RNC Enquiry Line: +44 (0)1432 376621 or email: 
Content
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
General
Q - What if I want to study more than one subject?
A - We develop an individual programme just for you and this could involve studying more than one subject or units from different vocational areas. We can be flexible when we put together your personal package of qualifications.
Q - What if the course I am looking for doesn't appear in the prospectus?
A - If we don't have the programme you are looking for but our local sixth form, art, agricultural or technical college does, we can support you with your studies at that college. You will still live on the RNC campus and benefit from all the support, facilities and social life mentioned in this prospectus.
Q - I'm in employment and can't do a full time course. Can RNC still help me develop new skills?
A - Customised Short Courses
We can draw on the wide range of specialist expertise across the College to create a short course based on any of the programmes already outlined in this prospectus. Call RNC's Enqury Line on 01432 376621 for more details.
Q - Can I visit RNC before I apply?
A - We encourage all potential learners to have an informal visit. RNC has much to offer and in our experience nearly everyone who visits applies for a programme. Contact RNC's Enquiry Line on 01432 376621 or info@rncb.ac.uk
Q - Can professionals who work with people with visual impairment visit the College?
A - We offer dedicated open days (February, May and October) professional development sessions specifically aimed at staff working with people with sight loss. Contact RNC Marketing on 01432 376396, info@rncb.ac.uk or visit www.rncb.ac.uk
Q - Who pays for me to study at RNC?
A -Funding and money matters.
Younger Learners - aged 16-25. Funding from the Learning and Skills Council or Welsh Assembly Government will cover your tuition, accommodation and catering expenses. It does not cover travel expenses, although some local authorities will pay this for half terms and holidays until you are 19 years of age. Check with the Special Education Department (Transport) at your Local Authority. In addition to contacting us, you should speak to the Careers Teacher at your school and also the Personal Adviser at your local Connexions/Careers Centre.
Adult Learners - Aged 19 plus
Speak to your Disability Employment Adviser (DEA) at your local Jobcentre Plus. Your funding body will pay for your tuition, accommodation and catering. If you are funded through the Jobcentre your funding will cover travel expenses to help you with the cost of travelling home every fortnight. You may also be entitled to an additional training allowance. You should also discuss with your DEA the effect training may have on your Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
Q - Who can I contact for more information and advice on making an application?
A - We will be happy to help if you need to arrange a visit, make an application, or need advice.
Contact our Enquiry Line 01432 376621 or info@rncb.ac.uk. We look forward to hearing from you!
Q - How can I find out more about living in Hereford?
Visit www.visitherefordshire.couk
Pre-Entry Assessment
Q - What happens during my assessment?
A - When you arrive at the College, we will help you to settle into the accommodation. There will be a formal welcome session on Monday evening for all assessment candidates. The assessment programme will be based in the Gardner Hall Assessment Centre. It will consist of an assessment of :
• Literacy and Numeracy
• Braille and ICT
• Course/programme that you wish to study and how this matches your aspirations
• Low vision
• Residential needs
• Mobility and independent living skills
Assessment at RNC is a two-way process. It gives us an opportunity to get to know your strengths, interests and support needs and determine whether this is the right place for you. It gives you an opportunity to meet staff and students and ask any questions you might have about RNC.
Q - When will the assessment finish?
A - The assessment programme will end at approximately 5.00pm on Tuesday after we have completed an evaluation form with you.
Q - Who can come to assessment with me?
A - Any potential students under the age of 18 must be accompanied by parent, carer or guardian. Whilst potential students are being assessed on Tuesday, parents, carers or guardians are invited to a brief morning seminar on ‘Life at RNC/Funding issues' between 9.00am and 10.30am; after which they are free to explore Hereford city centre at their leisure.
Q - What do I need to bring to my assessment?
A - Please remember to provide us with copies of documents outlined in your assessment invitation letter. If you have any problems, please let us know. Please bring anything else you might like us to see, for example your Art portfolio. If you are considering the RNC Football Academy programme, please ensure you have appropriate football kit for a fitness assessment. In addition, please bring any portable low vision aids that you use and let us know beforehand if you are a guide dog user.
Q - Where will I stay when I come for assessment?
A - Overnight accommodation will be arranged for you at the Gardner Hall Assessment Centre free of charge. All accommodation is en-suite. We ask for a contribution towards accommodation cost of £35 per person per night for anyone accompanying you. We take payments by cash, cheque [made payable to RNC] or by debit/credit card. It is essential to know how many people come to assessment with you so we can ensure that we can provide sufficient accommodation.
Q - Will meals be provided for me during my assessment?
A - Meals and refreshments will be provided for on campus from your arrival until the end of your assessment. A packed meal for your return journey can be provided by arrangement. Please let us know in advance if you have any special dietary requirements.
Q - I am a wheelchair user or have difficulty walking.
A - This is not a problem as our accommodation is accessible. Please let us know and we will ensure that you have an appropriate bedroom and that your interviews take place in accessible rooms.
Q - Do I need to arrange my own travel to RNC?
A - Yes, you need to arrange your own travel to and from RNC. Railway and bus stations are located within walking distance and cost of a single taxi fare from both stations is approximately £4. If you have any queries about best routes to Hereford, we may be able to advise you.
Q - Do I need to have a CRB check in order to be a student at RNC?
A - All students aged 18 and over on entry must have a Criminal Records Bureau [CRB] Enhanced Disclosure check. We will complete the CRB form with you during your assessment so please bring supporting documentation as listed on the additional sheet. We must see the original documents as photocopies will not be accepted. We will not keep your documents but take photocopies. Please note that you will not be able to enrol at the College unless a satisfactory CRB check is in place.
Q - What happens after my pre-entry assessment?
A - We will let you know the outcome of your assessment by phone within 10 working days and confirm this in writing shortly afterwards.
Q - What happens to my application after assessment?
A - Please note that your attendance at pre-entry assessment does not lead to an automatic agreement for the funding body to fund your placement at RNC. We will continue to provide copies of any communication with you to your Connexions/Careers Wales Advisor [also known as ‘Referring Agency'] as they are responsible for co-ordination of your funding application. Your Connexions/Careers Wales Advisor will then arrange a meeting with the funding body. The funding body will write to you, your Connexions/Careers Wales Advisor and us to inform us about the funding decision. If your funding is confirmed, we will contact you again to discuss your travel/start day and induction.
Q - What if I don't have a Connexions/Careers Wales Advisor?
A - A Referring Agency should have been identified during the annual review of your Statement of Special Educational Needs. You may need to contact your local Connexions/Careers Wales office. Alternatively, your current school may be able to help you. If not, please let us know and we will help you to make contact with the Referring Agency.
Q - Who do I contact for more information about my application or assessment?
A - Members of the Assessment and Review team will be able to help you with your queries.
Please contact us on 01432 376397 / 01432 376342 or via e-mail assessmentandreview@rncb.ac.uk
