What is Chichester College?
Updated
Chichester College is a further and higher education college in the centre of Chichester, England, offering courses across several age groups and study levels. It is relevant to you if you are a school leaver aged 16–19, an adult looking to retrain or upskill, someone considering an apprenticeship, or a learner preparing for university-level study. The college's own site describes a city-centre campus with views of the cathedral, modern facilities and student support.
Who the college serves
The college organises its provision around four main audiences, each with its own route into study:
- School leavers (16–19) — A Levels, T Levels, Apprenticeships and SEND foundation programmes, positioned as preparation for a career or further study.
- Apprenticeships — Open to school leavers aged 16–18 and adults 19+, covering intermediate, advanced and higher levels. Training combines a qualification with paid on-the-job experience.
- Adult education — Professional qualifications, leisure courses and commercial short courses, aimed at career changers or those building new skills.
- University-level courses — For those starting university in September 2026 or still exploring options, with applications accepted directly or through UCAS.
Course types and study modes
The site's course search lets you filter by study mode, which indicates the flexibility available:
| Study mode | What it typically means |
|---|---|
| Full Time | A main programme of study, common for school leavers |
| Part Time | Study alongside work or other commitments |
| Distance Learning | Study without regular on-campus attendance |
| Short Course | Focused courses, often for adults or leisure |
| Work Based Learning | Learning delivered through employment, as with apprenticeships |
This range matters if you need to fit study around a job, caring responsibilities or an existing role — the mode you choose determines how much time you spend on campus.
Key dates and documents to check
The college publishes guides tied to specific academic years, so confirm you are looking at the right one:
- New adult course guide 2026/27 — for adults planning study in that year.
- 2027/28 prospectus — for full-time students aged 16–19 considering a September 2027 start.
- University-level courses — information for a September 2026 university start or earlier exploration.
If your intended start year is not covered by these documents, check the site again closer to your application window rather than relying on an older guide.
How to decide if it fits
Use these conditions to judge whether Chichester College matches your situation:
- You want a campus-based experience in a small city — the college highlights its central location and cathedral views as part of campus life.
- You are weighing apprenticeships against classroom study — the college offers both, so you can compare earning while learning against a full-time programme.
- You are an adult returning to education — the adult guide and short courses are the relevant entry points, not the 16–19 prospectus.
- You need a specific qualification level — apprenticeship levels (intermediate, advanced, higher) and university-level courses are listed separately, so check the level before applying.
The most reliable next step is to attend an open day, which the college runs so prospective students can explore the campus and ask about courses directly. If you cannot attend, use the course search filters and download the guide for your age group and start year.