How to Apply

Choosing the right course is an important first step in your adult learning journey. At Itchen College, we offer a diverse and flexible range of Adult Education courses designed to support your personal, academic, or professional goals, whether you’re looking to:

• Gain a qualification for university or career progression

• Improve your English, Maths or digital skills

• Retrain in a new field

• Learn for personal development or enjoyment

Take the time to browse our course offerings and consider:

• What are your long-term goals? (e.g. career change, promotion, university)

• What are your current skills and qualifications?

• How much time can you commit each week?

• Do you prefer day or evening study?

If you’re unsure where to begin or which level is right for you, our experienced and approachable team is here to support you. We offer free, impartial information, advice and guidance (IAG) to help you make informed choices about your learning. We’ll explain entry requirements, course content and funding options clearly, and help you understand the progression routes available to support your future goals.

The first step in joining an Adult Education course at Itchen College is to complete an application form.

You can either complete the form online by clicking the button above, or download it below, and return to:

Adult Education
Itchen Sixth Form College
Middle Road
Southampton
SO19 7TB

If you’re unsure which course is right for you or need help with the application process, we’re here to support you.

Please email us and include the following details, so one of our team can get back to you:

• Your full name
• Your email address
• Your phone number
• The course(s) you are interested in

Email: acet@itchen.ac.uk
Phone: 023 8044 6156

We’ll be in touch as soon as possible to help you take the next step in your learning journey.

As part of the enrolment process, all applicants are required to complete an initial assessment.

You will be invited to attend an enrolment appointment at the College, where you will complete one or more assessments designed to help us understand your current skills and experience, ensuring you are placed on a course that best supports your learning and success.

• Most assessments take between 30 minutes and one hour to complete.

For Access to Higher Education courses, the initial assessment includes writing a 500-word personal statement outlining your motivation for applying and your future goals.

The assessment process helps confirm that the course is right for you, while also giving you the opportunity to reflect on your ambitions and readiness for study.

To complete your enrolment, please ensure you bring the following documents with you to your enrolment appointment:

Proof of Identification (one of the following):

• Passport
• Driving Licence
• Birth Certificate
• Marriage Certificate
• P60 or P45

Proof of Address:

• A utility bill dated within the last 3 months

Proof of Immigration status (if applicable):

• Home Office STUDY Share code
• Appropriate immigration / residency documentation

Proof of Benefits (if applicable):

• Your online Universal Credit account
• OR a DWP letter confirming your current entitlement

Payment:

• Registration fee for the course you are enrolling on
  (Please refer to individual course information sheets for exact fees and payment options)

• Most courses are fully funded, this will be assessed at enrolment

Relevant Qualifications:

• Any certificates related to the course you are applying for
  (e.g. bring your ESOL Level 1 certificate if applying for ESOL Level 2)

Please note: Your place on the course will be confirmed only after you have attended your enrolment appointment and submitted all required documentation and any payment due.

To confirm your place on your chosen Adult Education course at Itchen College, the following must be completed:

• All initial assessments have been successfully completed (where required)
• Course fees have been paid in full, or a payment plan/Advanced Learner Loan has been arranged and approved
• All necessary documentation (such as ID, certificates, proof of address or benefits) has been submitted

Once all of these steps are complete, your place will be officially secured, and you’ll receive confirmation of your enrolment along with your course start date and induction details.

We understand that enrolling on a course can be a big step—whether you’re returning to education after a break or trying something completely new. Our friendly and experienced Adult Education Team is here to support you throughout the process.

If you have any questions about assessments, funding, course content, or documentation, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re here to help you feel confident and prepared every step of the way.

Email: acet@itchen.ac.uk

Call us: 023 8044 6156

Visit us in person at the Adult Education office for one-to-one support

At Itchen College, we are committed to promoting equality of opportunity and fostering an inclusive, respectful, and supportive learning environment for all students.

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and abilities, regardless of:

• Ethnicity

• Age

• Gender or gender identity

• Marital or civil partnership status

• Sexual orientation

• Physical appearance

• Disability or additional learning needs

We believe that diversity enriches our college community, and we strive to ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive, achieve their potential, and feel valued.

As a Sixth Form College, we have a duty of care to all students and staff. In line with our safeguarding responsibilities, we ask that all applicants disclose any criminal convictions at the point of enrolment. This allows us to assess any necessary support needs or risk factors, and to ensure the wellbeing of the entire College community.