We’re looking forward to seeing you start at Stamford College in September.
On this page, you’ll find all the important details you need, including start dates, required kits and uniforms and your summer assignments to get ready for the new term.
Animal Care starting college dates
Before starting college, you must attend your allocated enrolment appointment.
The main enrolment page shows the enrolment date for each subject area. You will also be sent a personal arrival time. Please attend at the date and time provided to you.
The dates below are for your first full day at college following enrolment. Find your course below to see when you need to attend.
| Course | Starting college dates |
| Level 1 – Land-based Studies | Tuesday 1 September 2026 |
| Level 2 – Animal Care | Thursday 3 September 2026 |
| Entry level | Wednesday 2 September 2026 |
| T Level Year 1 | Tuesday 1 September 2026 |
| T Level Year 2 | Monday 7 September 2026 and Wednesday 9 September 2026 |
Ensure you enrol to secure your place!
Have you applied and accepted your place at the college? You’ll soon receive an email link to complete your online Getting Ready for College Enrolment form. Please ensure you complete this form before attending your face-to-face enrolment.
Once you have completed this form you will be emailed your specific date and time to attend your face-to-face enrolment appointment.
This appointment will confirm you place, and you will officially become a student at Inspire Education Group.
Enrolment for 2026 is from Thursday 20th August to Friday 28th August 2026.
If you require any support during the process, please contact the Information, Advice and Guidance team who will be happy to assist you.
Getting to College
From public transport to our own services, students have a wide range of transport to choose from.
Financial Support
Visit our financial support page to find a clear and simplified overview of the most frequently asked questions regarding funding your course and receiving financial assistance.
Kit, Uniform and Summer Assignment
Kit/Uniform
To ensure you are well-prepared for your studies both in college and at home, we advise you to purchase the following items. These will help you plan and keep up to date with your coursework:
- A4 lever arch file
- Pens and pencils – you need to bring this equipment every day
- Set of 10 dividers
- A4 notepad
- Consider suitable home IT technology to allow work and lessons to take place (tablet, laptop etc.) and let us know as soon as possible if you have any issues with this.
- Phones can be brought into college but must comply with phone pocket rules during lesson times.
It is mandatory for students to purchase the following items as they will be required to wear these when in college in case of practical sessions for safety and biosecurity. If the student receives financial support from the college then costs can be covered. – Animal studies tunic. – Any black work/cargo trouser. – Steel toe cap boots. – Hair ties for long hair. – Either the Stamford animal studies polo shirt or top. Stamford College branded items are available from Kitman UK already linked on the website.
Students may not be able to participate in practical sessions on particular days if they are wearing nail varnish/false nails and if they are unable to remove piercings – This is due to safety around animals and promoting industry standards.
Additional for the Level 3 T-level: It is not mandatory but strongly suggested that students look into purchasing the two textbooks linked below. We have enough for some students but not all!
Please follow the links to purchase uniform/kit.
Summer Assignment
Find below Animal Care’s Summer assignments for Level 3 and potential T Level students:
- https://www.stamford.ac.uk/app/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/Summer-set-project-T-Level-Activity-One-1.png
- https://www.stamford.ac.uk/app/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/Summer-set-project-T-Level-Activity-Two-1.png
Our level 2 qualification contains mandatory trips required to pass the course, 3 per year. There could be fees associated with this.
Various trips will also be opened up to entry, level 1 and T-level students, therefore pricing will be confirmed nearer the time when numbers are confirmed. The recommended trips for each course will be highlighted to students.
We run an optional end-of-year trip to Drayton Manor which will be offered across the courses.
Level 1 students must completed 18 hours of work-related learning. Level 2 students must complete 35 hours of work-related learning. This is organised by the college but parent/guardian consent may be required to ensure students can complete these volunteering visits.
T-level students must complete 315 hours of work experience at an external placement across the two year course. Students are required to source their own placement (with support) and these hours cannot start until the placement has been approved by the college work experience team. Completing work experience is mandatory to pass the qualification.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve got our top frequently asked questions to make sure you’re all set for enrolment and starting college in September.
Enrolment confirms your place at Peterborough or Stamford College. You will confirm your course and level, and officially become a College student.
Yes, new students must enrol in person. You will receive an email with your specific date and time.
No, returning students complete an online “Getting Ready for College” form. Instructions will be sent via email.
No, new student enrolment is face-to-face. Complete the online “Getting Ready for College” form before attending to save time.
Enrolment starts from Thursday 20th of August (GCSE results day) to Friday 28th August.
The in-person part takes about 40 minutes if you have completed the online form and brought your exam results and proof of identity.
There is no strict deadline, but spaces can fill up. Attend your assigned time to secure your place. If you miss it, contact the college immediately.
If you haven’t got your GCSE results yet please still complete the ‘getting ready for college’ form as soon as possible. You can enter your predicted/target grades. This can then be updated at a later stage once you have your results. Do not wait for GCSE results day to complete the ‘getting ready for college’ form.
You can enrol on one course. For A Levels (at Stamford College), you will enrol in three individual subjects.
Yes, you can change your course within the first 4 weeks of term. However, due to high application volumes, we can’t always guarantee a switch to your desired course, but we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs. If you know the course you want to switch to, speak to your teacher. If unsure, get in touch, or call 01780 484311 for guidance and support from our Information Team.
Applications are still open.
Find out how to apply by clicking this link.
You will get your ID badge at the end of your in-person enrolment.
Check your Spam and Junk folders. If you still haven’t received anything, get in touch.
You need to attend in person to finalise enrolment and collect your student ID.
Report to the Welcome Desk near the main reception with your documents. The staff will guide you through the process.
If you cannot attend, complete your Pre-enrolment form and inform the admissions team immediately. Spaces are limited, so contact them to arrange an alternative time.
Get in touch via our website, by livechat or by phoning: 01780 484311
Contact us to discuss options. We can help you find solutions.
Don’t worry! If you’re aged 16-19 and didn’t pass your GCSE Maths and/or English exams, you’ll be able to retake them alongside your chosen course. If your course requires a passing grade, we may adjust your offer to a lower level course. Our tutors will discuss your options with you during your enrolment session, and we’ll support you every step of the way.
Yes, bring proof of your GCSE results, other qualifications, and proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, driving licence, residency card, or work ID).
For Level 3 Loans and fee-remitted courses, bring ID and benefit evidence/wage slips to enrolment to avoid delays.