Advice for Y11 - Filling in Application Forms
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Always read the college prospectus BEFORE filling in the application form.
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Read through each section carefully BEFORE completing it.
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If you’re not sure what to put, leave that part blank and CHECK IT OUT with someone else.
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Make sure you’ve stated clearly which COURSE(S) you want to do.
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A few colleges require you to have a Personal Statement completed. It is usually copied and pasted or attached to the online form/application. It does not have to be a long essay but a paragraph talking about yourself (interests, hobbies, achievements in and out of school, ambitions for the future and why you want to do the course(s) you are choosing).
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Check you’ve filled in your DATE OF BIRTH correctly.
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Remember a carelessly done application form reflects badly on you. The form is the college’s FIRST IMPRESSION of you.
You can apply to more than one college and this is a good idea, especially if you are unsure which college you prefer or which course you really want to do. It can also be a back-up plan for courses that have high grade entry requirements by applying for somewhere with lower entry requirements.
Applying online to BARTON PEVERIL
The online form can be found by going to their website. They are introducing a slightly different system this year so please read all the information carefully.
https://barton-peveril.ac.uk/join-us/apply-to-barton-peveril/
Applications
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Applications are open from Monday 15 September 2025 and close on Friday 13 February 2026. If you miss this deadline, it is unlikely you will be offered a place as this college is very popular.
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All interviews will be conducted via telephone and will be scheduled from mid-October to the end of March. The date of the interview does not affect the chances of being offered a place. Please note that after an application has been submitted, the college will be in contact with the applicant within 4 weeks of submission to arrange a telephone interview.
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After your interview you will receive an offer via email. You must accept your offer within two weeks of receiving your conditional letter. (this does not mean you have to go there, it just means you are interested in attending and want to keep your place open for enrolment if possible in the summer after you receive your GCSE grades).
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Barton Peveril corresponds with applicants via email. Please add these contacts to your address book to ensure you do not miss any important information:
The form does not need to be completed in one session and can be saved and added to at a later date.
As part of the application you are asked, instead of writing a personal statement, to respond to 3 questions that mirror the changes to the UCAS application system. They believe these changes will prepare students for considering their college and enable them to conduct a more robust interview and transition process.
The questions are:
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Why do you believe Barton Peveril is the right college for you?
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Why do you want to study your course choices in particular and what are your plans for after college?
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How has your time at school prepared you for studying at college? (Please also tell us about other extra-curricular experiences or activities that have prepared you to be a contributing member of our college community?)
Applying online to PETER SYMONDS
The online form can be found by going to their website
This page also gives full details of the application process.
Their online application form is easy to use; you just need to register, then you can start filling in the form.
You can save it as you go, so you don't need to complete the form all at once, and you will be able to check everything that you have entered before you submit it.
You will also be able to print out a copy to keep.
They also require a Personal Statement but this is limited to a maximum word count of 400 so make sure you are concise and informative in this document.
Applications open from Monday 16 September 2025 and close on Monday 08 December 2025. Applications received after this date will be put on a reserve list.
FINAL DATE FOR PETER SYMONDS APPLICATIONS IS: Monday 08 December 2025
Answering some common questions
Q. What information does the school give to the colleges?
Colleges sometimes request the following information from us in response to your application
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A reference which is usually completed by your tutor.
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Any information of specific support you receive with exams or in the classroom.
Q. What do I do with my completed application forms?
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Most are online but if it is a paper copy send them directly to the college you are applying to. The address is usually on the form. They will request any further information from us as necessary.
Q. What if I need another application form?
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Most applications are online now but paper copies for some can be printed off their websites.
Q. How many colleges/courses can I apply for?
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As many as you like!
Q. What if I don’t know whether I want to go to college or not?
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Still apply to college sooner rather than later. The courses you’d like might be full.
Q. I don’t know my predicted grades
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Look at your last report, an indication of your current/target grades are there – be realistic on the form. You will be offered a place for courses based on these but you have to achieve them so don’t over estimate.
Q. What should I do if the course I want is very popular?
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Apply before the deadlines. Also apply to more than one college and for your ‘backup plan’ courses as well.
Q. When do application forms need to be in?
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Peter Symonds 08 December, Barton Peveril 13 February. See prospectuses for other colleges.
Q. Will my application form be acknowledged?
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Yes usually by letter or text message/email. If you do not hear from them then contact the admissions department and ask if they have received your application.
Q. What if my friends have all heard from colleges inviting them for an interview and I haven’t?
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If you are concerned, phone the college. They’re all friendly.
Q. Will I get an interview?
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Yes - for all colleges. They can take place at the college, via Telephone or Video link.
Q. What if I can’t go to the interview on that day/time?
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Phone the college - they’ll rearrange the interview for you.
Q. Am I allowed time off school to go to the interview?
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Yes, of course. Bring the letter from the college to show your form tutor.
Q. What do I wear?
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Something reasonably smart - doesn’t need to be your school uniform.
Q. What do I need to take?
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A print out of your last report is sometimes asked for, plus anything else they ask for like an art portfolio. The letter inviting you for an interview should tell you.
Q. What do I do if a college offers me a place and I’m not 100% sure I want to go there?
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Accept any places you’re offered. So much depends on your final grades that colleges know some people will change their minds after their G.C.S.E. results come out. When you do have your results, make sure you tell any colleges who have offered you a place you’re not going to use that you don’t need it - they may well have a waiting list of people wanting your place.
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COLLEGE |
WEBSITE |
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Barton Peveril College |
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Havant & South Downs College |
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Itchen College |
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Peter Symonds Sixth Form College |
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Sparsholt College |
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St Vincent College |
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| Richard Taunton 6th Form College | www.richardtaunton.ac.uk |
| City of Portsmouth College- Highbury | www.city-of-portsmouth-college.ac.uk/ |
| Fareham/Eastleigh/City College | www.shcg.ac.uk/ |
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UTC Portsmouth |