Admissions and Progression Policy
Fees Policy
Responsibility of:
Date of Approval:
Review Cycle:
On College Website: Y / N
Director of HR
Every 3 years
Contents
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Introduction
A Level Subject Entry Requirements
Subject specific entry requirements and minimum average
GCSE points score
BTEC Subject Entry Requirements
Level 2 Entry Requirements
Individual Assessment
Application Deadlines
Planned Learning Hours
Programme of Study
Teacher Access Period Policy (TAPs)
How do Students Apply?
Applications from students who attend schools with sixth
forms or outside area
College Tours
Application Form
First Interview
Financial Support for Students
Applicants with Disabilities or Learning Difficulties
Equality and Diversity
Enrolment Day
Waiting Lists
Administration Fee
Unacceptable Qualifications
Higher Education Courses on offer at New College (Post 18)
Funding
Principal’s Right
Complaints
Year 12 to Year 13 Progression Policy for existing New
College Students
Year 13 Programme of Study
Enrolment Fee
Progression Day – Y12 and Y 13
Fees Policy
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Introduction
New College is committed to providing places on an open-access basis. Our entry
requirements are generic and indicative only. The college is committed to recruiting
with integrity. This may sometimes mean that we will offer a student a place at College
subject to our guidance on the Programme of Study. IAG is provided at all stages and
takes into account a range of factors including GCSE score, predicted grade, actual
grade and other factors. The College reserves the right to refuse admission to a course
in some cases, even where the generic requirements are met. This is in the interests
of student success.
A Level - Subject Entry Requirements
The minimum entry requirement is that all students studying level 3 must have
achieved at least a grade 4 in English Language. In addition students will have to meet
the subject specific entry requirements which may consist of a GCSE grade and a
minimum average GCSE points score.
Please note: There will be exceptions to subject specific entry requirements. At
enrolment the interviewer will use their professional judgement when deciding if a
student can enrol onto a course without meeting the minimum average GCSE points
score requirements.
How to work out Average GCSE Points Score (using GCSE’s only)
A*
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
U
9
8.5
7
5.5
5
4
3
2
1.5
1
0
Add up total points score and divide by the number of GCSEs
they have taken. This calculation excludes BTECs.
Please note: This will be used as a guide when choosing
subjects at the school interview. GCSE points score will be
mainly used post GCSE results.
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Subject Specific Entry Requirements and Minimum Average
GCSE Points Score
A Level
Subject Specific Entry Requirements
Accounting
Art and Design
Level 4 English Language and Level 6 Maths.
Level 4 English Language and C in a creative subject
or merit in BTEC (if studied).
Level 4 English Language and Level 6 Maths. B in
Biology or Additional Science.
Level 4 English Language and Level 5 Maths
Level 4 English Language and Level 6 Maths. B in
Chemistry or Additional Science.
Level 4 English Language and Level 6 Maths and a B
in Computer Science.
Level 4 English Language and C in a Performing Arts
subject or a merit in BTEC (if studied) or an audition.
Level 4 English Language and C in a Performing Arts
subject or a merit in BTEC (if studied) or audition.
Level 5 English Language and Level 6 Maths.
Level 5 English Language or English Literature.
Level 5 English Language and English Literature.
Level 5 English Language or English Literature.
Level 6 English Language and B in French.
Level 5 English Language and B in Geography.
Level 4 English Language and Level 6 Maths and a B
in Science.
Level 5 English Language.
Biology
Business
Chemistry
Computer Science
Dance
Drama
Economics
English Lang & Lit
English Literature
Film
French
Geography
Geology
Government and
Politics
Graphic Design
History
Law
Maths
Further Maths
Media
Music
Music Technology
Photography
Physical Education
Physics
Psychology
Religious Studies
Sociology
Spanish
Level 4 English Language and C in a creative subject
or merit in BTEC (if studied).
Level 5 English Language and B in History (if studied).
Level 5 English Language.
Level 4 English Language and Level 6 Maths.
Level 4 English Language and Level 8 Maths.
Level 5 English Language or English Literature.
Level 4 English Language and B in Music or a
distinction in BTEC (if studied) plus Grade 5 standard
in practical and theory.
Level 4 English Language and B in Music or a
distinction at BTEC (if studied) plus the ability to read
music at a basic level.
Level 4 English Language C in a creative subject or a
merit at BTEC (if studied).
Level 4 English Language and C in PE and C in
Science and must be currently playing a competitive
sport.
Level 4 English Language and Level 6 Maths and B in
Physics or Additional Science.
Level 5 Maths and B in Science.
Level 4 English Language.
Level 4 English Language.
Level 6 English Language and B in Spanish.
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Minimum average
GCSE points
score
4.3
N/A
5.2 (or 7 in Maths)
4.3
5.2 (or 7 in Maths)
5.2
N/A
N/A
4.8
4.0
4.0
4.0
4.9 (or A in French)
4.8
4.0
4.0
N/A
4.0
4.0
4.6 (or 7 in Maths)
5.2
4.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.0
5.2 (or 7 in Maths)
4.0
4.0
4.0
4.9 (or A in
Spanish)
Textiles and
Fashion Design
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Level 4 English Language and C in a creative subject
or a merit at BTEC (if studied).
BTEC Subject Entry Requirements
Vocational Pathway – BTEC (Level 3)
 All BTEC qualifications require students to have achieved: a Level 4 English
Language GCSE.
 At least a Merit if studied the subject at Level 2.
 A minimum of 4 GCSE grade Cs or equivalent.
Exceptions: for students who achieve a grade D in English
If a student has achieved a Level 3 in English and wishes to study an Extended
Diploma, the prospectus entry requirements state that they will need to have
achieved a level 2 Distinction in the subject they want to study at Level 3.
BTECs (Level 3)
Please note: The brackets indicate the number of A Level equivalence
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Art & Design BTEC Extended Diploma (x3)
Business BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (x1)
Business BTEC Diploma (x2)
Business BTEC Extended Diploma (x3)
Childcare and Education CACHE Diploma (x3)
Games Design BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (x1)
Games Design BTEC Extended Diploma (x3)
Health & Social Care BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (x1)
Health & Social Care BTEC Diploma (x2)
Health & Social Care BTEC Extended Diploma (x3)
IT BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (x1)
IT BTEC Extended Diploma (x3)
Law (Applied) BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (x1)
Creative Media Production BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (x1)
Music BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (x1)
Music BTEC Diploma (x2)
Performing Arts BTEC Extended Diploma (x3)
Performing Arts (Acting) BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (x1)
Performing Arts (Dance) BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (x1)
Photography (artBTEC Subsidiary Diploma (x1)
Public Services BTEC Extended Diploma (x3)
Science (Applied) BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (x1)
Sport BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (x1)
Sport BTEC Diploma (x1)
3
N/A
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Level 2 Entry Requirements
At New College we offer one-year re-sit (Level 2) courses. These allow students to
improve on the grades gained in Year 11 and/or fill any gaps in their qualifications. A
large percentage of our Level 2 students move onto Level 3 courses on completion of
a successful one-year re-sit programme.
To study at Level 2 students should have achieved a good range of GCSEs (or
equivalent) mainly at grades D and E. They must have achieved a level 3 English
Language.
Individual Assessment
Students who have not been in full-time education for various reasons or who have
recently moved to the United Kingdom from another country will be asked to sit a short
test to determine the level of course they are most suited to.
Application Deadlines
The deadline for applications to study at New College will be published on our website
and to schools, on an annual basis. This is usually around Easter time.
Application Deadline for New College One-year Students.
The deadline for applications to progress to Level 3 courses at New College will be
published to one-year students via tutorial but is usually around April time.
Planned Learning Hours
In order to maintain funding from the EFA all students must be on a programme of
above 540 planned learning hours. Students will not be accepted on programmes
less than 540 hours.
Students who have not achieved a level 4 in GCSE English or Maths must enrol onto
a GCSE course or at least be working towards GCSE on a suitable alternative
qualification. This is now a condition of funding.
This will be agreed with the student on enrolment and form part of their learning
agreement. Subsequent changes to this programme must be agreed by Senior
Management, but the hours must not fall below 540.
Students’ programmes should also contain an element of either work experience or
employability skills. Students will be given the opportunity to experience these aspects
within their programme at both Year 12 and Year 13.
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Programme of Study
How many subjects should students enrol onto?
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All students on an A Level programme must 3 study subjects.
It is okay for G&A students to study 4 A Level subjects.
Students on a BTEC Pathway will do 3 or 4 certificates or equivalent.
Students who need to re-sit GCSE Maths will do so in addition to their 3 AS
subjects.
BTEC students who need to re-sit GCSE Maths will do so alongside their subjects.
BTEC Extended Diplomas may be accompanied by an additional single BTEC.
In summary, students studying A Levels and BTECS will enrol onto 3 subjects.
Gifted and able students may enrol on 4 if they wish but must be made aware that
they have to follow these subjects for 2 years and there will be no opportunity to
drop one.
Teacher Access Period Policy (TAPS)
Enrolment Day – Y12s
Objective: To increase the achievement rate.
Guide to interviewers: If a student chooses a subject and only just meets subject
specific entry requirements including G score an interviewer may decide to add the
student to a TAP on enrolment day.
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How do Students Apply?
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If interested in applying to New College for entry in September students should
simply follow the nine steps to enrolment guidelines below.
Students may visit New College for the day in Year 10 and experience a College
Taster Day (Not all schools).
A presentation assembly by New College will take place in most schools. A copy
of our prospectus will be made available for students. (Not all schools)
Students should start to consider the courses they are interested in.
We recommend that all students and parents attend one of our 3 open events.
There will be opportunities to listen to a short presentation by the Principal and
speak to subject staff and students.
Students must then fill in the on-line application form using ‘UCAS Progress’.
If students are unable to access this, then they should use a paper application
form or apply direct on the New College website.
In the months of December through to April/May, students will receive a letter
through the post inviting them to attend an interview. If all goes well students will
be offered a conditional place at the College dependent on GCSE results.
Students will then receive a letter through the post inviting them to attend an
Induction Day after their final GCSE exams in July. Here, they will spend some
time in the subjects they have chosen to study. The focus of this day is to prepare
them for their future time at the College. If students do not get the GCSEs they
require, they should come into College immediately after collecting results to
discuss their options with our staff.
In order for students to complete the final stage of applying to New College, they
will need to attend our Enrolment Day. It is important that they bring proof of
qualifications and identity in order to enroll at the College.
Applications from students who attend schools with sixth
forms or outside area
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Students should:
Attend one of our college Open Events
Collect a Prospectus and application form on the night/day
Fill in the application form and post it to the College
Alternatively, apply via ‘UCAS progress’ or via the New College website.
An interview will follow between the months of December and May.
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College Tours
If students are thinking of applying to the College but are unable to attend one of the
Open Events, they should contact Student Services at college, who will organise for a
member of the school liaison team to show them around college.
Alternatively, if after attending one of the Open Evenings students are still undecided
and would like an opportunity to ask further questions, including a tour of the college,
they should contact the College: [email protected]
Application Form
If schools have access to on-line applications such as ‘UCAS Progress’ students
should seek advice from their Head of Year on how to complete it. Alternatively,
download an application form from our College website or apply direct on the New
College website.
First Interview
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Interviews will take place between December and May.
Parents/guardians may accompany students at the interview.
At the interview we will discuss proposed course choices and find out more about
career aspirations.
The interview is a key part of the application process and provides the
opportunity to discuss predicted results and course choices ensuring that they
are right for the student.
Financial Support for Students
The Bursary Fund is for students aged 16-19 and is a payment of money provided to
support students in their learning. The allowance is means-tested and students may
be eligible if total household assessed income is £21,000 or below.
If eligible to receive financial support through the 16-19 Bursary Fund, application
forms are available from Student Services or can be downloaded from the College
website, www.ncpontefract.ac.uk
Student attendance will be checked weekly, with payment being made half termly in
arrears. Payment will be made pro-rata to your attendance. E.g. 96% attendance =
£96 bursary.
For further information regarding the 16-19 Bursary Fund email
[email protected]
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Applicants with Disabilities or Learning Difficulties
The College welcomes students with disabilities or learning difficulties and we will
ensure that there is continuity and equal access to the opportunities and experiences
on offer.
Via our close working relationships with our local schools and Study Support we will
endeavour to make sure that transition from high school to New College will be as
smooth as possible.
Equality & Diversity
Here at New College, we are passionately committed to providing an inclusive
learning environment in which diversity is both celebrated and valued.
We promise to treat each individual student with respect and dignity and to ensure
that every member of our community studies and learns in an environment free from
discrimination, harassment or victimisation.
We have a fundamental belief in the entitlement of every learner to fulfil his or her
potential and will help both to remove any barriers so that full achievement and
promote equality of opportunity across all aspects of College life.
We take our responsibility to eliminate all forms of inequality seriously and our Single
Equality Scheme provides the framework for our commitment, The Student Executive
includes an elected Member for Equality and Diversity and is active in the promotion
of events and celebrations, as well as in the regular reporting of equality issues to the
College Equality and Diversity Committee.
Our commitment to recognising and celebrating diversity runs through our teaching
and learning, our student support and pastoral systems and our enrichment
programme. We want to ensure that a disability of any kind does not prevent any
student from succeeding and our study support function is directed at challenging
everyone to achieve his/her potential to succeed and progress.
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Enrolment Day
On enrolment day, students will have a final interview. The IAG provided will be
based on their actual GCSE results. If students have achieved the grades they
required to enrol on to their selected courses, the enrolment interview with be
relatively straight forward. The interviewer will focus on ensuring their subject choices
and programme of study meet the requirements of their chosen career or core aim.
Waiting Lists
If students do not achieve the subject specific entry requirements of their chosen
subjects, the interviewer will discuss alternative subjects. In most cases, a swap to
an alternative subject will be straight forward. However, popular subjects may
become full and students will be placed on a subject waiting list until places become
available.
Administration Fee
There will be a nominal enrolment fee. This is to cover some administration and
printing costs.
Unacceptable Qualifications
The following qualifications are not accepted by New College as GCSE equivalents.
ECDL (European Computer Driving License) any level
GNVQ Foundation Part 1
Full GNVQ Foundation
AIDA Level 1 (Award in Digital Applications) - except at Distinction Level
CIDA Level 1 (Certificate in Digital Applications) - except at Distinction Level
DIDA Level 1 (Diploma in Digital Applications) - except at Distinction Level
Adult Numeracy any level
Adult Literacy any level
Any on line Testing qualification any level
CoPE (Certificate of Personal Effectiveness) may appear as Next Step on qualification
sheet
Preparation for working Life Level 1 or 2
NVQs at Level 1 or 2
Endorsed Graphics (3203 Art and Design)
Key Skills at any level
OCR Nationals Level 1 – First Award
OCR Nationals Level 1- Award
OCR National Level 1 – Certificate
NCFE qualifications
Text Processing Diploma
Note: New qualifications may appear each year and will be discussed at SMF
(Senior Management Forum) level to determine whether they are accepted or not for
our relevant programmes of study.
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Higher Education Courses on offer at New College (Post 18)
Art Foundation Diploma
Entry Requirements
To succeed on the Art Foundation Diploma students will have had to have coped well
at A-level or level 3 BTEC in a Visual Arts subject. This would be at least a pass grade
but preferably higher.
We then will ask students to produce a portfolio of work and attend an interview with
the course tutors.
If students have not studied a Visual Arts subject at level 3 then we will still consider
their application but we may require them to produce work based on a project set by
the Foundation tutors.
Students who enrol on the course and have not passed GCSE Maths or English will
need to study this alongside their Foundation Diploma (as a condition of funding).
Course Cost
The course is free to any student who is 18 at the start of the course but if 19 or over
students will be required to pay a contribution toward the course fees.
Funding
16, 17, 18 year olds
All full-time students under the age of 19 before 31 August will be funded by the
Education Funding Agency (EFA).
19+ students
Students who are over 19 and apply to take a Level 3 programme of study at New
College will not be funded. (Government regulations, EFA).
Foundation Diploma in Art & Design
19+ students who apply to enrol on to the Foundation Diploma will be accepted onto
the course on payment of the appropriate tuition fees.
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Principals’ Right
Important
The Principal reserves the right to amend the entry requirements for particular subjects and
the over-arching Admissions Policy.
The Principal also reserves the right to decline the offer of a place if:
 a student is not in full-time education owing to being excluded (temporarily or
permanently)
 College is unable to meet the needs of a particular student
For any admission enquiries please contact the Student Reception on 01977 702139 Ext 383
or email [email protected]
Complaints
If you are unhappy with any aspect of the application/interview process or wish to appeal
please contact Neil Mumby, Assistant Principal, in the first instance on 01977 702139.
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Progression Policy
Year One to Year 12 Progression
Introduction
At New College we offer a small number of one-year resit (Level 2) courses. These allow
students to improve on the grades gained in Year 11 and/or fill any gaps in their
qualifications.
A large percentage of our Level 2 students do progress onto Level 3 courses on
completion of a successful one-year resit programme. To study at Level 2 students should
have achieved a good range of GCSEs (or equivalent) mainly at grades D and E.
Students must have achieved Level 3 English Language.
Progression to Y12
A-Level Entry Requirements
The minimum entry requirement for 2017-18 is that all students must have at least a Level
4 in GCSE English Language. In addition, students will have to meet the subject specific
entry requirements which may consist of a GCSE grade and a minimum average GCSE
point score.
Please note: There may be exceptions to subject specific entry requirements. At
enrolment the interviewer will use their professional judgement when deciding if a student
can enrol onto a course without meeting the minimum average GCSE point score.
BTEC Entry Requirements
All Level 3 BTEC courses require students to have achieved a Level 4 in GCSE English
Language. Students will also need to have achieved a minimum of 4 GCSE grade Cs or
their equivalent, and at least a Merit if they studied their chosen subject at Level 2. If a
student has not achieved a Level 4 in GCSE English Language and wishes to study an
Extended Diploma, they will need to have achieved a Level 2 Distinction in the subject
they want to study at Level 3.
Please note
Progression to Y12 will also depend on the following criteria which can be obtained via
individual student Cedar records.
 No attendance concerns
 Positive response to any of the college’s formal interventions
 Good behaviour
 Good attitude towards learning
Progression to Y12 is also at the Principal’s discretion.
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Year 12 to Year 13 Progression
A-Level
 All students are required to achieve at least a grade D in all of their subject progression
exams to progress to Y13 automatically.
 Students who fail to achieve a grade D in any of their subjects will have the opportunity to
resit in August to enable them to progress to Y13.
 Students who fail to achieve these progression requirements in one or more subjects will be
interviewed by a senior member of staff and the most appropriate course of action will be
taken.
 In addition, all students will be interviewed by subject staff during Y13 Progression Day
where progression exam results and feedback will be given out.
 Students who achieve the minimum grade of a D but fail to achieve their minimum target
grade (MTG) will start on the college’s formal intervention procedures when they start Y13.
BTEC
 All students need to pass their progression assignment to progress to Y13 immediately.
 Students who fail to meet the deadline or fail to achieve a pass grade will be provided a with
a resubmission opportunity over the summer and an additional assignment.
 Students who pass the assignment but fail to achieve their minimum target grade (MTG) will
start on the college’s formal intervention procedures when they start Y13.
 Some students will be allowed to progress to Y13, but only on a Level 7 contract which is
part of the college’s formal intervention procedures.
Please note
Progression to Y13 will also depend on the following criteria which can be obtained via
individual student Cedar records.
 No attendance concerns
 Positive response to any of the colleges’ formal interventions
 Good behaviour
 Good attitude towards learning
Progression to Y13 is also at the Principal’s discretion.
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