Age 16-18
What is New City College?
New City College (NCC) is a large college made up of individual campuses. Each campus has its own community and day to day leadership is the responsibility of the campus deputy principal. Some campuses specialise in certain course areas, for example Rainham Construction and Engineering campus and Attlee A Level Academy. Our college also includes Havering Sixth Form and the superb learning environments of Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Redbridge and Epping Forest campuses.
How is college life different from school?
We focus on a giving students a rounded educational experience providing skills and qualifications to progress to university or succeed in the workplace. Students at NCC campuses value being treated more like an adult during the college day.
There are no bells to mark the start of lessons; there is no uniform; students call staff by their first name. With our support, students are expected to work hard, attend all lessons and other activities on time, and complete all assignments or homework that is set, to a high standard. Students undertaking vocational (work-related) courses benefit from real-life work in industry standard facilities for example in salons, workshops, studios, restaurants, gyms or nurseries.
Is college 5 days a week?
Students do not necessarily attend college every day of the week. Some courses require 4 or 5 days of attendance at college while others require fewer. Students must attend all lessons on their individual timetables.
We support our students in every way that we can, and we also help them to develop a level of independent study that will help them to progress. Most students will not have lessons all day every day, as they did at school but there are places to study and complete assignments on campus between lessons.
Just like at school, our students are expected to attend all their lessons, and arrive on time, every time, with everything they need for their lesson.
What is the dress code?
At New City College students don’t wear a school uniform, but they are expected to wear clothes appropriate to their course. This could mean for example chefs whites, business attire or sports kits.
It is important that students consider carefully what they wear, to make sure that it is appropriate for the activities they are taking part in, and so as not to cause offence to others.
How will the timetable be structured?
Most 16-18 year-olds take either:
- A full vocational qualification (like a BTEC or T Level) plus English and maths
- a full programme of A Levels.
If a student has English and/or maths on their timetable, they MUST attend these lessons. This is as important as their main qualification and crucial for their future success in work or at university.
Many students also take part in enrichment activities outside of their main course and most students take part in work experience or an industry placement.
Our Additional Learning Support team are here to assist with a student’s studies. Students can access support ranging from specialist assessment or screening, one-to-one study, mentoring and special examination access arrangements, in-class support and special assistance for people with hearing and/or visual impairments.
What financial support is available?
Funds are allocated to students needing support with materials and other educational costs. These include the 16-19 bursary, the college’s 19+ bursary and the bursary for students taking out an advanced learner loan. We also provide free college meals for eligible students. Please see our Bursary and Financial Support pages for more information.
How do students pay for food and drink at college?
Young students (aged 16-18 on August 31 in the year they start their course) who are eligible for the bursary receive £3.50 per college day as credit on their college ID cards. They will be able to buy a nutritious ‘meal deal’ with this. Students may also choose to spend the free meals credit on other items at the college catering outlets.
Students who are not eligible for free college meals can either pay for food at college with a bank card (plastic or through their phone) or credit that you top up on their ID card through our online payment provider Wisepay. If this is not possible, cash will be accepted but we encourage students not to carry cash.
How do I add funds to a college ID card through WisePay?
Add funds to your ID card by making an online payment .
- Find your WisePay login details which have been sent to your college email account (with parent/carer contact ccd). Please ensure that you check your junk emails.
- Activate your account by using your login details on the Wisepay portal.
- Top up your account at least 10 minutes before buying any food or drinks at the college.
- Use your ID card to touch in and make payment at college catering counters.
- Contact Finance at onlinepayments@ncclondon.ac.uk if you have not received the WisePay login details.
When is the next New City College Open Day?
Our open events are a fantastic opportunity for students to visit us, speak to our staff and find out more about what New City College can offer them. Please see our Open Events page for more information.
What if an applicant doesn’t get the grades they were expecting?
Don’t panic! They will still have a place at the college. When your student comes into college to enrol, we will sit down with them and look at their results. If they have not achieved the entry requirements for the study programme they applied to, we will discuss alternative choices and help find the right course for them.
What happens if a student feels they have enrolled on the wrong course?
If we, or they, realise during the first four weeks that they are not on the right programme for them, our team will immediately work with them to explore other options available here at New City College.
How can I be sure that my young person is safe at College?
At New City College we have experienced safeguarding leads and dedicated security staff who ensure that all students study in a safe environment. Entry to the college is only permitted with a college ID card. Every staff member is trained in safeguarding young people and vulnerable adults.
How will I know how my young person is getting on once they start?
We invite you to attend our progress evenings during the academic year. These evenings provide a valuable opportunity for you to find out how your young person is progressing with their studies. We will also share with you the expectations we have of our students to ensure we work together to help your young person succeed. Parents can also track the progress of their young person on MyNCC.
