I’ve submitted my application to OSFC - what happens next?
Well done on submitting your application!
If you haven’t done so already, please ensure you send a photo or screenshot of your latest school report to admissions@osfc.ac.uk, as we cannot process your application until this has been received.
Your application will then be reviewed and, if successful, you will be invited to an interview at Oldham Sixth Form.
Most of our interviews take place at the college, however some may take place online, and our main interview period runs from December to March. You will be able to book your preferred date and time for your interview, based on the options available, when you receive your invitation. All communications will be shared via email, so please make sure you check this regularly.
How do we select applicants for an interview?
Before inviting you for an interview, we will review your application and your predicted grades. There are other factors we consider too, including:
- Mock exam results
- Attendance and punctuality at school
- Behaviour and commitment shown at school
- Your interests and abilities
What should I prepare for my interview?
The interview is a supportive process, designed for us to find out more about you and your career aspirations, and to guide you onto the right pathway. The interviews will take around 15 minutes and will be with an experienced member of OSFC staff. There will also be a chance for you to ask any questions you may have about studying at OSFC.
We would suggest that you come prepared with some ideas about what you might like to do in the future. You don’t need to have everything figured out, but a rough idea of your next steps after sixth form is a good starting point. This could be university, an apprenticeship or straight into the workplace. Your interviewer will be able to use this information to ensure that you are on the right track with your course choices.
You should also think about why you have chosen the subjects on your application form. Do they relate to your future plans? Have you always loved Science? Or maybe you want to try something new like Sociology! Whatever the reason, make sure you tell your interviewer. It’s OK if you have chosen subjects that you are good at too - in fact, we encourage it!
Finally, think about all the extra curricular activities you have taken part in during your time at school, or outside of school, and how you can talk about them during your interview. You may be able to relate some to your subjects, your future plans or even to skills they taught you.
What do I need to bring to my interview?
If your interview is at the OSFC campus...
You can bring along a parent or guardian if you wish, and there will be a waiting area for them whilst the interview takes place. You will also need to bring a form of identification (e.g. your passport or birth certificate) and residency information if you have lived in the UK for 3 years or less.
If you have an Educational Health Care Plan (EHCP) or receive any support in school for health conditions, please bring any documentation with you too.
If your interview is online...
Please ensure that you email a copy of your documents to admissions@osfc.ac.uk.
What questions will the interviewer ask?
There are some standard questions that we will ask you, such as confirming your contact details (mobile number, email & address), and those of your emergency contacts too. If any of these details have changed, please make sure you let your interviewer know so your record is up to date and we can keep in touch with you.
Your interviewer will also want to know why you are interested in studying at OSFC, and why you have chosen your subjects. This is a good opportunity to tell us about any Open Events or Experience Days you have attended previously, and where your interest in your subjects comes from.
The main focus of the interview will be confirming your course choices and making sure you are on the correct pathway. This conversation will be steered by your career interests, your subject choices and your predicted grades. We will look at your predicted grades to make sure you are on track to meet the entry requirements for your subjects. If you are attending any extra sessions, don’t forget to tell us as this can help when we make our decision.
You will also be asked about anything extra you may have done throughout your time at school. This could be a part-time job, volunteering, work experience - anything you have done outside of your studies. We would also love to hear about any extra-curricular activities you have done in school. Are you a school prefect, or do you play for a team? If you have any documents highlighting personal achievement, or an Oldham Pledge Passport, bring these along as they can be a good starting point.
Throughout the interview, you will also have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about studying at OSFC. It is good interview etiquette to come with at least 1 question prepared. Some examples are:
- What would a typical timetable look like at OSFC?
- What are the average class sizes for my chosen subjects?
- If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting here in September, what would it be?
- What extra curricular opportunities would be available at OSFC?
- How does OSFC support students in applying for competitive courses at University and apprenticeships?
When will I find out if I have a place?
You will be told the outcome of your interview at the end of the meeting.
Any offers made are conditional, subject to you achieving the grades required in your GCSE exams - so it is not a reason to stop working hard!
Remember, the subjects you are offered during your interview are not set in stone, so please do not worry if you have second thoughts. There will be another opportunity to discuss your pathway and make changes during your enrolment appointment in August, after you receive your GCSE results.
What happens after I have been offered a place?
Congratulations!
Your first step is to ensure that you keep working hard in school and revising for your GCSE exams in the Summer, to ensure that you achieve the grades you need to study at OSFC.
If you have not already done so during your interview, please send a copy of your ID to admissions@osfc.ac.uk, and complete the Applicant Support Form.
In the Spring term, you will be emailed with details of how to access the Cedar Applicant Portal. From here, you will be able to upload a photo for your ID card and eventually your GCSE results, when you receive them.
We will keep in touch with you over the coming months via email, so make sure you check this regularly and let us know if any of your contact details change.
We can’t wait to see you at your next OSFC event!
Who can I contact if I have any questions after my interview?
You can contact the admissions team by emailing admissions@osfc.ac.uk or calling us on 0161 287 8000. We also have a Live Chat function on our website, which is monitored Monday to Friday 9am-4pm, if you have any questions.
