Countdown to College
Exams are over, summer is here and we can't wait for you to join us in September!
But before the start of term begins, there's a bit of admin you need to do!
Just follow the simple steps below... don't worry, it's all very straightforward and we're here to help at any time.
myPetroc is your access to all things college-related!
Make sure you log in (see the top of this website!), update your password and check your details as soon as you can. You can then view a checklist of items to upload, such as your exam results, a copy of your DBS (if required) and a photo for your ID card.
You should have received your login details via email when you applied. If not, please check your spam/junk folder or contact AdmissionsAndEnrolments@petroc.ac.ukÂ
Please log in to myPetroc and check that your personal information (such as your name, address, contact details, and emergency contact) is correct.
If everything is accurate, you're all set!
If anything has changed since you applied, please submit a request to update your details as soon as possible.
Depending on the course you study, you may be provided with a reading list, you might need to get some special course-related equipment, or you might have to apply for a DBS check.
Look for your course here to make sure you have all the equipment and books you need before starting in September. Check back here for an updated list of any kit or equipment you may need.Â
You may also be asked to complete some transition work before the start of your course - we'll contact you separately about this.
Later in the summer, you will receive a letter from us inviting you to an Enrolment Day. During the Enrolment Day, you'll collect your ID badge, check your qualifications/grades, and get support with travel and bursaries. Most importantly, you will be enrolled onto your course, gain access to vital learning material and view your timetable.
Enrolment Days will take place on the following dates, your letter will confirm which date and the time that you need to attend, the process should only take a couple of hours:
- Thursday 21 August
- Friday 22 August
- Tuesday 26 August
- Wednesday 27 August
- Thursday 28 August
- Friday 29 August
Apprentices will be invited to an Induction Day so be sure to look our for an email from us!
Higher Education/Access to HE learners will be invited to a Welcome Day on Friday 5 September.
Please make sure you check your email for full details as you will be allocated a specific date and time.
If you have any queries, please take a look at our enrolment page or call us on 01271 852427.
Have you decided how you'll travel to college? Whether you plan to come by bus, car, bike or foot, take some time to familiarise yourself with the route you’ll need to take.
If you’re planning on taking the bus, take a look to see if you're eligible for a free bus pass.
Education is free for all students aged 16-18 but there may be additional costs you need support with such as learning materials and travel.
But don't let money worries stand in your way.
The 16-18 Bursary Fund provides help towards any extra costs associated with your course. Take a look at the criteria to see if you can get financial help towards the cost of a bus pass, equipment, books or trips.
You may also be eligible for free college lunches. Check out the criteria and apply now so that we can make sure it's available for you at the beginning of term.
We have a great range of clubs, activities and Academies here at Petroc to help you develop your skills, meet like-minded people and broaden your horizons.
We have all sorts of groups for wide-ranging interests such as LGBT+, volunteering, sustainability, STEM, music, sports, and so much more! Make sure you take a look, sign up and get involved!
We have a whole range of support available to help you when you start college, from Additional Learning Support to Young Adult Carers to Wellbeing.
Get in touch to find out how we can help make your experience at Petroc a happy and fulfilling one.
We know that College may seem like a vast place compared to your school. To help get your bearings, why not take a look at our virtual campus tours or download a map! You can see where your classes will be held as well as the best social spaces to hang out with friends!
There's always loads of great news and information we want to share with our students whether that's success stories, snow closures or events! To stay up to date with news about your college, follow us on Facebook (Petroc Official), Facebook (Tiverton campus), Instagram and TikTok.
want to speak to someone?
Contact our Advice & Guidance Team who will be happy to help:
If you missed our online parent welcome events, catch them here:
- What’s happening with the Petroc and Exeter merger? Will it affect my son starting in Barnstaple in September? We’re in the due diligence phase of merging with Exeter College, which should complete by January. This won’t affect students starting in September – all programmes will continue as planned.
- Can guardians bring siblings to induction day? Yes. We welcome family support at induction and can arrange extra visits if needed. Contact us to discuss.
- What is the term start date? Term officially starts September 1. Some programmes begin later that week or the following week.
- Do you have induction dates? Induction runs August 22-29, focused on curriculum areas. If you can’t attend your scheduled date, we’ll offer alternatives.
- Will there be a SEND-focused presentation? Yes. A SEND-specific online event is being finalised and details will be shared soon.
- What if my young person didn’t get any GCSEs? No problem. Contact us and we’ll discuss alternative pathways and support options.
- When are travel bursaries available? Information on travel bursaries is given at enrolment and available from the start of term.
- What are college hours? The day runs 8:55am - 4:35pm to align with bus times. Students usually have classes 3-4 days a week.
- Is there support for EHCP students and can they do Duke of Edinburgh? Yes. EHCP students can fully access support and take part in activities like the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
- What happens if a teacher is off sick? For short-term absence, work is set and supervised. For long-term absence, a specialist teacher covers classes.
- How does work experience work? We encourage students to find placements themselves. If needed, our placement officers help arrange this.
- Will all courses run? What are the minimum numbers? Yes, we plan to run all advertised courses. If a course isn’t viable, we contact applicants with alternatives.
- How does the surf lifesaving academy work? It currently runs Wednesday afternoons. Contact us via the website for more details.
- Who should I call if my young person hasn’t sat GCSEs? Contact our advice and guidance team. They’ll connect you to foundation learning staff to discuss options.
- Can my son request a hockey club? Yes. We’re open to student suggestions for enrichment activities and will set up clubs where possible.
- Do students need an appointment for enrolment day? No. We send an invitation with a date/time. If it doesn’t work, contact us to reschedule.
- Do you have high staff sickness rates? No. Staff sickness is low and typical of most workplaces.
Is there support available for students during break and lunch times?
Yes, absolutely. At Petroc, support is available throughout the entire day, including break and lunch times. Learning Support Assistants are on hand, and there are also quiet, designated areas such as "The Pod" for students who need a calm environment.
Will my child receive support if they don’t have an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan)?
Yes. All learners at Petroc receive tailored support based on their individual needs, regardless of whether they have an EHCP. Information about a learner's support needs is gathered during interviews and again at enrolment, and also through communication with feeder schools.
How do you support students with an EHCP who are reluctant to engage with visible support?
Support at Petroc is discreet and always agreed upon with the student. Staff work with students to develop a Learning Inclusion Plan that reflects their preferences. For example, a student may not want a visible Learning Support Assistant in the classroom, so alternative support methods are arranged. Support is integrated into the classroom setting in a way that feels normal and non-stigmatising.
What general support is available in the classroom?
Many classrooms, especially in Level 1 courses and core subjects like English and maths, have two staff members, making support feel natural and inclusive. This approach helps all students feel comfortable accessing help without being singled out.
Is one-to-one support available outside of class time?Yes. Additional Learning Support Intervention Tutors offer one-to-one sessions outside of lessons. These can be scheduled in person or online, based on what suits the learner best.
Can timetables be adapted to suit individual needs?
Yes, timetables can be tailored for learners who find full-day attendance or transitions into college challenging. A gradual build-up of attendance can be arranged as part of a flexible curriculum approach. Monitoring and adjustments are made regularly to ensure progress and comfort.
What should I do if I think my child might need a tailored timetable?
Get in touch with the college as early as possible, ideally before term begins. This allows staff to plan support proactively rather than reactively, which can help prevent issues with attendance and engagement.
