College, Norton College or Peaks Centre) and to apply for The College’s Apprenticeships.

You can get application forms from your school, Personal Adviser, The Connexions Centre at Star House, from the Facts About College booklet or from the College (0114 260 2600). Or you can download one from the College website

When?

Students who apply before 31st January 2009 are considered before later applicants.

Applying for work based learning

If your school uses this system see above.

Through the National Apprenticeship Matching Service

This is a new service, due to be launched in Autumn 2008, on the Apprenticeships website. This will have information about Apprenticeship vacancies across the country. You will be able to search for opportunities, register your details, receive email or text alerts about vacancies and apply for them online

The website will feature ‘employed status’ Apprenticeship vacancies (i.e. jobs!) across the country but not Programme Led Apprenticeships or e2e. Look out for more information when it is launched. Local opportunities will still be on Apply Sheffield

Apply Direct to the provider

Some training providers ask you to use their own application form or to apply through a company website. If you’re not sure, contact the training provider and ask them what to do. Some providers may be at the Routes 16 exhibition on 3rd-4th November.

Applying for e2e

Speak to your Personal Adviser first - they will help you to contact the provider.

Looking for work placements

Some providers ask you to look for a work placement. This can mean making speculative applications to local employers. The provider may give you some help with this so check with them first. See also pages 46-48 on looking for work and making applications.

Sixth Form open evenings

Visiting an organisation is one of the most useful things you can do when you’re trying to decide whether you want to study or work there. Open days and evenings are a really good way of doing this so put these dates in your diary now!

Contact the independent schools directly to find out how to apply

The Sheffield College Open Evenings

Longley Park College

Out of Sheffield*

Thomas Rotherham College

*Dates for other colleges/schools are not available at this time - check websites or with the institution

Training providers

Many training providers run open days and evenings throughout the year, which they advertise in schools and on their websites. Look out for these on your Connexions notice board.

Remember

• find out about courses in the Autumn term
• apply early - normally by 31st January at the latest
• you may have an interview so get your Progress File ready
• Have a backup plan