I’ve submitted my application to OSFC - what happens next?
Firstly, well done on submitting your application! The next step in the application process will be to attend an interview. How the interview will happen may differ slightly, depending on the school you attend. However, the key details will remain the same.
You will receive an email with your interview details. This email will include your interview date, time and where the interview will take place. Our main interview period runs from January to March each year, so don’t worry if you don’t hear from us straight away.
The interview itself is a supportive process, designed for us to find out more about you and your career aspirations, and guide you onto the right pathway. The interviews will take around 15 minutes and will be with an experienced member of OSFC staff. There will also be a chance for you to ask any questions you may have about studying at OSFC.
The subjects you are offered during your interview are not set in stone, so please do not worry if you have second thoughts. There will be another opportunity to discuss your pathway and make changes during your enrolment appointment in August, after you receive your GCSE results.
How we select applicants for an interview
Before inviting students for an interview, there are a number of factors we will consider. This includes:
- Predicted or achieved GCSE/BTEC grades
- Grades achieved in mock GCSE exams
- Attendance and commitment shown at school
- The interests and abilities of individual students
What should I prepare for my interview?
It is a good idea to come prepared with ideas about what you might like to do in the future. You don’t need to have a specific plan, or even a plan at all, but a rough idea of what you would like to do after sixth form is a good starting point. Do you want to go to university? Are you more interested in a degree level apprenticeship, or maybe you want to go straight into a career. Whatever you want to do next, the interviewer will make sure that the courses you are interested in can help you get there.
We will also ask why you are interested in the subjects you have chosen. Maybe you have always been interested in Science, or want to try something new like Sociology. Whatever the reason, make sure you tell your interviewer. It’s OK if you have chosen subjects that you are good at too- in fact, we encourage it! We will also look at your predicted grades, and make sure you are on track to meet the entry requirements for your subjects. If you are attending any extra sessions, don’t forget to tell us as this can help when we make our decision.
You will also be able to discuss anything interesting you may have done throughout your time at school. This could be a part-time job, volunteering, work experience- anything you have done outside of your studies. We would also love to hear about any extra-curricular activities you have done in school. Are you a school prefect, or do you play for a team? If you have any documents highlighting personal achievement, or an Oldham Pledge Passport, bring these along as they can be a good starting point.
What do I need to bring to my interview?
You can bring along a parent or guardian, if you wish, and there will be a waiting area for them whilst the interview takes place. If you have any certificates or a record of achievement, you can bring this along too for your interviewer to look at.
If you have any certificates or a record of achievement, you can bring this along for your interviewer to look at.
What questions will the interviewer ask?
Firstly, we will ask you to confirm some contact details for yourself, such as your mobile number and address. This is to ensure our records are up to date.
The main focus of the interview will be confirming your course choices and making sure you are on the correct pathway. This conversation will be steered by your career interests, your subject choices and your predicted grades. We will also ask about any extra-curricular activities you have done whilst at school, such as sports, DofE, being a prefect- anything outside of your studies.
You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about studying at OSFC. It is good interview etiquette to come with at least 1 question prepared.
When will I find out if I have a place?
You will be told the outcome at the end of the interview. Remember; all places are offered on a conditional basis. This means that it is subject to you achieving the necessary grades in your GCSE exams- so it is not a reason to stop working hard!
What happens after I have been offered a place?
There are a number of tasks for you to complete before you enrol with us in the Summer. This includes logging into the Applicant Portal and completing your Health Declaration form, uploading your ID and providing us with details for 2 emergency contacts.
In the Summer, you will be directed to our pre-enrolment portal where you can upload a photo for your college ID card, enter & upload your GCSE results and book your enrolment appointment.
All the details will be shared with you via email, as well as exciting updates about our New Students’ Day in July.
Who can I contact if I have any questions after my interview?
You can contact the admissions team by emailing admissions@osfc.ac.uk or calling us on 0161 287 8000. We also have a Live Chat function on our website, which is monitored Monday to Friday 9am-4pm, if you have any questions.
