Application Process

• Presentation in your school

  • Most of our feeder schools will have a presentation in the first half term, providing you with all of the key dates and details you need to start your application to Winstanley.

• Prospectus

  • Collect a Winstanley College prospectus from your school or request/download a copy online and start to read about Winstanley College and the courses available.

• Open evenings

  • Thursday 26th June 2025

For some students, this will be the first time they visit us – so make sure you come along and take the opportunity to find out more about College life, our courses and what it’s like to be a student.

• Application

  • The easiest way to apply to Winstanley is directly through our website by completing our online application form. 

  • The final deadline for applications for September 2025 enrolment was Friday 7th February 2025.

• Course Discussion
  • When you complete your application, you can choose a date for your course discussion. This is another opportunity to come to college and meet with our specialist team to discuss your post-16 options. You’ll be able to find out which combinations of courses might work best for you, and receive guidance on how to move on to the next stage of your career – whether it be university,  apprenticeships, sponsored degree courses or employment.  You must attend a course discussion before an offer of a place is made.
• Course Discussion Evenings:
  • Wednesday 20th November 2024
  • Thursday 9th January 2025
  • Wednesday 22nd January 2025
  • Thursday 13th February 2025
• • APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday 7th February 2025

If the dates available for your Course Discussion don’t quite work for you – don’t hesitate to email our Admissions Team on admissions@winstanley.ac.uk who will happily accommodate a new date.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday 7th February 2025

• Applicant Evening
  • We will run an applicants evening for students and their parents/carers. Here, transition and pastoral leaders and students from Winstanley will talk to you about how to prepare for making the transition from GCSE to further study. You'll also receive transport information and learn what to expect once you start in September.
• Taster Day
  • Every student who has applied to College will be invited to join us for a Taster Day on Thursday 3rd July 2025, once they have taken their GCSE examinations. Here you will be able to try out a sample lesson in your chosen subjects. You’ll be able to mix with other students from different schools, talk to teachers and start to prepare for September. Your teachers may give you reading or research tasks to carry out over the summer break to ensure you can make the best start to life at Winstanley.
• Enrolment
  • Over the summer, students are asked to complete an online enrolment form to help the process run smoothly. You will also be emailed an appointment time for your enrolment which is usually on GCSE results day. If the date/time allocated for your enrolment doesn’t quite work for you – don’t hesitate to email our Admissions Team on admissions@winstanley.ac.uk to reschedule.

• Enrolment
  • Enrolment is usually held on GCSE Results Day and the day after. It is a celebration of your achievements and a welcome to the next chapter of your academic career. Come and join us in College for your appointment where we’ll be excited to talk to you about how you’ve done in your exams, and what the future might hold for you at Winstanley. You’ll be able to finalise your place, confirm your subject choices and get everything you need to become a student here. 

Students who are away on enrolment day are asked to contact admissions@winstanley.ac.uk as soon as possible to make alternative arrangements. We can reserve your place at College until you return, if you meet the College entry criteria and submit evidence of your GCSE results before 12:00 noon the day after GCSE results day.

A full list of entry requirements will be published in September on the College website and can be accessed on the Entry Requirements page.

Requests for special consideration should normally be accompanied by support from the applicant’s school and be made in writing to the Deputy Principal, Deborah Owen at admissionsappeals@winstanley.ac.uk 

Appeals for special consideration will be heard by the Admissions Panel if received before GCSE results are published. Only in exceptional circumstances is the College able to hear appeals made after GCSE results have been published. Please note that normally, the College will give preference to Year 11 school leavers.

Many students start to think about their life after high school as early as Year 10. Students from Year 10 are invited to our Masterclasses at the end of the year, usually at the end of June. If you’re not sure whether your school is attending Masterclasses, ask your Head of Year or email our Admissions Team on admissions@winstanley.ac.uk.

If you're in Year 8 or 9, then you may be starting to think about your next steps after high school. To help you make these important decisions, we've put together a useful guide.