Activate Learning

Oxford Cherwell Valley College is the largest further education provider in Oxfordshire, catering to around 11,500 students studying across four campuses. Courses range from entry level right up to higher education degrees.

Background and history

The college in its current state has existed since 2003 after a merger of Oxford College of Further Education, North Oxfordshire College in Banbury and Rycotewood College. However, the Oxford College of Further Education, currently based at the Blackbird Leys City Centre campuses, is the oldest part of the college, having been established in 1960.

Location and history

The college has four campuses: Banbury, Bicester, Oxford city centre and Blackbird Leys, all of which benefit from easy accessibility. The city centre and Banbury campuses are located within the city of Oxford and are a short walk from the bus and train stations. Bicester campus is only a short distance from Silverstone, while the Blackbird Leys is reachable by a frequent bus service.

What's on offer?

The college has an extensive learning scheme and offers education for a variety of levels: A-levels, diplomas, qualifications for professionals, apprenticeships, higher education courses, an international study programme, learning-for-leisure courses and courses to help the unemployed get back into work are all available to study. The college is spread across four campuses, all specifically designed to provide for different schools within the institution.

The college offers a wide variety of vocational, academic and professional courses that includes A/AS-levels, GCSEs, diplomas, BTECs, NVQs and foundation degrees among others.

The subject area list is as follows:

A Levels, Access to Higher Education, Apprenticeships, 'Business, Professional Studies and ICT', Childcare, Construction, Oxfordshire School of Creative Arts, Environmental technology, Engineering and motorsport, performance, English language, First aid, security and uniformed public services, Furniture, GCSEs, Get ready, Get That Job , Hair beauty therapies, Health and Social Care, Higher Education, Hospitality and catering, International study, Learning for leisure, Preparation for life and work, Retail, travel and tourism, Skills for life, Sport, Teaching and training,

Finance and Funding

The college has a dedicated finance support service that can be contacted via the website. It explains the breakdown of course costs and whether they apply to you, your eligibility for financial assistance, i.e. 24+ learner support, HE student finance, and the options for paying your designated fees.

Student-staffed hair and beauty therapies are provided under the tuition of industry standard professionals. There are two salons located on college campuses, one at Banbury and one at Oxford.

Restaurants

The college operates two training restaurants at Banbury and Oxford that serve as commercial entities and are an excellent scheme for the catering students.

Centre for Autistic Learners

Specifically designed for students along the autistic spectrum,the centre provides a supportive environment to help young people develop skills for employment, functional skills in English, maths and ICT, and skills in personal and social development.