Frequently Asked Questions
Where is The Sixth Form College, Solihull?Solihull is situated in the heart of the UK, a short distance south-east of the city of Birmingham. It is a pretty and lively town and the College is within walking distance of the main shopping area, set in picturesque parkland.
It is well connected to the rest of the country by a network of roads, motorways and railway lines, plus Birmingham International Airport is close by.
How easy is it to get to College on public transport?
There are good rail and bus links to get to the College.
By Train:
The nearest railway stations to the College are Widney Manor and Solihull.
Travelling from the North and West these stations can be reached via Birmingham, using either Snow Hill or Moor Street stations. Travelling from the South and East, Widney Manor and Solihull are on the same line as major stations like Leamington Spa and Warwick.
Widney Manor Station is closer to the College, but not all trains on these routes call at this station. Services call at Solihull Station more frequently – see train timetables for specific schedules at www.thetrainline.com
Solihull Station is situated just off the B4025 (Streetsbrook Road) a 15-minute walk from the College, while Widney Manor Station is on Widney Lane, just off Widney Manor Road where the College is situated.
By Bus:
The No. 4 bus route have regular services from Birmingham City Centre to Solihull, stopping at Widney Manor Road, just outside the College.
Those coming from Knowle and Dorridge can travel to College on the Solihull Circular (40A, 40C).
Additional bus services go to Solihull town centre from all over the region. From Birmingham City Centre the 37, 41, 57 and 57A routes all go to Solihull Town Centre. Meanwhile those travelling from Redditch can take the 75 bus route, those from Coventry the 900 bus route, those from Northfield the 48 and 49 bus routes and those from North Birmingham (e.g. Sutton Coldfield, Castle Bromwich, etc) the 966, 71 and 72 bus routes. Please visit www.travelwm.co.uk for bus timetables.
Where is the nearest airport?
The nearest airport is Birmingham International Airport, which is just 5 miles away and can be reached easily by bus, train and car.
How far away from London is the College?
London is 114 miles or 183 kilometres away from Solihull. Travelling by train this takes approximately 2 hours. There are also good road links to London.
Are there necessary amenities (banks, shops, etc) near to the College?
The College is a short walk of approximately 10 minutes away from the town centre of Solihull, where there is a large shopping area and all the amenities you will need.
Does the College provide accommodation?
We support international students in their search for appropriate accommodation during their stay in the UK.
Many students have family nearby and choose to stay with them, which we fully support. However, we recognise that there are those who are entirely new to the UK who may need assistance in finding suitable accommodation.
For students under the age of 18, home stay accommodation is provided. This is where students stay with a host family near to the College, where they are provided with their own furnished bedroom and study space.
What support does the College offer to international students?
The College is committed to providing pastoral, as well as academic, support. This means that assistance is offered to those students that need it, whether it be learning support, help for those students with disabilities or merely offering students the opportunity to participating in other activities.
Can I get help to improve my English?
Yes. The College runs ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) courses at the start of the academic year to help students improve their English. Additional tuition may be arranged as necessary.
Are there any fees to pay?
We only accept applications from British and European Union citizens, so there are no fees to be paid for studying at the College. Unfortunately we are no longer able to accept applications for students coming from outside the EU.
Do I need a visa to study in the UK?
We only accept applications from British and European Union citizens, so no visa is required.
What are the entry criteria for studying at the College?
There are minimum standards which we expect students to have reached in order to be enrolled onto a programme of study at the College. This is based on your level of written and spoken English and one your qualifications and examination results. As the education system differs from country to country, individual consideration will be given to each student and the equivalence of their education system to the British system will be determined. On applying to the College, students should include as much information as they can about their existing or pending qualifications so this judgement can be made.
How do I apply?
For a step-by-step guide to applying to the College, click on "How to apply".
Is there a uniform/dress code?
No. Although students are expected to dress appropriately during lessons and in College generally, there is no set uniform. Outdoor clothing, e.g. scarves, hats and gloves, should be removed during lesson time or when in the library/learning centre or Refectory.
