Student Information Guide

WELCOME TO

HI!

WELCOME TO This booklet has everything you need to know to start your BSFC adventure with confidence and excitement.

Inside, you’ll discover why we love BSFC so much – from the incredible support to the independent student lifestyle.

Dive into tips for making the most of the first week of term, handling free periods, exploring the fantastic campus, and the best ways to get to College.

As student ambassadors, we’re here to share our experiences and secrets to thriving at BSFC. So, get ready to make a start on your own journey at BSFC. See you soon!

Your BSFC Student Ambassador team

WHY I RYAN

“Everyone at BSFC is super friendly – you can chat to anyone and feel totally at ease.”

MILLY

“BSFC has a great mix of people; it’s easy to make friends, and the teachers really respect you. It’s a brilliant place to get ready for university.”

ISSY

“I love that College doesn’t feel like school – it’s fun, supportive, and the lessons are great. You can always go to the teachers if you need anything.”

CHARLOTTE

“BSFC has such a positive vibe – the teachers are upbeat, everyone’s more confident, and I’ve met loads of new people I wouldn’t have met at school.”

JACK

“The teachers are really approachable and always happy to help.”

MEGAN

“The teachers are super supportive, and being around my friends makes BSFC such a great place to be.”

SCAN AND PLAY THE FULL VIDEO:

WHEN YOU I’m Joe HEY! Student Ambassador at BSFC

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In this section, you’ll learn about the Enrolment process before you start, and what your first week of College will look like.

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ENROLMENT In your Enrolment pack, there will be a personalised Enrolment Form.

This is a really important document for you to check that all your details are correct.

You and your parents/carers then need to sign this and send it back to us using the pre-paid envelope by Friday 8th August 2025, for fast-track Enrolment - it’s that simple!

“Everyone wa helpful du s super Enrolmen ring my t appo and it ma intment, de me feel even more excited ab out starting i n Septem ber!”

ENROLMENT 21st - 26th August 2025 Your Enrolment appointment date/time is detailed in the letter with this booklet, and this is when you finalise your subject choices and become an official BSFC student!

Please bring with you your enrolment form (if you haven’t returned it for fast-track enrolment), your exam results and £5 College fund contribution for your College ID card.

Your enrolment takes place at the College, please arrive at the main entrance on Park Road West.

Your parent or carer is welcome to join you if you wish.

WORRIED ABOUT GCSE Results Day Clinic

Thursday 21st August 2025 | 10am - 2pm

There is support available if your GCSE results aren’t what you had hoped.

If this is the case, and your enrolment appointment is scheduled after 21st August, the College tutors will be available at the Results Day drop-in clinic to offer advice and guidance - including details of our Year 0 programme if you don’t quite meet our entry requirements.

PLEASE NOTE: This clinic is for guidance purposes only and does not replace your enrolment appointment.

YOUR FIRST Term starts- Monday 1st September 2025 Your first day of term, which is just for new students, is on Monday 1st September 2025 and you’ll receive your timetable when you arrive.

Student ambassadors and staff will be visible around the College to help you find your way and feel comfortable from day one.

‘Find Your Feet’ is the College’s very own programme specifically for the first few weeks of term, designed to help you settle in, make new friends, and feel right at home.

You’ll get to try out different clubs, societies, activities, and sports during taster sessions. Plus, don’t miss out on ‘Inflatable Fridays’ – whether you’re joining in or just watching, it’s always a blast!

“I was ner v first week ous for the of term, b ut by Day 3 I h ad alread y made some frien ds becaus e we were all in the same boat, starting s omewhere brand new.”

SUPRA & YOU EXTRA

SUPRA CURRICULAR HIGHLIGHTS OXBRIDGE & RUSSELL GROUP PREPARATION Interview training, HE+ tutorials, admissions guidance, and access to College alumni.

MEDICINE, DENTISTRY & VETERINARY SCIENCE UCAT preparation, volunteering, mentoring from Oxford medical students, and hospital placements.

TOMORROW’S TEACHERS PROGRAMME In partnership with Tes, this pathway nurtures the next generation of educators.

WIDENING PARTICIPATION PROGRAMMES Collaborations with universities and professional bodies offer bespoke support, workshops, and reduced entry offers.

EXTENDED PROJECT QUALIFICATION (EPQ) A self-directed research qualification valued by universities and employers alike.

NEW FOR 2025/26

HIGH PERFORMERS PROGRAMME

Full details to be announced soon.

FOOTBALL Interested in joining the College football team?

Book your place at trials on...

Tuesday 26th August 2025 2:30pm - 4:30pm

To book your place, scan the QR code using your phone’s camera

EXTRA CURRICULAR HIGHLIGHTS CLUBS & ACTIVITIES From British Sign Language and 5-a-side football to performing arts and creative workshops, our thriving club & activities helps students make friends and pursue their passions.

TRIPS & GLOBAL VISITS Students travel to cities such as New York, Paris, Berlin, and cultural landmarks and academic destinations across the UK through subject-based and wholeCollege excursions.

FESTIVALS & FUNDRAISING Events such as Halloween Fest, Christmas Fest, Prom, and Valentine’s Bake Sales bring the College community together for fun and purpose.

COMPETITIONS & AWARDS Students compete nationally in Law, STEM, and debating, with notable success in the European Youth Parliament and Bar Mock Trial finals.

STUDENT YOU HIYA! I’m Maria

One of your student ambassadors at BSFC!

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Wondering what your College life may look like? In this section, here’s everything you need to know - from free periods to lunch options!

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A TYPICAL Making the switch to the College from high school is a fresh start for everyone.

With free periods and fewer subjects to study, your College day will feel very different from high school.

While you’re settling in, your free periods are a great opportunity to get to know your classmates, explore the different study areas in College and see what’s on offer in Claughton Village. You can’t go wrong with Hursts Bakery or Tesco!

Scan the QR code to wa tch what my typi day looks cal like!

FREE Unlike high school, your timetable will include free periods.

You are expected to manage your own free time, and you’re able to utilise the facilities available on and around campus - for example, you can work in the HUB (our Learning Resources Centre).

There is also ‘8SQ’ - the canteen and social space - which has a great choice of food and drinks, along with seating in the conservatory.

Birkenhead Park, a leading landmark on the Wirral, is just a short walk away from the College and is a great place to meet up with friends.

FOOD & 8SQ CANTEEN Here you can enjoy high-quality hot food and drinks throughout the day.

From hot lunches to healthy snacks, our friendly catering team excels at providing delicious food. Popular offerings include hot breakfasts, coffees, and daily specials for lunch, all served in our five-star food hygiene-rated canteen.

With a variety of options available – there is something for everybody!

Did you k

no

The reason w? behind the name is ‘8SQ’ bein due to g the end of our Col lege postcode!

GETTING TO Route 1 - New Brighton

FREE

ON B

URSA

College Buses The College provides five subsidised bus services, accessible from all areas of Wirral, Merseyside, and Cheshire.

They are an easy, affordable and popular option for most students.

Tickets will be available at Enrolment.

Route 5 - Heswall Route 2 Eastham Route 4 - Neston

Public Transport Due to the location of the College, there are various bus stops around the College, and Birkenhead Park Train Station is just a short walk away.

For more information, please visit: www.merseytravel.gov.uk

Route 3 - Ellesmere Port

RY

FINANCIAL The College is committed to ensuring that all students have access to the right resources to succeed in their academic studies and remove any barriers to participation.

Bursaries are based on individual needs and could help cover costs such as: • • • •

Travel to and from College (if you live more than a mile from the campus) College meals Compulsory College trips Selected learning materials

Details on how to apply will be given to you at your Enrolment appointment.

For full details including eligibility criteria and vulnerable student bursaries, please visit: www.bsfc.ac.uk/college-information/bursary-scheme

COLLEGE

On site, we have our very own VIPs (Very Important Pooches)- Alfie, Toffee, and Teddy – who are, as you can imagine, very popular members of staff!

TEDD

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OUR COLLEGE DOGS AS PUPPIES!

ALF

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LIFE AT

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Birkenhead Sixth Form College

@bsfc_

@bsfc_college

WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU IN

www.bsfc.ac.uk Birkenhead Sixth Form College Park Road West, Claughton Wirral, CH43 8SQ

MOST INSPIRATIONAL SIXTH FORM