West Cheshire College is a provider of vocational learning in the North West, with campuses found in Ellesmere Port and Chester. It offers a host of full-time programmes and apprenticeships for students aged 14-19, and part-time opportunities for adults, and has over 20,000 students currently enrolled.
Background and history
West Cheshire College's history can be traced back to the 19th century when a number of scientific, philosophical and literary groups were formed in the city of Chester. Lectures took place at the Grosvenor Museum, as well as in local centres around the area. The Chester College of Further Education was opened in 1963 and expanded over the ensuing years. Capenhurst Technology campus officially became part of the institution in 1999.
The college has a reputation for its networking with various national companies, providing training programmes and apprenticeships for the likes of Marks & Spencer, Vauxhall, Debenhams, Scottish Power and the NHS.
Location and accessibility
The Chester Campus can be reached by car and public transport and a map and directions are featured on the college's website.Road directions to the campus are as follows:
Leave the M53/A55 at junction 12 (A56 exit to Chester). At the slip road roundabout take the 3rd exit onto Warrington Road into Chester. Continue for about 1/3 mile and at the Hoole Road roundabout take the 2nd exit onto A56 to Chester. Continue for approximately 1.5 mile along Hoole Road. At the Hoole Way roundabout take the 1st exit onto A5268/St Oswalds Way.At the next roundabout take the 3rd exit onto the A5268. Take the left lane and stay on the A5268 and continue through 2 sets of traffic lights. At the 3rd set of traffic lights turn left onto Lower Bridge Street.Continue down Lower Bridge street to Handbridge. After the Old Dee Bridge take the 3rd left onto Eaton Road.West Cheshire College is on the right.
The Ellesmere Port Campus can be reached by following these directions as listed on the college website:
From M53: Leave M53 at junction 9 and follow the A5032 (signposted Station, Town Centre). At the 5th set of traffic lights turn right onto Sutton Way. Take the second right onto the access road into the Campus.
What's on offer?
The college offers vocational studies to young people and adults across a broad range of subjects. It has extensive apprenticeship programmes and links with local businesses, and recently opened new science and technology parks in 2011, costing upwards of £65 million. It has recently awarded Foundation Degrees and Higher National Diplomas as granted by the University of Chester. In a 2010 Ofsted report the college received 14 'Outstanding' grades.