HNC Refresh Programme

The HNC Refresh Programme is for students who have previously enrolled at HNC but did not complete their studies. To ensure that we can identify that returning to HNC is genuinely the right next step for an applicant, we explore and discuss the reasons a study programme was not completed as part of our final decision.

While previous experiences at HNC are not necessarily a barrier to an offer of a place, we will need to identify that the factors that led to a first enrolment not being successful are fully resolved, and the fresh start will be a success. Important notice: the maximum number of funded years for post-16 (16-19 study) is three, therefore any previous enrolments when added to your two years enrolment at HNC cannot exceed this total number of years of study. For most applicants this means that if Year 11 GCSEs were taken any earlier than August 2025, they will be too old to be funded at HNC as a Year 12 student.

Applicants are asked to note the following important information:
– If a place is offered to Refresh in Year 12, Admissions staff will advise you on appropriate study programmes based on your GCSE qualifications and your previous experience at HNC.  It may not be appropriate for you to Refresh on the same study programme.

-You must meet the College’s published entry criteria for your requested study programme and we will need to ensure it supports your vision for the future

– If you apply to Refresh and resume your studies in Year 13 you would ordinarily need to recommence the same study programme.

-It is important to understand that funding arrangements for 16-19 Colleges mean that should a new start not work as planned, we would not be able to accommodate a further request for the following academic year. This also applies if you have completed/started post-16 studies at an other institution. This is why we also take great care to identify that a place on the Refresh Programme has every chance of success

– Attendance at a one to one interview is a requirement and this will take place with an experienced interviewer who will explore the circumstances of your prior enrolment with you to ensure returning is genuinely the right next step for you. If the application is not received by 12 December, this will not take place until the summer term (please see below)

– Applications close on 15 May 2026. After this point the form will close and no further applications will be accepted in any circumstance with the exception of students who have had their place withdrawn by the College at a point where meeting this deadline would not be feasible. Where this is the case, further specific information will be provided directly to the student about the process. Please note that applications received beyond the College’s standard admission deadline of 12 December will not be reviewed or considered until the summer term and outcomes cannot therefore be provided until this point

– All applications are reviewed against current entry criteria for the academic year and the College reserves the right to pre-decline applications where we can see that the applicant does not meet published entry criteria

– We strongly recommend that if you are offered a place that you come to the welcome event, Hudd Fest (10 July) as this is valuable opportunity to meet teachers and your new peers. Please note if you are successful, you will be required to attend the compulsory Induction Day in 2026.