Reaseheath College

Reaseheath College is a land-based further education college situated largely in Worleston, Cheshire. It caters to almost 7,000 students, studying across further and higher education, and was graded 'Good, with outstanding features' by Ofsted in 2010.

Background and history

The college's foundations begin with the organisation of agricultural education, which was introduced to Cheshire in 1890; although the structure of Reaseheath Hall dates back to the mid-18th century. The college expanded over the ensuing years and purchased further land (including the aforementioned Reaseheath Hall) in 1956. However, the institution was recognised only as a school until 1967 when it officially gained college status.

Location and accessibility

The college is located across two centres: the campus in the village of Worleston and learning facilities in the nearby town of Nantwich. From the north, south and east, the college can be accessed via the M6, then A500/51; from north Wales via the A51 and from the south west by using the A530. Both Nantwich and Crewe have train stations, with the former a half hour walk from the town campus, while the latter has an exclusive rate scheme set-up with local taxis for travel to the college.

What's on offer?

The college specialises in land-based and related subjects, with a range of further education level diplomas and higher education foundation degrees on offer. There are also apprenticeship schemes in place that lead to work-based diplomas or NVQs, and two levels: standard and advanced.

The college focuses on land-based subjects and has on offer a wide range of diplomas, NVQs and foundation degrees. Furthermore, there are a number of standard and advanced apprenticeship programmes to choose from. Most courses provided will entail work-based, practical study.

Subjects include: Adventure Sports, Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering, Animal Management, Business and Events Management, Construction, Countryside, Equine, Floristry Floral Design, Food, Foundation Learning, Horticulture, Motor Vehicle, Public Services, Sports Studies, Access to Higher Education Diploma.

Finance and funding

Financial support is available for full- and part-time students studying both FE and HE. 16-18s are eligible for bursaries to help with education costs, while 19+ learners could be granted a 24+ learner support loan. There is also assistance in dealing with the costs of HE, including tuition fees, maintenance loans and grants.

The Reaseheath Club operates a licensed bar in the Jim Humphreys Centre, and all current students and staff are granted free entry. For under-18s, there is the common room open daily with facilities such as air hockey, Xbox 360 and table tennis.

The Flower Shop is run by the commercial Floristry department, the flower shop offers wedding and bridal flowers and arrangements. Consultations can be booked on: 01270 613 185.

Reaseheath Golf Club was founded in 1987, having previously operated as a training course throughout the 70s. There is a full range of competitions, matches and social events. The course is maintained by the college's trainee students.Additional on-site facilities include: gym, sports hall, lounge/bar, catering outlets, commercial farm, food factory, plus many more.