Wigan and Leigh College

Wigan and Leigh College is a General Further Education College situated on six campuses across the towns of Wigan and Leigh, serving a student population of around 17,000.

Background and history

The college can trace its roots back around 150 years, but the creation of the institution in its current form came in April 1992 after the merger of Wigan College of Technology and Leigh College. It serves the area of Greater Manchester which has a population of roughly 301,000 people.

Location and accessibility

Due to the wide range of its reach across the Greater Manchester area, the college operates from six different campuses and learning centres. Addresses and maps, as well as easiest transport to each campus can be found on their website.

What's on offer?

The college has a varied programme of education. Further Education students can choose from GCSEs, AS/A Levels, Diplomas and NVQs, as well as a wide range of specialist courses. There is also an expanding Higher Education portfolio of Foundation Degrees, Higher Nationals and Certificates for the benefit of adult students of all ages, both full-time and part-time.

There is also a dedicated employment service working as a part of the college specifically targeted towards people who wish to get back into work and may need to re-train.

Subject areas for courses available at the college include:

A-levels Accountancy Art Design Bricklaying Business Carpentry Joinery Childcare Early Years Fashion Clothing Graphic Design Management Professional Media Plumbing Public Services Retail Sport plus many more, encompassing A/AS-levels, BA/BSc degrees, HNCs, HNDs, Apprenticeships, GCSEs and Foundation Degrees.

Finance and funding

The college has a finance and welfare department that deals with financial support and transport costs, as well as Student Finance assistance for students applying for Higher Education courses. There are also bursaries available for 19+ learners.

Parson's Walk centre features the Wheel restaurant, as well as other work experience facilities in the Image Centre, Florist Shop and Travel Shop. It is also home to a large learning resource centre, which has been expanded into a £5.4 million venture, which includes a Professional Studies building.

The School for the Arts is the college's creative hub and contains the Saidy Theatre, performances studios, live radio studios, TV studios and recording suites. Additionally, it also hosts workshops for art, ceramics and fashion.

Pagefield Centre serves as the centre of education for apprenticeships and tradespeople, and contains craft workshops, mechanical workshops, laboratories and the latest industry equipment is available to students. Recently underwent a £1.4 million investment.

The Sixth Form Centre houses the purpose-built classrooms specifically targeted at A-level students. It also has links with the Leigh Sports Village, and contains a bistro and student hub.

The Image Centre is aWella accredited health and beauty centre that offers access to beauty salons, laser studios, nail bars, saunas, jacuzzis, and is serves as a training workplace for college students. IT is open to the public.