As a parent you understandably want the best for your children and helping them choose where to study after completing their GCSEs can sometimes produce more questions than answers. There are often many common misconceptions and myths around attending college and vocational qualifications.

These FAQS are designed to help you make a more informed decision about your child applying for college:

Q, Can a vocational route lead to university?

A. Yes. After successfully completing a Level 3 vocational qualification your child will have the equivalent to 3 A-level qualifications. This entitles them to apply for university* in the same way an A-level student can. Alternatively, your child could stay with us to study higher education at a fraction of the cost of university.

Q. I’m not sure if vocational qualifications can lead to a job?

A. They’re a great route into the world of work. Our vocational qualifications are designed with the help of industry leaders and equip students with the essential skills employers are looking for. Dependant on your child's chosen career route, it can be essential to hold a vocational qualification.

Q. Why do Walsall College students sign a respect agreement?

A. On joining Walsall College, all of our students are required to sign a respect agreement and, in the rare instance where a student misbehaves and breaks this agreement, staff work quickly to help get them back on track and also make sure the learning experience of other students isn’t affected.

Q. Do you provide much advice and guidance?

A. Yes, we provide impartial support that’s second-to-none and offers all the assistance your child needs to succeed. We also hold dedicated career weeks for each course area, which include talks from industry professionals and universities to broaden students’ horizons, raise their aspirations and inform them of all the career options available in their chosen field. While master classes from industry professionals help to prepare students for the real world of work.

Q. Do students need to stay in school until they’re 18?

A. The Government has changed the law, meaning all young people have to stay in education or training until the academic year they turn 18. But that doesn’t mean students have to stay at school!

They can enrol on a course at college or do an apprenticeship and train while they work.

Q. Are English and maths a mandatory part of our study programme?

A. Students aged 16-18 at the start of the course will be expected to study maths and English as mandatory requirements and as a part of their study programme.

If your child has obtained a grade D/Level 3 or lower on their English or maths GCSE, we can support them towards working to a grade C Level 4 or higher. This will be studied alongside a full-time course.

*Please check entry criteria for specific university courses