College

What?

College qualifications vary, but can typically include:

Sixth Form: A-levels & BTECs
Certificates & Diplomas
Traineeships
Apprenticeships
Higher Education

Why?

In choosing to go to college, you are deciding to study in a totally new academic environment after school.

To read more detail about what college can offer, take a look at the separate sections covering Apprenticeships, Sixth Form and Traineeships under Post 16 Options at the bottom of the page.

Which?

Your choice of where to study could be influenced by a number of factors including:

location / catchment area restrictions
student numbers
travel arrangements
student age range
choice of subjects
leaving school (a fresh start, new teachers and new friends)
course structure
social / extra-curricular activities
cost

However, your next career path (e.g. Uni) could also influence your decision so research this carefully before choosing if, what and where to study.

Where?

The main colleges are listed below. Each has a BS or BA postcode as part of the Careersnearhere.com criteria for being local to the area.

Click on each one to find out what they offer. Most deliver a wide range of post 16 subjects and pathways, whilst some offer specialist courses. The individual websites will explain further.

Access Creative College
Bath College
BIMM
boomsatsuma
Bristol City Community Trust
Bristol Rovers Community Trust
Bristol School of Art (at SGS)
City of Bristol College
dBs Music
MPCT – Military Preparation College
Reflections Training Academy
South Gloucestershire & Stroud College (SGS – Filton)
Strode College
Weston College
Wiltshire College, Trowbridge
Yeovil College
Note: There are also several theological colleges

How?

Each college website should list the available subjects, open evenings, contact details and the application process. Remember to also check for any admissions criteria as this will be worth researching carefully before making any decisions.

To compare colleges, why not research websites including the government’s (Further Education) FE choices performance tables and Ofsted.

And take a look around Careersnearhere.com as the colleges can also advertise relevant courses (for free) under the industry / career sectors:

Inspiration noticeboards – e.g. open evenings & subject talks
Academic noticeboards – relevant courses
Apprenticeships noticeboards – relevant vacancies

Help?

There are many Government websites if you search under further education courses, education and 16-19 provision.

On Careersnearhere.com, why not also take a look at the links at the bottom of the screen for:

Sixth Form and other headings under Post 16 Options
Higher Education and other headings under Post 18 Options
Applications and other headings under Tips
Careers Advice & Guidance Online and other headings under Help

It’s Your Future – Let’s Get It Started!