You can find most of the information you need to know about starting at CWA in September in the various sections below.
We're really pleased that you are joining CWA in September and we hope you are looking forward to starting (or returning!) to college. This page on our website includes everything to help you prepare for joining CWA. Please note that most of the information on this page is only relevant for full-time or part-time qualifications. If you are starting an apprenticeship, you should ask your apprenticeship advisor for further details on the start of your course.
Even if you don't quite get the grades you need for your course, we will work with you to find a course which suits you - it could be a lower level which will allow you to progress in the future or a different area all together. There's no need to call us when you receive your grades, just upload your grade sheet through the student portal and we'll give you a call to discuss your options.
Your starting college checklist!
We know starting college is quite a big step and we've put together a checklist of things which you need to do and when by. You can click most of the list to take you to where you need to go!
The dates are to give you a guide of what should take priority - don't worry if the date has passed; it's just something you should prioritise as soon as possible!
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See your checklist
What to do When Check you can access the student portal with your username and password. Watch our 50 second YouTube tutorial here! ASAP Check and update your contact details and share progress with your parent / guardian ASAP Apply for financial support (if your household income is less than £45,000 per annum) By 12th July Complete our transport calculator and find the cheapest way to get into college, making an application if required By 26th July ADULT STUDENTS - Review your course fees using our fee calculator By 26th July ADULT STUDENTS - Complete your application for the Advanced Learner Loan (if applicable) By 2nd August IMPORTANT - Complete step 1, 2 & 3 of your enrolment on the student portal (and step 4, if you are 17+) By 2nd August IMPORTANT - Book your enrolment slot to collect your ID card and lanyard By 2nd August Check your start date and induction information By 2nd August Review kit and equipment requirements and buy anything you need! By 2nd August Apply for a parking permit (if you are planning to drive to college) By 16th August Let us know if you know of any dates which you are expecting to be absent (e.g. hospital appointment) during term time By 16th August Upload a photo of your grades to the enrolment section of the student portal 22nd August - 25th August Come into the college to collect your ID card and lanyard 27th August - 30th Sept Double check your induction information (e.g. what days) hasn't changed 27th August - 30th Sept Start your course! From 2nd Sept
Everything you need to know
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Timetable and induction details
You can find details on your first day, induction week and full timetable below. Please note that induction and timetable information can change throughout the summer, so please make sure to check again closer to the start of your course. We will text you if there are any signficant updates.
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Completing your enrolment
We've added a new section to your student portal called "Studying with us soon?" which is where you confirm your personal details, upload a photo of yourself for your ID card, upload a photo of your grades /certificates and confirm your course (if you've applied for more than one). It's really important that you complete this as soon as you can to make things easier for you in September and you can find more details on how to do this on the page below.
Once you've done this, you'll be able to book a slot to come in and collect your ID card, lanyard and complete any outstanding paperwork in the summer. If you have just finished year 11, please keep at least one morning or afternoon free during the week commencing 26th August to do this. You can book your enrolment slot below.
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Worried about your GCSE results?
Even if you don't quite get the grades you need for your course, we will work with you to find a course which suits you - it could be a lower level which will allow you to progress in the future or a different area all together. There's no need to call us when you receive your grades, just upload your grade sheet through the student portal and we'll give you a call to discuss your options.
If you completely change your mind after your GCSE results, we are holding an open day at all of our campuses on Friday 23rd August. Here you will get the opportunity to speak with the admissions team about your options and meet the course teams for other courses you may be interested in. Details on how to book your place will be added here.
If you achieve a 1 - 3 in English and / or maths, you will continue to study the subjects with us at CWA. If you get a grade 3, you'll be retaking your GCSE with us. If you get a grade 1 or 2, you'll complete a short assessment during enrolment so that we can see what level you're working towards to help put you on the best English and / or maths course for you. Even though you might have to continue English and / or maths at college, it doesn't mean that it's like school! You can find more details about why English and maths is so important for college and your future career here.
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Uniform and equipment for your course
For some of our courses, it is necessary to purchase equipment / stationery, protective clothing or industry standard kit to complete your course. Whilst we're still updating many of these, you will be able to find all of our kit and equipment lists and details on how to order on the following page:
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Financial support
If your household income is less than £45,000 per annum or you are in care or a care leaver, you will likely be eligible for our financial support scheme which will provide a contribution towards costs associated with college (e.g., travelling to college, equipment, work-placement, free meals (if eligible)). If eligible, it really is important you complete an application as soon as possible to help ensure that we've arranged your travel and ordered your equipment ahead of the start of the course. Further details on what you might receive and how to complete your application can be found on the following page:
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Travelling to college
It's easy to get to and from college, as all of our campuses are well-serviced by local bus services and the King's Lynn campus being a short walk from the train station.
The college works in conjuction with local county councils and providers to operate various bus routes to and from each campus to cater for our full-time students. We've created a transport calculator to help you find the most suitable and cheapest route into college. If you are travelling into college, it's important that you complete our transport calculator first.
Please note that, whilst the transport calculator is correct at the time of writing, information and applications for transport may change with new guidance from the government or individual transport organisations. If you are purchasing a travel pass, you should apply directly to your local county council or the provider (depending on what is available / cheapest on our transport calculator). Transport applications generally open in July each year.
If your household income is below £45,000 per annum, you will be eligible for our financial support scheme. If eligible, we will provide at least a contribuition towards travelling to college but, in most instances for those aged 16 - 18, we will be able to purchase a subsidised bus pass for you. If you are eligible for financial support and live in Norfolk, Lincolnshire or Cambridgeshire, please do not apply for transport with your local county council (unless we ask you to do so) as we will purchase a bus pass directly with the provider.
If you live in the Fenland area, you may be eligible for our CWA Travel Subsidy, which will leave you with a maximum of £200 to pay for a bus into college! You can find more details here.
The college has limited parking on all four of our campuses. Parking is by permit only; To apply for a parking permit please fill in this form.
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Course fees for adults
If you are aged 19 and over, there may be some fees to pay for your course. Depending on your education history, personal circumstances and chosen course, you may be able to receive your course fully funded (or partially funded) by the UK government. Our fee calculator below will give you a clear indication on whether you'll be able to have your course fee waived or, if you are studying a level 3 course, covered by an Advanced Learner Loan.
Once you've completed your enrolment steps on the student portal, our enrolment team will complete a full assessment of your fee status and will complete your enrolment if you are eligible to be fully funded. If you are not eligible to receive your course fully funded, you may have course fees to pay. You are able to pay your course fee in installments with a third of the course fee being due at enrolment. If your course costs over £1,500, you are able to pay your course in three termly installments. Otherwise, you will be expected to pay the full fee within the first three months in equal installments. Our enrolment team will call you to arrange payment before the start of your course.