A Beginner’s Guide to the JLC Cedar Portal for New Students

Starting at a new sixth form college involves managing key administrative steps before your first day of lessons. At John Leggott College (JLC), the primary platform for this preparation is Cedar, our dedicated applicant and student portal.

Whether you are a local student from North Lincolnshire or an international learner preparing for your arrival in the UK, activating your online portal is your first official step toward joining the JLC community for the 2026/27 academic year. This guide breaks down exactly how to log in, verify your personal details, and complete your registration tasks securely.

How do you activate your new JLC Cedar applicant account?

Activating your account is a straightforward online process that you should complete as soon as you receive your formal welcome documentation. The portal is accessible on both desktop computers and mobile devices.

To get started, follow these three steps:

1. Visit the Portal: Open your internet browser and navigate to the official login page at https://cedar.leggott.ac.uk/ and select the option labeled I’m an applicant.

2. Enter Credentials: Input your unique username or JLC student email address alongside the temporary password provided in your official physical Welcome Letter.

3. Follow the Prompts: Follow the on-screen security prompts to complete your first-time registration and set a secure, personalized password for the remainder of the academic year.

What information should you check on the Cedar portal dashboard?

Once you successfully log in, you will be directed to your personalised Cedar dashboard. This homepage displays a complete overview of the personal data and contact information extracted from your initial college application.

It is highly important to review this dashboard carefully to ensure everything is accurate before the term starts. Scroll down the main homepage to check your full legal name, date of birth, home address, emergency contact numbers, and email addresses. If you notice any spelling errors or outdated contact numbers, you can use the built-in messaging features to request immediate administrative corrections.

What are the official rules for uploading your JLC student ID photo?

One of your most immediate tasks after logging in is to upload a personal photograph. This image is not just for your digital profile, it is the official picture used to print your physical college ID card and your regional student bus pass.

To ensure your photograph is accepted by student services on the first attempt, you must follow these strict formatting guidelines:

• Framing: The image must be a clear headshot from the shoulders up, facing the camera straight on with no side profiles.

• Background: Stand directly in front of a plain, light-coloured wall so the background is completely neutral.

• Clarity: Your face must be fully visible and completely unobstructed. No filters, hats, caps, or sunglasses are permitted.

• Composition: Ensure your hands are completely out of the frame and not showing in the shot.

To submit your image, simply click the Upload a new photo button on your dashboard, click Choose file to select the saved image from your phone or computer, and submit. The student services team will manually review and approve your picture before it appears live on your profile.

How do you use the Cedar communication stream and information tabs?

The Cedar portal acts as a direct, secure messaging system between you and the college staff throughout the entire admissions pipeline.

Through the Communication Stream, you can ask specific questions about your chosen A-Level, BTEC, or T-Level courses, notify the team of grade changes, or request corrections to your personal profile. JLC staff will also use this stream to send out notices, ensuring you never miss important enrolment updates.

For general campus resources, look to the navigation bar in the top-left corner of your screen. Tapping on the "i" icon and selecting More Information will unlock a live repository of current admissions data. This section is updated constantly throughout the year, providing instant access to transport timetables, enrolment interview schedules, and upcoming holiday term dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I lose the password from my JLC Welcome Letter?

If you misplace your initial login credentials before activating your account, contact the main JLC admissions team directly admissions@leggot.ac.uk to have your temporary password securely reissued.

Can international students complete their Cedar photo upload from abroad?

Yes. The Cedar portal is accessible globally. Overseas applicants should upload their ID photographs as early as possible so that physical campus smartcards and student files can be prepared prior to arrival in the UK.

How long does it take for student services to approve my uploaded photo?

Photo approvals are typically processed within a few working days. During peak enrolment periods in August, reviews may take slightly longer, but you will receive an automatic notification within the portal once your image is approved or if a replacement is required.