How to apply
Discover the right course for you, but don't wait; courses are filling up fast for September 2025! Explore our wide range of options:
Career Pathways
We’re delighted that you want to join us and this step-by-step guide will explain what you need to do to choose your course, apply to college and complete your enrolment in the summer.
If you need any help completing your application form, one of our Advice and Admissions Team will be happy to help you. Please contact them on 0800 612 6008 or send an enquiry.
Step One: RESEARCH
- Read our career pathways pages to research more about the programmes and potential future careers they could lead to.
- Join in with our College Open Events.
- Talk to our Activate Careers team to get independent advice and guidance about the options available and how they would match your interests and skills.
- Find out about financial support to help you cover the costs associated with studying at college.
- Find out about learning and/or health and wellbeing support for students here
- Find out about travel routes to college.
Step Two: APPLY
- To make an application: Find a course and apply for it online
- Once you have chosen the course that you wish to study, please click apply on the course page and this will add it to your basket. You will then need to register for an account or log in to proceed through your application.
- If you need any help completing your application form, one of our Advice and Admissions Team will be happy to help you. Please contact them on 0800 612 6008 or send an enquiry.
- On your application form let us know about any specific support needs you may have.
- We will then send you an email to confirm that we have received your application.
- If you are a current student, you will follow a different application process to direct applicants who are not already studying with us, you do not need to reapply.
- You are welcome to apply for more than one course, however, you will only receive an offer for a maximum of two courses
Step Three: ASSESSING YOUR APPLICATION
- If you have specific support needs, we will send you a form to complete in more detail so we can provide support tailored to your needs.
- If necessary, you will receive a call from our support team to ensure we can provide the support you need at college.
- If you have applied for 3 or more courses, you will be sent a link to book a call-back with one of our friendly Advisers who will discuss your options with you and gather any further details we need to progress your application.
- Once you have booked your call, we will call you from 0800 612 6008, so please save this number to your mobile phone.
- If you have been sent an assessment (GCSE Maths and English, Access to HE, or counselling), your application will not be processed further until this has been completed
- If you are an adult (19+) applying for an Access to Higher Education Course, and you have already completed your Maths and English GSCEs, you may be asked to provide the results to determine whether you need to do an Assessment as part of your application – these will need to be sent to admissions@activatelearning.ac.uk
Step Four: YOUR OFFER
- You will receive your conditional offer by email to confirm the programme you have applied, and this will include entry requirements. Entry requirements can be found on the course pages of our website, and if you are 16-18, all offers are conditional on attending a Meet the Teaching Team event.
- Your conditional offer may also include details of an alternative pathway programme that you might be eligible for if you do not meet the entry criteria.
- Your offer does not guarantee a place on the course – you will need to complete your enrolment form in the summer to confirm your place
Step Five: BOOK ONTO YOUR MEET THE TEACHING TEAM EVENT
- These events are a conditional part of our entry criteria for 16-18 year old applicants, and adults (19+) wishing to study Access to Higher Education courses, and are your opportunity to get to know your future teaching team and connect with fellow applicants who will be joining you in September.
- Feel free to bring any burning questions you might have about the course - the teaching team is there to help!
- They'll share what to expect on the course, key dates to remember, how to stay in touch, and what your next steps should be
Step Six: ATTEND YOUR MEET THE TEACHING TEAM EVENT
- At this event, you will meet your tutor, take part in an experience as well as meet other students who have applied for the same course. You may be asked to complete an assessment, provide a portfolio of work or take part in an audition. This will be confirmed in your invitation to the Meet the teaching team session.
- This event will be your opportunity to ask any questions and to confirm that you have applied for the right course
Step Seven: PREPARE FOR COLLEGE
- We will be in touch with you regularly to let you know about all the exciting things happening at college and to support you in becoming an Activate Learning student in September.
- Make sure you are financially prepared by investigating here.
- You will also be invited to a student welcome day over the summer which will be a further opportunity for you to orientate yourself and learn more about college life.
- Visit the Starting in September page to discover everything you need to know before starting College
Step Eight: RESULTS DAY
- If you met the conditions of your offer great news!
- If you didn’t meet the conditions or wish to change your plans don’t worry! You will know which course you might now be eligible for, or if you wish to change your plans give us a call or book on to a College Clearing appointment. This is a second chance at getting a place at college, by matching students with places we still have available.
Step Nine: ENROL
- Completing your enrolment is the final step to becoming a student.
- During the month of August, you will receive an email that will contain a link to your online enrolment form. You will need to click ‘enrol me’ and complete your enrolment as soon as possible to guarantee your place.
- Only once we have received all information required for you enrolment (Results/grades, identification, any visa requirements, photo for your student ID card), will we be able to process the enrolment.
- We will confirm your enrolment by email, and it is only then your place is confirmed.
- You will also receive your first day arrangements, so you know where to go and at what time.
- Please see our step-by-step enrolment guide here
Final Step: CONNECT TO COLLEGE!
- You’ll be invited in to Connect to College week, which will consist of a schedule of activity designed to give you the best possible start.
- Connect to College week is vital preparation for the beginning of the term. It is essential that you attend on the days specified by your faculty as it will ensure that you feel safe, confident and supported in college.
- Your will be given your Student ID and Lanyard during this week.
- Final step… start your programme with us!
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Why Guildford College?
- Clear routes of progression with qualifications ranging from foundation level to degree level!
- Industry experienced teaching staff give you the responsibility and independence you need to take charge of your own future.
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