Frequently Asked Questions
It’s a big decision. Find the answers to our most common enquiries here.
January Open Evenings
Book your place at our upcoming Open Evenings.
At USP College we understand the importance of making the right decisions about your young person's education and the stresses associated with it.
To try and make this a little easier, we’ve answered some of our most frequently asked questions below.
Enrolment FAQs
When does enrolment open?
Enrolment opens from 9am on GCSE Results Day, which is Thursday 22 August 2024.
What is enrolment?
Enrolment is when you officially secure your place at the College. You will be asked to complete a variety of steps that confirm your previous exam results and decide the course you want to study. Find out more about the stages involved on our enrolment page.
I've changed my mind about my course
If you have changed your mind about what you would like to study, please continue with your enrolment. At stage 5 you will have the option to change your course, and book an appointment with a teacher to discuss this.
My grades aren't what I was expecting
Whether your grades are better, or worse than expected please continue with our online enrolment. Our system will calculate your grades, and will ask you to book an appointment with a teacher if they are too high or too low.
You can also change your option yourself at stage 5.
All course entry requirements can be found on each individual course page.
I haven't applied, do you have spaces?
Firstly, please apply online for the course you would like to study. You will then be sent an invitation to enrol, at this point we will be able to advise you if we have spaces on your preferred course.
Some of our courses do fill up, if the course is full we will try and find a suitable alternative and will also add you to a course waiting list.
Do I have to come on campus?
Our enrolment is a fully online system, however, some students, such as our T-Level students may be asked to attend an on-site discussion/interview.
How do I log in to enrol?
All applicants will receive a link to our online enrolment software, please follow this link and enter your login details, which have also been sent directly to the applicant. (Don't forget to check your junk mail).
Starting USP College
When will I receive my timetable?
For students starting or returning to USP College in September 2024, timetables will be released via the MyUSP app by Tuesday 10 September.
We will update all students once their timetable is ready to view.
When will I receive my lanyard?
If you are a new student you will be able to collect your lanyard and Student ID card on your induction day.
Induction Days are:
Monday 9 September 2024 - A-Levels (academic) and Level 1 Students
Tuesday 10 September 2024 - Vocational (Level 2 and Level 3) and T-Level Students
What are the term dates?
Check out our term dates
Can I book a space on the College bus?
Spaces on the College bus are first-come-first-served. You can view all available routes for our Seevic and Palmer's Campuses on the respective Campus page.
Do you offer Financial Support?
We understand that you may have some concerns about the financial aspects of joining college.
We have a range of bursary options that you can apply for, find out more.
Our most common FAQs
Where can we find you?
USP College has three campuses, our Seevic Campus in Benfleet, our Palmer's Campus in Grays and Xtend Digital in Canvey, all of which are easily accessible on public transport.
Each Campus is currently served by our own College Bus service. Applications for our college bus open in the summer prior to a September start and all applicants will be emailed with information on how to secure their place.
What is USP College like?
The college is a friendly, fun and safe place to study and work. If your young person comes to USP College, they will learn in a well-resourced, supportive environment alongside people of a similar age and from a variety of backgrounds.
What courses are on offer?
Visit our course search for the full range of programmes on offer at USP College. Our prospectus is available to download or a printed version is available on request by emailing info@uspcollege.ac.uk.
My young person is unsure about which course to choose
Find out more about our courses, including career pathways, A-Level courses, Higher Education courses and Apprenticeships or come along to one of our Open Evenings where our Careers Advisors will be on hand to offer advice and guidance. Please do get in touch if you have any questions, email info@uspcollege.ac.uk and we will make sure your query is answered.
When should students apply?
Many of our courses do fill up quickly, so it is best to apply early in the academic year. Students do not have to wait for their exam results. You can apply online here.
What if you don’t get the grades you were expecting?
Don’t panic! There are always other options available, and we can help find the right course for you.
What happens next?
When we receive your application, we will email or write to you to let you know your application has arrived safely. Our Admissions team will then manage your application. We will invite you to an interview where you will be able to discuss your options and course choice(s); we will give you immediate feedback. You can also discuss any support you might need.
Don’t worry, this isn’t a scary process – we just want to make sure you course is right for you now and in the future.
After your interview, we will write to you and confirm the outcome.
Is there extra support if my young person needs it?
All students are screened on entry to USP College to ensure that if additional help is required they can receive it straight away. In addition to progress coaches, the college has a Learning Centre and students can pop in when it is convenient to discuss their needs (receive help).We also have a counselling service for students available whenever they need it. Students can also use computers to help them in their studies. We have experts on dyslexia and if students need assessment or extra help in other areas we have a team of tutors and learning support assistants to help.
The College also provides a range of financial support. All applicants will be emailed in the summer term to apply and start the application process.
How will I know how my young person is getting on once they start?
As well as our Parents’ Evenings, the college has a web-based tracking system. After enrolment, you can request a log in which will allow you to view Subject Reviews and attendance data at regular intervals. Teachers may also contact you with any enquiries which arise with progress or any unauthorised absences. The college expects 100% attendance.
Still unsure?
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please get in contact with the College and we will be happy to help.
Transport FAQs
When will we know if we have successfully reserved a college bus seat?
Further communication will be sent to your young person to confirm that their application has been successful. If they successfully secure a seat, the first instalment's remaining balance of £175 will need to be paid before the beginning of the 1st term.
When there are no further seats available, the college will operate a waiting list system and inform students as soon as possible when a seat becomes available.
What do we do if we believe we're entitled to student bursary support?
Bursary support will be available for eligible students such as low-income households.
The college bus seat including deposit would be paid for by bursary support if your young person is entitled. Please email us to discuss if you believe this will be the case.
What happens if we move house during the term and require a different bus route?
Please email us with regards to availability for the new route. Please be aware that we cannot guarantee a seat and alternative travel arrangements should be considered.
Bursary FAQs
I am unable to register with PayMyStudent? Login is denied
Please email the bursary team who will be able to check your details.
When will we know if our application for the Bursary is successful?
You will be able to log into PayMyStudent at any time to check on the progress of your application. You will receive communication from the system to confirm once your application has been assessed.
Is there a deadline for bursary applications?
We are aware that circumstances can change during the academic year and therefore an application may need to be submitted later. We are not able to backdate payments so payments will be allocated from the point that you have submitted everything required and have been assessed as successful.