Getting Here

By Car: Please drive safely and arrive early for your college events. Please be aware there is no student car park spaces for lower sixth students.

By Train: The college is a 12-minute walk to Orrell station which is served by trains from Wigan and Kirkby.

By Bus: Please see the transport section for information.

By Bike: The college has safe parking for both road and motorbikes.

FAQs

If you have any questions during the admissions process, please contact admissions@winstanley.ac.uk or call 01695 628610. No question is too big or small, we are happy to help!

What support is available for students at Winstanley College?

We pride ourselves on the care and support given to all our students. You will get support from your teachers and teaching assistants, personal tutors and senior tutors, students services, the progression and welfare manager, careers advisor, the Nurture Room, the counselling service, the cross-college study support in the library and your network of family and friends.

What is a college day like?

We start at 9.05 am and end at 15.45 pm each day. Lunch is from 13.20 pm to 14.20 pm but catering facilities can be accessed throughout most of the day. You will have lessons every day and there are also study periods on each day. All subjects will set you regular homework and you will have timetabled study periods in college. You are free to choose whether to spend your study periods at home or college. During your induction period, we’ll help you make the right time management decisions for you to ensure you get the most out of college life. There are likely to be some days when students will start their first lesson a bit later and other days when they go home earlier.

Can I combine any subject with any others?

The answer is yes, but there are a couple of restrictions. You can’t take English Language and Literature with any other English but you can take English Language and English Literature separately. You can’t take Medieval History and Modern History but you can do Ancient History and either Modern or Medieval.

If you want to choose just one science subject, then Applied Science is the one for you.

Can I do more than three subjects?

Most students study three subjects because this constitutes a full-time course. There may be very good reasons why you want to take four subjects and we’d like to discuss these with you to make sure there’s no risk that you’re spreading yourself too thinly – it’s better to achieve three A grades than four B grades for example.

It is more likely that we’ll agree that studying four subjects is the right decision if you achieve 8s and 9s in your GCSEs or if one of your options is Further Mathematics.

What can I do in my free time?

There is a wide variety of enrichment activities available to help you fill your college week. Please see the Winstanley Extra pages for more details. You can go to study in facilities such as the Library, IT suites or spare classrooms. The College has a range of food outlets, including the main Canteen, Starbucks, a Costa Coffee, as well as plenty of social space and beautiful grounds for you to enjoy.

Will I have a form group?

You will have a tutor group with a Personal Tutor, who will support you in all aspects of college life; from guidance in your studies; help with your study skills; advice regarding possible career progression and application to Higher Education. Through regular one-to-one reviews of your progress, individual target setting and action planning your Personal Tutor will work with you to ensure that you reach your full potential.

FAQs Continued

Can I do any subject if I haven’t done it at GCSE?

Only in science, maths, English, Spanish and French do you have to have a GCSE in that subject. None of the other subjects expect you to have studied them before at GCSE, however, you are expected to have a Grade 5 theory to study A-level Music.

What if I don’t like the subjects I’ve chosen, can I swap?

You can change your mind right up until enrolment in August and even up until the end of September. If you decide you’d like to change your choices we can usually do that for you if there is space in the subject you want to move into.

Are some subjects harder than others?

Unlike school, where some subjects are compulsory, you are choosing the subjects that suit you best. What you find stimulating another student may find ‘hard’ and that may be why they have chosen not to do it. So no, all subjects carry an equal challenge, it’s just that some students prefer some subjects to others – that’s why they choose them!

How do I get information on transport and can I get any help to cover the costs of transport?

This prospectus has a section on transport and all applicants will receive transport information around the time of their course discussion. Please check out the ‘Easy Transport Guide’ on our website for all our transport information. www.winstanley.ac.uk/ transport/ If you have any queries regarding financial support contact Transport@winstanley.ac.uk.

Can I get any financial help while I’m at college?

We receive funds each year to help students from low-income families to meet the costs associated with attending College. For more information visit www.winstanley.ac.uk/student-finance/.

What if I don’t meet the entry criteria?

Each case will be treated individually. Please still attend your enrolment appointment. We will look at your grades on GCSE Results Day to see if we can come up with an alternative plan for you.