FAQ’s

You can apply by completing the online expression of interest form on the Orchard Hill College website. If you would prefer a paper copy, you can download one from the website or request one from the Assessments & Placements Team.

If you have an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan), you must also speak with your Local Authority. They will need to send the college a consultation request for a placement.

Application Form – Orchard Hill College

A consultation is a formal and statutory request from your Local Authority asking the college whether we can meet your needs and potentially offer you a place. Note: This only applies to applicants with an EHCP.

You should discuss your concerns directly with your Local Authority. The college must continue with the consultation process, but we are always happy to talk with you about the college, answer questions and help you understand the support we can offer.

Our staff will write a report explaining:

• Whether we can meet your needs
• What support you would need at college

We send this report to your Local Authority and present your case at our placement panel. Our panel then decides whether we can offer you a place.

Note: When responding to the Local Authority to advise if we can meet your needs, this is not an offer for placement. It must be agreed by our placement panel first.

There is no set timeframe. Our placement panel meets roughly every 2-4 weeks (caseload dependent), and we will take your case to the next available meeting. If the panel agrees to offer you a place, we will let you know. After that, the Local Authority must confirm they will fund the placement before you will be able to start.

We cannot share the full assessment paperwork with everyone. However, the report is sent to your Local Authority, and you can speak to your SEN caseworker or social worker if you need information from it.

Shortly after your case is discussed at our placement panel, a letter will be sent to both you and if you have an EHCP, your Local Authority with the outcome.

Most assessments are for the next academic year, meaning you would usually start the following September. If you have an EHCP, you can only start once your Local Authority has confirmed funding for your placement.

The panel will decide when deciding to offer, but we will aim to place you in:

• A suitable centre
• With compatible peers
• As close to home as possible
• We will also consider your preferences
• We will have to consider the current capacity and support, together with other attending students’ needs

No, the college does not provide transport from your home to the centres. If you need transport, you will need to apply directly through your Local Authority.

We do have minibuses at each centre, these are used for trips and activities during the college day.

For fulltime DfE‑ funded‑ programmes (Foundation Skills for Life and Skills for Work and Living), the college is open Monday to Thursday, usually from 9:30am to 3:30pm. Some centres may have slightly different hours — you will be advised of this at enrolment.

We also run an Enrichment Programme on Fridays, which is optional and not part of the funded study programme. For details, contact Student Services: OHCstudentservices@orchardhill.ac.uk

WorkStart programme days vary depending on the course. For more information, contact the Assessments & Placements Team: 📞 0345 402 0453 📧 Assessments&Placements@orchardhill.ac.uk

Bursaries are financial awards funded by the government to help students with essential education related costs. This may include things like travel, meals, equipment, or other course expenses.

They are designed to support learners who may face financial difficulties. Eligibility depends on your personal circumstances, and the amount awarded can be different for each student.

To apply, you will need to complete a bursary application and provide evidence of your household income or any other relevant circumstances.

The application can be completed using our online portal Pay My Student. Details can be found on our website under Your College/Bursary and Financial Support.

The college will review your application and let you know whether you qualify and how much support you can receive.

For more information, please contact: ohcstudentservices@orchardhill.ac.uk

If you have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), you will have an annual review meeting every year. This is similar to the reviews you may have had at school.

What will we talk about in the meeting?

During your annual review, we will look at:

• How you are getting on at college
• Whether you are meeting your current outcomes
• Any new outcomes you may want to work towards
• The support you receive and whether you need anything additional
• What you would like to achieve while you are here
• Your plans for when you leave college
• If you have an EHCP, we will also review it and discuss whether any changes are needed.

We also run parent/carer events throughout the year to keep families updated and involved.

A member of the EHCP Reviews Team will organise the meeting. They will send invitations to you, your parents/carers, your Local Authority and anyone else who supports you.

A report will be written and sent to everyone who attended. This report will include:

• What was discussed
• Any decisions made
• Any actions agreed to help support you

You can contact the Student Services Team for any questions or support.

Sometimes organisations may ask for a letter confirming that a student is in education at Orchard Hill College. To request a proof of education letter, please email the Student Services Team – ohcstudentservices@orchardhill.ac.uk – with:

• The student’s full name and date of birth
• Details of who is requesting the letter

Please Note:  We are only able to send this letter once a student is in attendance

Enrichment activities are fun and social programmes delivered in college and the local community. They take place on most Fridays throughout the year. Activities include; trips, trampolining, cricket, music, art and more.

The enrichment programme is optional and not part of the funded study programme.

The Holiday Programme is a self-funded week of activities that runs during the winter and summer holidays, from Monday to Thursday. Students can take part in a range of activities both at college and out in the community.

To apply, you must currently attend or have previously attended Orchard Hill College. Application forms and information about the Holiday Programme are available around 12 weeks before the programme begins.

For further information and to request an application form: Student Services Team ohcstudentservices@orchardhill.ac.uk

For information about the activities run on the holiday programme: Student Enrichment & Engagement Team studentengagement@orchardhill.ac.uk