1. Purpose
Equra College London (“Equra”) is committed to fair, transparent and consistent admissions. This policy sets out how Equra recruits, selects and admits learners to programmes, short diplomas and CPD courses while maintaining academic standards and widening participation.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
- HE-ready programmes and pathways (where applicable)
- Short diplomas and certificate programmes
- Short courses and CPD courses
- Any admissions delivered under a partner arrangement (additional partner requirements may apply)
3. Principles
Equra admissions will be:
- Based on published entry requirements and suitability for study
- Fair, consistent and evidence-based
- Inclusive and accessible, with reasonable adjustments available
- Transparent about fees, key terms, and course delivery arrangements
- Free from discrimination, bias and conflicts of interest
4. Entry requirements and selection criteria
4.1 Published requirements
Equra will publish entry requirements for each programme/course, which may include:
- Academic qualifications and/or professional experience
- English language expectations where relevant
- Any subject prerequisites for specific pathways
- Any course-specific requirements (for example, professional suitability)
4.2 Equivalent entry and non-traditional routes
Equra recognises non-traditional education backgrounds and may consider:
- Professional experience and prior learning
- Alternative qualifications
- Evidence of readiness for study
This may be supported through interview, written statement, or diagnostic activity.
4.3 Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Requests for RPL are handled under Equra’s Recognition of Prior Learning Policy.
5. Marketing and recruitment standards
5.1 Equra will ensure that recruitment communications are accurate and not misleading.
5.2 Equra will not make statements implying university validation, franchise approval, Student Finance eligibility, or awarding body recognition unless formally confirmed and documented.
5.3 Where courses are subject to partner approval, Equra will state the current status clearly.
6. Admissions process
Equra follows these standard steps:
Step 1: Application or registration
Applicants submit a completed application/registration form with supporting documents where required.
Step 2: Initial review
Admissions checks completeness and confirms eligibility against published criteria.
Step 3: Assessment of suitability (where required)
Equra may use one or more of:
- Interview or professional discussion
- Personal statement or motivation statement
- Diagnostic task (where appropriate)
- Reference checks (where appropriate)
Step 4: Decision
Decisions may be:
- Offer
- Conditional offer (pending evidence)
- Not offered (with brief reasons)
Step 5: Pre-enrolment information and confirmation
Equra provides applicants with key information including:
- Course details and delivery arrangements
- Fees and payment terms
- Refund/cancellation terms
- Complaints and academic appeals routes
- Any required policies and student expectations
Applicants confirm acceptance and proceed to enrolment.
7. Identity and eligibility checks
Where necessary and proportionate, Equra may verify identity and eligibility information provided by applicants to protect integrity and prevent fraud. Requirements will be communicated clearly and handled securely.
8. Offers and conditions
8.1 Conditional offers may be made where evidence is required, for example:
- Proof of qualifications
- Proof of eligibility for entry route
- Payment confirmation where applicable
8.2 Equra will provide clear deadlines for meeting conditions.
9. Enrolment
Enrolment is confirmed only when:
- Entry requirements are met (or equivalence confirmed)
- Required documentation is provided
- Learner has accepted key terms and policies
- Fee payment arrangement is confirmed where applicable
- The start date and delivery arrangements are confirmed
Enrolment triggers and fee liability are set out in Equra’s Fees, Refunds, Cancellation and Compensation Policy and student contract terms.
10. Reasonable adjustments in admissions
Applicants may request reasonable adjustments for admissions processes (interview format, time allowances, accessible documents). Equra will respond promptly and proportionately.
11. Deferrals, transfers and changes
11.1 Deferrals
Equra may allow deferral to a later intake where feasible. Fee treatment will follow published terms.
11.2 Transfers
Transfers between courses may be considered where:
- Capacity exists
- Entry/suitability criteria are met
- Academic coherence is maintained
Decisions and fee implications will be confirmed in writing.
12. Conflicts of interest and fairness controls
12.1 Staff involved in admissions must declare conflicts of interest.
12.2 Where a conflict exists, decision-making will be reassigned.
12.3 Admissions decisions will be recorded for audit and review.
13. Fraud, misrepresentation and authenticity
If Equra identifies material misrepresentation or fraudulent documentation, Equra may:
- Withdraw an offer
- Cancel enrolment
- Report the matter where legally required
Any decision will be documented and communicated in writing.
14. Data protection
Admissions data is handled in line with Equra privacy notices and data protection controls. Only authorised staff may access applicant information.
15. Monitoring and review
Equra will monitor admissions activity to ensure consistency and fairness, including:
- Entry patterns and outcomes
- Equality and accessibility indicators
- Feedback from applicants and staff
This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required by partner expectations.