Frequently Asked Questions

Entry requirements depend on the course and level.

Typically:

• Level 1 – no formal qualifications required
• Level 2 – GCSEs at grade 3 or above
• Level 3 – GCSEs at grade 4 or above

We’ll help you find the right level based on your results.

Yes. Courses are free for students aged 16–18.

There may be some costs for materials or trips, but support is available.

For adults, some courses are free depending on where you live and your income.

College is more relaxed and independent than school.

You’ll focus on subjects you enjoy and be treated like an adult, while still receiving support to succeed.

Apply online by choosing your course and selecting ‘Apply’ at the top of the page.

The application form takes a few minutes to complete.

Once you’ve applied, we’ll invite you to an informal interview. This is your chance to talk about your interests, your goals and your next steps. We’ll help you choose the right course for you.

Most school leavers apply during Year 11, between October and March, to start the following September.

You can still apply later, but applying early gives you the best chance of securing your place.

If you’re applying as an adult, you can apply throughout the year. Courses run between September and May.

Yes. You can attend an open event to explore the campus, meet tutors and find out more about your options.

You can:

• explore the campus and facilities
• meet tutors and current students
• find out about courses and careers
• get advice and ask questions 

You can also apply on the day if you’re ready.

After you apply, we’ll invite you to an informal interview.

If the course is right for you, you’ll receive an offer. You can then confirm your place before enrolment.

If you’re applying as an adult, you may be invited to an enrolment session instead. This could be in person or over the phone.

Yes. Most full-time courses include an informal interview.

It’s not a test. It’s a conversation to help you choose the right course and feel confident about your next step.

Yes. If you’re unsure, you can apply for more than one course.

You can discuss your options at interview and decide what’s right for you.

Don’t worry. We offer courses at different levels.

If you don’t get the grades for your first choice, we’ll help you find another course that keeps you moving towards your goals.

Yes.

If you haven’t achieved grade 4 in maths or English, you’ll continue studying these alongside your course. This helps you build your skills and improve your future opportunities.

On enrolment day, you’ll:

• confirm your course
• check your qualifications
• complete your registration
• receive your student ID card

Staff will be there to guide you and answer any questions.

In many cases, yes. This depends on course availability.

Your first week is your induction.

You’ll meet your tutors, get to know other students and start your course.

In many cases, yes.

If your course doesn’t feel right, we’ll support you in finding a better fit.

Full-time courses are usually for school leavers and involve several days a week in college.

Part-time courses are more flexible and are often designed for adults or those in work.

You can study a range of qualifications, including:

• BTEC
• City & Guilds
• A levels, T Levels & V Levels
• apprenticeships
• foundation degrees
• honours degrees 

The qualification depends on your course and career goals.

• Level 1 – a starting point with no formal entry requirements
• Level 2 – builds knowledge and practical skills
• Level 3 – equivalent to A Levels and prepares you for university, apprenticeships or work

Vocational courses focus on practical learning and real-world skills linked to specific careers.

T Levels are technical qualifications that combine classroom learning with industry placements.

V Levels are a new type of qualification being introduced as part of post-16 education reforms from 2027.

They are are a vocational pathway, combining practical learning with the knowledge and skills employers are looking for.

V Levels will sit alongside other options like A Levels, T Levels and apprenticeships, giving you more choice in how you study and prepare for your future.

If you’re unsure which route is right for you, we can talk you through your options and help you decide.

Yes. Many students start college to explore their interests.

Our tutors and careers team will help you find a direction that suits you.

College is about more than studying. It’s about building confidence, meeting new people and preparing for your future.

You’ll have a mix of practical sessions, classroom learning and independent study.

Many courses include hands-on activities using industry-standard equipment.

Yes. You’ll meet people who share your interests and course.

You can also get involved in trips, activities and student events.

College is more relaxed and independent than school.

You’ll focus on subjects you enjoy and be treated like an adult, while still receiving support to succeed.

Houghall Campus is set in the countryside just outside Durham City.

You’ll learn in specialist facilities, including farms, animal centres and outdoor learning spaces, gaining hands-on experience.

Courses include:

• animal management
• agriculture
• horticulture
• countryside and environmental studies
• floristry
• Equine
• dog grooming

These courses combine practical learning with industry knowledge.

We offer a range of support, including:

• academic support
• mental health and wellbeing services
• careers advice
• additional learning support 

Yes. You can take part in enrichment activities, trips and student events.

Yes. Many students balance college with part-time work.

Facilities include:

• workshops and specialist learning spaces
• IT suites
• social areas
• food outlets
• Gym

Yes. Free WiFi is available for students.

Students progress to:

• university
• apprenticeships
• employment 

Our careers team will support you with your next steps.

We know finances matter. Here’s what you need to know.

Yes. Courses are free for students aged 16–18.

There may be some costs for materials or trips, but support is available.

For adults, some courses are free depending on where you live and your income.

Yes.

Support may be available to help with:

• travel
• meals
• course costs 

Our team can help you apply.

Yes.

We offer support with travel costs for eligible students, including subsidised travel.

Some courses require equipment or materials.

Support may be available to help with these costs.

Some students are eligible for meal support.

If you’re over 19, you may be eligible for:

• funding
• an Advanced Learner Loan 

We’ll help you understand your options.

No.

We welcome students of all ages. Many adults return to education to gain new skills or change careers.

Yes.

We offer flexible courses designed to fit around work and life.

Yes.

Many adults use college to retrain and move into a new career.

Funding depends on your course and circumstances.

Some courses may be free or funded, depending on your income and location.

Our University Centre offers higher education courses, including foundation and honours degrees, in a supportive college environment.

We work in partnership with the University of Sunderland to deliver our higher education courses at the College's Peterlee campus and at our Houghall Campus in Durham.

You apply through UCAS – click the ‘APPLY’ button at the top of the course page on the college website.

A foundation degree is a higher education qualification that combines academic study with practical skills. It can lead to employment or further study.

An Access to Higher Education courses prepare students, aged 19+, without traditional qualifications for degree studies. The Access to HE Diploma is widely recognised by UK universities.

Yes.

We have strong safeguarding measures and wellbeing support in place to keep students safe.

We track student progress throughout the year and provide updates.

You’ll also be invited to parents’ evenings.

Students have access to:

• academic support
• wellbeing services
• careers advice 

We’ll support them.

Our teams will provide guidance and keep you informed.

Yes.

Visit an open event and speak to our staff. We’ll help your child explore their options and choose the right course.

Some courses may require equipment, clothing or trips.

We’ll provide full details at interview or enrolment. Financial support may be available.

There are good transport links to our campuses.

We also offer travel support for eligible students.

An apprenticeship allows you to work while gaining a qualification.

You’ll spend time with an employer and learn on the job.

The National Apprenticeship Service runs Apprenticeships vacancies. This is an online system where employers and learning providers can advertise and manage vacancies, and potential apprentices can search and apply.

You can see vacancies from the employers we work on the College website apprenticeship vacancies.

Yes.

Apprentices are paid employees and earn a salary while they train.

Yes.

Apprentices are paid employees and earn a salary while they train.

You can apply through our website or directly with employers.

You’ll gain industry-recognised qualifications relevant to your role.

Yes.

An apprenticeship is an alternative pathway to full-time study.

Working with East Durham College gives you access to skilled, work-ready students. We help you build your workforce through apprenticeships, training and placements that reflect what your business needs.

We offer apprenticeships across sectors including construction, engineering, digital, health and social care, business, hospitality and land-based industries. Programmes range from entry level to higher level.

Apprentices work for you and train with us. They gain real experience in your workplace while completing structured training.

We support you from recruitment through to completion.

Yes. We can help you:

• advertise your vacancy
• shortlist candidates
• find the right fit for your business 

Funding depends on your organisation and whether you pay the Apprenticeship Levy. Many employers receive funding towards training costs.

We will explain your options clearly.

You will work with a dedicated Trainer Assessor who will:

• support training and development
• review progress regularly
• keep you updated 

You will need to:

• provide a safe working environment
• support your apprentice’s development
• allow time for off-the-job training
• take part in progress reviews 

Yes. You can use apprenticeships and training to develop your current team. This helps you build skills, improve performance and retain staff.

Yes. We offer work placements and T Level industry placements. These give students real experience and help you identify future talent.

We work with employers and industry partners to shape our courses. This keeps training relevant and aligned to current workforce needs.

Tell us what your business needs. We will help you recruit, train or upskill your team.

Contact our Employer Engagement Team to get started

We offer a wide range of courses, including:

• vocational courses
• T Levels & V Levels
• apprenticeships
• university-level courses
• adult learning 

Subjects include construction, engineering, health, business, creative industries and more, and land-based studies at our Houghall Campus.

You can study full-time, part-time or through flexible online learning.

You’ll usually need:

• your GCSE results
• ID
• proof of address (if required)
• Adults – Proof of benefits or income (under £32,000/year) for possible fee support – dated within 3 months.

We’ll send full details before your enrolment appointment.