College life

College life is completely different to the school experience. You’ll learn the subject of your choice in an adult environment where you’ll have the freedom to take responsibility for your learning. We have an active Students’ Union who organise trips, events and activities so you can make the most of your time here with us.

You don’t need to worry about leaving your friends or the school environment you’ve been used to for the past few years. You’ll study and learn with others just like you, students who’ve decided that the college lifestyle is right for them. Coming to college will be an exciting time where you’ll interact with and meet lots of new people.

Studying at college isn’t just about learning in a different environment. You’ll have access to some of the best facilities and resources in the region. You’ll be taught by tutors who are professionals in their trade and learn from their industry experience.

A college education will prepare you for your working life once you leave us, giving you a head start when it comes to starting the career you’ve always wanted. We’ll get you ready for life beyond education and make sure you enjoy your learning experience with us.

Student Biographies

• Alex Redhead

  • Alex started college at 14 on the IFP programme.
  • In 2004-2005 he completed taster courses in Computer Science and Media.
  • In 2005-2006 he took units of Level 2 PC Technology course.
    During this time Alex fell ill with cancer.
  • In 2006-2007 Alex returned to the sixth form to finish his education he had missed out on during his illness. He also attended college two days per week studying Media BTEC First Certificate.
  • In 2007-2008 he attended college full time on the Level 2 First Diploma in Systems Support.
  • In 2008-2010 Alex completed the Level 3 National Diploma in Systems Support.
  • Last year Alex started on the Foundation Degree in Communication and Network Technologies, on which he is still studying.
  • Alex is also working voluntarily with IT works team at the college.
  • Alex is now 20; he has attended college since he was 14!

• Ben Thompson

  • Ben studied for the First Diploma in Construction at Level 2 as part of his Young Apprentice programme.
  • Ben attended college one day per week for two years between Sept 2008 until June 2010 as part of his full time education at Portland School in Worksop.
  • Ben enjoyed his course so much he decided to apply for a full time Wood Occupations course at the college and travel to our Station Park campus from Worksop rather than access his local college.
  • Ben made such excellent progress on his Wood Occupations course that his tutors entered him for the Regional Final of the Skillbuild 2011 competition.
  • This found Ben, as a first year student, pitted against third year students- however he did commendably and produced an excellent standard of work on the day.
  • Ben said that being on the School Academy programme had given him a taste of what college was like and made him realise that West Notts was the place for him!

• Brandon Nettleship

  • Brandon studied the Edexcel Skills for Working Life course in Painting & Decorating as part of his post 14 Specialised programme.
  • Since then Brandon has completed his Level 1 Painting and Decorating Diploma and is currently taking his Level 2 Diploma.
  • Brandon’s high standard of work on his painting and decorating courses led his tutors to enter him for the Regional Final of the Skillbuild 2011 competition.
  • Brandon achieved an excellent third place in the competition on the day.
  • Brandon said that being on the School Academy programme had given him a good start in his chosen subject of painting and decorating and was one of the best decisions he has ever made!

• Lewis Rhule

  • Lewis completed the Performing Engineering Operations Level 2 course at college.
  • Lewis was nominated for a Nottinghamshire Training Network- Work Based Learning Award in the Pre-16 category by his tutors.
  • Richard Webster at UK Coal described Lewis as “a very mature student for his age who has a good work ethic and attitude towards his work.”
  • The final of these prestigious awards was held at the East Midlands Conference centre on the 27th January 2011, where Lewis received the runners-up award in the Pre-16 category.