Learning environment that blends hands-on technical learning with knowledge and professional work experience

Croydon College offers a wide range of technical and vocational qualifications, including apprenticeships, which are career-based and are tailored towards real working environments and are designed to give students the best opportunities to gain the qualifications and skills they need for the career they want.

The College has recently received over £60 million in investments and is planning further improvements. The College prides itself on top-quality teaching spaces, industry standard facilities, software, and equipment, as well as links to over 1,000 employers.

Studying at the College prepares students for the workplace, by creating a learning environment that blends hands-on technical learning with knowledge and professional work experience.

Coulsdon Sixth Form College provides the young people of Coulsdon and the surrounding area with an exceptional sixth-form experience. Small enough to know each individual student, yet big enough to provide wide subject choice and access to amazing facilities and teachers who bring their industry experience to the classrooms, studios, and workshops.

The choice of subjects at the College is extensive with 30 A Levels to choose from and a wide range of BTEC subjects. There is more choice at Coulsdon than many other school sixth forms or colleges and its small class sizes provide room for individual attention and support. Students can also build their own programme of study combining A Levels and BTECs where appropriate, allowing a specialist focus on their studies while boosting their UCAS points.

Croydon University Centre, located right in the heart of Croydon, are passionate about offering high quality, affordable university degrees and higher national programmes directly to community. Courses are designed with local stakeholders in industries with high demand including healthcare, nursing, teacher training and construction.

Tuition is offered in small groups in a supportive and inclusive environment, making the Centre a truly unique place to study, with contact time built flexibly around existing work, childcare or other commitments.

The College has a partnership with the University of Roehampton – one of the top ten universities in London. This collaborative partnership ensures the programmes are updated and incorporate important employability elements and essential academic skills within it. This allows students a real opportunity to further their career ambitions or progress to postgraduate opportunities beyond Croydon University Centre.

The Further Education sector has long prided itself on having ‘excellent relationships’ with employers. Accordingly, colleges around the country have been collaborating on a level not seen before to help tackle skills gaps. Whether it’s via apprenticeship provision, work placements or some curriculum delivery, there is no doubting the value that strong, industry partnerships can have on students’ learning and progression.

And many employers recognise the benefits of engaging with colleges; enabling them to secure their future skills needs and influence the types of skills and behaviours being taught to the next generation of experts.

Government skills policy has always been focused on the need for employers and educators to collaborate. The apprenticeship act of 1964 established the framework for young people to receive practical training alongside their academic education – and FE colleges have continued to play a crucial role, designing courses with local employers to meet the specific skills requirements of a regional workforce.

There has been a growing emphasis on collaboration between higher education institutions and employers too. Degree apprenticeships are well regarded, together with research and development opportunities and work placements being integrated into HE programmes.

The more recent apprenticeship levy and development of T Levels have further reflected the government’s support for employer-led training, and the fundamental role it needs to play in the growth of the economy.