Switching from Work Permit to Student Visa

[Stephanie]

Hello!
After completing my Master's a little over a year ago, was lucky enough to find employment and get a Work Permit sorted. Fast forward a year and I am ready to go back to school, have been accepted on a PhD course and can't wait to start in the fall. What I don't know is how to approach getting a new student visa. All of the forms seem to be geared towards those either switching from a tourist visa or continuing an existing student visa...
i happen to be going home prior to the start of my course for a visit, should i just risk getting standard point of entry clearance for a student, or will they not grant it as i have a work permit sticker in my passport?
please advise!