Bedford College 2023/2024 Prospectus

TO BE

WHY JOIN US?

FANTASTIC EDUCATION

Ofsted rates us ‘Good’ with ‘Outstanding’ features, so you’ll receive the very best education to ensure your success.

WIDE RANGE OF SUBJECTS

Our vast range of study programmes and apprenticeships ensures you will find a career pathway you love, opening up more choices, opportunities and experiences.

LEARN FROM THE EXPERTS

Many of our tutors work, or have worked, in the industry they teach – what better way to learn about the real working world than from people who have experienced it.

FANTASTIC FACILITIES

Train in industry-standard environments from workshops and studios to salons and theatres.

PERSONALISED SUPPORT

You will be assigned your own Personal Achievement Tutor to assist and support you throughout your college experience.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Participate in the perfect work placement for you thanks to our links with thousands of top employers. This real life on-the-job experience will enhance your CV and prepare you for employment.

SUCCESS GUARANTEED

We are so confident you’ll achieve your qualification with us that if you don’t we’ll give you £100 or refund any fees paid.*

GUARANTEED PROGRESSION

All full-time students can progress on to the next level with us, right up to degree-level.*

Campuses

KEMPSTON

River

and

OUR FACILITIES

ADVANCED AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY CENTRE

Our automotive training facility is the ultimate environment to develop your skills. The Centre is equipped with engine and repair bays, paint mix and spray rooms and a body repair area. BUCHANAN CENTRE FOR ADVANCED ENGINEERING

Our Advanced Engineering Centre houses analytical equipment, BIM software and robotics.

BROOKS HAIR & BEAUTY SALON

Our modern, working commercial salon is home to our Hair & Beauty students.

The Salon is equipped with up-to-date equipment and has a modern and relaxing feel. Our realistic working environments will help you hone your technical skills and practice your technique in dedicated workshops. CONNOLLY CENTRE FOR MODERN CONSTRUCTION

The Connolly Centre for modern construction is the brand-new £4.3m modern methods of construction centre.

Premanufacturing homes and shipping them to a building site has been identified as the most efficient and cost-effective way of meeting the huge demand for housing, and the Centre will provide this “offsite” construction training to meet the industry needs of the future.

LIBRARY

Our Library is the place for you to spend time studying outside of classes, with spaces for both individual and group study, and over 30,000 resources. You can also access computers including PCs, Macs and Netbooks, or make use of our free WiFi.

LIVE LOUNGE

The hub of the College community, this room is your dedicated space to relax between classes.

MUNCH & MOCHA

Our restaurant and coffee shop is the ideal place to debate your last class over a coffee or savour a delicious lunch with friends.

PARKING

There is limited student parking available with a student parking permit. To find out more visit our website.

SOUTH BANK ARTS CENTRE

This impressive building includes: graphic design suites, photography suites, art rooms, fashion and textile workshops, music technology and recording studios, video studios, a dance studio and theatre.

SPRINGS SPORTS CENTRE

All students can hit the gym at our fully equipped fitness studio for £20 per year. Terms & Conditions apply, visit our website to find out more.

STANSFELD BUILDING

SCAN ME TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT BEDFORD COLLEGE AND TAKE OUR VIRTUAL TOUR

GAS & PLUMBING TECHNOLOGY CENTRE

Our City & Guilds and British Plumbing Employers Council (BPEC) approved training centre will provide our Plumbing & Gas students with the equipment and skills to succeed.

This beautiful building, in keeping with the historic streetscape, provides a specialist environment for students aged 16+ with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

TECHNOLOGY BLOCK

Home to our electrical installation and mechanical engineering.

TO BEDFORD COLLEGE

OUR LOCATIONS IN BEDFORD ARE EASILY ACCESSIBLE BY BUS, FOOT, BIKE, CAR AND TRAIN.

BUS

To view our most up-to-date bus timetables to our campuses visit:

MOTOR VEHICLE

Limited student parking is available at our Cauldwell Street Campus with a student permit. Our Kempston Campus has free on-road parking, with easy access to Woburn Road Industrial Estate just off the major A421 road.

TRAIN

FOOT, BIKE

There are bike racks at our Cauldwell Street Campus, Kempston Campus and Brunel Road sites.

Bedford’s mainline station is a 15 minute walk from our Cauldwell Street Campus and BROOKS Hair & Beauty Salon. Bedford St Johns station is only five minutes from our Cauldwell Street Campus The nearest station to our Kempston Campus is Kempston Hardwick, which is served hourly by the Marston Vale line between Bletchley and Bedford.

Full-time students aged 16-18 and living more than three miles from College may be entitled to subsidised travel from their local authority. If your local authority is unable to help, and you have a household income less than £35,000, the College has a Travel Bursary worth up to £500 which you may qualify for.*

Aged 19 or over with a household income of £40,000 or less? If you’re not eligible for other transport support and have applied for an eligible study programme, you will also qualify for the Travel Bursary.

Life

College is not just about studying –you also have the chance to get involved in lots of enhancement activities, events and clubs.

We aim to give you the opportunity to access free LIFESTYLE, INVOLVEMENT, VOICE and ENHANCEMENT activities that will broaden your horizons, help you to develop new skills and contribute to your personal and social development.

STUDENT LIFE

LIFESTYLE

SUPPORT AND INTEREST GROUPS

A great way to meet students with similar interests is through the Support and Interest groups. We have a variety of student led groups from The Q Agenda (LGBTQIA+) and Transform (Trans support). These groups offer students a chance to share experiences while the Black Culture Club looks at celebrating and supporting culture and history across our campuses and the Disability Awareness Group - ENCOMPASS – works to champion students of all abilities.

WELL-BEING ZONE

If you are looking for information on healthy eating, budgeting, exercise, sexual health, smoking, drugs or wider health issues, the Well-being Zone is the place for you. Specially trained staff can help answer questions and give you information and advice. Our College works with local professional organisations to provide you with the best services in the area.

INVOLVEMENT

Talks

We provide the opportunity for students to listen and talk to speakers in a range of areas. Talks take place throughout the year, here are just a few we deliver:

• Bedfordshire Police talking about knife crime and gangs

• Drag Race UK contestant Vinegar Strokes talking about LGBTQIA + lifestyles

• Mind BLMK talking about Mental Health Reliance.

Themed activities

Throughout the College calendar we run a number of themed activities to help share key information that affects students’ lives and include for example:

• Black History Month

• Equality & Diversity Month

• Freshers’ Fairs

• Health & Well-being Month

• International Men’s Day

• International Women’s Day

• LGBT History Month

• Safer Internet Day

• Wear it Pink Day

• World Environment Day.

Sports and activities

You will have a chance to try your hand at sports and activities during your breaks and down time. All of these sports and activities are student led, including badminton, football, tennis and more.

Workshops

Our team of experts can deliver a range of workshops and sessions for your groups or peers, including:

• Alcohol and drugs support

• Body image and confidence

• Gambling and addiction support

• Mental health resilience

• Stop smoking

• Stress and anxiety.

STUDENT VOICE NETWORK AND THE STUDENT COUNCIL

ENHANCEMENT

BROADEN YOUR COLLEGE EXPERIENCE

Enhancement is a key part of your study programme, giving you the opportunity to broaden your College experience. Taking part in trips and visits, as well as having guest lecturers and speakers, all give you the chance to meet new people; it may make a difference between getting a job or being accepted into university.

THE STUDENTS’ UNION

The Students’ Union

in partnership with the College,

outstanding teaching, learning, services and

Students’ Union

a passion for participation

a drive for diversity, with equality and diversity officers

way in innovation.

Student Services team.

find out more, speak to

TOTUM CARD – STUDENT DISCOUNT

As a student at our campus

are also entitled to purchase

TOTUM gives you access to over 250 student discounts and now acts as an official proof of age ID. Some local shops and stores that offer student discount will accept

student card

proof of student status. You can join by

STUDENT SUPPORT

WE’RE HERE TO SUPPORT YOU...

Additional support

We have specialist support staff for those with an identified learning difficulty and/or disability.

Equal opportunities for all

We believe that the unique experiences, abilities and backgrounds of each individual adds to the overall learning experience.

Careers service

Our professionally qualified Careers Advisers provide impartial, confidential advice and guidance to help you:

• decide what you are going to do next

• find out more about your options in education, training and work, both at College and beyond

• get support with job searches and with your university application (UCAS)

• put your plans into practice.

If you are looking for information or have a quick query, you can drop into the Student Services office where an Adviser may be able to help you immediately, or you can book a longer appointment.

Pastoral support

Your Personal Achievement Tutor (PAT) will support you with personal development, progress on your course and career planning. As a full-time student you are entitled to at least three individual tutorials per year, plus regular group tutorials. Within the first six weeks of your course your Personal Achievement Tutor will meet with you for your first initial one-to-one tutorial to make sure you are settling in and are on the right course.

Safeguarding and well-being

We are committed to keeping you safe at all times and we offer a dedicated counselling service if you need someone to talk to.

Financial advice

You can speak to our Student Services team for all money matters relating to College.

FEES & FUNDING

ARE YOU AGED 19 OR OVER?

full-time

are looking to study a Level 3

to three A-Levels),

course

still be FREE if you’re

19-23 and studying your first full-time

3

Other financial support

may have to pay for specialist

uniforms

equipment, as well as trips and visits that boost

subject.

additional costs

find out if there

of financial support

help with essential costs, travel

&ENGLISH MATHS

Love them or hate them, English and maths are essential for work, education, and day-to-day life. Whether it’s problem solving, communicating effectively or just being confident with numbers, these skills are needed for wherever your life leads you. Many jobs and courses require their applicants to have GCSE English and maths at grades 9-4.

Our English and maths courses are built around the principal that no one is born able to pass English and maths; it’s all learned. There may be obstacles to overcome; perhaps from bad experiences studying English and maths in the past, maybe you’re just tired of trying and anxious about failing, or maybe you just don’t see the point. Our team has vast experience in both delivering the key content of these subjects and motivating our students to show them what they can achieve if they work hard and commit to giving it their best.

YOUR STUDY PROGRAMME

We are committed to helping you and guarantee your progression on to the next level of study with us.

We can support you to progress all the way from Level 2 up to Level 6.

LEVEL

EQUIVALENT LEVEL 2

The benefits that I have found from T Levels are that they are equivalent to getting three A-Levels along with nine weeks of work experience. I like this because it gets me involved in the career I am striving towards.

Harvey

GCSEs (9-4)

LEVEL Typical Entry Requirements*

One year programme

• 3 GCSEs grades 9-3 OR equivalent

Two year programme

• 3 GCSEs grades 9-1 OR equivalent, and a keen interest in the subject. Other relevant levels of qualification or experience will be considered.

Study Programmes available

BTEC Certificate and Diploma

Apprenticeships available

Intermediate Level Apprenticeship

Some of our study programmes have additional entry requirements, visit the specific study programme pages on our website to find out more.

EQUIVALENT LEVEL

3 A-LEVELS

Typical Entry Requirements*

• 4 GCSEs grades 9- 4 OR equivalent

Study Programmes available

• BTEC Certificate and Diploma

• Access to University

Apprenticeships available

• Advanced Level Apprenticeship

Design

Management

STUDY PROGRAMMES

2 Level 3

Computing & IT

Information

Technology

Digital Business Services Data Technician

Digital Support & Services Digital Infrastructure

Digital Support & Services Digital Support

Digital Support

Construction

Brickwork

Painting &

Site Carpentry

Bench Joinery

Design, Surveying

Services Network Cabling

Level)

Electrical Installation

Engineering

Electrical Installation

Engineering

Planning for Construction

Engineering for Construction Electrotechnical

Engineering for Construction Plumbing & Heating (T Level)

Onsite Construction Bricklaying (T Level)

Onsite Construction Carpentry & Joinery (T Level)

Onsite Construction Painting & Decorating (T Level)

Painting & Decorating

Electrical Installation

Design & Development for Engineering

Manufacturing Electrical & Electronic Engineering (T Level)

Design & Development for Engineering

Manufacturing Mechanical Engineering (T Level)

Engineering (Electrical & Electronic or Mechanical)

Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing & Control -

& Toolmaking Technologies

Level)

Foundation Skills Programme

COUNTDOWN TO COLLEGE

Open Days

Why not attend one of our Open Days to find out more about our campuses and courses. Book your place at our next Open Day (check our website www.bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk/events for upcoming events).

1Shortlist your favourite Study Programmes

Visit our website for the full list of our Study Programmes.

Receive an offer

We will arrange an interview or information, advice and guidance session with you so you can find out more about your course. You will have the opportunity to chat with a tutor who will make you a course offer.

Apply online

Apply for your chosen Study Programme. If you do not have access to a computer you can contact us for help with your application.

Attend your Welcome Day

You will be invited to attend a Welcome Day on Thursday 22 June 2023 where you will get a taste of College life, meet your tutors and make new friends.

GCSE Results Day

(Thursday 24 August 2023)

Good Luck!

Don’t worry if you don’t get your grades, you can get advice at our GCSE Advice Days.

Enrolment

You will be invited to enrol on to your Study Programme on GCSE Results Day.

Induction

Join your classmates at your induction in September. Find out where you are going and what you are doing before you start full-time.

8

Start your Study Programme!

Term starts in September 2023.

APPRENTICESHIPS

APPRENTICESHIPS ARE A FIRSTCLASS WAY TO START YOUR CAREER.

As an apprentice you will gain the knowledge, skills and personal qualities needed to obtain the right level of training and competence for a specific job role. We are the largest apprenticeship provider in the South East Midlands which means whatever career path you are interested in we will have an apprenticeship to suit you.

What is an Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a programme of work-based learning. To be enrolled as an apprentice, an organisation must have offered you a contract of employment and agreed to pay your wage and support you throughout your training. Your job role must include a range of work relevant to the apprenticeship qualification you wish to undertake.

How long does it take?

Apprenticeships take between one and four years to complete depending on the type and level undertaken.

How will I spend my time?

The part-time study element of an apprenticeship fits around the job commitment, and will be agreed with the employer.

You might attend one day per week (day release), or in blocks of a week or more (block release), or 100% work-based delivery.

The Benefits

You’ll need enthusiasm and commitment to study and work in a particular industry, but the rewards will be significant:

• Get the best of both worlds by earning as you learn

• Choose from a wide range of practical trades and jobs

• We will help you find an employer from our excellent links with hundreds of top employers

• Gain industry-recognised qualifications, Functional Skills and specialist techniques that could see you progress to high-level jobs in your chosen sector

• Learn from valuable job experience and time spent developing your skills on a day-to-day basis.

Here are your steps to success

DO YOU ALREADY HAVE AN APPRENTICESHIP?

NO

I HAVE BEEN OFFERED AN APPRENTICESHIP

1. If you have already been offered an apprenticeship, you or your employer will need to contact our Business Development team on 01234 291666.

2. A member of the Business Development team will then contact the employer to confirm that they have offered you an apprenticeship.

3. We will contact your employer to discuss your apprenticeship training needs and will then develop a training programme to suit you.

4. You will be invited to discuss your apprenticeship with a member of our Apprenticeship Recruitment Team.

5. We will invite you to the College and we will enrol you.

I AM LOOKING FOR AN APPRENTICESHIP

1. We have hundreds of vacancies each year, visit our website to find your perfect apprenticeship at www.bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk/ apprenticeship-vacancies/

2. Once you have found an apprenticeship you are interested in, check you meet the criteria and complete the online application form. If you need help completing the application form, contact our Apprenticeship Recruitment team by calling 01234 291666 or by emailing apprenticeships@bedford.ac.uk

3. You will be allocated an Apprenticeship Recruitment Advisor who will support you with your application and help you prepare for interviews and employment.

4. Our Recruitment Team will keep you updated with any other suitable vacancies and support you with any queries you may have.

5. Following a successful interview with the employer you will then be enrolled and start your apprenticeship.

THE NEXT LEVEL QUALIFICATION WILL BE RECOGNISED BY UNIVERSITIES AND OTHER EDUCATION PROVIDERS

Bedford College and Shuttleworth College offer T Levels in the following areas:

WHAT ARE T LEVELS

T Levels are a brand new, two-year qualification that will give you a head start towards the future you want.

T Levels are ideal if you have finished your GCSEs and want the knowledge and experience to get straight into employment, an Apprenticeship or Higher Education.

You will spend 80% of your time in the classroom and 20% on a high quality placement with an employer to give you the knowledge and skills companies look for.

CREATED WITH BUSINESSES

T Levels have been designed with leading businesses and employers to give you the knowledge and skills you need.

QUALIFICATIONS THAT COUNT

When you pass your T Level, you will get a nationally recognised certificate showing the overall grade you achieved – Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction*.

It will also give details of what you learned on the course.

Agriculture, Land Management and Production

Applied Science

Business Computing

Construction Trades

Creative & Design Education Engineering

Hair & Beauty

Health, Care & Childcare

LEARN YOUR WAY

T Levels involve more classroom study than apprenticeships, which means you can experience an industry while you continue your studies.

Like BTECs and A-Levels, there are no tuition fees to study a T Level if you start before you are 19 as of the 31st August 2023.

GET AHEAD IN YOUR CAREER

T Levels give you the chance to learn what a real career is like while you continue your studies. Your industry placement will last for at least 45 days over the duration of your course.

AWARDED UCAS POINTS

Find out more about T Level courses on our website:

Your T Level will be worth a number of UCAS points –a T Level Distinction* is worth the same as three A-Levels at A*– and will be recognised by universities and other education providers. www.bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk/t-levels

UNDERGRADUATE COURSES

Honours top-up

Our close partnerships with regional universities give you the option to top-up to a full honours degree in many subjects.

Stay local

thousands of pounds by studying locally and living at home.

Flexible study options

A variety of flexible study options from

little as six hours per week to fit around

work and other life commitments.

Strong links with employers

We work with over

the region

more employable.

Careers

We can provide

More support

Small class

Industry experts

Many of our

What’s on offer?

LOOKING FOR A-LEVELS?

If you want to study A-Levels, The Bedford Sixth Form is the place for you. We offer a sixth form experience that will make you stand out from the crowd.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE BURSARY SCHEME*

MORE CHOICE, MORE OPPORTUNITIES

At The Bedford Sixth Form you have the chance to study unique combinations of A-Levels in more than 35 different subjects and a range of Diplomas.

EXCELLENT PASS RATES

In 2022 our students were awarded a 93% pass rate with 63% of A-Level grades being A* to C and 86% of diploma grades awarded at Merit and Distinction

A PLATFORM FOR SUCCESS

We’re fully focused on helping you to achieve the academic success that secures your place at university, a higher apprenticeship or employment. Many of our students go on to the university destination of their choice, including many prestigious Russell Group institutions such as Oxford University. You may qualify for an academic excellence bursary if you achieve five GCSEs grades 9-7, including English Language and maths.

To find out more or book onto one of their open days: www.bedfordsixthform.ac.uk

this scheme