Richmond upon Thames College

Richmond upon Thames College is a further education college in the London borough of Richmond that provides education primarily for 16-19 year olds. It currently caters for 7,000 learners, over half of which are full-time, with a range of academic and vocational courses on offer.

Background and history

The College was formed in 1977 following a merger of the sixth form colleges from Shene and Thames Valley with the former Twickenham College of Technology.

Location and accessibility

Due to its easy-to-reach location in the London borough of Richmond, the college can be reached by car, on foot and through the use of public transit. The college is a fifteen minute walk from Twickenham train station, and just five minutes' from Twickenham stadium where the 33, 110, 267, 281, 290, 490, H22, R68 and R70 buses all pass close by. Car-parking is free on-site for staff, students and visitors, with the campus easily accessed opposite the rugby stadium.

What's on offer?

The college offers a wide range of vocational and academic courses, all based on its Twickenham campus. The qualifications framework for further education studies operates on a level basis, starting an entry level and ending at level 3. This includes 42 A/AS-levels, plus 38 BTEC courses. In addition, there is a select choice of part-time and full-time higher education courses to choose from.

Finance and funding.

Students aged 16-18 can apply for assistance in the form of a college bursary, which is granted upon reviewing a students application for financial assistance. HE students can get help with tuition costs, maintenance loans and grants through Student Finance.

Merits Training Restaurant is the college's on-site facility for training catering and hospitality students, while also offering commercial food services. Both the kitchen and front-of-house are staffed by trainees.

The Learning Resource Centre is an open-plan, two floor facility boasting over 25,000 books and study areas for 200 students. Further resources include periodicals, DVDs, CDs, computer suites, as well as copying and printing services.

Performing Arts Media facilities are extensive. Multimedia is supported by a fully operational TV studio, photographic darkrooms, digital darkrooms, an i-media suite for animation and graphics and a shared film screening room. Performing arts has access to a200 seat theatre with light fixtures and digital sound and lighting control, plus a large wardrobe department. There are up to 50 productions a year.

Air Cabin is an innovative learning aid: a mock up aircraft cabin that offers students the opportunity to carry out realistic airport, cabin crew and customer service role plays.

Enrichment Plan as part of the college's enrichment plan for students there is the opportunity to use the gym and sports facilities for free, as well as take part in activities like the film club where students write, direct and star in their own short film.