CHESHIRE COLLEGE YOU at CAN
Welcome
Starting college is an exciting time for you and this guide gives you an idea of who we are and what you can expect in terms of your experience at Cheshire College and your next steps.
You will have lots of new experiences, meet new people and make new friends, but above all it will be a time in your life that will stay with you forever. Many students tell us that their time at Cheshire College changed their lives and gave them a great start to their future, whether this is university, an apprenticeship or securing employment.
As we are the largest provider of post-16 education in Cheshire, you will gain from our comprehensive curriculum, which is delivered to over 11,000 students and 1,000 apprentices across three Campuses. With over 250 courses to choose from, your programme of study will always be delivered at the Campus you enrol at and there will be no travelling between the three sites.
Alongside this, you will benefit from our outstanding support for all students, ensuring you have every opportunity to excel. There is also tailored additional learning support for when extra help is needed.
You will receive high-quality teaching and training in our stateof-the-art facilities. Our strong links with local and national employers and universities means that you will have access to work placements and industry professionals to ensure that you leave us equipped with the skills to succeed.
We are immensely proud of our record of achievements, and I look forward to welcoming you to the College soon.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Jasbir Dhesi OBE, Principal and Chief Executive
You CAN at Cheshire College
For me, one of the best experiences of being at College is the relationships you build with your peers and also the lecturers. Studying at College means that you get to engage with a variety of different people. It’s also not just about classes - you get the chance to go on trips that are linked to your chosen course.
It’s not just your education it’s your future that you’re planning, and I believe that College is the best option as you can study what you love the most. This can range from health and social care all the way to engineering as the College is very diverse.
Ellis, Student President Ellesmere
Port Campus
Studying Level 3 Health and Social Care
Top tips from Ellis for new students to get the most out of your College journey:
Stay curious - keep asking questions and exploring new topics.
Connect with others - join study groups or forums to share ideas and learn from others.
Be patient - learning takes time, so don’t rush.
Don’t fear mistakes - mistakes are part of the learning process. Learn from them and keep going.
And the biggest one of all is be yourself - nobody is here to judge, they are all in the same boat as you, and you’ve got nothing to lose but everything to gain!
Why Choose Us?
Excellent pass rates
invested in facilities £165m in A Levels, T Levels and BTECs
We work with more than
500 employers
A focus on sustainability and green technology
transport
We are the provider of post-16 education in Cheshire Largest extracurricular clubs, activities and Skills Competitions
Lots of breakfast
Your College Pathways
Full-Time Programmes
You will:
H specialise in one subject
H progress to university or employment
H learn in our real work environments with specialist equipment
H have the option to study at different levels (Entry Level, Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3), which all have different entry requirements, so there is a course for everyone
H be assessed via a mixture of exams, coursework and practical tasks
H continue to work towards achieving GCSE Maths and English as part of your study programme, if you do not have a grade 4/C for both or one of these subjects.
A LevelsCrewe only
You will:
H have a choice of 35 subjects
H be able to study three subjects
H take an academic route to university or a higherlevel apprenticeship
H build on your GCSE knowledge
H improve your research and analytical skills
H learn in our real work environments with specialist equipment
H be assessed by exams and coursework.
T Levels
You will:
H study on a Level 3, twoyear course that has been designed in collaboration with businesses and employers
H focus on one subject
H secure an ideal route into higher education by gaining UCAS tariff points that will be accepted by universities for entry on degree programmes
H gain the knowledge and experience as well as the practical and technical skills needed to open doors to skilled employment, further study or a higher level apprenticeship
H spend 80% of your time in the classroom
H take part in a minimum of 45 days of work experience
H be assessed via exams, coursework and practical tasks.
Higher Education Apprenticeships
You will:
H earn a wage whilst working alongside experienced staff to gain job-specific skills
H gain a nationally recognised qualification
H learn on the job
H be assessed by experts in the workplace and at College
H start an apprenticeship if you are already in employment or use Cheshire College’s industry links to find the employer most suited to you.
You will:
H have a wide choice of Level 4 and 5 courses, including higher technical qualifications
H study locally and at reduced costs compared to university fees
H benefit from high-quality tuition with small class sizes
H have access to resources and support from partnered universities.
Entry Requirements
Course No formal entry requirements
4 GCSEs at grade 2/E
4 GCSEs at grade 3/D
5 GCSEs at grade 4/C (or above)
5 GCSEs, including two grade 5/B (or above) and three grade 4/C (or above)
Full-Time
Entry Level
Full-Time
Level 1
Full-Time Level 2
Full-Time Level 3
T Levels
A Levels
GCSE Maths & English only
Combination of grade 3/2 (D/E)
GCSE Maths & English only
Combination of grade 4/3 (C/D)
GCSE Maths & English only
Minimum of 4/4 (C/C)
Additional entry criteria
Level 2 Electrical and Plumbing students are required to have a minimum of a grade 4 in GCSE Maths and a grade 3 in GCSE English Language.
A Level subjects have subject-specific entry requirements which will be discussed at interview.
Your Application Journey
Open Evenings
Our Open Evenings are a great opportunity for you to explore our Campuses. You can see our state-ofthe-art facilities and equipment in action with demonstrations and performances, and sample food cooked by our own catering students.
You can meet and talk to our current students and dedicated lecturers and support staff about the wide range of courses that we offer so you can make the right decision about your future.
3
Guidance Interview
This is a chance for you to meet your lecturers, ask any questions and make sure that the course you have applied for is right for you and helps you work towards any career goals you might have.
Following your guidance interview, you will receive your offer. This will include any agreed conditions, for example, minimum GCSE grades.
Application
You can apply online in minutes, even using your phone, or in person at one of our Open Evenings.
If you need any help with your application, get in touch with our Admissions Team at admissions@ccsw.ac.uk.
Once you’ve applied, we’ll keep in touch!
Throughout your application journey, we will keep in touch regularly and send you important updates about upcoming events and dates that you need to be aware of ahead of your first day at College.
5 6 Updates
Welcome Day
We will invite you to come for a full day at College, which will help you get to know the Campus, your lecturers and meet other people on your course. You’ll be able to experience lessons and find out more about what you’ll be studying. You will also enjoy lunch on Campus and some goodies throughout the day. This will be a fun day that will help you get prepared to start your exciting first year with us.
Enrolment
Enrolment is the final stage of your application journey and secures your place at Cheshire College. We will send all the details you need at the beginning of August.
You will come to Campus to confirm your results and enrol on your chosen course. Once you’re enrolled, you are all set and we’ll share all the information you need for your first day at College!
Support for Everyone
Studying at Cheshire College is about more than just achieving your qualification, it’s an experience that will help you get to where you want to be!
Schools Team
For most of you, your first contact with the College will be with the Schools Team.
We are passionate about supporting young people and making sure that you have access to as much information as possible when it comes to your 16+ education.
Our Schools Team works closely with schools across Cheshire, Wirral, Staffordshire, Shropshire and Flintshire and you can take part in a variety of activities that will help you explore your options for the future.
You can get help with creating or improving your CV and interview skills. You can also have College Campus tours, taster sessions and careers advice. If you would like to find out more about this or have any questions for our Schools Team, send a message to:
schools@ccsw.ac.uk
Personal Development Tutors (PDTs)
All full-time students will have a dedicated PDT that you will see every week.
Our team of PDTs are here to help guide you on your academic journey and support your wellbeing in College through tailored and individual support.
All of the PDTs have an abundance of skills and qualifications that they will use to provide the very best and most up-to-date support for you.
Located in accessible, central locations on each Campus, the team provide a holistic approach in the development of each of their students.
Financial Support
As well as our FREE transport, we have a range of financial support that you may be eligible for, including help with meals, uniform and equipment, childcare and a laptop loan scheme. Our financial support can cover essential College costs so that you can focus on your goals without any additional financial stress.
Visit www.ccsw.ac.uk to take a closer look at the help we can provide, scan the code below or send a message to: bursary@ccsw.ac.uk.
Scan here for more information
Health and Wellbeing
Your health and wellbeing is always our main priority. You will be able to access a range of services and support staff within College that can offer help, support and signposting. We also have a team of trained counsellors and wellbeing coaches who are available to talk to if you have something to discuss and don’t feel you can talk to anyone else. We work closely with a range of external support services and can
Careers Team
Studying at College is all about ultimately achieving your career goals. If you need guidance along the way, our Careers Team are here to help!
We are committed to ensuring that all students receive the very highest level of support from the beginning of their course up to the point they move on to university, training or employment.
You will be able to access career planning, information on local employment opportunities, CV and application advice and more! Our Careers Team offers confidential, impartial and accessible services across all three Campuses.
SEND Support
Whilst you are at Cheshire College – South & West, we will do our best to support you to ensure you are successful. We can offer help and support, to enable you to fully access the College environment and achieve your goals. We work closely with a range of partners including local authorities and external agencies.
Our Learning Support Team have a wealth of experience and knowledge in supporting students with SEND and inclusion needs. Support is determined on an individual basis and the best way we can support you is by letting us know about your support and inclusion needs. You can be studying on any programme at the College to have SEND support.
Areas we can help you with
Transition support and advice
Support with exams
Equipment loans and training
Inclusive learning support
Support packages to suit your needs
If you have any questions or would like some advice about starting College and how we can support you, contact the Additional Learning Support team at als@ccsw.ac.uk.
I was struggling with my English and maths studies but the College put support in place that helped me succeed.
Callum Level 3 Uniformed Protective Services
FREE Transport
We offer FREE transport for all full-time students aged 16-18 living over one mile from the Campus where their course is delivered. Our students travel to College from Cheshire, Staffordshire, Shropshire, Merseyside, North Wales and beyond. Getting here for free can save you money, time and stress, allowing you to focus on what’s important: your course, friends and getting the most out of your College experience!
There are three different options available depending on your home location:
College Coach Service (Crewe Campus only)
Public Transport
County Council Transport
Scan here for more information
The free transport helped me massively. I don’t drive, so it would be a real struggle for me to get to College without that support.
Being
able to just hop on and off the coach is a big weight off my mind.
Harry
Level 3 Travel and Tourism
Your Campuses
You will study within friendly, safe and inclusive environments at one of our three Campuses. You will benefit from outstanding facilities and a wide variety of extracurricular clubs and activities. All of our Campuses have on-site Costa Coffee bars and a variety of food outlets, catering to all tastes and dietary needs. There are places to socialise and quiet places to study, read a book or play a board game with friends. Come along to one of our Open Evenings and see what Cheshire College has to offer.
Crewe Campus
Crewe Campus
Dane Bank Avenue
Crewe
Cheshire
CW2 8AB
Crewe is the largest of our three Campuses. No matter what course you are studying, you will have access to many industry-standard facilities that you can use before, during and after the College day - including a multi-purpose sports hall with a climbing wall, a fitness gym, TV and radio studios with specialist equipment, The Academy Restaurant, hair and beauty salons, a 176-seat theatre and green-skills focused engineering and construction workshops. Our Crewe Campus also has an on-site shop that stocks all the items you need for your studies plus drinks and food.
We continually invest in our Campuses so that you can benefit from facilities at the forefront of innovation, and you can see this at our Crewe Campus with our 3D printers, drones, virtual reality (VR) equipment, fully equipped hospital ward and much more!
Ellesmere Port Campus
Ellesmere Port Campus
Off Sutton Way
Ellesmere Port
CH65 7BF
Studying at our Ellesmere Port Campus, you will benefit from its town centre location and impressive teaching and training facilities such as tennis courts and a fitness gym, training kitchens, The Academy West Restaurant, hair and beauty salons, an aircraft cabin, a fully equipped hospital ward and a 150-seat theatre. Ellesmere Port Campus has its own on-site shop, where you can purchase all the items you might need for your studies plus food and drinks.
This Campus also features sustainable and green-skills focused construction and engineering workshops and classrooms, including our sustainable house, where you can gain hands on experience of the latest zero carbon technology and equipment. Our motor vehicle workshops include industry-standard motor vehicle ramps and a Plug-in Hybrid Electrical Vehicle (PHEV) bay.
Chester Campus
A short walk from the River Dee and all that the city of Chester has to offer, our Chester Campus has modern classrooms and industrystandard facilities which include impressive photography, art and design workshops; an esports studio; science laboratories; and 4K video recording equipment.
Studying at Chester you will also have access to our meeting pods on the second floor, which offer a quiet place to work and study or sit and relax with friends.
Chester, our smallest Campus, also features our Digital Hub building, which is available for our Business, IT and Fashion Communication students, as well as the wider community. The Hub is packed full of high-tech and cutting-edge equipment, including a 3D printer.
It’s More Than Just a Course!
Enrichment at Cheshire College
Coming to College is an experience that will stay with you forever. It’s not just about lessons, it’s also about forming new friendships, trying new experiences, gaining confidence and acquiring skills that will be incredibly useful whatever you decide to do next.
You will be able to take part in a variety of activities at all of our Campuses, including boxing, book club, quizzes, photography, LGBTQ+ groups, student magazine, board games and much more!
There is a club for everyone at Cheshire College, but if you don’t see anything you fancy don’t worry we have you covered! We’ll help you find a location and support you to set up your own club.
The lecturers have been great and I can’t thank them enough for the support that they’ve given me. We got to work with primary school students, doing athletics, and it helped me realise that I want to be a PE teacher in the future.
Gemma
Level 3 Sports Coaching and Development
Our Futures Programme
Studying with us will give you access to our Futures Programme, which is designed to support your progression to university, employment and an array of other post-18 options. We have tailored specialised pathways to boost your skills and confidence through academic and professional programmes, whilst giving you dedicated and personalised support. In addition to our general Futures Programme, you can also choose either the Scholars Programme or the Honours Programme.
Scholars Programme
Delivered by a specialist Oxbridge Team, the Scholars Programme provides you with unique training and experiences that gets you ready for the bright future ahead of you. Entry is based on a grades criteria and is aimed to support our UCAS Early Applicants, that is, those intending to apply for medicine, dentistry, veterinary sciences or Oxbridge.
Key features are:
• specialist support and bespoke enrichment activities
• Oxford Partnership programme in English, Philosophy, the Humanities, Languages and Sciences
• Oxbridge coaching for competitive courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary subjects
• preparation for the Admissions Test and interviews
• online resources
We’re happy to help any student with dreams that they want to achieve. Futures Team Leader
Honours Programme
The Honours Programme is the programme for students who aspire to secure a place at universities such as the prestigious Russell Group, high-level employment or an apprenticeship.
The Russell Group represents 24 leading UK universities that maintain the very best research, outstanding teaching and learning and have unrivalled links with businesses and the public sector.
Key features are:
• networking events with industry experts and academics
• hands-on experience in your chosen field
• bespoke support and skills workshops
ASPIRING SCIENTISTS
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ASPIRING LEADERS
ASPIRING CREATORS
ASPIRING TEACHERS
I’m going to Oxford University to study English and French, and the Futures Progamme got me there!
I learnt so many new skills and it helped with my wider reading.
Hollie
The Next Chapter
Studying at Cheshire College can really give you an advantage when it comes to starting the next chapter in your life.
Many of our students go on to exciting destinations such as university, employment, higher-level courses, apprenticeships, traineeships and scholarships.
Apprenticeships
University Employment
If you are planning to go to university, you can attend our tailored workshops designed to give you support and advice from when you first start your application right through to accepting your offer. You can also attend visits and talks from universities. Our students have gone on to secure places at the country’s top universities, including the University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, University of Bristol and The University of Manchester.
Many of our students have been able to walk straight into jobs with local and reputable employers following the successful completion of their course. As part of your course, you will undertake a work placement which is valuable for those wishing to improve their CVs with on-the-job experience and will help you on your journey to employment.
Apprenticeships are highlyregarded by employers and are available from Level 2 to degree apprenticeships at Level 6.
If you are considering an apprenticeship as your next step, we can help you! You can join our Talent Pool which will support you with writing your CV, applying for vacancies and with interview techniques.
I enjoy how practical and hands on my course is. My plan is to progress to an apprenticeship and carry on with my career.
Cole Level 2 Engineering
The importance of digital skills and access to technology has never been more apparent and Cheshire College is on a mission to support the community in this through ‘The Digital Hub’.
The Digital Hub project is set to benefit over 50,000 students by providing access to specialist and state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, inspiring more young people than ever to progress onto higher-level courses and skilled employment.
Study with us and you will gain invaluable skills in emerging technologies. From virtual reality (VR) headsets and 3D printers to life-size robotics and a tech-filled mobile unit, the College is at the forefront of the latest technological trends.
Sustainability
We want to improve the environment and are working towards net zero so that you can progress from your time with us into a better, greener and more sustainable world.
Improving environmental awareness with training
Provide space for partners to showcase their path to Net Zero
Electrical vehicle (EV) charging stations located on Campus
Working with employers to provide access to the latest technology
Light sensors on Campus
Investing in state-ofthe-art sustainable facilities/equipment
Delivering innovative courses centred around sustainability
Introducing energy consumption and waste management practices
Reducing energy and CO2 emissions
Reducing waste sent to landfill
Reducing our effect on local ecology and biodiversity
Reducing environmental effects with free transport initiatives
Snapshot of Success
At Cheshire College, you will have opportunities to take part in competitions and showcase the skills you have learnt, including regional, national and international WorldSkills competitions.
We also celebrate our students’ success every year with our Student Awards, Apprenticeship Awards and Freemen and Guilds Awards.
One of my favourite moments at College was winning an award in 3D Gaming in a cross-college competition. My lecturers really supported me, and it was a great experience.
Malakai Level 3 Games Development
Introducing the Cheshire and Warrington Institute of Technology
The Cheshire and Warrington Institute of Technology (IoT) is an exciting collaboration between local further and higher education providers, and employers. Working together, we provide technical training that is shaping future careers by filling the employment skills gap.
Cheshire College is the lead provider for the Cheshire and Warrington IoT in collaboration with Macclesfield College, Reaseheath College and Warrington Vale Royal, with a research partner of University of Chester. The region will benefit from over £15m investment.
Located across England, IoTs are a national network of experienced education providers and leading industry employers, of which we are very proud to be part of. Working in close partnerships to deliver world-class technical education and training to the workforce of the future across a range of STEM occupations and industries, ensuring businesses get the skills and talent they need to thrive.
IoTs are designed to:
H have an economic impact by providing the skills that local, regional and national employers need now and in the future, driving growth
H have a social impact by attracting a wide range of students, addressing the lack of diversity in some parts of the technical workforce
H drive skills growth by increasing the number of students with a technical qualification, and provide adults with access to flexible higher level technical education.
Track Your Application Progress
Wednesday 9th October 2024
Wednesday 13th November 2024
Thursday 16th January 2025
Submitted Application Application
Monday 10th February 2025
Wednesday 19th March 2025
Wednesday 23rd April 2025
Cheshire College Bucket List
Course Shortlist
Notes
A Levels.
Higher Education
