Below you will find some frequently asked questions which we hope will help you support your young person as they transition from secondary school to college. If you need more information, please call 01278 441234 or email info@btc.ac.uk.

What advise should I be giving my young person? It’s changed so much since I was there.

There are lots of options to choose from when thinking about the next steps, and there are lots of ways you can support in the decision making process:

• Open Events are a great way of exploring your options, come and have a look around the campuses, talk to staff and discuss the options.
• Taster Days  are a great way to become more familiar with the subject of your choice, meet staff and students, view our facilities, ask questions and find out what college life is really like. We run taster sessions for local schools who attend in the summer term of year 10. If you weren’t able to take advantage of these, why not come on a taster session in February half term? Register here.
• Our schools liaison team are often in schools, at option evenings or in tutor groups.  Reach out and have a chat.

What’s best?  A Levels, IB, T Levels, Apprenticeships or BTEC / vocational courses?

There are different pathways you can enroll on post school.  Have a look at the differences and ask your young person to think about their learning style, careers aspirations and the subjects they most enjoy. Here’s a quick guide to the different pathways.  Understanding the Pathways. 

My young person isn’t really sure about which career they would like to choose.

That’s OK, our online Career Coach package is designed to help map out education and career options. Career Coach can map out a path through education and training opportunities to help figure out which career you might be most suited to and the pathways to get there.

• Where are the campuses?
  • Bridgwater see the facilities and take a virtual tour here
  • Taunton see the facilities and take a virtual tour here
  • Cannington  see the facilities and take a virtual tour here
  • Maps to campuses
• How do students get to College?
• How do I apply for a course?
• What are the term dates?
• How do you pay for food at College?
• Is there student accommodation?
• Is there any financial help available?
• Are there bursaries and scholarships available?
• Is there any learning support available at the College?
• Is there support for students with social emotional mental health (SEMH) needs?
• What happens if I have additional support needs? 
• When are the next open events?
• Are there sports teams at College to join?
• Are there any extra-curricular activities taking place at the College?
• Are there trips and visits?
• Are there any vacancies at the College?

Is there a chance for parents and carers to visit the College to meet the staff and view the facilities?
Each year we host a number of open events throughout the year.  We’d love to welcome you to the college, please register here. 

When is the application deadline to apply for College courses?
You can apply to college at any time throughout your final year at school, but we recommend you send in your form or complete an online application before the end of January. This gives you time to attend an interview and secure your place before you start revising for your GCSEs.

Who can I contact if I need help completing the application form?
You can speak to your Careers Teacher if you need assistance or contact our Information and Advice Team on 01278 441234 or info@btc.ac.uk.

What is the preparation needed for the interview?
The interview gives us a chance to get to know potential students better.

During the interview they will be asked about their reasons for applying to the College, what interests them about the course/s they’ve applied for, what they enjoy about school, extra-curricular activities and how they’re doing at school, including any predicted grades. Getting to know you young person better during the interview means we are able to make sure they are offered a place on the course that’s right for them.

If they have applied for more than one course or a course in a different subject area, they will be interviewed for the alternative or additional course.

What happens if their GCSE results are better or worse GCSE than expected?
Whatever the results, we’re here to support. Our GCSE Result Helpline will open on GCSE results day, and staff are happy to discuss options and help find courses with places still available. Call 01278 411234 to speak to one of our Advisors.

Additional Helpful Links

• Academies
• Enrichment Activities
• Learner Support
• Sport
• Sport Development Days