Fircroft College FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) – Academic Year 2025/2026
(updated August 2025)
In addition to these FAQ’s, please see our policies here
How old do I need to be to study at Fircroft College?
As long as you were at least 19 years old by 31st August 2025, you will be able to apply for courses in our college year of 2025/2026, that starts in September 2025.
Where do I need to live to apply for a course?
Our funding from the West Midlands Combined Authority is for people living in the West Midlands county – Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall, Solihull and Coventry.
If you live outside those areas and you wish to apply for a course, please contact our Admissions team at admissions@fircroft.ac.uk.
How do I find out more about the college and apply for a course?
There is lots of information on our website about our courses and the easiest way to apply is online through the website. However, we realise not everyone is able to apply online and you are welcome to contact our Admissions team to discuss any of our courses and to apply. Telephone 0121 472 0116 or email admissions@fircroft.ac.uk. We also hold Open Days every Tuesday.
If you need technical help with applying for a course online please contact ITsupport@fircroft.ac.uk.
For anything else please email enquiries@fircroft.ac.uk.
Do I have to stay overnight?
Yes. 90% of our courses are residential and if your course is residential, even if you live close to the college, we require you to stay overnight. We are funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority as a residential college and we are the only one in England. So that we can continue as the unique place that we are, our students need to be residential.
Residential learning has lots of benefits. You can immerse yourself in your studies, it gives you time to think about yourself and your future ambitions, meet new people and enjoy the relaxing environment with 6 acres of grounds. Find out more here
When will I know if I have been enrolled onto a course?
It can take quite a long time to enrol you onto a course so that we can ensure you have the best possible learning experience. Because we are offering courses 7 days a week, we usually are able to contact you about your application as early as possible which can be one or two weeks before it starts. You are welcome to contact the Admissions team, if you have any questions.
Please ensure you answer the ‘phone when we ring you so that we can talk to you about your application.
What if I have an appointment?
Our courses are 3 days and 2 nights and because our courses are quite intensive, we ask that you rearrange any appointments for times when you are not at the college. Our courses finish at 5.00pm every day so you are welcome to leave the college after that time to attend appointments as long as you return to sleep at the college. If you do have an appointment, please contact the Admissions team as soon as possible to discuss.
If you are on a longer course (2 weeks or more) at the college, please notify the Admissions team and your tutor as early as possible if you have an urgent appointment during that time, that cannot be changed.
Is the college a safe place to study and stay?
The safety of our students, staff and all visitors is very important to us. We maintain high health and safety standards at all times and there is always a member of staff on site throughout the night to assist students, if needed.
What if I don’t feel well before I am due to come to the college?
If you do not feel well it would always be advisable to stay at home. If you are currently on a course please follow the normal procedure to inform the college you are unwell and then stay at home. If you are due to attend an Open Day, please just book onto another Open Day – we hold them most Tuesdays.
I haven’t been to the college before, what can I expect?
Fircroft College offers a mature, friendly and supportive environment. On your first day, even if you have been to the college before, you will be given an induction before the class starts where we will welcome you to the college, inform you about practicalities such as break times and meal times and go through health and safety considerations to ensure you have a great experience with us.
Please note that we are an alcohol-free college and do not allow alcohol on the premises at any time.
What are the fees?
Our courses are funded mostly by the West Midlands Combined Authority and are therefore for people living in the West Midlands county including Birmingham, Dudley, Sandwell, Wolverhampton, Walsall, Solihull and Coventry. Other areas of England may be eligible. If you are interested in applying for a course but you do not live in any of these areas, please contact the Admissions team on 0121 472 0116 to see if you are eligible to apply.
If you live in the funded areas (see above) our courses would be FREE to you if your annual income is less than £34,000 per year, and you meet the eligibility criteria. One day taster courses, English, maths and some IT courses are free no matter what your financial situation is.
Please see our fees page here
Are meals and accommodation, if relevant, included?
If you are enrolled onto a course, all the accommodation and meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) as well as drinks at designated tea/coffee breaks, are included, where relevant, and you will not need to pay extra for these things.
Are all the courses residential?
Our courses are residential with the exception of our one day taster courses and a few longer courses. Take a look at our courses pages and if you see something you like, why not apply for it?
When can I apply?
If the course is on the website you will be able to apply for it online. Please try to apply at least one week before the course starts so that our Admissions team can process your application thoroughly. Our Admissions team processes courses in date order so please bear with us if you do not hear from us until a few days before the course starts. However, if you have any questions about your course you are very welcome to contact the Admissions team at any time. You may want to attend an Open Day where you can find out more and apply for a course on the day.
Sometimes we have lots of people applying for the same course which might mean you are not enrolled onto that course. However, we do our best to ensure you are enrolled onto the next course, or you might be interested in other courses we offer.
Please ensure you apply as soon as possible as, as well as enrolling people who meet all the eligibility criteria, we enrol people in the date order of the applications.
If I apply for a course, does that mean I can definitely do the course?
Our Admissions team will assess your application and will contact you to discuss it with you. We always do our best to try and ensure you are on the right course to match your ambitions and skills level so that you get the most from your learning experience at the college.
If I complete a course successfully, when can I expect my certificate?
If you completed a short course, we aim to ensure your certificate is sent to you within 2 months from the end of the course.
If you completed a longer course that is accredited by an awarding body, we will do our best to send you your certificate within 8 – 12 weeks from the date you successfully completed the course.
