Post-school options are exciting but can also be a confusing journey for parents and supporters. We’ve put together this information to guide you through the next steps in your young person’s academic career.
Find out more about Writtle College at one of our Open Days. Parents and supporters are welcome.
On this page you can read more about:
Level 1 courses are one-year, entry-level qualifications, often used as a stepping stone to further education or employment. They focus on building foundational knowledge and skills.
These highly practical qualifications let students learn from work-related tasks designed to help them develop the skills and knowledge to do a job effectively.
Level 2 Technical Qualifications are focused on enabling students to specialise in a technical job or area. After completing their course, students could go straight into employment, secure an apprenticeship, or continue studying at a higher level.
These courses combine theory and practical learning in your young person's chosen subject area. They could go straight into employment after finishing the course, or continue studying at a higher level.
An alternative to A Levels, Level 3 courses are designed to give you the theoretical and technical skills needed to work in a particular sector.
An excellent alternative to A Levels, T Levels are a two-year qualification for 16-19 year olds designed in collaboration with employers.
Each T Level is equivalent to three A Levels, with the aim to support young people to develop their skills and knowledge, and to thrive in the workplace.
From 2025 we will offer pathways in Animal Science, Animal Management and Agriculture.
For students wanting to earn while they study, we offer both Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeship qualifications. Apprentices are employed by a company that supports them through their qualification. They will earn a wage and accrue holiday and usually spend 20% of their time studying.
Funding is available for most* college students. If your young person receives funding, you won’t have to pay for tuition fees yourself, but this depends on a range of criteria. There’s also fees and funding support, such as bursaries, available.
*To find out more about eligibility, head over to our fees and funding page.
At Writtle College we empower our students to make independent, informed decisions about their careers, and offer a bespoke careers guidance service that includes careers advice, UCAS support, CV support and much more.
Find out more about our comprehensive careers and employability support service.
Leaving secondary education is a big step for your young person, which is why we offer wrap-around care, from mental health and wellbeing support to career guidance and travel assistance.
Find out more about student support.
Funding is available for most of our college courses, meaning you won’t have to pay tuition fees. However, there are some exceptions where you may be liable for tuition fees.
There may be some associated costs that you'll need to cover, such as travel or course materials.
Find out more about college tuition fees and funding.
No, students on apprenticeships will be employed primarily by a business, with one day per week in college, and so won’t pay standard tuition fees.
Find out more about apprenticeships.
Writtle College is just two miles from the centre of Chelmsford, with road links to London and other major cities, making it easy to get to.
If your young person needs assistance with transportation, there is financial support and a number of travel discounts available. We also operate a free shuttle bus running from Chelmsford train station to the college.
Study patterns vary depending on the course your young person is studying. College courses can range from 1 to 2 years full-time, or part-time, and include time on work placements. We also offer apprenticeships, where apprentices typically spend around 80% of their time working for an employer, and 20% in college.
College term and holiday dates are similar to those in schools, with the academic year running from September-June.
We start in early September with an induction week for new students. Returning students typically start back a week later.
There are three terms per year, half-term holidays, and Christmas, Easter and summer breaks. There are also a small number of inset (non-pupil) days each year.
In 2025, GCSE results day is on Thursday 21 August.
We'll be running GCSE enrolment events at Writtle College on Thursday 21, Friday 22 and Tuesday 26 August 2025. These events are for students who've already applied and hold an offer to study with us, and for those who wish to make an application.
Students can apply for the course they’re interested in directly through individual course pages, or in person at our GCSE enrolment events.
In 2025, our GCSE enrolment events take place on Thursday 21, Friday 22 and Tuesday 26 August.
For application instructions please refer to individual course pages.
Our campus boasts 150 hectares of rural ground, including a working farm, Equine Training and Development Centre, Canine Centre and our main campus.
Despite our extensive facilities, Writtle has a small community vibe, where all lecturers know their students by name. When your young person joins Writtle College, they will join a community of like-minded staff and students, who will help them to feel at home from day one.
At Writtle College, your young person will study a skills-based course that equips them with the knowledge and experience that employers are looking for. They'll also benefit from direct industry links and work experience opportunities.
We have a dedicated Learning Support Team too, with students benefitting from careers guidance and support, Development Coaches and 1-2-1 revision and catch-up support. Find out more about student support.