Parents and Carers

Everything you need to know about studying with us

At Capel Manor College, we are here to support young people and their families in the important transition from school to college. With a range of exciting career paths available, we empower young people to follow their passions by offering a range of courses specialising in animals, plants and the environment.

Guided by industry-experienced tutors, our students are immersed in a hands-on, practical learning environment, as we help them to reach their full potential.

We have gathered helpful information and guidance for parents and carers of full-time students to make their journey as smooth as possible. Find out more below.

Meet our Principal

Peter Brammall

"Thank you for taking an interest in our College. We are very proud of the work that we do to help our students reach their desired destination and achieve their goals.

Capel Manor College is an open, friendly and supportive place to study and work. We are much more than just a place to learn; we are professional and purposeful, and our aim is to support the environment and green skills in London.

Our mission is to equip our students to take advantage of the huge opportunities that exist across the London economy, with employers increasingly needing the green skills that our students acquire. This demand is forecast to grow in the years ahead, as the move towards increased environmental awareness, the importance of green skills and sustainability, and the expansion of green spaces around the region all gather momentum.

We also think your child will have a rewarding and fulfilling experience along the way, studying in our unique, tranquil campuses – including over 200 acres of gardens and woodland, two zoos, a farm and thousands of animals - with all the options for supportive, enriched experiences they offer."

London's environmental college

A broad range of subjects to choose from

Our courses are unique with a strong focus on our natural world and the environment. Our vocational courses offer students hands-on experience working in our gardens, zoos and farm. The balance of classroom learning and working outdoors not only enhances academic understanding, but also helps to ignite students enthusiasm and enjoyment for learning.

Our courses range from Level 1 all the way up to Higher Education (Level 4). We work closely with families to ensure that every child has the opportunity to start studying a course that they will love and is suitable for them. In addition, students will have the opportunity to retake their GCSE Maths and English exams where necessary alongside their chosen course.

Four campuses across the capital

Four of our five campuses offer full-time courses for 16 to 18 year olds. We encourage you to attend one of our Open Days where you can discover more about the courses on offer. Staff will show you around, help explore what options are available to you and how you can apply.

Whilst studying with us, you will benefit from:

  • An alternative to the traditional school setting
  • The opportunity to work outdoors and in real-life environments
  • A free breakfast daily
  • Internationally recognised qualifications
  • Fun, educational trips
  • Inspiring, training facilities
  • Opportunities to enter national competitions
  • Professional career guidance

Foundation Learning Provision

Our foundation learning provision offers courses based around The Prince’s Trust programme. These courses are designed to help young people aged 16 to 19 bridge the gap between their current educational status and their future goals. Courses are available at our Enfield, Gunnersbury Park and Mottingham campuses, and we offer a 14 to 16 provision for School Links students at our Enfield Campus.

Students with an Educational Healthcare Plan (EHCP) will be offered an interview in parallel with their consultation process. This allows them to see the College, meet tutors and find out more about the right level of course for them.

Students receive high levels of individually-focused support and will develop their personal, social and employability skills. As part of studying with us, students will undertake a range of class-based and practical activities, introducing them to the various areas of the land-based industry. 

Parent and Carers FAQs

You and your child can visit us to find out more by attending one of our upcoming events.

These are a great way to meet our expert course tutors and ask any questions you might have about your child's chosen course. It also gives insight into what life is like at Capel Manor College.

You can apply online for all courses, simply click on the ‘Apply now’ button and fill in your details. Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an email from us acknowledging receipt.

If you have a question that is not included below, please contact our Admissions team. You can do this by giving them a call on 0303 003 1234 or by submitting a contact form here.

No. We accept applications throughout the year but recommend that you submit your application early to secure your place, as we receive large numbers of applications for our courses. If you are currently undertaking any exams you do not need to wait for your results to apply.

We will be in contact with you via email with next steps so please keep an eye on your email inbox, as well as your spam and junk folders.

If your child is aged 16 to 18 years old at the time their course starts, and studying one of our Entry Level, Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 study programmes, their course will be funded by the government. If they are 18 and looking to study a higher education course, such as a BSc, they will need to apply for Student Finance. You can find full details about course fees here.

Discretionary Bursary

Your child may be eligible for a discretionary bursary if they are aged 16 to 18 and are in a household income of up to £30,000 per year. Discretionary bursaries are means-tested and are intended to support your child with books, transport or course equipment costs. They may also be eligible for a discretionary bursary if they are aged between 19 and 24, with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Please remember they will need to meet the College’s standards on attendance to receive payment. Applications are available in the main reception area of each campus.

16 to 19 Vulnerable Young Person Bursary

Your child may be eligible for £1,200 across the academic year if they are aged between 16 and 19 and living in care (or are a recent care leaver) or living independently and in receipt of Disability Living Allowance/PIP and Income Support/ESA/Universal Credit. This bursary is intended to support your child with course-related costs, such as travel, books, or equipment. Please remember they will need to meet the College’s standards on attendance to receive payment. Applications are available in the main reception area of each campus.

Care To Learn
  
If your child is a parent aged under 20, they may be eligible for support as part of a government scheme. They can apply online through gov.uk

Free College Meals

Your child may be eligible for free college meals if they are aged 16 to 18 and in receipt of a college bursary. £3 will be paid into your bank account for the days you are timetabled to be in college.

Free breakfast

From 8 to 9.30am, your child can choose one of the following: 

• Porridge pot 

• Mini breakfast cereal 

• Bread bap with bacon, sausage, egg or hash brown 

Accompanied by a tea, coffee or cold drink.

Oyster card

If you live in a London borough and your child is 18 and under, they can also apply for a Zip Oyster photo card which gives them free or discounted travel around London on buses, the tube, DLR and Overground. Find out more here.

If your child has applied for a full-time course or apprenticeship, they will be invited to an interview to make sure the course is right for them. Interviews can be online or face-to-face and an invitation will be sent to them by email. Applicants will not be given an offer without having attended an interview first.

If your child has a reference from their school, predicted or actual grades, please ask them bring this with them. For some courses they may be required to demonstrate their ability in the course area they have applied for. We will notify your child in advance if there are any requirements.

If you are accompanied by a parent/guardian, they are very welcome to attend the interview with you. If you would like to see the facilities, and meet our teachers, you are more than welcome to attend one of our Open Days.

Full-time course enrolments take place in July and August. If your child has received an unconditional offer, they will be invited to enrol via email in July. If they have received a conditional offer that is dependent on GCSE examination results, they will be invited to attend our Enrolment Week in August. Our staff will then issue your child with their student ID and a starter letter.

If your child does not achieve their predicted grades, we will offer them a place on an alternative course or level that is more suitable.

Students required to re-sit or take English and maths as part of their study programme may attend Capel Manor College for more hours each week. Study programmes are designed to meet your child's individual learning needs and prepare them for higher learning, training, or employment. Their timetable at the College will be made up of several different elements that have been designed to help them develop the knowledge and skills they will need in the future. 

You can find out how to get to each of our campuses here.

Course changes are time sensitive and are only possible within a short timeframe of the course start date. It will also depend on the type of course, space availability and your child's previous educational attainment or relevant experience. 

If your child wishes to transfer to an alternate course within the College once they have started, they will need to discuss their options with their course tutor. 

We have a range of full and part-time courses available for adult learners. You can find out more about these here.

Once your child has enrolled on their chosen course, they will receive a starter letter from their course tutor. This will include information on the equipment and PPE required.

If your child is a current student and you require parental support regarding illness or absence, visit here.

Find Your Nearest Campus

  • By car: The Campus is situated just off junction 25 of the M25 and the A10 Southbound

    By rail: Served by Turkey Street Station (from Liverpool Street Station), the College is approximately 20 mins walk from Turkey Street

    By bus: 217 and 317

  • By bus: 157, 358, 410, 249, 432, 322, 417, 3, 363, 202 and 931

    By rail: Served by Crystal Palace Station (from Victoria, London Bridge and Dalston Junction)

  • By tube: Acton Town Station (Piccadilly Line) is 10 minutes’ walk from the Campus

  • By bus: Jevington Way, Alnwick Road and Mottingham Way bus stops are five minutes' walk away

    By rail: Mottingham station is a 23 minute walk from the Campus, with regular services to London Charing Cross, London Bridge, Cannon Street and Dartford

    By car: Mottingham Campus is located on Mottingham Lane, just two minutes’ drive from the A20 Sidcup Road/South Circular Road roundabout