Welcome to John Leggott College: A Guide for International Students Arriving in August 2026

John Leggott College (JLC) in Scunthorpe is ready to welcome its new international cohort for the 2026-27 academic year. International Year 1 students are expected to arrive during the week of 26 August 2026, just ahead of the start of the new academic year. This post is for you: a practical, honest guide to your first days in Scunthorpe, England, and how to settle into life at JLC.

A sixth form college in the UK is a specialist institution providing two-year academic study for students aged 16-18, typically leading to A-Level qualifications and progression to UK universities. JLC is one of the most established sixth form colleges in the north of England, and its international student community is a central part of college life.

What are the first things I need to do when I arrive at JLC?

When you arrive at John Leggott College in August 2026, your first contact should be the JLC international admissions team. They will confirm your enrolment, help you set up access to Cedar (JLC's student management portal, where your timetable, student ID, and college photo are held), and introduce you to your designated international student support coordinator.

Every international student at JLC has a named support contact who is available throughout the academic year. This is not a shared inbox or a general helpdesk: it is a specific person who knows your circumstances and is there to help you navigate college life in the UK. 

Your first week at college includes JLC's induction programme, which runs from Thursday 28 August 2026. During this week you will meet your tutors, receive your timetable from Cedar, find your classrooms, and begin to get familiar with the campus before formal lessons start on Monday 1 September 2026.

How do I get to John Leggott College from the airport or train station?

John Leggott College is located in Scunthorpe, in the north of England. Scunthorpe is in North Lincolnshire, approximately 25 miles east of Doncaster and around 30 miles south of Hull.

If you are travelling by air, the most convenient international airports for reaching Scunthorpe are:

• Leeds Bradford Airport: approximately 1 hour by taxi or a combination of bus and train.

• Manchester Airport: approximately 1 hour 45 minutes by train via Sheffield or Leeds, connecting to Scunthorpe via Doncaster.

• London Heathrow or Gatwick: approximately 3 hours by train to Scunthorpe via London Kings Cross to Doncaster, then connecting service.

The main rail route into Scunthorpe is via Doncaster on the Cleethorpes to Sheffield / Doncaster line. Scunthorpe railway station is approximately a 15 to 20-minute walk or a short taxi ride from the JLC campus.

If you are uncertain about your travel arrangements, contact the international team via JLC's contact page before you depart. They can advise on the safest and most straightforward route from your point of arrival in the UK.

What documents do I need to bring to campus on my first day?

On your first day at JLC, you should bring:

• Your UK Student visa and passport 

• Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number, which JLC issued when your place was confirmed

• Any documents requested by the international admissions team in your pre-arrival communication

• A notebook and pen for induction sessions

• Your accommodation address and contact details in written form

JLC holds a UK Student visa sponsor licence from the Home Office, which means the college is legally authorised to issue CAS numbers to international students. This is an important safeguard for you: studying with a licensed sponsor means your visa status is protected throughout your time at college.

Important Visa Information: UK Student visa rules are subject to change. All information in this article was correct at the date of publication. Always verify your country's current visa status and application requirements at gov.uk/student-visa before applying.

Is Scunthorpe safe and affordable for international students to live in?

Scunthorpe is a market town in North Lincolnshire with a population of approximately 80,000. For international students arriving from large cities, the scale may feel different from home. What students often find is that this is actually a benefit: Scunthorpe is manageable, safe, and easy to navigate, with a genuine community feel that larger cities cannot replicate.

The cost of living in Scunthorpe is considerably lower than in London, Manchester, or Birmingham. This means that international students' budgets stretch further, and the financial pressure of day-to-day life in the UK is reduced.

The town centre is within easy walking distance or a short bus ride from most student accommodation areas. There are supermarkets, restaurants, a cinema, and recreational facilities nearby. Larger cities including Hull, Leeds, Sheffield, and Doncaster are all reachable by train for weekend travel, giving students access to wider cultural and social experiences throughout the year.

What courses and university progression pathways does JLC offer?

International students at JLC can study a wide range of A-Level and BTEC subjects across science, humanities, social sciences, arts, and business. A-Levels are the UK's primary qualification for university entry and are internationally recognised by universities across the world.

An A-Level is a two-year qualification, usually studied in three subjects simultaneously. Grades run from A* (the highest) to E (the minimum passing grade). Each grade converts to a number of UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) points, which universities use to assess applicants.

JLC's 2024 results showed 8 in 10 completing students achieved A*-C grades or equivalent, and students have progressed to Russell Group universities including Leeds, Sheffield, and Nottingham.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do international students arrive at John Leggott College in August 2026?

International Year 1 students are expected to arrive at JLC during the week of 26 August 2026, ahead of the college induction programme beginning Thursday 28 August and the first full week of lessons from Monday 1 September 2026.

Is JLC a licensed UK Student visa sponsor?

John Leggott College holds a UK Student visa sponsor licence from the Home Office, which means it can legally issue Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) numbers to eligible international students. Always verify current visa requirements at gov.uk/student-visa.

What English language score do I need to study A-Levels at JLC?

International students typically need an IELTS score of 5.5 or equivalent to begin A-Level study at JLC. Contact the international admissions team via JLC's contact page to confirm the exact requirement for your chosen course.

Is Scunthorpe safe for international students to live and study?

Scunthorpe is a safe, manageable market town in North Lincolnshire with a lower crime rate than most major UK cities. JLC's international student support team is available throughout the year to assist students with settling into the local area.

How far is Scunthorpe from London and other major UK cities?

Scunthorpe is approximately 3 hours from London by train (via Doncaster), 1 hour from Leeds, 45 minutes from Hull, and 30 minutes from Doncaster. Students have easy access to major cities for weekend travel while benefiting from lower day-to-day costs in Scunthorpe.