Admissions/How to apply

How to apply for a course

arrow Step One - Check and select

Take a look at the courses.  Courses are listed by subject area.

 

arrow Step Two - Obtain information

Ask for, or download from the website relevant course information, speak to an admissions advisor on 01458 844444 or email ptadmissions@strode-college.ac.uk.

 

arrow Step Three

Complete the Interview Request form.

You will then be advised on how to proceed with enrolling on your chosen course.

 

arrow Step Four - Ways to Enrol

You can choose from the following methods:

By Phone
You must pay in full by credit/debit card.  Call 01458 844444 quoting the course code.  If you are a first time student you will be asked your personal details.  If you are a returning student, these will be confirmed with you.  A phone call will last  8 – 10 minutes on average. Phones are extremely busy during August and September.  Enrolments made using this method are covered by the cooling off period under the Distance Selling Regulations.

By Post
Phone 01458 844444 and ask for an application pack to be sent to you.  Post it together with your cheque, credit card details or employer’s authorisation to pay.  You can also send a copy of your current benefit evidence if you wish to claim a discount.  You don’t need a stamp if you send it to:  Strode College, FREEPOST SWB 10298, Street, Somerset, BA16 0ZY.

Online
You may download and fill in the required forms via Adobe Reader and send electronically.

By Fax
You may fax your application form to 01458 844411 including your payment details or employer authorisation form.

In Person
Call into college reception with your completed application form, payment method and benefit evidence.  It usually takes around 12 minutes to process your enrolment.  Personal enrolments are normally required if you are claiming a discount based on your benefit status.

If you are applying for a first full level 2 or level 3 entitlement course, you must complete the self-declaration form which will be in your application pack.

 

arrow Step Five - Payment Methods

We accept full payment by the following methods:

  • All major credit cards (excluding Diners Club and with a 3% additional fee for American Express cards);
  • Debit card;
  • Cash;
  • Cheque or postal order made payable to Strode College with course code and name of student on back;
  • Invoice provided the authority section on the application form is completed.

Payment can be spread using the following methods if the course fee is more than £125 and the course lasts for more than two terms:

  • Direct Debit
    You will need to complete the Direct Debit form in the application pack and provide the 30% initial payment (plus the materials fees).  The remainder of the fee will be collected in six equal payments;
  • Instalment Plan
    An instalment plan can be negotiated with the Finance Office depending on circumstances but based on the direct debit method.  This will require a personal enrolment and the payment of an additional £5 administration fee.

Remember, you must pay your fees even if you withdraw from the course.

Tuition Fee Discounts and Benefit Evidence
Entitlement to a fee discount applies to students and to their unwaged dependants who pay their own fees (ie not to those who can receive sponsorship from their employer or managing agent). For those in receipt of acceptable benefit, tuition fee discounts are as follows:

  • 100% for vocational courses (courses with a qualification);
  • 50% for non-vocational courses subsidised by Strode College and Somerset Skills & Learning.

Acceptable Benefit Evidence
The following benefits are deemed acceptable:

  • Job Seekers Allowance (income-based)
  • Working Tax Credit (below threshold income of £15050)
  • Council Tax Benefit
  • Housing Benefit
  • Pension Guarantee Credit, or
  • an unwaged dependant of someone in receipt of the above benefits

Ask for the separate leaflet for more information. The benefit must be applicable at the time of enrolment and during the course. The original approval letter must be presented on enrolment. Any change of circumstance, may result in fees being charged.

New Deal for Lone Parents
This is a scheme available through Job Centre Plus to help lone parents obtain a qualification.  Have an initial discussion with your Job Centre advisor who will give you a form to bring to college.

Registration and Additional Costs
Every student must pay their registration fee irrespective of their benefit status. Additional fees are for materials and books necessary to undertake the course and must be paid for on enrolment.

The Discretionary Learner Support Fund may be able to help with registration fees, materials fee, and other costs for any student facing financial difficulty. Please phone 01458 844546 for an application form.

 

arrow Step Six - Completing the Enrolment

Once your application has been received and entered onto our system, you will have a place on your chosen course.

A copy of the Confirmation of Enrolment form must be signed by your course tutor at the start of your first class.

You should bring your copy of the Confirmation of Enrolment form to your first class for inspection.

 

arrow Step Seven

Other than in exceptional circumstances, there is no refund if you decide to voluntarily leave your course. Please write to the Finance Office if there are exceptional personal circumstances which you consider may support your eligibility for a refund.

Where the college cancels a course and no alternative course is acceptable a refund or credit note will be offered.

A seven day cooling off period is applicable to all enrolments made by phone and paid for by debit/credit card.

Full details of our terms and conditions are here.

If you need any help completing a form or advice on payments or benefits, call 01458 844444.

 

Informal Pre-enrolment Interview

Most courses require a guidance interview before you can enrol. The purpose of the interview is to ensure that the course you have chosen is right for you.

A member of the Admissions Team will contact you within 7 days of receiving your application to arrange this. Sometimes the interview can be held over the phone, for some courses a personal interview is essential. The interview may also include a pre-enrolment assessment.

Following the interview, if for any reason the course is not right for you or you are not offered a place on the course, we will advise you about alternatives.

Courses are offered on a first come, first served basis. Should the alternative courses be full or no alternative provision be available you will be directed to alternative providers.

If you need help with literacy, numeracy or computer skills phone 01458 844550 for further advice and guidance on skills for life.

 

Enrolment Form

Once you have been interviewed, you will be asked to fill in the appropriate enrolment forms which may be filled in electronically via Adobe Reader:

Enrolment form 09/10 - Main form
Enrolment form 09/10 - Payment*
Enrolment form 09/10 - Self declaration
Enrolment form 09/10 - Statement to support application
Enrolment form 09/10 - Confidential reference*

These forms may also be printed and sent to our freepost address:
Strode College, Part Time Enrolments, FREEPOST (SWB 10298), Church Road, Street, Somerset, BA16 0ZY.

* The "Authority to Invoice" and "Confidential reference" forms cannot be completed electronically, please send these to the appropriate individuals or organisations to be completed and sent to the above freepost address.