Interview: Ealing college

Interview with Ealing independant college

Tell us a little about the background of Ealing Independent College? Ealing Independent College, entering its 30th year, offers the best attributes of a tutorial college with seminar-style small classes and intensive teacher support, whilst providing the opportunities of a school, both in an academic and extra-curricular sense. Over the last three decades, EIC has evolved from a ‘crammer’, where students enrolled to enhance their grades in order to gain entry to medicine courses, to an all-encompassing educational institution which welcomes learners of all abilities from year 9-13, providing a supportive and purposeful atmosphere in which they endeavour to become the very best version of themselves they can.

Does the college have a reputation for any specific courses or fields of excellence? Initially, the College found success in helping to open the doors of medical courses for students, and many of our former alumni are now professionals within this field. Popular career pathways have also included supportive areas like Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Biomedicine. This expertise has since grown to include the development of university pathways supporting applications for Business, Enterprise and Finance, Engineering and the Creative Arts, including Law, Politics and Journalism.

ealingindependentcollege.com 83 New Broadway, London W5 5AL 020 8579 6668

How would you describe the student body? Diverse, cosmopolitan, driven, ambitious and confident. A fundamental part of the College ethos is a commitment to forge strong relationships with students which help build their sense of empowerment within a supportive community. They want to succeed, and are always striving to accomplish their goals - but do so with a great deal of respect. They look upon the teaching staff with huge regard, and make coming to work each day an extremely enjoyable and rewarding experience.

What is student life like out of class? Students are encouraged to make the most of their time at the College, and that includes the time they spend outside of their timetabled lessons. Alongside the abundance of an atmosphere of academic rigour at Ealing, there are opportunities for stretch and challenge in a wide variety of outlets. Community engagement and charity work are fundamental aspects of this approach, and students can also become involved in sporting activities, trips, societies and clubs. A tremendous window into the student experience is our student magazine Distinct, which showcases a cohort brimming with creativity, good humour, wit and passion.

What words of encouragement would you give to a family who are hesitating to get in touch? We have found through our work with parents that enabling a close relationship, with transparency, honesty and a realistic approach pays dividends from the start. Of course, every parent wants the best for their son or daughter, and we will work tirelessly to give them the best chance of success. I would urge anyone interested in discussing the student-centric approach we follow at EIC to arrange a consultation with me to discuss the best way forward for their child, whatever the situation they find themselves in. The College is flexible, welcoming and inspiring. Students settle quickly, and become principled, respectful individuals during their time here.

What aspect of the College are you most proud of? Without a doubt, the resilience of our students. The last 18 months or so have been tumultuous in education and beyond. Young people have had to deal with a wide range of challenges due to the pandemic. Through the advent of online learning, regular Covid testing and the cancellation of exams, they have shown admirable reserves of perseverance and dedication to their goals. They have refused to give anything other than their absolute best, and have done so with such grit and determination. It makes me immensely proud.