School Leavers

Full-time vocational courses are designed for students aged 16 to 18 who want to specialise in a career-focused subject. They’re hands-on, practical qualifications that prepare you directly for work, apprenticeships, or higher education. 

A T Level is a two-year qualification that offers a work-based, technical alternative to A Levels. T Levels are an ideal way to combine the benefits of both practical and theory-based learning. Over the course, students get a mix of 80 per cent classroom-based learning and 20 per cent on the job experience in the workplace.  

Apprenticeships offer a fantastic opportunity to earn while you learn. You will typically spend four days a week developing your practical skills on the job and one day a week at Oldham College. 

Applying is easy! Simply browse our courses and submit an application through the Oldham College website. Once you’ve applied, you’ll be invited for an interview where you can meet tutors, ask questions and make sure you’ve chosen the right course. If you’re offered a place, you should accept your offer before the deadline stated on your offer email. 

We encourage all prospective students to apply as early as possible. Many of our courses are in high demand and interview appointments can fill up quickly. Applying early gives you the best chance of securing a conditional offer and getting started on your chosen course. 

Information about how to apply and enrol can be found here.

Yes. If you’re still deciding which course is right for you, you can apply for more than one. This gives you the opportunity to attend multiple interviews, explore your options and make the right choice before enrolling.

Whatever your GCSE results, there’s a place for you at Oldham College. If you don’t get the grades you were hoping for, don’t worry – there are plenty of options available, whether that’s starting at a different level or choosing an alternative course. If you don’t achieve a grade 3 or above in maths and/or English, you’ll continue studying these subjects alongside your main course. 

Apply for the course level that matches your predicted GCSE grades. If your results are different from what you expected on Results Day, our friendly tutors will be on hand at enrolment to help you find the course and level that’s right for you.

We have a highly-trained and award-winning Additional Learning Support (ALS) team, who are experienced in supporting people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, as well as working with other professionals to provide the most effective support.  

We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all learners and staff, including those from LGBT+, BME and other marginalised groups.

Our main focus is to ensure our students and staff are able to work and learn in a safe and supported environment. 

Our Personal Development programme gives you the chance to meet new people, explore your interests and develop new skills outside of the classroom. You can get involved in a wide range of clubs, societies and sports teams, including LGBTQ+ Club, Debate Club, Broadcasting Club and much more. 

You’ll also have the opportunity to take part in life skills courses such as first aid, driving theory and British Sign Language. 

There are plenty of exciting trips and experiences to get involved in too, from team-building activities in the Lake District to educational visits across the UK and even overseas destinations such as South Korea.