Student FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the common questions students ask. These answers are designed to help you before, during and after applying to New City College.

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Do you have a question we haven’t answered below?

If you have further questions, please contact our advisors on 0330 135 9000 or email our friendly team at info@ncclondon.ac.uk.
  • 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.

    Unlike school, you don’t do numerous subjects – most students study just one vocational subject and A Level students usually study 3 subjects. You get to choose what you want to do.

  • What if I don’t get the grades I was expecting?

    Don’t panic! We use both your GCSE results and a school reference. When you come into college to enrol, we will sit down with you and look at your results.

    If you have not achieved the entry requirements for the study programme you’ve applied for, our careers team will discuss alternative choices and help find the right course for you.

  • What is the entry criteria for New City College?

    Entry criteria are based on course levels and individual subject requirements. Please check the course information for the subject you are interested in on the website course pages.

    All students under 19 are required to study English and Maths until they achieve a GCSE grade 4 or better. This will mean anyone with a grade below this will have to take either a Functional Skills course or retake the GCSE if they have a grade 3.

  • What happens if I feel I have enrolled on the wrong course?

    If we, or you, realise during the first 4 weeks that you are not on the right course or programme for you, our team will immediately work with you to explore other options available here at New City College.

  • How do I 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. With this, you can buy a nutritious ‘meal deal’. 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.
  • How can I be sure that I am safe at college?

    At college, we have 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.

    Read more about the support on campus.

  • Will I be attending college five days per week?

    College attendance is different from school and full-time courses do not necessarily run every day of the week. Some courses require 4 or 5 days of attendance at college, while others require fewer.

  • Is there a flexible learning pattern? I want to keep on working.

    If you are an adult student, committing to studying needn’t mean leaving your job – indeed, ongoing work experience and application to learn is an important component of most courses.

    We offer choices that enable adult students to design their learning patterns around their lifestyles. Students need to ensure that any part-time work they may take on does not interfere with their studies or attendance at lessons.

  • Can I get an Apprenticeship?

    Employers all over the UK recognise and value apprenticeships as they show you’ve been trained in the skills they need. We deliver apprenticeship training at employers’ premises or at one of our college campuses. Please see full details on our apprenticeships page for more information and live vacancies.