The interview is a two-way exchange and is likely to be the first opportunity for you to tell us about yourself and to find out in depth about the college.

When will I have my interview?

You will be sent a letter detailing the date and time of your interview. You should also be given an idea of the length of time and what to expect at the interview.

Who should come to my interview?

You may choose to bring a parent or guardian with you, however they may not always be invited in to the interview unless there is a special reason for them to support you. Friends, brothers and sisters will not be invited into the interview.

What should I wear to my interview?

Wear something that is smart, appropriate and that you feel comfortable in. Many students come directly from school for the interviews so are wearing their school uniforms.

What should I bring with me?

Please bring your most recent school report, and any references or certificates that are relevant to show your interviewer. These can include references from work placements or proof of activities such as Duke of Edinburgh Scheme. If you are applying for an art-related course, please bring your portfolio of work.

What should I do on arrival?

Please report to reception and you will be directed to the right part of the college.

What should I do if I can’t attend the interview?

Let us know as soon as possible so that we can discuss rescheduling your interview. Please be aware that interview spaces are filled well in advance and your next interview may be for considerably later in the year.

Planning for the interview

You’ll want to make a good impression so make sure you know the time, date and place of your interview and the name of your interviewing tutor, if possible. Plan your journey before hand as delays may result in your interview being rescheduled or a long wait.
Prepare for the questions you will be asked.

We are interested to get to know you and we are likely to ask about your:

• reasons for applying for the course
• career ideas
• work experience
• hobbies and other activities
• likes and interests
• subjects chosen, sets, predicted grades
• achievements in/out of school
• your expectations of the course
• whether additional on-course support available is of interest.

Prepare to ask questions

The lecturer interviewing you should provide you with lots of information about the course. But here’s a list to help you identify what you might want to ask about:

• Course length, contact hours and contact pattern
• Topics covered during the course
• Functional Skills covered on the course
• How students learn on the course (group work, research, visits, practical work, placements, amount of independent study etc.)
• Assessment – frequency, intervals and type, deadlines
• How students do on the course generally – typical results
• Benefits of doing the course e.g. the vocational and transferrable skills
• Progression opportunities, both progression to higher level courses and progression into work
• What other students have gone on to do
• Special features of the course
• Entry requirements and conditions of offer
• Fees and any other costs associated with the course
• Course materials, textbooks and any other resources required
• Visits and trips
• Expectations relating to attendance, punctuality and behaviour
• Any financial support available

What else might I do at the interview?

Each department tailors the interview experience to the course. Some interviews will also involve a group activity or practical activity; in some interviews you may be asked to take part in an English and Maths skills exercise and in others you will get to tour the area and meet current students.