Introductory Day: FAQs

What happens if I don’t get five grade 4s?

Students who do not achieve five GCSE passes at Grade 4 and above will unfortunately not be able to attend the College. Students may wish to consider applying to other local colleges such as East Surrey College.

Will there be any flexibility with students who do not meet any specific course requirements or general entry requirements?

Students will only be accepted onto specific courses if they meet the published entry requirements.

What happens if I don’t get the grades to do a specific subject?

The perfect choice of subjects provides challenge without being overwhelming. Therefore, the subject entry requirements are there to ensure that no-one takes a subject that they are statistically likely to fail. The College has over 50 different courses, so there is often an alternative that can be done if you don’t meet the individual entry requirements for a subject.

Do Level 2 BTECs count towards the five minimum GCSEs needed for a Level 3 (A Level equivalent) course?

Yes, provided that they are graded at Level 2 Merit or higher.

What do I do if I want to change courses?

If you’re thinking about changing a subject or subjects, you can request this at your enrolment interview (on 28 August or 29 August), when you can discuss your options face-to-face with a member of staff.

Enrolment interviews take place after GCSE results day, so you’ll then know for sure what you’re qualified to do.

What happens if I haven’t done the course specific tasks and activities on the New Starters page?

It’s very important you have done the work set out on the New Starters pages. The activities are designed to give you a good insight into what the courses are like. You may find the subject is not what you had expected or you may find others that are of more interest to you. If you don’t complete the tasks, then you won’t have the advantage of knowing that information, to make your final key decisions.

Can I take 4 subjects?

If your GCSE score suggests you’re able to cope with the demands of studying 4 subjects (usually achieving 7s, 8s and 9s across the board), then this can be discussed at your enrolment interview. Remember, universities are only able to make offers based on 3 subjects and it is far better to obtain 3 top grades than 4 average grades.

I am undecided, can I start with 4 subjects and drop down to 3?

We want to get you on the best possible programme of study as quickly as possible. We do not recommend starting with 4 subjects due to the demands of the programme. Instead, there is a two-week opportunity to change your mind about your course once you start and move from one course to another. However, this is dependent on availability. You must also meet the entry requirements for the new course.

Can I change a course once I start it?

Getting on the right course that you are qualified for is very important. Whilst the majority of students have settled on their programme of study, if you want to change one or more of your options once you have started, you may do so during the first two weeks. This is provided you are qualified for the course and that there is space in the classes. You should discuss any changes with parents and your Personal Tutor.

I have a particular question about a course – can I speak to someone about it?

Yes, absolutely. You can either do this at your enrolment interview or email us your query (via enquiries@reigate.ac.uk) and we will get back to you.

How do I join the Aspire programme?

You will be invited to join the Aspire programme if you have good GCSE grades. This discussion will take place at enrolment.

I would like to do the EPQ. How do I sign up?

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is delivered as part of the Aspire Programme. If you are invited to join the Aspire Programme you will find out about it during your Aspire Tutorial. In the meantime, for more information about EPQ, please visit the EPQ course page.

What do you do to ensure everyone gets the support they need?

It’s important to us that every student gets the support they need, which is why the College has a huge range of support options available. This can be tailored to the individual’s needs. For example, if a student requires help in a subject, they can attend a Plus Class. If they have a learning need, the Learning Support Department will be able to provide assistance. For more information on the support options available at College, please see the Student Support and Welfare page.

What do you do to help everyone settle in?

What don’t we do? The first half term is specifically designed to ensure you are able to settle in as quickly as possible. Your Tutor is one of your teachers, so they will get to know you very quickly. We run a Community Day early on, which is specific time dedicated to getting to know everyone and having fun. The Students’ Union organises a Freshers’ Party in September and we have lots of community events to get involved with. You can also take part in one of over 50 different activities on offer each week or try out for one of the College sports teams or College shows.

How do you help students develop their independent learning skills?

Independent learning is an important concept at this level. You’ll develop these skills throughout your time at College as they are embedded into every lesson. Structured Learning, which is set each week, will help you to prepare well for your lessons and maximise the time spent with your teachers in lessons. You’ll learn how to revise properly and take responsibility for your own learning, which is going to be essential for the next step, whether that is university, apprenticeship or employment. If you struggle to develop these skills, we provide additional opportunities for you to get the support and guidance you need to thrive.

Will I be able to get help for my learning need e.g. dyslexia, ASD?

Yes – we have a team of very experienced Learning Facilitators who are able to support a wide range of learning needs. For more information, please visit the Student Support page.

What support does the College give for university and apprenticeships?

The College’s Tutorial Programme is designed to support students’ applications to university, apprenticeships and employment. In addition the College has a dedicated Careers Team to ensure you receive any extra information and support you may need. The Department also assists with finding work experience placements, which all Lower Sixth students need to complete.

Is it possible to get a Mentor at College?

Yes. We have Student Wellbeing Mentors who can work closely with students. We also have members of the Upper Sixth, who act as Mentors to new students.

Is work experience compulsory?

Work experience is a vital part of getting students ready for their next steps. Therefore, all Lower Sixth students are required to undertake face to face work experience during the academic year. The Careers Department are able to assist with finding placements if students are unable to find their own.

I’ve heard a lot about your Enrichment Programme – is that for all students?

Yes – students can select from a list of around 50 different activities and clubs that take place during our dedicated enrichment slots, as well as lunchtimes and after College. The College also runs student-to-student mentorship programmes, as well as offering volunteering opportunities.

Students will be given information about the Autumn 2025 Enrichment Programme during their first couple of weeks of term.

How do I join one of the Sports Teams?

Information about the sports trials will be sent out during the summer break, or as soon as we know when we’ll be able to run them. Depending on which sport(s) you opt to try out for will depend on the place and time of the trials. For more information on the Team Sports available at the College, please visit the Extra-Curricular page.

How do I join the College shows?

Every year, the College puts on a full scale musical and play. Any student can express interest in taking part through the enrichment section of their enrolment interview. Auditions are then held during the first few weeks of teaching.

I would like to do Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) with the College. How do I sign up?

Students usually sign up to DofE and over 50 different activities during the first couple of weeks of term.

I’d like to set up a club when I join – can I do that?

Absolutely. We are always looking for ways to expand our activities and wellbeing provision. If you talk to us about it when you join in September, we can support you to do this.

Is there a place I can do homework at College?

Yes, the two storey Independent Learning Centre (ILC) is open from 8.00am each day. There are many computers available for use and plenty of desks for independent study. Students can also borrow laptops to use in any other part of the College.

How much homework do you get in each subject?

The timetable is designed so that for each subject you receive 4 hours of face-to-face lesson time (becomes 5 for most subjects in the Upper Sixth), 2 hours of structured learning and at least 2 hours of homework – making a total of a minimum of 8 hours of study per subject. You can obviously expect to receive more homework for more academic subjects. For more information on how the 2-4-2 approach works at College, please see the timetable video.

What is the dress code for College?

General common sense should apply in your choice of clothing for College (if in doubt please think about what would or would not be appropriate in a workplace such as an informal office). You should not wear clothing that is excessively revealing. Its design must not display images or language which may cause offence.

Is there student parking on site?

The College does not advocate driving to the campus. Public transport is by far the best way to get to and from College. Reigate train station is two minute walk from the College and several buses stop right outside the gates. There is very limited student parking on site, for which permits must be granted in advance. The permits are limited to Upper Sixth students and are prioritised for students who travel significant distances with very limited access to public transport. If you drive to College, you must park legally and considerately.

What are the start and finish times of the College Day?

The normal start time is 9.00am and the end time is 4.15pm. However, this will differ for each student, each day, depending on their timetable. Students must be available to attend College during these hours Monday to Friday. It is highly likely that a students timetable will change during the academic year, so commitments such as part-time work, driving lessons and volunteering should be restricted to evenings and weekends.

How do I pay for items in the Refectory and College Shop?

Students can pay via debit/credit card.

How do I get a bus or train travel pass?

If you live in the administrative county of Surrey, you can apply for the ‘Surrey LINK’ card if travelling by bus.

If you will be travelling by train, you can apply for the 16-17 Saver Railcard directly from the Department for Transport.

For more information on how to apply, please see the Finance and Travel page.

When will I know my appointment time for my enrolment interview?

You will be given your appointment time when you attend Introductory Day. Please keep an eye on your email. It is compulsory to attend your enrolment interview.

When will I know what my timetable is?

Every student’s timetable is individual and will be given out on Induction Day, which is ahead of their first normal day of teaching.

What equipment is provided?

You will need to provide your own stationery such as pens and notepads, which can be purchased in the onsite College Shop. All subject specific equipment such as lab coats for science are provided by the College. Consumables for Art and Design courses are available to purchase as discounted bundles (£30 – £40 depending on the course). Text books are provided by the College once you have paid your College Deposit in September.

What does the College do to communicate with parents and keep them up-to-date?

We know effective communication is vital, which is why we always aim to keep the triangular relationship with students, parents and the College at the forefront of everything we do. Parents and students receive Interim Reports every six weeks (five times a year). These reports outline effort in the subjects, attendance and punctuality data and the result of the Key Assessment taken during that period. Students are then required to review these and set themselves targets for improvement, which the Personal Tutor then monitors.

We also offer one Parents Evening per year, which takes place near to the end of the Autumn Term in December. We find this is an ideal opportunity to review student progress after they have settled into their courses and the College. You will also receive a bulletin every three weeks that keeps you up-to-date with the latest information, events and the College calendar. The Principal will also write to you each term to update you on key activities. Finally, parents can login to the Parent Portal, which allows them to track important things like attendance and punctuality and access key information.