Enrolment

Start September 2024

Enrolling

When

28–30 Aug, 9am–4pm (drop-in sessions for all).

There are courses still available

View available courses

Enrolment on to a programme is subject to an offer being made and you achieving the programme's specific entry requirements. Entry requirements are stated on the course listings on the website.

If you have declared you have an Education, Health and Care Plan or complex additional support needs, the enrolment is conditional on South Essex College and your Local Authority agreeing appropriate support.

If you cannot make your appointment, please let us know as soon as you can so that we can offer you an alternative. If you do not attend you do run the risk of not being able to enrol onto your first choice study programme.

You can contact us on enrolment@southessex.ac.uk

We will be creating reserve lists should you not be able to enrol on your first choice programme and there will be staff at every College to offer information, advice and guidance throughout the Summer and enrolment.

77 courses

77 courses with 100% pass rate

140 courses

140 courses with pass rates above 90%

Your safety is our priority

At South Essex Colleges Group we are committed to creating a safe place for everyone to work and learn. Discover how our Safeguarding team and College Guardians work together to keep you safe.

Learn more

What to bring

You will be required to confirm your eligibility to study in the UK by providing a copy of any of the following:

  • UK passport.
  • UK birth certificate.
  • Full UK driving license.
  • For non-UK citizens, you will need to provide sufficient document/s confirming your right to live and study in the UK e.g. confirmation of settled status.

We will also request you bring the items below with you:

  • Copies of all your qualifications, or a statement of results issued by your school.
  • Uniform and consumable fee (if applicable for the course you are applying to).
  • If you are aged 19+, you will speak with a member of our Funding team to complete a Fee Assessment. The Fee Assessment will determine whether your course fees will be funded (paid) by the ESFA or whether you will need to fund your course yourself.

Happy student smiling

Enrolment stages

Stage 1
Academic Department and English & Maths

All learners will speak with a member of the academic team. The key details of your enrolment will be discussed, as well as any course specific information, such as; entry grades, induction and timetable, and uniform requirements/consumable fees (if applicable).

If you are aged 16-18 and you have GCSE Maths and/or English Language results at grades 3/D or lower, you will be required to study qualifications in Maths and/or English depending on your results alongside your study programme.

Stage 2
Additional Learning Support

We appreciate and value the contribution that individuals with learning difficulties and/or disabilities bring to the college.

We pride ourselves on providing high quality support to our learners with a wide range of additional learning support needs, helping individuals to participate fully in college life.

If you have disclosed special educational needs or a disability on your application, our friendly and supportive Additional Learning Support team will be in contact with you to discuss your needs.

Stage 3
Advice Hub

Fee Assessment, Funding and Finance

If you are aged 16-18, you do not pay any course fees although some courses will require you to purchase equipment or uniform. Details will be provided at Stage 1 if applicable to you. You may be eligible to apply for financial support towards additional costs associated with your course or with travel to and from the college.

If you are aged 19+, you will speak with a member of the Students Services team who will complete a Fee Assessment with you. The completed Fee Assessment will then require your signature. You may also be required to provide evidence of benefits and income. The Fee Assessment will determine whether your course fees will be funded (paid) by the ESFA or whether you will need to fund your course yourself. If you are funding your course the team will speak to you about Advanced Learner Loans, possible bursary support and other methods of payment. We will work through this as quickly as possible and it shouldn’t take more than 5 to 10 minutes to complete.

Safeguarding

The college aims to provide a supportive environment and equal opportunities for students facing difficulties or for those who may have experienced problems or concerns. If you are a young carer, known to social care, living independently, require counselling or need general pastoral support, the Safeguarding team and wider Student Services team have staff members who can work closely with you.

Stage 4
Data Entry and ID cards

Our Enrolment team will update your information on to our systems. Once this has been done, we will print your learning agreement for you.

ID card stations will be setup ready to take your picture and you’ll be able to collect your ID straight away.

Happy student smiling

Ask a question

Worried you have made the wrong choice of course? Not sure what course is best for you to meet your career goals? We’re here to help!

Contact our friendly and knowledgeable advisers by emailing admissions@southessex.ac.uk

We look forward to welcoming you to South Essex Colleges Group.

Enrolment FAQs

There is no need to worry, we offer a range of courses and levels which will enable you to achieve your education and career goals. Academic staff at Stage 1 of your enrolment will work with you to find a suitable course depending on your grades and other factors.

You can order a new birth certificate for births in England and Wales here .

To avoid this happening, please ensure the email address and contact number you have provided is correct. Keep an eye on your junk folder just in case! You can check your application by logging in to your Applicant Portal

Your timetable will be given to you by the academic teams during induction week, between Monday 2 September and Friday 6 September.

We’ll have friendly staff around to help you get to where you need to be and lots of directional signage will be in operation throughout the college.

There will be a range of options for you which will depend on the course you have completed. This could be continuing your study with us at a more advanced level for example, progressing to a Level 2 qualification after completing a Level 1 programme, or it could mean progression to one of our Higher Education courses such as a HNC or a degree.

We pride ourselves on providing high quality support to our learners with a wide range of additional learning support needs, helping individuals to participate fully in college life. If you have disclosed special educational needs or a disability on your application, our friendly and supportive Additional Learning Support team will be in contact with you to discuss your needs.

If you are a young carer, known to social care, living independently, require counselling or need general pastoral support, the Safeguarding team and wider Student Services team have staff members who can work closely with you.

Yes, you can change your course choice before, during or after enrolment, as long as there are still spaces available on the alternative course. If you start on the course and decide it’s not for you, your tutor and our Careers team will be able to provide you with support and guidance. We also host a Swap Don’t Drop Fair that assists students in exploring alternative courses.

There may be an occasion when we may have to close a course or move it to a different location. This can be due to a number of reasons such as low interest or changes to funding. In the rare case this occurs, the following steps will be taken:

  • We will let you know about the changes as soon as possible
  • Where the course runs at more than one campus and there are still places available, we will offer a place at an alternative campus
  • Provide you with Information, Advice and Guidance to discuss alternative options

For our performance courses you will be required to complete an audition. If you have not already completed this as part of your application, this will take place before the start of term and the date/time/location will be provided to you at your enrolment.

For our art and design courses you will be required to provide a portfolio to evidence your current level. Please bring some of your recent work with you to your enrolment. If you are unsure what to bring, the academic staff at Stage 1 of your enrolment will be able to provide further guidance.

You will be contacted with full details of the DBS process if this is required for the course you have applied to.

We support learners in finding suitable work placements and have a dedicated Work Experience team to guide them through the process.

We can’t guarantee you will. You may not be studying at the same level and even if you are, a lot of our courses have more than one group. Remember, you’re not the only one starting college, you’ll be making friends in no time.

The college day is very different to school. Days are slightly longer to better represent a day in the workplace, which helps you prepare for the world of work.

You may not attend college every day of the week, but will still study in line with the required guided learning hours. The days you are not in college are an ideal opportunity for independent study as well as securing work experience to support your studies or a part time job. Most courses have work experience requirements built in to the qualifications.

Courses are delivered by industry experts in their field combining theory with practical study. A lot of tutors have previously worked in their industry, and some still do, so they are able to bring first-hand experience to the course. Tutors also work closely with local businesses which is great for work experience.

Details will be provided to you at Stage 1 of your enrolment if a uniform is required for your course. We prepare you for the workplace and uniforms may be a part of your chosen career.

For up-to-date information on traveling to and from our campuses view our Travel webpage.

You may be required to purchase specialised equipment or uniforms depending on the course you are studying. For more information speak to your tutor during enrolment or contact the admissions team via email admissions@southessex.ac.uk

Every week during term time our Enrichment team run a programme of pursuits for our students to access which includes sports enrichment, careers events and activities that engage with local community organisations and groups.

Happy student smiling

Study with us

We will treat you as an adult, and guide you through your programme so that you get excellent results at the end.

We will also help you get the most from your time at college and enjoy yourself while you are learning lots of new skills.

  • Campuses in Southend, Basildon and Thurrock
  • Learn from professionals
  • Gain practical experience
  • Find your ideal career
  • Freedom to be yourself
  • A stepping stone to university
  • Vibrant, friendly atmosphere

Success stories

Chloe Wade

My confidence has boosted massively and my work is recognised here. Last year I won who wants to be an entrepreneur and student of the year in business and logistics

South Essex College Group student, Chloe Wade, has been accepted as an Apprentice Marketing Executive for the BBC in White City.

Chloe is currently studying Level 3 Interactive Digital Media. She previously studied business at the college before swapping over to the Digital Media course. Other colleges didn’t supply the course she was looking for, and she felt that South Essex College Group provided the perfect environment and location to suit her needs.

Chloe applied for the apprentice position on Boxing day in December 2022 after finding the advert on Indeed. The interview process took six months and there were six different stages of the interview. Originally, there was supposed to be only five stages, however towards the end on the interview process it was whittled down to Chloe and another candidate so the BBC added an extra interview on top. The role is for a Marketing Executive Level 4 for 18 months, as well as being full-time with one day-a-week apprentice study through the online external provider.

When asked about the support from tutors, Chloe said: “They were all so encouraging, as each stage went on I informed my tutors. Darren who teachers audience theory, was so interested and excited, he was helping me prepare for everything and teaching me certain areas such as core values to put me ahead of everyone. They were so supportive, and I don’t think I would of got this far without their help.”

Chloe enjoys the flexibility at the college and secured work experience at which she created content for a zen and holistic company. She said: “The college offers such a variety of courses and freedom. 

“The courses are structured, but you get freedom as well, for example for my final project I chose to rebrand a cosmetic palette, where as another student created a music video. You all have the same criteria but freedom too. If you are worried, try it and give it a shot, the opportunities here are so wide.” 

She added: “My confidence has boosted massively and my work is recognised here. Last year I won who wants to be an entrepreneur and student of the year in business and logistics. My work recognised given me a boost. I work really hard and I’m so proud of how far I have come. The college appreciates you as an individual and gives you praise when you do work really hard.”
Chloe hopes to have her own business one day, in marketing, doing social media and content creating. As well as hoping to study Level 5 and 6 at the BBC.
 

Ethan Khumalo

Ethan hopes to produce music in games production as a career and performs rap and hip hop as well as his studio work. His final message to anyone struggling with autism or any mental health issue is: “Remember it’s okay to be not okay.”

South Essex College student Ethan Khumalo, 20, from Southend on Sea has taken part in a BBC documentary series ‘Inside Our Autistic Minds’, which is presented by wildlife expert Chris Packham who himself lives with autism.

Ethan studies Games Design at the college’s Centre for Digital technologies in Basildon and has progressed from a Level 2 course through to currently studying for a degree. Ethan was asked to participate through his involvement in the Anna Kennedy Online charity which aims to raise autism awareness.

Ethan said that he enjoyed the whole filming process and that Chris Packham was really down-to-earth. He commented: “I learned a lot about how TV crews work and really got along with Chris. I am really excited about the show.”

 

Talking of his autism, Ethan explained that he prepared in advance before attempting his studies. He said: “With autism and other mental health issues preparation makes you feel more comfortable and you have to make the best of your abilities. You have good days and bad days the same as anyone but personally, If I have moments where it doesn’t go so well, music helps me.”

Ethan’s tutor, Rama Maccha said: Ethan is a dedicated and committed student who never misses a deadline. He is wonderful with sound and has helped younger students with their projects.”

Rathi Raman, the Head Basildon Town Centre Campus (BTC) would like to thank all the staff and students who volunteered to take part in this filming, and to the Estates team at Basildon Campus for providing hospitality to Chris Peckham and the BBC crew on the day of filming.

Ethan hopes to produce music in games production as a career and performs rap and hip hop as well as his studio work. His final message to anyone struggling with autism or any mental health issue is: “Remember it’s okay to be not okay.”

To watch the episode, follow the below link:

www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001jgbw/inside-our-autistic-minds-series-1-episode-2

For more information on the Anna Kennedy charity, visit the below:

www.annakennedyonline.com

Celebrating Success 2022: Maison Lundrigan

Celebrating Success 2022: Maison Lundrigan

Course studied

Motor Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Level 3 Diploma

It’s a great college, especially for people with disabilities. The support I received from my tutor Charlie was brilliant. I really enjoyed the practical, hands-on aspect of the course.

Maison Lundrigan was named Motor Vehicle Student of the Year for his dedication and the consistent hard work he put into his studies.

The 18-year-old was praised for the high quality of his work and the fact that he was the first to pass his online exams. 

He has excelled during his time at the college, so much so, he is now embarking on a three-year apprenticeship programme at the college.

Maison has achieved all this despite living with additional needs.

He said it felt ‘brilliant’ to win the award and ‘it’s made me realise that I can achieve even with my disability.’

He added: “I chose the college because it offered the right course for me.

“It’s a great college, especially for people with disabilities. The support I received from my tutor Charlie was brilliant. I really enjoyed the practical, hands-on aspect of the course.”

Maison is now looking forward to his apprenticeship so he can pursue his dream of becoming a car mechanic.

His tutor said: “He is a pleasant and well-mannered young man that any college or employer would be pleased to have. Maison has a very bright future ahead of him.”