Admissions Policy
Introduction:
This document details the NCHP policy on admissions to our pathways. Student recruitment and marketing are beyond the scope of this policy. The policy applies to applicants, advisers, college admissions staff, and organisations interested in the NCHP admissions activities.
The NCHP aims to:
- Offer attractive and relevant programmes underpinned by the NCHP’s high academic reputation and institutional quality standards.
- Recruit students with appropriate levels of entry qualifications.
- Attract and retain students who have the potential to succeed in their chosen pathway.
- Ensure that there is equality of opportunity for all applicants irrespective of their background.
- Treat all applications fairly and consistently, evaluating each application on their own merits.
Whilst the NCHP is responsible for the admission of students, there are specific responsibilities for applicants throughout the admissions process. Applicants must read and accept the terms and conditions at the initial application and acceptance stages.
Admissions Criteria:
Criteria for admission, including entry levels and grades, are approved annually by the academic board. These criteria will support the college’s aims and follow the UKCP requirements and the principles in this document. Academic qualifications, psychological maturity and capacity to undertake the course are the prime considerations for our admissions selectors.
Selectors will typically use the following criteria to assess an application:
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- Academic qualifications (including certifications and qualifications yet to be taken). The NCHP recognises a wide range of qualifications for admissions purposes.
- An English language proficiency test (for international students whose first language is not English). English tests are now a formal requirement of the UK Visas and Immigration for students requiring a Tier 4 (student) visa to enter the UK.
- Personal statement
- References
- Educational context, for example, contextual data provided by applicants, UCAS, information on UK partnership schools or international collaborative partners.
Pathway specific criteria:
In addition to the essential criteria described above, there will be specific entry requirements for certain pathways. Pathway-specific criteria are listed in the NCHP prospectus and our website’s pathways section.
Special cases:
Transfer to NCHP for part of a pathway will be considered by selectors and the training and standards officer. Although the NCHP considers applications from students who wish to transfer from another college or university into a pathway, such applications are considered case-by-case.
Deferrals:
The NCHP will consider applications from students who wish to defer the start of their pathway until the following academic year.
Criminal Convictions:
To help the NCHP maintain a safe and secure learning environment, applicants to study pathways must provide information relating to any previous relevant criminal conviction. Relevant convictions include:
- Unspent offences involving any violence
- Unspent offences concerning the intention to harm or resulting in actual bodily harm
- Unspent offences involving the unlawful supply of controlled drugs or substances where the conviction concerns commercial drug dealing or trafficking
- Unspent offences involving firearms
- Unspent offences involving arson
- Unspent offences listed in the Sex Offences Act 2003
- Unspent offences listed in the Terrorism Act 2006
Convictions that are spent (as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974) are not relevant. Consideration of convictions is separate from the assessment of academic suitability.
Assessment and Selection:
Assessment of applications is undertaken by trained academic and administrative selectors and conforms to current principles and practice guidance. Assessment of stages is undertaken by trained administrative and academic selectors in the relevant faculty. Selectors are provided with detailed guidance on admissions procedures, online resources and regular briefing events
Feedback:
Feedback to unsuccessful applicants:
Applicants who are unsuccessful with their application to study at the NCHP may formally request feedback on their application. Feedback is not provided to a third party without the applicant’s express consent.
Appeals and Complaints:
Applicants have the right to appeal under the appeals process or complain if they believe that the admissions process has not met the appropriate standard or that a procedural irregularity has affected the outcome of their application. Complaints are sent in the first instance to the complaints officer. However, the formal grievance process may be invoked if the issue is not resolved.
Date of the last amendment to this document and ratification by The Academic Board – 16/5/22