We know how it is, you’ve got a million and one questions to ask, and you don’t really want to have to speak to anyone. To make it easy for you, we've collated a list of our most frequently asked questions and you can find the answers to these below.
We are always here to help you answer any questions, provide support, and make sure you have the best experience possible with the college, but if you don’t find what you’re looking for, you can contact us here.
Starting College
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What is life at SMB College Group really like?
When you attend SMB College Group, we want you to feel like one of the family. It’s more than just your course, it’s more than an education; we want your time at college to be a valuable unforgettable experience. The college offers students a dynamic and stimulating learning environment. During your time at the college you will meet new people, make new friends and become more independent, with the opportunity to learn in a productive and supportive environment alongside people of all ages.
You will be allocated a personal tutor at the start of your programme, who will help you settle in and provide general guidance and encouragement through regular tutorial reviews. You will have the opportunity to learn in fantastic setting and use the most up-to-date equipment available. If you (or your parent/guardian) want to visit one of our campuses, meet our friendly staff team, and learn more about college life, you are more than welcome to get in touch to arrange a visit, or you can attend one of our Open Days.
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What if during the first few weeks I find I have chosen the wrong course?
You can speak to a Student Advisor who will liaise on your behalf with the relevant tutor. It is very important to us that students are happy on their course, and that they feel they have made the right decision.
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Are there facilities to buy a snack or meal?
All of our campuses have well-equipped facilities for food and drink, offering a selection of meals and snacks that are great value for money. There are also vending machines providing snacks and drinks. For further information see the relevant campus page.
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Is there a dress code at college?
There is no specific dress code at college but we do have a no cap/hats policy on campus. For some courses you will be required to wear PPE (personal protective equipment), specific uniform, or follow additional health and safety protocols. For more information speak to your college tutor or take a look at our kit list page.
Parents
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Will someone ensure that my child is attending college and let me know if they are not?
Our Course Tutors and Progress Coaches monitor student attendance and will call the students parent/guardian (if they are under 18) if there are any college-related problems.
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Will I be kept informed of my child’s progress?
If your child is under 18 and taking a full-time study programme, you will receive a progress report and will also be invited to attend parents' evenings. Should you have any concerns, you are welcome to make an appointment at any time.
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Does my child need to be in college when they do not have a lesson?
Students are expected to supplement class time with individual study or group work. Most students study in our Learning Resource Centres, which have a comprehensive range of resources
Support
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Where should I go if I have any problems or concerns?
We have a team of friendly and approachable Student Advisors, and a college Counsellor, who are available to help students with any problems. Students can also speak to their personal Tutor and our Progress Coaches.
You can find out more about support for our students here.
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Does the college help with travel arrangements?
We may be able to help with travel costs if a student is aged between 16 -18 and taking a full-time course.
You can find out more about transport options at the college here.
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Do students have to pay any fees?
If you are under 19 on 31st August of the year in which you wish to join us, the course will be fully funded and, in most circumstances, there will be no fees for you to pay. Tuition and exam fees may be waived if you are over 19 and meet the eligibility criteria. For more information, see our course fees page.
Apprenticeships
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What are apprenticeships?
Apprenticeships are a popular alternative for many school leavers and offer employment-based qualifications, which allow young adults to 'earn while they learn'. If you're interested in apprenticeships, our dedicated Apprenticeships team will be more than happy to help answer any of your queries. Please see our apprenticeships page for more information.
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What does it cost to do an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships are funded by the government and topped up with contributions from your employer. So, as an apprentice, you won’t have to pay anything for your apprenticeship. Plus, you will be being paid by your employer so you can ‘earn while you learn’!
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How do I apply for an apprenticeship?
Applying for an apprenticeship isn’t like applying for a course. First, you have to find a vacancy and apply for that position, like applying for a job.
SMB College Group have a dedicated apprenticeship team that can help you find, apply for, and even prep for the interview and/or role.
You can see our current apprenticeship vacancies here. If you don’t see a role that interests you, keep checking back and/or get in touch with our apprenticeship team to register your interest.
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Are apprenticeships just for young people?
You can do an apprenticeship at any age, there is no upper age limit - you could apply for an apprenticeship right up to retirement, if you wanted! So long as you are 16 or over by the time you want to start your apprenticeship, you can apply. You can register your interest and apply whilst you’re still at school. You’ll just need to be 16 or over by the time you’d be starting the apprenticeship. Apprenticeships start all year round too, so no need to wait until January or September.
T Levels
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What are T Levels?
T-Levels are Level 3 courses, equivalent to 3 A Levels and developed in collaboration with employers and businesses to ensure the course content meets the needs of industry. T-Levels are split between classroom and work placement, with 45 days in industry.
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Who can study T Levels?
T-Levels can be studied by 16-18 year olds after finishing their GCSEs.
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What subjects are on offer?
Stephenson Campus:
- Business Management Improvement T-Level
- Civil Engineering Design, Surveying and Planning T-Level
- Onsite Construction T-Level
Melton Campus
- Education and Childcare - Assisting Teaching T-Level
- Education and Childcare - Early Years Educator T-Level
- Healthcare Science T-Level
Brooksby Campus
- Onsite Construction
- Crop and Plant Production T-Level *from 2024*
- Land Habitat Management T-Level *from 2024*
- Livestock Production T-Level from 2024
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What are the entry requirements?
Our T-Level courses require you to achieve five GCSEs at grade 5 or above, including English and Maths. For those wishing to study Healthcare Science, you must also achieve a grade 5 in GCSE Science.
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How will I be graded?
Students who complete their T-Level will receive an overall grade of Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction*. They will achieve a nationally recognised certificate which will show their overall grade and a breakdown of what they have achieved.
The T-Level certificate will include:
- An overall grade (shown as Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction*)
- A separate grade for the core component, using A* to E
- A separate grade for each occupational specialism, shown as Pass, Merit or Distinction
It will also include confirmation that the student has:
- Met the minimum requirements for English and Maths qualifications
- Completed the industry placement
- Met any additional mandatory requirements
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Are there any fees?
No, because students are aged 16-18 these courses are fully funded.
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What are my progression options?
T-Levels will provide several progression options to students. These include skilled employment, an apprenticeship, or Higher Education.
To help T-Level students access Higher Education, UCAS tariff points have been allocated to T-Levels.
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Can I go to University after a T Level course?
One T-Level is equivalent to three A-levels and has the same UCAS points, so you can progress into just as you would after your A-levels, more information on UCAS points can be found here on the GOV.UK website.
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How are T Levels different to A Levels?
T-Level courses are backed by businesses, they’ve been designed with employers to develop the knowledge, attitude and practical skills young people need. One T-Level is equivalent to three A-levels and has the same UCAS points. During your T-Level you will undergo industry placement.
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How does my placement work?
You will spend 80% of the course in the classroom, learning the essential skills that your employees need and the other 20% is a meaningful industry placement, where you put these skills into action.
Your industry placement will last at least 315 hours or approximately 45 days.
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Am I guaranteed a job at the end of my T Level?
T-Levels are designed to prepare students for the world of work but your next step options remain open at the end of the course. Students aren’t guaranteed a job but they will be well prepared for the world of work or further study.
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What do I need to know as an employer?
T Level industry placements are a free government scheme so you don't need to pay to take on a T Level student for a placement. There may be certain business costs, like time invested in planning, training and supervising, and you can choose to pay the student if you wish.
Taking on a student for their industry placement can have huge benefits for your company, such as:
- The opportunity to train grassroots talent to suit your business needs.
- A solution to entry-level job shortages.
- Minimise the cost of recruitment by working with a local college.
- Develop the mentoring and management skills of your team.
- An invaluable source of new ideas and a fresh perspective.
SMB College Group will offer support for both employer and student throughout the industry placement.
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