Admissions process
If you are interested in learning more about Hereward College and would like to book a date for a campus tour or virtual open day event, please register your interest using the Admissions enquiry form.
Please note this is an enquiry form giving consent to hold your details on our database. It is not an application to college.
Tours and virtual open events
If you’d like an initial chat, you can email admissions@hereward.ac.uk or call us on 02476 461231.
Guided tours of the campus take place on Tuesday afternoons between 3.15pm and 4.30pm. We can offer bespoke tours during normal college hours for young people with more complex presentations.
We offer virtual open day events to provide an insight into student life and a chance to meet our Deputy Principal and Admissions Manager who will share more details of what the college has to offer. These are Zoom webinars and run every six weeks from 11am to 12noon on Saturday mornings throughout the academic year.
We also offer schools the opportunity to bring groups of potential students to the college for Curriculum Showcases to experience tasters of study and an opportunity to meet key staff and current students.
How to apply
Once you have visited the college and have decided you would like to study with us, you can click on the button below for the application form. Complete and return to admissions@hereward.ac.uk
When we have received all the documents needed for assessment, we will contact you to confirm whether we are potentially a suitable placement. If yes, you will be invited for an interview at college. This usually takes up to 45 minutes and may be followed by a class observation in your current education setting. For residential assessments, we will start the process with a virtual (Teams) interview and then one or two overnight stays.
Applications received after 1st April will be treated as a late application but will continue to be processed as normal; subject to places being available.
You will need an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) to apply to Hereward. You will need to advise the SEND team in your local authority that you are naming Hereward as a preference and they will send a consultation. Although Hereward can send a provisional offer following interview, decisions on placement are made by the local authority.
For further information on applying for a place at Hereward College please email admissions@hereward.ac.uk
If you are a local authority, please send your consultation to consultations@hereward.ac.uk
Frequently asked questions
Who can get a place at Hereward College?
The most common way to get a place at Hereward is to be funded by your local authority through an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP). As a national college we can work with all local authorities. As part of the EHCP review process, you should name Hereward as one of your preferences and this will trigger a consultation from the local authority to the college. Having an EHCP does not guarantee a place at college. Your local authority SEND team will make the decision on whether to fund a place.
How do you make an application to the college?
If you think Hereward College is the place for you, and you have already visited us, please submit an application form to the Admissions team as soon as possible. It is also very helpful if you can send the application form with as much background information as possible (EHCP, reports from consultants or therapists, school reports etc). An application form is available via our website and also in your enquiry pack.
What happens during the assessment process?
On receipt of an application we will collect background information from school and other relevant professionals you have named on your application form. You will be invited to attend an assessment session as soon as we have received the information requested from professionals currently working with you. You will receive more detailed information about the assessment process when an assessment date has been arranged. The college reserves the right to decline an assessment if the local authority determines Hereward College is not an appropriate placement. Without an EHCP for example, the local authority will not fund your place at college. If we have already said we are unable to meet needs in response to a consultation, we will not offer an assessment.
What happens after the assessment process?
As soon as possible after your assessment we will write to confirm whether we can meet needs. Should Hereward be able to meet your needs, we will notify your local authority. If Hereward has written to inform you that we are not a suitable placement, any appeal should be made in writing to the Principal within ten days of receiving our letter. Once your local authority has confirmed the intention of naming Hereward in your EHCP and funding has been agreed, we will contact you with all the relevant information about starting college.
Does the college offer taster days?
We run events throughout the academic year recognising the importance of supporting transition to the college. We will make sure you have as much information as possible about Hereward and will be given the opportunity to take part in taster days. All new students will be offered a full 2 days induction at the start of September before other students return to College.
How do students get to college?
Some students travel independently on public transport; others arrive on assisted transport which is arranged with your local authority and some are transported by family/carers. For travel assistance, you need to apply directly to your local authority. They may offer assistance in the form of a place on a minibus, taxi, a personal transport budget or independent travel training. You should check the local authority’s post-16 or post-19 transport policy for more information. Please note, Hereward is not involved in decisions regarding transport.
Is the college day the same as school?
The college day starts at 8.45am Monday to Friday and ends at 4.15pm on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and 2.45pm on a Tuesday.
Are the college terms/holidays the same as school?
Autumn and winter terms are usually the same; the only difference is that the college summer term ends on the last Friday in June, which is earlier than schools.
Are holidays allowed in term time?
Attendance and commitment are very important. We therefore request that you do not book holidays and appointments that would take learners away from their lessons.
Is there any financial support for students? Are free meals still available?
Financial support is available from vulnerable and discretionary bursary funds to help to help students with the costs of coming to college and costs related to their course; for example, sports kit. To be considered for bursary, you will need to complete a bursary application form and provide evidence of eligibility. Free college meals are available if eligibility criteria has been met.
What catering services are available?
Hot and cold food is available in Café Mojo during lunchtimes. The refectory is also a popular communal area where students can bring a packed lunch and socialise with friends. Water dispensers and squash are available to students free of charge in Café Mojo. Water dispensers are also available in various locations but we advise learners to bring their own water bottles. Drinks and snacks can be bought in the college shop during break and lunchtimes.
How do we find out about our son/daughter’s progress?
All learners will have an annual review of their EHCP in line with the statutory guidance published by the Department for Education. All students are allocated a Progress Coach who will act as the single point of contact for the student/family and is always available to discuss any queries or concerns you may have. In addition to this, we will invite you to a Progress Evening to give you an opportunity for feedback from subject teachers and support staff.
If you have any other queries please call the Admissions team on 024 7642 6120 or email admissions@hereward.ac.uk.