About the college

Originally established in 1921, Oaklands College St Albans Campus opened its doors to First World War ex-service men under the Officers’ Agricultural Training Scheme and to the Women’s Land Army members. Over 100 years later, the College boasts three campuses (St Albans, Welwyn Garden City and Borehamwood) and provides a wide range of high-quality educational provision, right through to university level.

Oaklands is renowned for providing a supportive and nurturing environment in which its students are able to flourish and realise their potential.

It is perhaps not surprising therefore that year on year, the vast majority of our students progress onto the career of their choice of further study within four months of completing their course.

The majority of college students come from within the local communities it serves. These courses range from vocational courses with strong links to employers through to elite sports, the arts and a wide variety of A Levels. The college is also nationally recognised for its outstanding provision for students that present with a wide range of often complex additional needs, including young people with severe learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

The college offers a wide range of courses, both part-time and full-time, including arts, media, publishing, health, public services, construction, horticulture, equine, beauty, music, forensic science and much more! We also run our own work-based learning programmes, with close links to local employers, and offer apprenticeships and entry to employment.

The St Albans Campus is set in an outstanding rural location and also operates a working farm with livestock spread over 647 acres.

The accommodation

Our accommodation is a brand new purpose-built residential Homestead set in the grounds of the St Albans campus of Oaklands College. It comprises 81 student bedrooms, two warden apartments, communal kitchens and lounge areas complete with washing and drying rooms.

There are four fully accessible bedrooms, which each have additional-width doorways and easily accessible facilities.

There is a good bus and railway service from the local area, with cinema, swimming pool, and other leisure facilities within a short distance from the college.