How do I compare FE colleges? or sixth form colleges?

[SoTiredNeedHoliday]

Hi, I've found a course I think my DS will like but how do I choose the college? It's offered at 4 all about the same distance from us.

Is there a ranking system?

Your DS goes to look around all 4, applies to all 4 and then decides which one he thinks will suit his best after the taster days next summer. I assume he doesn't get his GCSE results tomorrow & he's about to go into year 11.

@SoTiredNeedHoliday

Hi, I've found a course I think my DS will like but how do I choose the college? It's offered at 4 all about the same distance from us.

Is there a ranking system?

This is where the decision start to become theirs. They will only succeed if they like the course and the college and are happy with the journey. They will make the application, the colleges will make the offers to them and they will accept or decline the offers. If you are lucky they will talk to you about it,

@Lonecatwithkitten yes ideally, but not all children are alike. Some prefer a lot of guidance and at 16 they are nowhere near adults. Thanks though, I appreciate for some your comments are spot on.

Is he starting college on September Corbis he about to go into year 11? That will affect the advice you're given.

You look round them and get a feel

• how 'hands off' are they? (ie on the step between school and uni, are they nearer school or uni) Will they chase if the young person slacks off, or leave them to it
• academic tutor system
• pastoral care or SEN support if needed
• extra curricular activities
• support for uni applications or other next steps
• working facilities during the day - are there places to work or is it all very crowded

For BTECs (and possibly some A levels too), just because 2 places ostensibly off the same 'course' they may actually be very different as many BTECs have some core units but then a vast array of optional ones, which the provider chooses, not the student.
So explicitly ask which units they do as it could make a big difference.