Frequently Asked Questions

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What separates Redbridge College from other 6th forms/colleges?
As a vocational college, we offer relevant qualifications that combine academic knowledge with practical ability and work experience, enabling you to go straight into employment or progress onto university. Our teaching staff have years of industry experience, and our top-notch facilities include professional hair and beauty salons, a fine dining restaurant and training kitchens, music and Mac suites and a TV studio. New students often comment how much friendlier we are than other, larger colleges, let alone easier to navigate! We are also well-known for the diversity of our staff and students, with a rich mix of abilities and cultural backgrounds working together.

What facilities does Redbridge College have available to the public? 
The College has a range of services open to the public including the award-winning Rouge Restaurant and the professional hair and beauty salons, Evolution. Please visit their respective pages to find out more about opening times and prices. The College also has a variety of facilities available for hire here.

How do I apply for a course?
To apply for a course you need to complete and submit an application form either online or manually. You will then be contacted by the College and invited to attend an interview. This interview ensures that the course you have applied for is suitable for both your future aims and current capabilities. 

Do I have a better chance of securing a place if I apply early?
Yes. Most courses fill up quickly, therefore the earlier you apply the better your chances are of securing your place.

I didn’t receive the GCSE grades I was expecting - can I still obtain a place on a course?
Yes. If you didn’t receive the grades you were expecting, the College can still help you to find a suitable course at the right level for you. Call our Customer Service Centre on 020 8548 7431.

I am unsure of which course I would like to study.
No problem. Redbridge College runs Open Days and Advice Nights that offer you the chance to find out more about the courses available and provides an opportunity for you to speak to tutors and career advisors in order to help you make up your mind. Have a look at upcoming events to find out the dates available. If you can’t make it to any of these events then you can find out more about your course by contacting the College on 020 8548 7400.

How do I find out more information about my selected course?
You can attend an Open Day or Advice Night and speak to a tutor from your chosen curriculum area who will be able to discuss, in more depth, details of the course with you. Again, if you can’t make it to any of these events then you can find out more about your course by contacting the College on 020 8548 7400.

How can I find out if my grades are good enough to gain a place on my chosen course?
The information page for your chosen course will tell you the minimum entry requirements. At your interview you will have the chance to discuss your options and to determine whether your course is at the right level for your requirements. Redbridge College are committed to ensuring that our students are placed on courses that provide a challenge whilst not being at a level too high for the student, as this can easily cause a loss of motivation and under-performance.

How much will I have to pay for my course?
For the majority of 16 – 19 year olds the cost of the course is funded by the Government and hence you will only be expected to pay a materials fee and, on certain courses, the cost of the required uniform and CRB check. Adult learners (over 19 years old) will have to pay the full course cost. However, if you are in receipt of benefits then the course cost may be heavily subsidised. There is also a range of other subsidies available dependent upon your individual circumstances and prior qualifications. You can find out more at an Open Day/Advice Night or contact the financial support team here or call 020 8548 7442/7445.

Is there any funding assistance available?
There is a range of financial assistance that you may be eligible to receive to help support your education. The College receives government Learner Support Funds (LSF) which can be used to help students with the cost of studying under certain circumstances. Students under the age of 19 from families whose income is less than £30,000 per year may be eligible for Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA). This pays a weekly amount of up to £30. Students over 19 studying their first Level 2 or Level 3 qualification, and who have an income of less than £19,513 (but do not receive out of work benefits) may be eligible for the Adult Learning Grant. This pays up to £30 a week. There are also other awards from charities available for students to apply for. To find out more about the possible financial support available please contact the financial support team here or call 020 8548 7442/7445.

Can I get subsidised transport?
London Transport offers reduced travel fares. All full-time students can apply for discounts. Application forms are available from the Post Office or the College’s Learner Financial Support Team.

How do I get to the College?
The Chadwell Heath Campus is located in a leafy suburb on the border of East London and West Essex. With excellent transport links available, our students travel from all over South East England to attend the College. The Ilford Campus is located on the corner of the Ilford Exchange Shopping Mall, close to Ilford Rail Station. For more details please visit our How to find us page.

Will I be able to participate in extracurricular activities?
Redbridge College has a fantastic enrichment programme that allows students to participate in a range of extracurricular activities from learning belly dancing through to swatting up on driving theory. A number of the enrichment activities will help you gain a recognised qualification, whilst others are just good fun. The enrichment programme is open to all students and the majority of activities are free.

Do I have to wear a uniform?
The College does not require you to wear a uniform with the exception of certain courses that specify specialist clothing that must be worn during class times. Whilst the College does not impose a uniform on students, we do have a no hats or hoodies policy when on Campus. Redbridge College treats the safety of our students, visitors and staff as paramount and therefore students must also wear their College ID at all times when on Campus.

What is the technology infrastructure like on campus?
Redbridge College has an enviable range of technology to help support students during their studies. We are pioneers in E-Learning, with 100 portable mini PCs available for students’ use and an interactive online learning area. Students can track their progress online and access video clips, lessons, web links, quizzes, and more. The College also has over 500 PCs and Apple Macs as well as laptops, scanners, colour/laser jet printers, photocopiers and CD writers.

What facilities does the College have to offer?
Redbridge College has first class facilities that include an award-winning fully licensed restaurant - Rouge, excellent indoor and outdoor sporting facilities, a fully equipped Learning Resource Centre incorporating a library and IT centre, a modern student canteen, professional hair and beauty salons - Evolution, a record label - Last Word Records, a graphic design company - FX Studios, Mac suites, a TV studio, fully equipped student common room, on-site childcare centre, and much more!