How to apply

If you’re thinking about applying to Bridge College, your first step is to get in touch.

Our friendly team can arrange a visit and help you decide if this is the right place for you.

Applying to Bridge College

We like to speak to young people and their families as early as possible. That helps us put the right support in place ready for when you start in September. It also means we can support you through the transition process, and make everything as easy as possible.

When you’re ready to submit your application form, your Connexions Advisor is there to support you. They can help answer some of the questions you’ll be asked.

There are two ways to apply to Bridge College:

Option one: Through your EHC review

You can name us as your final year EHC review with the local authority as your Post-16 option. We’ll get consultation papers on your behalf.

Get in touch with us for more information about this process.

Option two: Our application form

You can apply to Bridge College via our application form, which you can download and complete below.

Bridge College Application Form

140kb, DOCX

Bridge College Application Form

We know that applying to College can be confusing – but we’re here to help! If you have any questions about the application process, please get in touch with our team.

The admission process

Below we have listed the different stages of applying to Bridge College. Click on each stage to read more information…

1. College visit

Your young person and family will be invited to visit Bridge College or attend our open evenings and meet key members of our team and look around our provision.

This is an opportunity to experience the college environment, ask questions and begin to consider whether Bridge College feels like the right setting for your young person.

2. Consultation visit

Once we receive a referral from the Local Authority, we will commence the consultation process. This will involve outlining the college’s provision and considering the suitability of our offer in relation to the young person’s Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and identified needs, which will be provided by the Local Authority.

The consultation process can take some time, as it is subject to the relevant assessment procedures and the Local Authority’s panel meeting schedule. Young people are allocated to specific panel meetings, where their individual needs and the suitability of the college’s offer are considered and discussed.

Once the college has submitted its proposed offer to the Local Authority, we must await their decision before we can proceed with detailed planning for the young person’s next steps. Following confirmation from the Local Authority, we will then be able to make contact with the family to discuss transition arrangements and begin planning for the young person’s admission and transition into college.

3. Review and assessment

Our team will carefully consider your young person’s individual needs and whether Bridge College can provide the appropriate support, environment and opportunities to help them achieve their goals.

Our Admissions Support Lead and Assistant Principal will remain closely involved throughout this stage, working alongside your family and keeping you informed as the process progresses.

4. Offer & Agreement

If Bridge College is able to offer a suitable placement, we will make an offer to the Local Authority.

This offer will clearly outline our provision offer, including curriculum and therapy support packages. The college offers three-year programmes, following a typical academic calendar.

5. Transition Planning

If the placement has been agreed, we will work closely with your young person, their family and the Local Authority to plan a smooth and positive transition to Bridge College.

We will take the time to understand what your young person needs to feel comfortable and prepared for their move to college.

We will also consider practical arrangements, including travel distance and other factors that may affect the transition, to help ensure that the move is manageable and in your young person’s best interests. The college does not offer transport support to and from college as this is arranged by the local authority and families. We do have accessible vehicles for college trips during the college day.

6. Starting at Bridge College

As the transition progresses, our team will continue to work with your young person and family to help them feel prepared and welcomed.

We understand that starting at a specialist college is a significant step for young people and their families. Our aim is to make the process as positive, supportive and reassuring as possible, helping each young person to begin their journey at Bridge College with confidence.