Welcome to Havering Sixth Form College which opened in September 1991 as an exciting new centre of educational excellence. Since then we have doubled in size, spending almost £3 million on new buildings and facilities and we now attract students from a wide area of Essex and East London. We hope to give you a flavour of our friendly and hardworking atmosphere

We have impressive buildings and excellent facilities but it is people that really matter - well motivated students with supportive parents and high quality teaching staff. The College's tutors are remarkably well qualified with successful experience in teaching sixth form courses. We continue to have pass rates above the national average and remarkable performances in some of the most popular subjects. Click here to see some of our students' successes from 2006/7 .

Benefits

The College has some similarities with a large school sixth form. We deal only with full-time students, 80% of whom are following Advanced level courses. We emphasise high academic standards and supportive pastoral care. We strive for a sense of a community with common objectives. The College brings together students from a wide range of backgrounds. We welcome the diversity that the different cultural and ethnic groups brings to the College. This benefits all students as it broadens their experience and helps them to develop more rapidly.

Because of its size the College is able to offer a much wider choice of vocational, academic and non-examination opportunities than school sixth forms. Many students combine vocational courses with A Levels.

There is a lively programme outside the classroom including sports teams, music and drama. We can also provide special programmes for students who need extra help to reach their potential.

Mission Statement

The College aims to be an outstanding provider of full-time education for 16-19 year olds, embracing diversity and creating excellent opportunities for all.  Staff and students will work hard to maximise their potential and promote individual achievement at the highest level.

Strategic Objectives 2006-2007

1. To raise standards of teaching and student support to ensure excellent learning for young people
   
2. To raise standards of learner achievement to ensure that students maximise their potential
   
3. To provide excellent leadership & management that supports staff to maximise college effectiveness
   
4. To further develop the curriculum to suit the needs of the young people of Havering
   
5. To maximise the use of the college site in order to provide excellent learning for the maximum number of young people
   
6. To develop effective strategic and operational partnerships to ensure that we are at the vanguard of 14-19 developments
   
7. To effectively manage college finances in order to preserve the health of the college and maximise investment in learning

The College is based on a single site near the centre of Hornchurch, only a few minutes walk from Upminster Bridge Underground station. The Havering Europa Languages Centre and Music Centre are based on the same site. The magnificent purpose-built facilities include:

• a huge Library providing study facilities for over 120 students. A wide range of books, periodicals, newspapers, CD-ROMs, videos and audio cassettes are available for loan or reference. The Library also provides a small number of computers and laptops for student use. The Library also has a bookable room where students can research and plan collaborative work.
  
• the Learning Zone, a large study facility where students can work independently using the computers and other resources as well as getting support with literacy and numeracy. The Learning Mentors are based in the Learning Zone and can support students with a range of study skills. The College's specialist support for students with specific study needs, such as dyslexia, is also based in the Learning Zone.
  
• an Information Technology Centre with 150 computer terminals for students' independent use. An extensive range of software is available as well as multimedia and Internet facilities. The Centre is open from 8.30am - 4.30pm each College day and during some holiday periods. Click Here to visit the IT Centre Help Desk Website.
  
• several smaller independent study areas are located throughout the College each with computer facilities.
  
• a Careers Centre staffed with a full time professional Careers Adviser.
  
• a three storey Science Wing with eight fully equipped laboratories.
  
• two newly opened buildings for Art, Design & Technology, Computing and Media Studies.
  
• a specialist Music Suite and recording studio.
  
• a large Studio Theatre with spring floor for both teaching and performance.
  
• a huge Sports Hall and multi-gym are available exclusively to students through the working week.
  
  
• a new multi-purpose all weather playing surface including tennis courts.
  
• eight computer rooms, with PC computers featuring in all departments.
  
• rooms dedicated to the specialist needs of many other subjects such as Geology, Languages, Business and Psychology.
  
• a comfortable cafeteria seating 300 and serving breakfast, lunch and snacks from 8.15am to 3.00pm.

• an Educational Resources Centre area providing students with photocopying and related services and supplies.
  
• a Key Skills Centre providing advice and support in improving the students Key Skills in IT, Communication and application of Number.
  

• Priority will be given to all those students who attend Havering 11-16 schools. To ensure that priority is given, applications are best made before February half-term. Application is made through the school.
  
• Students with special needs which the College can meet, for example the College is adapted for those with physical disabilities, get absolute priority.
  
• Students resident in the borough and elsewhere, attending other schools, will also be given places on courses especially on those which are undersubscribed. A list of such subjects will be available from the College at the time of requesting an application form. Priority will also be given to students newly moving into the area, those attending an 11-16 school and to those whose preferred course is unavailable in their present school. Applications received before February half-term will be given priority.

Qualifications for Admission

• Students will normally be aged 16 or 17 on admission.
  
• The essential qualification is that a student has a desire to gain from what the College has to offer. This requires a responsible and mature attitude - students must attend all lessons, carry out assignments punctually and behave in an adult manner.
  
• A place at the College will not normally depend upon examination results achieved at the end of Year 11. However, a place on a particular course will depend on minimum entrance requirements having been met. Each student will be treated as an individual and any special circumstances which may have an influence upon success will be taken into account when choices are discussed.
  
• Some courses may only accommodate a limited number of students. Priority will be given to the best qualified who have applied by February half-term.

How to Apply

• All Havering schools designated as 11-16 schools are our partner schools with whom the college works closely. Transfer from these partner schools will be organised through the school itself, though students and their parents may contact the College in case of difficulty.
• Applications from students attending other (non partner) schools should be made directly to the Admissions Secretary, Brenda Read. Application forms are available from the Main Office.
• Jill Wilkens, the Assistant Principal (Teaching & Learning and External Relations), will look after your application and answer any questions that you might have.

Admissions Timetable

Autumn Term
Talks in Partner Schools
Preview (Open) Evenings at the College (Thursday 29th November 2007 and Tuesday 4th December 2007 - Partner Schools)
Completion of Transfer Form (or early in Spring Term) in partner schools.

Spring Term
Preview (Open) Evening for non partner schools (Saturday 26th January 2008)
Transfer/Application Forms to the College by February half-term.
Individual interviews with College staff in most partner schools, or in the College for others.

Summer Term
Official confirmation of the student's place at the College by the end of May.
Initial Induction meetings at the College on the week beginning 23rd June (Please avoid holidays that week)

September
Further interviews during enrolment week (first week of September) to confirm or modify the programme of study.

Late Application?
All Transfer Forms received before the February half term will be given equal priority. Later applications are still welcome wherever there is space on courses.

Change of Mind?
Frequently, students wish to change courses for which they originally applied. This is normal. Most changes will be accommodated without problems. However, if there is over-subscription, priority for places on each course will be given to students who initially stated a preference for that course and have met the entry requirements. Students considering a change should inform the College as soon as possible. The final programme need not be fixed until September.