If you’re leaving school and planning your next steps, you might hear a lot about applying and enrolling at college. They sound familiar, but they’re two different steps in your journey.  

Here’s a simple breakdown to help you understand, and make sure you don’t miss out!  

Step 1: Applying  

Applying is the first thing you do when you decide you’re interested in joining a course at college. Think of it like putting your name down to say “I’m interested!”  

• You usually apply during Year 11, before you sit your GCSEs.  

• You don’t need your exam results yet, just your predicted grades.  

• This step saves your spot and shows you’re serious about the course.  

After you apply, we’ll likely invite you for an interview. This could be over the phone, in person at college, or by questionnaire. It’s a chance for us to get to know you and make sure the course is a good fit.  

So, applying is not you officially joining the course – it’s just letting us know you would like a place.  

Step 2: Enrolling  

Enrolling is when you officially join the college and the course, and it happens after we’ve offered you a place.  

This takes place after you’ve received your GCSE results, usually in August.  

• You’ll receive an email from us with full instructions on how to enrol – so keep an eye on your inbox! 

• Some enrolments will happen face to face at college, others will be online.  

• If your enrolment is face to face remember to bring your GCSE results along with you.  

• During enrolment, you’ll confirm your place, complete any paperwork, and officially become a Milton Keynes College student.  

Just applying and getting an offer isn’t enough, you must enrol to secure your place and start college.  

Don’t wait, enrol as soon as you can!  

Once you’ve got your results and received your enrolment email, don’t delay. Places can fill up quickly, and we want to make sure you get onto the course that’s right for you.  

If you’ve already applied, great! Keep an eye on your inbox for communications over the summer. If you haven’t applied yet, there’s still time we also have Advisory Days coming up after results day, find out more here.  

Need help or have questions?  

Contact admissions at admissions@mkcollege.ac.uk or try our School Leaver Chatbot