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#LongRoadLife

WELCOME TO #LONGROADLIFE

Hello, from Long Road!

We are so glad that you have decided to make an application to study with us in September 2026. We would like to introduce you to #LongRoadLife, our monthly applicant newsletter that is jam-packed with information all about, you guessed it, Long Road life!

Our applicant newsletter is designed to help prepare you for life as a Long Road student and contains important updates from our Admissions Team.

We hope that it will keep you excited about joining us as a new student in September!

Best wishes, Long Road

HELLO FROM OUR ADMISSIONS TEAM

Hello to all Long Road Sixth Form College applicants from the Admissions Team!

We are delighted that you are considering joining us for this next exciting step in your educational journey, and are here to support you through the admissions process

Now that you ’ ve breathed a sigh of relief that your application has been safely submitted what’s next?

The next big admissions events are the Virtual Advice and Guidance Meetings, which will take place throughout the Spring, starting with 12 & 13 February, running all the way up until Summer

These meetings are a chance for you to get to know us and for us to get to know you; to talk through your options, your chosen courses and your plans for the future with a friendly expert They are meant to help you decide if Long Road is right for you, and are not something to worry about.

We will be explaining a little more about them in our special Advice and Guidance Meeting edition of the newsletter over the coming weeks so make sure you check your emails regularly for our next update

We are looking forward to meeting you!

Very best wishes, Long Road Admissions Team

YOUR APPLICATION TIMELINE

Your application timeline will help you keep track of where you are in the admissions process and keep you informed of what happens next. Look for the arrow location to see where we are in the process!

OCTOBER 2025

Applications Open

13 JANUARY 2026

Applications Close.

Applications made after the deadline may be placed on a waiting list

20 AUGUST 2026

GCSE Results Day

Good luck! We're keeping our fingers crossed for you

25 - 27 AUGUST 2026

New Student Enrolment

Welcome to the Long Road family!

SPRING

& SUMMER 2026

Virtual Guidance Meetings & Conditional Offer

(first round takes place 12 & 13 February 2026) Discuss your options with an experienced member of staff. You'll receive a conditional offer via your Admissions+ account shortly after your meeting

29 JUNE 2026

Welcome Day

Spend the day as a Long Road student; try out your subjects & get a taste of Long Road life. Auditions for Performing Arts subjects will also be held during Welcome Day

3 SEPTEMBER 2026

New Student Orientation

Your first day on-campus as an official Long Road student!

7 SEPTEMBER 2026

Start of Academic Year

2026/2027

Time to start your Long Road life!

SHUTTLE BUS

TIMETABLE

Daily Morning Buses:

Collect from Cambridge Train Station at 8:10am, 8:40am & 10:25am.

Monday, Thursday, Friday Afternoon Buses: Collect from Long Road 2pm & 4:20pm.

Tuesday & Wednesday

Afternoon Buses: Collect from Long Road 12:30pm & 4:20pm.

TRAVELLING TO COLLEGE

PLANNING YOUR JOURNEY:

If you ' re not sure what your journey to college will look like then a travel planner is a great place to start Click here to use our journey planner.

LONG ROAD SHUTTLE BUS

To support our students in their journey to college we provide a FREE Shuttle Bus that runs between Long Road and Cambridge Train Station

The Shuttle Bus is exclusively for Long Road students, simply show your Student ID Card when your board the bus!

Take a look at the dark pink box on this page to see our current Shuttle Bus Timetable.

TRAVELLING BY BUS

Long Road is well served by local bus companies Whippet, Stagecoach and the Guided Bus The closest bus stops to the college are Robinson Way, Puddicombe Way and Long Road Addenbrookes Hospital Bus Station is just 10 minutes walk away Journeys may be direct to college, or could require a change in Cambridge City Centre.

Further information on bus routes and timetables across Cambridgeshire can be found by clicking here.

If you choose to travel by bus you may be able to receive discounted travel in the form of a Tiger Pass or Student Bus Pass. To find out more information about the discount deals, visit the bus providers website

TRAVELLING TO COLLEGE

TRAVELLING BY TRAIN

Cambridge Railway Station is currently the closest station to the college approximately 1 5 miles away

Students can then catch the FREE Long Road Shuttle Bus from Cambridge Railway Station to the College Alternatively, the walk from Cambridge Railway Station is approximately a 25 minutes or 10 minute cycle

Students who travel by rail may be able to receive discounted travel by visiting the rail providers website, or click here for more information on our college website.

For more information on train routes and timetables please click here to visit the National Rail Enquires website

HELP WITH TRANSPORT COSTS

Please contact your local County Council in the first instance to check eligibility and request a Post 16 Educational Transport application form. If you require assistance with this cost or your application is rejected by your local County Council, then you may be able to get help through the College’s 16-18 discretionary bursary.

THE NEW CAMBRIDGE SOUTH STATION IS DUE TO OPEN IN SUMMER 2026, LOCATED JUST A 7 MINUTE WALK AWAY FROM OUR CAMPUS!

TRAVEL TOP TIPS

Research your route using simple tools such as Google Maps

Discount Deals

Once you ' ve figured out how you'll travel to college, visit the website of your travel provider to see if they offer any student discount.

Do a test run

Get up one morning and do a test run of your journey to college to see if it's something you could manage everyday!

KEY INFORMATION

Average Class Size = 20 students

Maximum Class Size = 26 students

College Day = 9am - 4:10pm

Year 1 Student Lunch = 12:25pm - 1:05pm

Lesson Duration = 1.5 hours

Weekly Lesson Time = 14 hours

Recommended Weekly

Independent Study Time = 12 hours

WEEK IN THE LIFE OF A LONG ROAD STUDENT

Studying at Long Road is different to studying at school We recognise you as an individual and treat you as an adult Not all of your learning will be in classrooms; you'll hear lectures and attend workshops led by experts related to your study programme and future goals

At Long Road you will be taught by highly qualified and experienced subject specialist teachers Our small class sizes (maximum 24 students) allow for high levels of student participation in mature group discussions, encouraging you to develop and express your opinions

The college day runs from 9am4:10pm, but unlike school you won't spend all day in classes Independent study periods allow you to work on assignments, carry out research and explore your course in depth outside of the classroom.

You will have 3 lessons per subject per week, meaning you spend just over 14 hours per week in classes

We recommend 4 hours per subject per week for independent study, totalling 12 hours per week, and an additional 1 hour planning for the week ahead This adds up to 27 hours, 10 hours short of a working week. If you use your independent study periods wisely you’ll be able to keep every evening and weekend free to enjoy!

College life isn’t all about academic study; it’s a time to meet new people and try out new experiences Our enrichment activities are a great way for you to explore your passions and get to meet other students outside the classroom Maybe you ' ve already got a keen interest - or maybe you ' re looking for a new hobby - either way we ' re sure to have something that you want to get involved in

EXTENDED PROJECT QUALIFICATION

Boost your CV and enhance your personal statement while carrying out an independent project on a topic you love The EPQ is equivalent to half an A Level, but it’ so much more than an extra qualification.

The Extended Project Qualification showcases to employers and universities that you ’ re an independent learner, able to manage a project, solve problems, organise your time, conduct original research and produce a high-quality product.

Independence is key with the EPQ, meaning you get to choose what you’d like to study and how you’d like to study it. The topic can be related to your other subjects or can be something completely different, allowing you to explore your other passions.

You can decide how you present your final product You can… write a dissertation create an artefact produce a performance carry out an investigation

If you decide to carry out the EPQ you’ll start at the end of Year 1 of your Level 3 course, giving you time to think about your goals after Long Road and tailor your EPQ to help achieve these dreams.

Although the EPQ is largely independent study, you’ll have a specialised EPQ tutor to keep you on track and regular lessons to help you to understand the requirements of the qualification.

WHY SHOULD I STUDY EPQ?

Depending on the grade you achieve you can gain up to 28 additional UCAS points!

Universities look at EPQ as an excellent way for students to prepare for degree level study. It demonstrates your dedication to independent learning . In fact, it's so highly valued that some universities will lower their grade boundaries if you achieve a high EPQ grade!

MEET SCHOLAR STUDENT,

ANGIE

I chose to study at Long Road because of the positive and supportive environment and how it provides a range of different opportunities for us alongside the education I knew Long Road would help me to develop to the level beyond. Besides, I have always wanted to study in a completely new environment where I can meet new teachers and friends, enhancing my social life.

I would say that my favourite thing about being a student here so far is the great level of independence we were given here, especially the free periods between lessons have ensured me to arrange my free time wisely, taking a higher level of responsibility to my own education. Also, the friendly

environment in college and the support that I was given at the start of the year have effectively guided me to settle into the new environment really quickly

I chose to apply for the Scholars Award as I think it would definitely be a good opportunity for me to enrich my college life as well as different personal skills, such as leadership I believe this would help me to be more confident. It was also a really big motivation for me to revise and complete my GCSEs to the best I can Not only this, being a scholar would definitely enhance my CV for universities. I am planning to save parts of my scholarship money future use, such as a graduation trip, or to get a driving license

ANGIE

Secondary School: St Peter’s School, Huntingdon Year 1 Student

Studying: Biology Chemistry Graphic Design

Progression Goals: Biomedical Science Degree

Click here to apply for the Long Road Scholars Award today!

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: AARON

Since I have left Long Road, I am training to be a primary school teacher and have done 1 year of a Primary education Degree at Liverpool Hope University, and I am now doing an undergraduate in Childhood and Youth with Education for the remaining time of my undergraduate degree

I chose to study at Long Road Sixth Form college because I really enjoyed the atmosphere and speaking to the teachers and other students gave me the opportunity to try new subjects that I have never done before.

My favourite memory of Long Road was when I got the opportunity in Year 12 to take part in a creative workshop day at Cambridge Junction.

Long Road helped me build my confidence at meeting new people. The college also helped me get ready for university life by discussing the importance of the next steps in my future career

Long Road also helped me learn the key skills for interviews and what questions would be asked in a job interview scenario. This was an important skill that I learnt at Long Road. Long Road also helped me develop first aid skills and how to use a defibrillator correctly

Long Road also helped to develop my other skills such as effective communication, Teamwork, resilience and responsibility for the different environments and situations that will occur in the future.

this is just the beginning for them

Results across both A Levels and Applied courses were strong, with many students attaining top grades such as A*A*A* or Triple Distinction We are equally proud of those who have made exceptional progress during their time at Long Road, often surpassing expectations

inspiring futures, today’s results highlight the continued strength of our community and the bright opportunities ahead for our students

Whether moving on to higher education, apprenticeships, or embarking on their chosen careers, our learners leave with the skills, confidence and ambition to succeed you re

destined for great things!

Steve Dann, Principal

After our hike down the Volcano on day two our students had earnt some relaxation time! We spent some free time exploring the volcanic black sand beaches, swimming in the warm waters of the Mediterranean and treating ourselves to some arancini and granita (a local iced slush drink). After a fantastic day, we boarded the hydrofoil ferry again and headed back to mainland Sicily, where after an eventful journey we made it back to the hotel and some tasty pasta dinner.

GEOGRAPHERS START YEAR WITH TRIP TO SICILY!

This September, 29 of our Year 2 Geography students kickstarted the academic year with a trip to Sicily! We had an incredible experience throughout the trip, seeing multiple volcanoes up close, experiencing Sicilian culture and food, sampling local honey, exploring old lava flows as well as enjoying a bit of beach relaxation time!

On our first day after a very early morning we arrived at Catania airport in Sicily, where we met our coach and drove straight to the Alcantara Gorge, Botanic and Geological Park. This incredible site featured towering basalt columns which formed when lava rapidly cooled in contact with cold water. A river has since

cut its way down through weaknesses in the basalt to form a gorge, with waterfalls and incredible views. This was a lovely place to cool off and explore after a long journey It was then back on the coach and off to our hotel in Letojanni, which was right on the beach, for some dinner and a well needed early night

Our second day was particularly volcanic, and after an early start we arrived as Messina Port, where we boarded a very speedy hydrofoil ferry to the island of Vulcano, just off the coast of Sicily. This incredible island is dominated by a major volcano (Vulcano), after which all other volcanoes in the world are named! Vulcano last erupted in the 1890s, and is

GEOGRAPHERS START YEAR WITH TRIP TO SICILY!

Luckily for us, conditions were perfect and the weather was excellent, and we met our local guide who took us on a guided hike to the very top of the volcano, with a panoramic view of the stunning surrounding islands and the crater of the volcano. From the top, we could see most of the Aeolian islands in the distance, including Stromboli volcano, which was in the process of erupting! and some tasty pasta dinner.

The next day was Mount Etna day – something we had all been greatly looking forward to! With a trusty guide taking us around the summit of the volcano, we saw some incredible landscapes which were very stark and barren, and walked on freshly created, 10-day old ground. We saw lava bombs from the recent eruption,

still warm, collected rock samples and saw some truly unforgettable sights.

Finally, our last day in Sicily had come, and unfortunately we had to adapt our plans on this day, as the first BIG rain of the season hit Sicily after a very dry summer, with the most torrential rain we have ever seen pouring down across the island for around 5 hours. We made it to Taormina, a beautiful historic town which houses an incredible ancient Greek / Roman amphitheatre

Despite the rain on the last day, we had an excellent trip. We have many incredible memories of the trip, and lots of extra tectonics knowledge now! Now to plan our next trip

GEOGRAPHY

A LEVEL

Has this story piqued your interest in studying Geography A Level?

You’ll need 5 GCSE’s at Grade 5 or above, including 5's in Geography GCSE, English Language GCSE and a 4 in GCSE Maths.

Click here to head to our website and find out more!

The Tiger Pass is a scheme offering £1 bus travel for under-25s. Discounted travel can be a lifeline for many young people across the UK.

WE SAVED THE TIGER BUS PASS!

We look forward to continuing our work with Cambridge Citizens, the Cambridge and Peterborough Combined Authority and Mayor Paul Bristow to ensure that young people across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough have access to affordable and sustainable travel.

On Thursday 18th of December, Charlotte Smith, Social Action & Enrichment Coordinator, along with four students: Safa Darr, Jeffrey Asomani, Amna Rushdhi, and Ryan Nyazamba, attended the Cambridge and Peterborough Combined Authority Board Meeting to secure another year of funding for the Tiger Pass, which will be extended until March 2027.

Before the board meeting began, Ryan presented Mayor Paul Bristow with a Tiger teddy which sat at his desk for the duration of the board meeting Additionally, Jeffrey gave him a copy of the report on why the Tiger Pass is important to young people, which included testimonies

from young people interviewed across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, as well as an open letter to the mayor supported by a variety of educational leaders and allies, including Steve Dann. Finally, Safa asked Paul if he would come to Long Road in the new year to talk to students about the Tiger Pass, which he happily committed to.

This is a brilliant example of how students at Long Road Sixth Form College can be involved with broad-based organising and can campaign for something in their personal interest and have a countywide impact

STUDENTS GET SNEAK PEEK OF CAMBRIDGE FILM FESTIVAL 2025

The Cambridge Film Festival is the third-longest running film festival in the UK and this will mark the 44 film festival. The festival runs from 23 Oct to 2 Nov and includes a family film strand as well as international festival highlights. th rd nd

We were visited this week by Cristina Roures of the Cambridge Film Festival team Cristina spoke to our A Level Film Studies students about the many different ways in which students can get involved with the festival For many years, Long Road film students have volunteered at the festival and found it to be a really rewarding experience.

Our students were also given a sneak preview of the schedule for the festival's ‘industry day’. The industry event is a superb opportunity for students to hear about the many different types of roles available in the film industry, as well as a range of experiences from professionals in those differing roles

The film festival programme includes a huge range of feature films and short films which will help our students prepare for the creation of their own short film in their second year We always look forward to the Cambridge Film Festival, and it is a superb opportunity to engage with films from around the world

FILM STUDIES

A LEVEL

If you are passionate about films and are interested in both the analysis and creation of film, then this could be the course for you.

This course provides an excellent qualification for a creative apprenticeship or a successful career in the film industry.

Click here to head to our website and find out more!