West Thames College

West Thames College is a further education provider to 6,500 students, and is situated in the London borough of Hounslow. It has further study centres in Isleworth and Feltham. The college was granted a 'Satisfactory' grade from Ofsted in 2010.

 

Background and history

Spring Grove house on the Isleworth campus has resided in its current location since 1779 and is the oldest building on college grounds. However, the college itself can trace its direct roots back to 1922 under the name of Hounslow Polytechnic, which was renamed Hounslow Borough College in 1976. In 1993 gained incorporated status and was renamed again, thus bringing it up to its current incarnation.

Location and accessibility

The main Isleworth campus is situated in 'Zone 4' of the London Underground and is a mere five-minute walk from Isleworth station - which in turn has regular trains from and to Waterloo. There are also five buses (237, 235, 110, 117 and H37) that stop directly outside the college gates.Additionally, there is college parking for students able to drive, but spaces are limited and granted on a 'first come, first serve' basis.The Feltham Skills Centre is located ten minutes from Feltham Station and is serviced by the Reading or Windsor lines. The campus can also be reached by bus and is just a short stroll from the bus stop, with buses 285 and 490 dropping students closest to the campus.There is also a direct bus link between the two campuses that runs every half hour.

What's on offer?

The college primarily specifies in vocational training, offering NVQ, BTEC, and HND, as well as Foundation Degree and BA qualifications. Additionally, it provides a small range of A-levels, restricted largely to the sciences. As well as vocational courses, the college provides extensive opportunities for workplace study and a range of short courses targeted at adults. Furthermore, the college has a good output of students going onto Higher Education and maintains strong links with Kingston, St Mary's and the University of Westminster.

Currently no accommodation information for West Thames College has been provided.

Courses The college offers a range of NVQ, BTEC, HND, Foundation Degree and BA courses for school leavers and adults:A-levels. Access and Return to Study in: Accounting; Apprenticeships, Art Design, Beauty Therapy, Business and Administration, Catering, Childcare, Computing and ICT, Construction, Counselling, Engineering, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Hairdressing, Health and Care, Makeup, Management, Media and Music, Motor Vehicle, Performing Arts, Science, Short Courses for Business, Sport, Supported Learning, Teacher Training, Trade Union Courses, Travel and Tourism, Uniformed Public Services. Entry level requirements vary by course.

Fees and funding

The college offers financial support through its Student Welfare department. Fees must be paid in full on enrolment, but there are 19+ and 24+ support packages, but education for under-19s is free, unless on a full cost course.

Hair and Beauty Salon is staffed by the hair and beauty departments and provides professionally equipped salons. It offers cut and colour treatments; facials, manicures, waxes, massages; and professional beauty products for sale.

Leisure Facilities include a student common room with TVs, pool table, video games, table tennis and table football. There is also a canteen serving a variety of hot and cold foods, plus the Atrium Cafe for snacks and hot drinks.

Learning Resource Centre is a centralised, three-floor structure providing a huge range of books, journals, e-books, specialist magazines and a virtual library that can be access off campus. It also houses DVDs, CDs, as well as PCs and iMacs installed with specialist design, editing and sound programmes.

Sports and Fitness is provided on campus with a sports hall and gym facility. It caters for a number of team sports open to students, as well as running a host of exercise and dance classes. Gym membership costs just £15 for the year.

In addition to these, West Thames College provides a wealth of specialist services to assist with learning, including: a TV studio, recording studio, engineering labs, the Endeavour Theatre, training kitchen, and a nursery.

 

Students from the college won first prize at the IMATS (International Makeup Artist Trade Show) in London for 5 years running.

Sports students won the LDD National Football League Tournament in 2009 and 2010.

Performing arts students have won places at the National Youth Theatre, of which, former members include Orlando Bloom, Helen Mirren and Daniel Craig.

Catering students won Gold, Silver and Bronze awards at the 'Salon Culinaire 2010 Show' in Bournemouth competing against professional chefs and other colleges.