One of the region’s largest further education providers is urging people to come and enrol for the new academic year before it’s too late.

Bradford College enrolment for 2024/25 has now been open for a week, with well over 5,000 new students expected to sign up before the 6th September cut-off.

With attention focusing on different course areas each day, the College is encouraging anyone who’s applied not to miss out on their place.

On top of this, while online applications have shut, limited places are still available across various courses and applications can still be made in person at the main campus.

Assistant Principal, Jess Leech, said: “It’s been an amazing week seeing new and returning learners in and around college after the summer break! If you’re still thinking about your next steps, now is absolutely the time to come and see us, even if you’re not sure what that means yet. Bradford College can provide advice and guidance on career routes and all of our courses, including apprenticeships. As well as this, there are so many extra opportunities for growth and development with us and all learners are able to access various support they need to succeed. We have high aspirations for all of our students and want to ensure they prosper in whatever career path they choose.“ 

Assistant Principal Jess Leech.Assistant Principal Jess Leech. (Image: Bradford College)

This rallying cry from Bradford College may not only affect prospective students, though, and could also have an impact on parents and guardians.

As outlined by the UK government, and enforced by local authorities, any child aged 16+ must be in full-time education or training to qualify for Child Benefit allowances. It’s expected that this must be more than an average of 12 hours per week and not be classed as ‘advanced’ study - such as a university degree - or paid for by an employer.

Anyone claiming Child Benefit for a 16-year-old should be able to provide proof of enrolment into full-time education or training - in the form of an SLA (Service Level Agreement). If not done so already, those required can expect communication via post around 15th September.

Jess Leech continued: “If I could reach out to parents and guardians, I’d say that the most important thing they can do this week is support their young person to apply and enrol at college. Having college enrolment confirmed means that Child Benefit payments will continue for those receiving them, as attending post-16 learning is a condition of eligibility once school is finished. Some families don’t realise that they could lose a substantial amount of support once their child has left full-time education if the right steps aren’t taken. In addition to this, Bradford College can offer financial support to eligible full-time students in the form of free bus passes, credit for College meals and money towards essential kit, PPE or uniform. If anyone is worried about the cost of college, please don’t. The message really is that plenty of support is available if needed!“

As for Bradford College enrolment, interest is high and numbers continue to grow every day. The remaining schedule can be found below but applicants of other courses can still attend if necessary.

Wednesday 4th September – Degrees and Higher-Level Qualifications

Thursday 5th September – English for Speakers of Other Languages 16-18

Friday 6th September – Late Enrolment

While enrolment this year is appointment only, anyone can still apply by visiting David Hockney Building on Great Horton Road. It isn’t too late to ensure a place for the start of the new academic year.

Visit Bradford College’s website to check out the full catalogue of courses on offer.

Telephone: 01274 088 088

Email: hello@bradfordcollege.ac.uk