We know applying to College is a big decision to make and we would like to make the process as easy as possible for you. I'm sure you'll have many questions so have collated the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) below. If you cannot find the answer below, please contact us on the details at the bottom for the page.
We have courses for all ages, however each year we intake a large number of 16-18 year olds. The majority of our students are full-time, studying A-level or BTEC courses. We consider ourselves to be a general access college for London and we do not prioritize applicants who live in particular boroughs. However, we prefer to offer places to those who live within a reasonable travelling distance.
It is preferable that you apply through UCAS.
To apply for a course, simply navigate to the course you would like to apply for and click the big red "apply" button on the right hand side of the screen. Then fill in the form. Please make sure you include your qualifications or predicted grades. In regards to your Personal Statement, we value quality over quantity and it should include why you want to study the course. Please also use this to inform us of anything which you cannot include elsewhere on the form, but that you feel is important for your application.
We will be in contact with you to either ask you to come in for an interview, or we will send you an offer.
If you would like to change the course you have applied for, please email enquiries@cnwl.ac.uk informing us which course you would like to change to.
This happens very rarely. If we have to withdraw a subject we would do our utmost to provide you with a suitable alternative. At application stage and after offer, we will contact you to let you know the reasons for the change
Click this link to view transport links to our Willesden Campus
If you have a reference from your school/employer please do bring this or use the template we provide and ask your school to stamp it. You may be asked to bring your art portfolio or a sample of music. For an audition you will need to prepare a piece to perform.
Yes, just open the EventBrite confirmation email you received and you'll be able to change your booking. Please do this as soon as possible so that we can offer your slot to another applicant.
Yes, just open the email you received from us with your link and password and you'll be able to rebook your interview.
Yes. Although any visitors including parents or guardians will be required to wait at Reception during your interview.
The criteria include your academic potential and predicted grades, journey to College, school report or references, combination of subjects, your contribution to your current school or place of employment and participation in extra-curricular activities. Please be aware that in most years the College has been heavily oversubscribed and we cannot guarantee to interview all applicants even if they meet our minimum criteria.
We have so many applications that we spread interviews throughout the year. Different subjects hold interviews at different times.
Each applicant is judged on their merits and we will not use quotas when offering places. However, during the enrolment period courses can fill up.
For some courses if you have been asked to interview, you may be required to demonstrate your ability in the course area you have applied for.
If you have a reference from your school/employer please do bring this or use the template we provide and ask your school to stamp it. You may be asked to bring your art portfolio or a sample of music. For an audition you will need to prepare a piece to perform.
Use the following links to download a copy of our reference form.
We aim to let everyone know the outcome of their application as soon as possible. We do generally let people know at interview but the email confirming this can take a little longer.
Most of our offers are conditional on your GCSE results but we can also ask for portfolio of art work, performance audition or written work. Our offers are based on our individual courses. Please see the relevant page on our website for specific entry criteria. Some course areas like Performing Arts may require an audition. We do also offer unconditional places if you have prior qualifications. We also might refer you to another course and occasionally we are unable to offer a place and will write to you with the explanation.
Yes, if we feel that your application is strong and your predicted or achieved grades are correct for the course you have applied for, we can progress straight to making you an offer.
Yes, just contact us on admissions@cnwl.ac.uk, and we will be able to arrange an interview for you at our next session.
We will do our best to accommodate you but cannot guarantee this since other courses may be full. If you change to course in a different area, for example from ICT to business you will need to submit another application. If you wish to change courses following the publication of GCSE results, this will depend on the availability of places but we are often able to do this.
Based on your application or interview, we may feel that an alternative course or different level would be more suitable than your original choice and make you an offer accordingly. We can often review this at enrolment.
If you do not make your predicted grades we will offer you a place on an alternative course or level. Please do ask or come to the dates advertised as Open Enrolment.
You would need to let us know if you wish to withdraw as soon as possible, either by email or during the Enrolment process or by returning your Enrolment pack on GCSE results day, indicating that you do not wish to take up your place.
If you are 16-18 years old and choose to study on a government funded course there is no fees to pay. This does not apply to HE courses where there are fees to pay. However, there are HE loans available. To be exempt, partially exempt or receive a loan for payment of fees you must qualify as a Home Student
Fee exemption for Adults (aged 19 or older on 31st August, 2021) are complex and can depend on your benefits status, your age, your highest level of achievement, and the level of course you are intending to study. All adults will be formally fee assessed during the enrolment process. If you are seeking fee exemption on the basis that you are claiming Means Tested Benefit (MTB), you will need evidence for this. MTBs include Job Seekers Allowance, Income Support, Universal Credit and Employment Support Allowance (WRAG category), evidence must be dated no more than three months before the start of your course. MTBs are not available to study a Level 3 or higher course for which fees may be applied, however, Advanced Learning Loans are available. To be exempt, partially exempt or receive a loan for payment of fees you must qualify as a Home Student
A Home Student is someone who has been normally and legally resident in the European Economic Area for the last 3 years. The evidence for this can be a passport or ID card, your Birth Certificate (UK born citizens only), Home Office documents, a solicitor’s letter or any other documents you hold that would establish your residency status.
This varies from year to year and often depends on which subjects are wanted. It is not possible to put any sort of figure on this. The more flexible you are about your subject choices, the more likely it is that we can fit you in. If you are keen to have a place, let us know after the GCSE results are published.
This may be possible but any changes must be requested very quickly and will depend on space availability and your grade profile.
Yes, you can apply after GCSE results day by coming into our Willesden Campus with your GCSE results during our Open Enrolment period. You must still have met our minimum entry criteria. However we consider current applicants before new or re-applications. Courses can fill up over the enrolment period. Please remember this when booking your summer holiday.
If you still have a question and would like to speak to someone, please contact us on the details below.
Phone: 020 8208 5000
Email: enquiries@cnwl.ac.uk