Frequently Asked Questions
Who we are | Making the right choice | The student experience | Join us!
1. Who we are
Why Redbridge College?
Choosing the next step in your education is never easy but here at Redbridge College we are able to offer something different. We provide a practical, hands-on approach to learning instead of A Levels. Our wide choice of courses provide the knowledge, skills and environment required to prepare you for university, the world of work and beyond.
Sounds great! So what are the vital statistics?
We are the top performing college for success rates locally and are ranked within the top 15% of colleges in the whole of the UK. So that means if you join us you’ll have a higher chance of success than anywhere else locally. What’s more, we are a good college – and that’s official! Our latest Ofsted report rated us as good overall with outstanding features.
What else do I need to know?
Our specialist facilities mean that learning takes place in an industry-standard environment. Just some of our fantastic facilities include the fully licensed and award-winning Rouge Restaurant, the professionally equipped Evolution Hair & Beauty Salons, a state-of-the-art music recording suite and our own graphic design company, FX Studios.
Where can I find you?
Our main Chadwell Heath campus is located in a leafy suburb on the border of East London and West Essex, located within walking distance from Chadwell Heath and Goodmayes rail stations and Newbury Park Underground station. Our Ilford campus is located on the corner of the Ilford Exchange Shopping Mall, close to Ilford rail station.
Are your facilities open to the public?
They are! Rouge Restaurant is open for lunch to the public daily and also hosts regular theme nights. Our Evolution Hair & Beauty Salons offer a fantastic range of treatments at unbelievable prices. And if you are an aspiring musician, we even offer professional recording experiences at our enviable fully-equipped recording studio.
Can I hire your facilities?
We offer competitive rates across a wide range of facilities including hire of our sports hall, sports field, restaurant, salons, conference suite and classrooms. Find out more…
2. Making the right choice
I’ve heard about vocational courses. What more can you tell me?
Vocational courses offer a practical, hands-on alternative to A Levels to prepare you for university or the world of work. Instead of studying three or four subjects, BTEC qualifications allow you to focus on a single subject that you love. Vocational qualifications and apprenticeships cover a wide range of careers, so whether your passion is business, beauty therapy, graphic design, hairdressing, IT or music there is definitely a vocational course for you.
So how do they measure up?
BTEC Diplomas are full-time qualifications. A BTEC Level 3 Diploma is equivalent to two A Levels and a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma is equivalent to three A Levels.
Are vocational qualifications accepted by universities?
They are. In fact, almost half of successful UCAS applicants in 2009 did not have any A Levels at all. An increasing number of young people just like you are finding vocational qualifications a great route to university.
Is it true that I won’t have to sit any exams?
Our courses are skills-based and assessment takes place through a mixture of written assignments, practical work and verbal questioning. Great news if you hate the stress of exams!
How often will I need to be in college?
Our students generally need to attend for three to four days per week, although this can vary between different courses.
What sort of support will be on offer to me?
We make sure that you are supported during your studies throughout your time with us. All learners are assigned a personal tutor who will support you in all aspects of your study while our Learning Resource Centre will offer assistance when it comes to taking the next step and making an application to UCAS or for employment. If you have any learning difficulties, health problems or disabilities we’ll go the extra mile to ensure additional support is provided. There is also an on-site nursery at the Chadwell Heath Campus, open Monday to Friday during term time. Find out more…
Will I have to pay any tuition fees?
If you are a young person aged 16-18 when starting your studies, you won’t have to pay any tuition, registration or exam fees. Some courses may require you to buy a uniform or kit and there is a materials fee for all courses (starting from £25).
If you are aged 19+, you will not have to pay tuition fees for full-time courses if you don’t have any Level 2 qualifications and wish to study a Level 2 course, are in receipt of benefits such as Employment Support Allowance or are under 25 years of age without a Level 3 qualification and wish to study one.
I don’t know if college is the right choice for me. What should I do?
Come along to one of our successful Advice Nights! You’ll have the opportunity to speak to a qualified Career Advisor from Connexions, teaching staff and some of our current students to find out more about careers, courses and whether college is the right next step for you. Find out more…
I’ve found a course I am interested in. How can I find out more?
At Open Days or Advice Nights you’ll be able to speak to a teacher from each curriculum area who will be able to talk in detail about the course with you. If you can’t make one of our events, don’t worry! Just call our friendly Learner Recruitment Team on 020 8548 7400. You can also apply online or using the application form that comes with our prospectus.
3. The student experience
What’s the difference between college and school?
We offer a practical, hand-on alternative to school. Most full-time courses are three and a half days per week, there’s no college-wide uniform and you can call your teachers by their first name. You’ll be much more independent – college is the ideal stepping stone between school and university or employment.
What else is on offer outside of lessons?
We have a full range of enrichment activities throughout the year and taking part is an essential part of the student experience. Our 2011/12 programme includes Street Dance, First Aid Training, Judo, Basketball, Driving Theory, Creative Writing and much more! Some lead to a recognised qualification while others are just great fun. Our fully equipped common room includes a Nintendo Wii, football table and a pool table while there’s also a full schedule of events, activities and trips each year - including New York, Paris and skiing.
What is the Career Academy?
Do you plan to take the world of business or media by storm? Our Career Academy, open to ambitious Level 3 Business and Creative & Media students, includes a six-week paid internship, one-to-one mentoring from business or media professionals, inspirational trips and behind-the-scenes access to events. Don’t miss out! Find out more…
What sort of technology will be available to me?
We have more than 500 PCs and Macs at your fingertips. No matter which curriculum area, you will be learning in an industry-standard environment kitted out with the latest technology. Additionally, E-Bridge – our interactive online learning area – allows you to access course materials, keep in touch with tutors, submit assignments online and discuss ideas with other students through forums.
Are there any extra benefits?
• FREE travel. Young people aged 16-18 travel for free with a Student Oyster Travelcard – applications forms are available from Post Offices.
• FREE NUS Student Card. Get access to exclusive discounts from Odeon, Amazon, Pizza Express, O2, McDonalds, Ticketmaster and many more!
• FREE sports and fitness package
• FREE haircuts at our on-site salon
• 20% off beauty treatments at our on-site salon
4. Join us!
How do I apply?
You’ve found a course that inspires you, so what next? Well, why not apply to us online. If you have any questions about completing the application process just give us a call on 020 8548 7110 / 7129 / 7431. You can also email us at info@redbridge-college.ac.uk or talk online in real-time to a member of our support team by clicking the ‘Live Support’ button on our home page.
What happens next?
If you are a young person aged 16-18 (or 19+ and applying for an Access Course) we’ll be in touch and invite you in to the college for an interview. Don’t worry, this isn’t a scary process – it’s just to make sure that your choice of course is suitable for you and your future aims.
If you are aged 19+ you can enrol on or after the Open Day or by visiting us in person at the Chadwell Heath campus. You’ll need to bring ID such as a passport, driving licence or utility bill. If you are claiming a concession on your tuition fees, you will also need to bring evidence that you are receiving Employment Support Allowance or Job Seekers Allowance.
How will I know if my grades are good enough?
To find out the entry requirements for any of our courses, visit the course information page on this website. There will be an opportunity for you to discuss what level of course is right for you at your interview – whatever your stage of learning, we will make sure that your course provides you with a realistic challenge now and in the future.
What happens if I don’t receive grades as strong as I had hoped?
Stay calm - we’ll help you to find a course at the right level for you. We also offer additional Functional Skills courses to help boost your English and Maths skills. Get in touch with our Customer Service Centre on 020 8548 7110 / 7129 / 7431.
Should I get my application in early?
Many of our courses fill up quickly. To secure your place it is best to apply early.
When can I start?
You can come in to enrol as soon as you get your GCSE results. We look forward to seeing you around college!
