Applying to a new school or college can sometimes feel overwhelming and confusing, especially with different forms, deadlines, and requirements to keep track of.
We’ve tried to break down the steps here to make the process clearer and easier to understand.
Use this table to gather everything you’ll typically be asked for.
Form tutors, subject teachers and heads of year can advise on choices and check applications. Many schools run workshops or drop-ins for statements, CVs and mock interviews.
Camden’s Careers & Connexions service offers one-to-one guidance and resources on sixth forms, colleges and apprenticeships. You can access this through Camden Rise.
Local providers run events so you can meet staff and explore courses.
Each sixth form or college has an admissions contact and often a published “how to apply” guide.
Use our site to explore different schools, colleges, internships and apprenticeships.
General guidance sites can also help you prepare for post-16 applications.
Submission routes vary by provider.
Check with each provider for full details on how and when to apply.
Many sixth forms and colleges have their own portals.
Some SEND provisions require applying through your local council.
Some areas pilot a CAP for 14 to 19 admissions.
Some providers accept forms and documents by email.
Contact details are usually listed for direct queries and submissions.
When applying, you can usually select a main course and list backup choices, with many forms allowing you to rank your preferences. It’s also possible to apply to more than one sixth form or college, unless a provider’s own policy restricts this. Once you accept an offer and it is confirmed after results, you normally cannot hold multiple places. Some providers may allow you to change your choice before a stated deadline, but after that it will depend on whether spaces are still available.
Minimum GCSE or subject grade thresholds, predicted grades if final results aren’t available, and prerequisite subjects for some A level or technical routes. Performance in assessments, interviews or portfolios may be considered where relevant.
References, motivation shown in your statement, interview or audition performance, and evidence of potential, especially for specialist programmes.
Internal students may be prioritised, along with catchment or proximity factors and any consortium or capacity constraints.
If you miss the application deadline, don’t panic, there are still options available.
The first step is to contact the provider straight away and ask whether late or exceptional applications can be considered. Even if you’re unsure, it’s worth submitting the application with all supporting documents so that your interest is logged. Many providers keep waiting lists and will allocate places if spaces open up, so make sure to ask about this. You should also look into alternative providers that may still be accepting applications and be flexible with your course choices. Once you’ve submitted, keep in touch with admissions teams and follow up regularly to show your commitment. If a place doesn’t become available, use the time to strengthen your application for the next cycle with better grades, experience or portfolio work.
For some SEND provisions you may need to apply through your local council. In a few areas a Common Application Process is being piloted for 14 to 19 admissions. Always check the provider’s admissions page for the current route.
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