College Applications

Submission deadline for application forms: 5th December 

All Year 11 pupils must submit their completed college application forms by Monday 5th December. This early deadline allows staff time to write and attach references, check your information, and submit everything ahead of the college’s own deadlines. The application forms need to be completed online. You may wish to use the school library. 

Why this is important: 

  • Staff need time to prepare the reference and check the application. 
  • Colleges often have early or fixed closing dates — if we leave it too late we risk missing them. 
  • Being early gives you a smoother, less stressful process and shows you’re organised. 
  • If anything needs amendment (typo, preferred college, course change) we will have the buffer time to help. 

If you do not hand your form in by 5th December, your reference may be delayed or the application may be submitted late, which could reduce your chances of getting your preferred course. 

Important Application Form Information 

Here are some general guidelines that apply when you complete your college application: 

  • Make sure all sections of the application are filled in: personal details, chosen course(s), reasons for your choice(s), predicted grades, any prior experience or interests. 
  • Include at least three choices of college/course so you have a Plan B. 
  • Write your reason for choosing the course clearly (what you like about it, what you are good at, your ambition). 
  • Check the deadlines of the college(s) you are applying to. Some courses fill up quickly. 
  • Once you submit your form to school, staff will attach your reference and then send it off. 
  • Even after submission, keep track of your email/text messages – colleges may contact you for interview or additional information. 
  • If your circumstances change (change of mind, change of course, new interests) tell the Careers/Progress team as soon as possible. 

Why the 5th December deadline at our school 

Our school sets the 5th December date because: 

  • After that we begin fully processing all references so we can submit by each college’s deadline. 
  • This gives time if any application needs correction or further information. 
  • It allows you to focus on your mock exams / revision in January and February without application burden hanging over you. 

If you need any further support for applying to college please speak to your Form Tutor, Miss Mainwaring or Hannah Fox our Career Connect Support Officer. 

Miss Mainwaring: Mainwaring.h@stpatricksrchigh.co.uk 

Hannah Fox: Hannah.fox@careerconnect.org.uk

Important Information for Pupils and Parents

The table below provides useful links and deadlines for some of the most popular local colleges and sixth forms. These links are here to support you in your application process – they take you directly to each institution’s online application page.

However, you are not limited to these options.
You can apply to any other college, sixth form, or apprenticeship provider of your choice.

We encourage you to: 

  • Explore a range of opportunities that match your interests, subjects, and career goals. 
  • Apply early, as places on some courses fill quickly. 
  • Ask your school careers advisor or year team if you need help completing applications or finding alternative routes such as apprenticeships. 

 

College  Application Deadline  Application Method  Link 
Ashton Sixth Form  Friday 9th January 2026  Online via website  Apply Here 
Loreto Sixth Form  Friday 9th January 2026  Online via website  Apply Here 
Xaverian Sixth Form  Friday 9th January 2026  Online via website  Apply Here 
The Manchester College  Applications open all year  Online via website  Apply Here 
Tameside College  Advised before January  Online via website  Apply Here 
Salford College  Applications open all year  Online via website  Apply Here 
Urmston Grammar School (Sixth Form)  Mid January 2026  Online via website  Apply Here 
Bolton College  Applications open all year (apply early recommended)  Online via website  Apply Here