Fircroft College FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) – Academic Year 2022/2023

(updated 1st August 2022)

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 [email protected].  We also hold Open Days every Tuesday - you can register to attend here www.fircroft.ac.uk/open-days

if you need technical help with applying online please contact [email protected]

For anything else please email [email protected]

Will I have to wear a mask if I go to the college?

We have lifted our COVID restrictions and you are no longer required to wear a mask. However, if you wish to wear a mask - that's fine by us!

Is the college a safe place to study and stay?

Although we have lifted our COVID restrictions we still maintain cleaning to a high standard; hand sanitizer points are placed around the college; classrooms have safe air purifiers and windows are opened when required.  

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 every Tuesday.

If you just feel a little bit off colour and you want to come into the college, please take a lateral flow test before you come in, if you can.

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.

Take a look at a virtual tour of the college here.

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) some of our courses may be FREE  to you depending on your financial circumstances.  One day taster courses, English, maths and some IT courses are free no matter what your financial situation is. 

Even if you have to pay fees, we do our best to ensure finance is not a barrier to learning and the maximum anyone would need to pay for a course, regardless of its length, is £150.00.

Once you have applied for a course online, our Admissions team will contact you to discuss the course and fees with you.

Please see our fees page here

Are meals and accommodation, if relevant, included?

Once we have assessed if the course is free to you or if you need to pay fees, all the accommodation and meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) as well as drinks at designated tea/coffee breaks, will be included, where relevant, and you will not need to pay extra for these things.

Are there some residential courses?

Our courses are residential with the exception of our one day taster courses and a few longer courses.  Please take a look at our courses page here

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.

If I apply online 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.

How old do I need to be to study at Fircroft College?

As long as you were at least 19 years old by 31st July 2022, you will be able to apply for courses in our college year of 2022/2023, that starts in September 2022