FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where are CIFE colleges located?
Ashbourne, Bales, Cambridge Tutors, Chelsea, Collingham, Davies Laing & Dick, Duff-Miller, Lansdowne and MPW are in London, Bosworth is in Northampton and Brooke House is in Market Harborough. Cambridge Centre for Sixth-form Studies, Bath, Exeter, Harrogate and Oxford Tutorial College are named after the cities where they are based.
How do I know which college is best?
There's no easy answer to that because it depends on the sort of person you are and what you need. All CIFE colleges provide good courses, led by committed and experienced teachers. The teaching in small groups with regular examination practice and emphasis on study skills is invaluable to students. Each college has its own unique atmosphere and to know which one will best suit you can only really be judged by visiting the college and meeting the staff there. The Choose a college page explains ways in which CIFE colleges differ from each other
What do students achieve at CIFE colleges?
CIFE colleges help their students achieve excellent results and get to good universities. Most colleges show detailed results information on their websites, and all will be happy to answer your questions about grades achieved and student destinations. You can trust what they tell you because CIFE exam results statistics are rigorously audited by the British Accreditation Council. One aspect of performance in which CIFE colleges do particularly well is 'value added': helping students exceed the grades that one might expect from their previous results.
How can I be sure that CIFE colleges do a good job?
CIFE colleges all undergo regular inspection by the Department for Children Schools and Families (which used to be called the DfES). They are also inspected either by the British Accreditation Council, the Independent Schools Inspectorate, or both. The Commission for Social Care Inspection check college-provided accommodation and student welfare.
What are admissions procedures like?
Colleges will expect you to visit for an interview. If that's impossible most can assess you via reports etc. Interviews are not meant to be stressful, but provide the best way for the college to find out what you've done, and what your hopes are, and to work out with you the best pattern of courses. Take along your most recent school reports and examples of your written work to give college staff an insight into the stage you have reached. Colleges will offer you a place if they think that they can provide what you need. Of course, a visit is also the best way for you to find out whether the college is right for you, so make a list of questions to ask, people to meet, things to see, and be sure you cover everything - make notes of the main answers too; it helps to remember what was said when you get home.
Can the colleges provide me with accommodation?
It's vital to have somewhere quiet, comfortable and safe to live while you study, particularly if you have to live away from home. The proportion of residential students varies from college to college. In some colleges most students live at home, but in others the majority are residential. Some colleges have accommodation on site or in a college-managed hostel nearby. Most colleges have a team of host families with whom they have well-established relationships. All accommodation is regularly reviewed and colleges take their responsibility for supervision of accommodation very seriously.
How much do courses cost?
CIFE colleges are independent, so rely entirely on student fees to provide the high staffing levels required by small groups and individual attention. Colleges mostly charge according to the number, type and duration of courses you take, so the variety of possible combinations means it is difficult here to give an accurate general fee. Colleges will of course be happy to give you a clear idea of the fees for the specific course combination you need.
Can I get financial help?
A significant proportion of students in CIFE colleges receive financial help from the college. Each college has its own criteria for whether to award help, but you are likely to have to prove that you have exceptional academic promise and financial hardship. You should apply to the college of your choice as early in the year as you can.
Can I do A level in one year?
Yes, but it's very tough if you haven't already studied at sixth-form level. It is possible to take all the AS and A2 papers which make up an A Level in one year and most of the CIFE colleges are able to help you with this in a wide range of subjects. You do have to be prepared to work hard and consistently from day one. Usually the colleges recommend that the AS exams are taken in January and then it is full speed ahead for the A2 in June. Talk your plans through very carefully and listen to the advice you are given when you go for interview.
Can I resit exams in January?
Most but not all AS and A2 exam units are available in January: colleges can tell you which units are set then. They can also advise you on the best timing for taking the units which you've decided to resit. If the improvement you need is not too great and the number of units to be taken not too numerous, you may be able to complete all your resits by the end of January, but you will need advice to work out the best strategy! At GCSE level there is less flexibility: generally only Maths and English are available in January. Colleges can generally help if you only need to resit some units rather than redo an entire course. Just ask!
Can I join a CIFE college for the upper sixth?
Yes, roughly 10% of CIFE colleges' intake are students who have spent the lower sixth year in another school. CIFE colleges' flexible timetabling, individual attention and capacity to provide a genuine fresh start often prove ideal in revitalising a student's prospects.
Can I change examination boards after AS?
Yes, for most subjects it is possible to change to another board for A2 examinations if you move school half-way through the sixth form. However you need to check with your chosen college as not all subjects are 'portable'.
How flexible are CIFE colleges' timetables?
Very. Colleges aim to offer the maximum number of subjects and most can do so without imposing any forbidden subject combinations. Colleges also allow students to mix course levels: for instance to take two subjects at A2 level and a third as a one-year A-level course.
What's the benefit of taking an Easter Revision course?
CIFE colleges run very successful Easter revision courses for A-level and GCSE subjects. Using small teaching groups and experienced teachers, courses cover the key elements of the exam syllabus, spend a lot of time on exam questions and exam technique, and allow time to work with individuals on their particular needs.
How do CIFE colleges help me with UCAS?
CIFE colleges are committed to giving good advice on university entrance, ranging from help with choosing the right courses at university to the writing of that vital UCAS Personal Statement. This is particularly important if you are retaking exams and CIFE colleges are experts in making sure your application has everthing going for it.
Will I fit in?
Students at CIFE colleges are a pretty diverse lot, united by their ambition to get the best education they can. You won't be the only new person starting at your college, and while it may take a few days to settle into the new routine, the small classes mean you will get to know other students very quickly. Colleges ensure that you are linked to members of staff who have responsibility for your welfare so there is always someone with whom you can share any concerns or problems. Colleges also organise extra curricular visits and activities to provide you with yet another dimension to your studies and further opportunities to socialise.
Can I keep up my sports interests?
Yes. If sport is important to you colleges will encourage you to continue with it, and will help to make that happen, either via their own teams or through good links with local clubs and Leisure Centres. Make sure you ask about your favourite sports when you go for your interview so that you have a good idea about what the college can arrange for you.
Do CIFE colleges welcome international students?
Yes, do check our International page.
Who runs CIFE?
CIFE has a permanent secretary (who you can contact via the details given on the Contact page), an Executive Council currently chaired by Fiona Pocock (Principal of Oxford Tutorial College), and a variety of committees on which other CIFE Principals sit. The work of CIFE is supported by our President, Baroness Perry of Southwark, and Vice-President, Hugh Monro.