Application Guidance Information
This booklet will help to give you an overview of the application process at One and answer some of the questions you might have about applying to study with us.
We would recommend that you submit your application as soon as possible. We will then invite you in for your college interview. Your college interview is a great chance to learn more about studying at One.
If you would like to contact the admissions team please email us: one-admissions@easterneducationgroup.ac.uk or give us a call on 01473 556627.
For students who have indicated a mental health need on their application we will be in touch regarding a Welfare questionnaire once we have received your application. Once you have completed the Welfare questionnaire you may be invited for a Welfare Assessment; this is completed via the phone and is designed to ensure we will be able to support you in the way you wish to be supported during your studies at One.
Do I have to pay for my course?
Student places at One are funded by the ESFA and there are certain criteria students need to meet in order to be offered a place at One.
- Students must be under 19 years of age on 31st August on the year of their application
- Students must not have already studied a Level 3 course elsewhere when applying for a Level 3 course with One
- Students from overseas (outside the EU and EEA) whose main reason for residence in England or the EEA has been attendance at a fee-paying school or non-maintained school are not usually eligible for funding. Periods spent in the UK as overseas fee-paying students in either public or private education do not count towards the three year period of legal residency in the UK that is usually required from non EEA students to be eligible for ESFA funding. If this guidance applies to you, you will be required to pay £4000 per academic year to cover the cost of your education. Further details of the Education Skills Funding Agency guidance can be found here. If you are unsure of any of the information provided please contact admissions 01473 556627 or one-admissions@easterneducationgroup.ac.uk.
Entry Requirements
The following is a guide to the entry requirements for courses at One; we will naturally want to discuss your GCSE grades with you and will ensure that wherever appropriate you will study the programme of your choice.
AS/A Levels
At least 6 9- 4 grades at GCSE, including GCSE English Language (grade 4), and meeting the entry criteria of individual subjects (Level 2 vocational qualifications at Merit or Distinction will be treated as equivalent to one GCSE). At enrolment we will agree with you whether a 4 or 3 A Level programme is most appropriate for you to ensure you achieve your very best
BTEC National Diploma Level 3.
At least 5 9-4 grades at GCSE, including GCSE English. A Level 2 vocational qualification will be regarded as the equivalent of one of the 5 required 9-4 GCSE grades.
Level 2 Qualifications
At least 4 GCSEs at grade 3 or above, including 3 in Maths or English Language.
PLEASE NOTE:
You will also need to meet the specific subject criteria or each course as outlined in each course profile.
Prospective Student Interviews
What to expect from your college 'interview'
We know hearing the word 'interview' can be quite daunting, but don't worry, it's really not as scary as it might sound.
Don't panic! Although your interview is an important part of the application process we don't want you to worry. The interview won't be as scary as you think and it will be over before you know it.
We know that applying for a college or sixth form is a serious decision, but we want you to be excited, not nervous. We invite you for an interview so that we can get to know you on an individual level and provide you with advice and guidance on choosing the college and courses that are right for you. We can even help with the potential career paths your course could lead to.
When coming in for your interview the most important thing to remember is to just be yourself. We're not going to ask you any tricky interview questions and we're certainly not here to catch you out – we want to give you tailored advice to help you make an informed decision about college.
To help put your mind at rest, we've put together a run-through of what to expect at your interview.
What to expect at your interview:
Here is an idea of some of the questions your interviewer might ask:
• Why would you like to study this course/programme?
• What are your hobbies or interests?
• What are your likes/dislikes in regards to learning?
• Do you know what you might like to do as a future career?
• Are there any personal difficulties that may affect your studies?
Your interviewer will talk to you about:
• Entry requirements for your chosen courses
• Course information about your chosen subjects (topics, assessments, and if there is any work experience)
• The college code of conduct (our expectations on behaviour and attendance)
• How we can support you at One (Student Services)
• Enrichment activities
Prospective Student Interview Dates - 2024/25
- Thursday 24 October 2024 - 16:45-19:15
- Thursday 5 December 2024 - 16:45-19:15
- Tuesday 17 December 2024 - 16:45-19:15
- Tuesday 7 January 2025 - 16:45-19:15
- Thursday 30 January 2025 - 16:45-19:15
- Tuesday 18 March 2025 - 16:45-19:15
- Wednesday 2 April 2025 - 16:00-18:30
- Thursday 8 May 2025 - 16:45-19:15
Interview Materials
If you have applied for any of the following, please click on the link and bring the requested materials along with you to your interview:
Level 3 Art and Design Extended Diploma
Foundation Diploma in Art, Design & Media Practice
UAL Digital Design & Communication
Music
If you are applying for a Music subject and haven't taken Music at GCSE/BTEC then you will need to send a video in for Music Performance and A Level Music. This video should showcase your musical ability on your instrument/voice and should have you performing with an accompanist or backing track (if appropriate) for a minimum of 2 minutes.
For Creative Music Production you need to demonstrate at interview that you have a passion and interest in the subject. You could bring in some examples of music you've created if you have them to play to us and talk about at your interview.
Please ensure when you fill out an application form to apply for a music course, that you talk about any interests and hobbies that you talk about what you play, any bands/ensembles/concerts you've played in and if you've taken any grades on your instrument/voice.
Dance A Level
Students looking to take A Level Dance need to provide a recording of themselves performing a dance routine to demonstrate their level of technique. The style of dance can be the students choice, the length of the recording should be at least 1 minute and be of a recent performance/participation in a class (less than a year old).
Recordings need to be uploaded to the admissions portal 1 week prior to your interview. Using the Document Upload under the 3 dots on the right of your admissions portal main page.
This is an important part of the admissions process which will support your application and enable staff to make an informed decision about our offer to you. If you have any questions relevant to these subjects, please do not hesitate to contact the named member of staff at the bottom of the letter above, or our Admissions team on 01473 556627 or email one-admissions@easterneducationgroup.ac.uk.
Results at One
FAQs
Application FAQs
When is the best time to apply?
Apply as soon as possible. We don’t have a closing date but recommend applying by Christmas to allow time for your interview to be arranged.
How Do I Apply?
You can apply through the online admissions portal on our website.
Do I put in predicted grades?
You will need to enter your expected grades for all of the courses you are currently studying as part of your application.
I don’t have predicted grades
If you have not yet received your expected grades you can use the grades off a Year 10 School Report or from recent Mock Results
How many courses can I apply for?
You can apply for up to 4 courses on your application. If you are not sure of your course choices you can discuss all the courses you are interested in studying at your interview.
Can I change my mind on my course choices?
You can change your course choices throughout the application process. Course Choices freeze in May while we prepare for our Taster Event in the Summer.
When are interviews?
We hold an interview evening approximately once a month. We will send you the details of your interview via your account on our online admissions portal.
Interview FAQs
How long will my interview take?
Your interview at One will usually last around 20 minutes.
Is there a dress code?
We don't have a dress code for interviews, we would recommend wearing something you feel comfortable in. Because our interviews take place after school, many prospective students will come along in their uniform, whilst others will come in their everyday clothes.
Can my parents/guardian attend with me?
This is entirely up to you. If you would prefer to have someone come in for your interview with you, then you're welcome to do so. We'll also have waiting areas available.
Who is my interview with?
Your interview will take place with the most relevant staff member based on your course choices. You'll only need to come in for one interview, this will cover all your subjects, and we're sure you'll come out pleased with your course choices!
Is there parking?
Our carpark and bus park will be open for those attending interviews. Please bear in mind that it can get busy during events such as these.
Where do I go?
Once you've received your interview date, you can login to your application portal and check the time, zone, and who your interviewer is. You'll see on the portal whether your interview is taking place in the Green, Yellow or Orange zone. All interviews will take place on the ground floor, so head into the main atrium and our team will point you in the right direction.
Do I need to bring anything along with me?
Depending on your course choices you may need to bring some materials along with you. Find out if this applies to you. If we require anything else from you then our admissions team will have been in touch.
Will you need to take my photo?
No, don't worry about this just yet. We won't take your photo until our main enrolment day.
What happens after my interview?
After your interview we'll keep in touch about any events that are going on at One. In May, you'll hear from us regarding One Day (our taster day for prospective students). We'll also keep you informed about enrolment. Most importantly, we'll be wishing you good luck for your GCSE exams.
Doesn't sound so bad after all, does it? What's more, your interview is the perfect opportunity to ask any questions you have. Our Admissions, Finance, Travel and Careers teams will all also be on hand to help in the main atrium. We hope you'll come away feeling excited about college life.
Still feeling a bit nervous about your interview? Don't worry, that's normal. We're always happy to help whether you email us, message us on Facebook, or give us a ring on 01473 556600, so if the above doesn't answer your questions then get in touch.
