Petroc

Petroc is a further education college in Devon, serving up to 20,000 students each year, with major campuses in Barnstaple and Tiverton. It employs up to 1,000 staff and enjoys a partnerships with thousands of businesses and training apprentices.

Background and history

Petroc was formerly known as North Devon College and East Devon College, the former of which was established in 1952, the latter in 1961. These institutions formed a merger on August 1, 2008, having expanded significantly over the ensuing years, and were officially known as North Devon College until becoming Petroc in 2009. The college is named after St Petroc, the patron saint of the Devon flag.

Location and accessibility

The college's outreach covers an area of South West England of 1,500 sq miles, with eight major learning centres within this radius. With such a scope in mind, the college provides in-depth location and travel details for each campus on their website.

What's on offer?

The college has a huge variety of courses in order to meet the demands of such a range of learners. There are academic FE courses, apprenticeships and work-based programmes, HE courses run in conjunction with Plymouth University, plus a host of part-time, distance and international study options.

Courses at Petroc encompass A-levels, BTECs, NVQs, HNDs, foundation degrees and honours degrees, as well as apprenticeships and train to gain schemes. 

Finance and funding

16-18 learners are eligible for the 16-18 bursary fund, as well as financial assistance with travel costs to their designated area of study. For 19+ students there are tuition fees applicable, which can be waived if you meet the college's benefits criteria. Tuition fee payments must be completed in full.

The Factory is a specifically-designed music and live events venue that hosts live music events for up to 500 people. It utilises a hands-on approach and offers training in a professional working environment for all Petroc Creative Industries students. It also offers a recording studio plus rehearsal lounges.

The college has access to three theatres across its campuses.  The Barnstaple Theatre, Brannams and Tiverton Drama Studio are all available for rehearsals and productions by members of the college's performing arts and music students.

The Hair Academy is staffed by the college's hairdressing trainees and offers 50% discounts to fellow students and is open most days and evenings.

The Exe Restaurant caters for events, seminars and theme nights, as well as casual dining, and is staffed entirely by trainee students beneath the guidance of industry standard tutors. Discounts are available for staff, OAPs and students.

The Sanctuary Spa offers treatments performed by the college's trainee spa therapists. There are a wide variety of treatments and products available.