A BRIGHT Welcome to Salesian College Sixth Form
s i x t h fo r m p r o s p e c tu s
A BRIGHT
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Contents Welcome from the Head of Sixth Form
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Student welcome
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The Salesian Difference
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Being Part of Something
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Realising Your Potential
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Playing Your Part in the World
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Reaching Out to Others
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So What Subjects are Right for Me
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Supporting You... Pastorally
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Supporting You... Financially
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Careers
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Testimonials
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Your Journey to Salesian College
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a litt le abou t who we are
Welcome
from the Head of Sixth Form Richard Maher
Realising Your Potential We all need a sense of being valued to achieve our potential and from this basis we offer a ‘work hard, play hard’ culture, in which we work as a team to ensure each of our students maximises their full potential. This means additional academic workshops, class sizes averaging 10, 1:1 support for reviews and the challenging UCAS process, which culminates in our students’ achieving places at the best universities in the country and places on degree apprenticeships with blue-chip companies. Our learning culture ensures outstanding outcomes, with impressive results.
Welcome
Playing Your Part in The World Sixth Form life at Salesian College provides opportunities for all to visit over 15 countries. We know that travel and experience inspire and bring education to life. For example, our historians’ imaginations are set alight by visiting the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin; our Economics, Politics, and Business students are transformed by speaking to experts on Wall Street and the UN. Physics is brought to life by visits to CERN and engaging with the concept of G-force at Thorpe Park. These opportunities educate, broaden horizons, and develop our students’ resilience for their lives ahead. Salesian College is part of an international order, and these opportunities are invariably with the global Salesian family, present in 133 countries, worldwide.
Reaching Out to Others Thank you for taking the time to consider Sixth Form life at Salesian College. This is a crucial decision about the most important stage of education, and we want you to make the right decision for you. Our prospectus provides at-a-glance key facts about our Sixth Form, which have a life changing impact on our students’ lives. We warmly invite you to come and see us at one of our Taster Days and Open Events to continue the conversation.
Being Part of Something Saint John Bosco, our founder, said: ‘Education is a Matter of the Heart’. The first step in this process is making sure you’re happy. Student life at Salesian is vibrant, with lots going on each week. Our Sean Devereux Sixth Form Centre is a hive of energy and teachers and students work together to create an inclusive place of kindness, where all feel valued, enjoying a sense of belonging from which lasting friendships grow.
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These opportunities are also about giving back and include life-changing volunteering experiences in Zambia and Botswana, with our own development charity, SHARE. The whole of Year 12 are invited to visit Lourdes to work in a voluntary capacity with children who have complex needs. This challenging and wonderful experience is loved by all students. Closer to home, students work for the homeless, volunteer with children with disabilities in local schools and advocate for global justice. In our CAFOD Leadership Program, students are developed and prepared for these responsibilities through our Leadership and Personal Development Programme. Our students lead charitable events each year, such as Colour Runs, Tough Mudders and our own Eurovision competition. In all of these activities, students are prepared to be game-changing leaders.
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why choos e Sales ian?
Student Welcome 1. How did you feel as prospective Salesian Sixth Former? Amaya started the conversation: ‘I was nervous to start with, coming to a new school, but glad I did and, I didn’t need to be nervous. Salesian is a welcoming place, and the induction programme is set up with events like a BBQ, before Sixth Form starts, to make you feel at home and it was easy to bond. My message and advice is: feel welcome and don’t worry about taking on the challenge of joining: it is worth it. We work hard, but in some ways it’s less stressful than other places; being in a mixed environment really does make a difference.’
A chat with Amaya, Eve, Beth, Angelo, Vinnie and Ruben
Beth added: ‘Firstly, for any student thinking of joining Salesian, for me Sixth Form is all about achieving the grades and I knew that I would get the support to achieve that here and have honestly found that to be the case. I also feel I have grown in confidence because people take you seriously here.’
2. What has been your experience? Vinnie emphasised the importance of ‘the support classes and workshops which make all the difference. For example, I go to Biology workshops. I bring the specific question that I have been struggling with and get one-to-one support on it, which means that the advice is specific to my needs’. Ruben said: ‘I want to work in medicine and know that the admissions tests and process is difficult. Here, I get all the help that I would just not get anywhere else’. Talking this over with Angelo, the School Captain, he said: ‘I would also emphasise the energy and enthusiasm we have in everything. Each week there are loads of activities from a plethora of opportunities at Surrey Sports Park, including rock climbing, spin classes and circuits; there is also a Tycoon Challenge. All these things bring us together; there is always a lot going on and there is something great about that.’
3. What would you advise potential students? Eve, our current Head Girl said ‘My advice is: listen to the experience above and make a careful choice about Sixth Form life. For me, it makes sense to say that Sixth Form is the most important stage of education, and I am so happy to be a part of the busy Sixth Form life at Salesian.’ On behalf of my fellow students: a warm welcome to Salesian Sixth Form as you make important choices about your next steps.
The Salesian Difference
Salesian College Sixth Form is a vibrant, challenging and successful environment in which to study and prepare for university life.
Our average class size is 10, which means you are a person, not a number. Through smaller groups, highly committed and supportive staff and 1:1 support, our students achieve 100% A Level pass rate. Students can achieve A level results one grade higher than elsewhere and 85% of our students gain entry to the top 30 universities.
We offer a vibrant student life through an exciting enrichment programme, achieve excellent sporting success, and provide extensive travel opportunities to enrich your academic learning and personal development.
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w w w. s a le s i a n co l le g e .co m | p o te n t i a l
a word f rom t he s tudents
Be Part of Something What we are
Few things in life are better than feeling a part of something, having friends around and being given the space to be you. At Salesian Sixth Form, staff and students work together to make sure everyone is known, welcomed and valued.
This results in:
Excellence: Salesian College was Excellent in all areas of our December 2022 Independent School Inspection.
One grade higher for all our students: Whatever your progress to date, we provide an exceptional Value Added (VA) of an average of one grade higher than local providers, per subject (BBC become AAB).
Ideal class sizes: Average class sizes of 10 provide an ideal number for collaborative learning and individualfocused attention for each student. Highly motivated, vocationally driven supportive teachers rated as Excellent for Teaching and Learning: ISI, 2022. Successful, highly Salesian, networked and bespoke careers program with alumni that advise, open doors and raise horizons.
How we do this:
The Sean Devereux Sixth Form Centre: Our Common Room is a friendly, welcoming space where you can relax and be at home, enjoying social time with music, pool, TV and coffee. It is also a place where you can really focus on your studies in the Silent Study Room or work collaboratively in the adjoining study area, or plan events in our students’ Meeting Room with a flat screen TV and linked laptops for you to present your ideas on your new Sixth Form initiative.
We offer:
Workshops: We provide extra workshops which create ‘break through moments’ which means nothing blocks our students’ potential’
Therefore, if you feel that there should be no cliques, that each person should be accepted as they are, that all should be valued and that student leaders should be appointed on the basis of whether they are willing to serve others, then Salesian Sixth Form is right for you. We are about making sure all are known and welcomed. We are about all being in and none being out.
Close friendly tutor groups: Our tutor groups usually consist of about 12 students which offer social time and a space to develop. Tutors follow an education and development program ,which includes 1:1 Professional Review meetings, Cake Friday and Debate are all an important part of tutor life. Perhaps most importantly, twice a day, you have a place to relax, chat and be. What could be better for well-being?
Realising Your Potential
Our away days and development days: Each year, both year groups have away days for some space and some fun. Students lead activities like sailing on the south coast in Year 12 or working together in Lourdes as a team in Year 13. We also enjoy leadership days at Salesian House in Battersea in Central London. Gathering together: Each week, student-led assemblies focus on world issues, debate politics, promote charity events and well-being and bring us together.
1:1 for UCAS and reviews. We work on individual basis with our students to create personal statement and also within mentoring for admissions tests, which are increasingly important. Silent Study: Each week our students select their own Silent Study times, and we monitor and support their decisions. Integrated holistic learning process: We develop our students’ resilience, confidence, self-awareness and soft skills through the wider life of the Sixth Form this enables academic achievement.
100% pass rate at A Level ABB/AAB average results Enabling 85% entry at the top 30 Universities Achieving places on degree apprenticeships at Blue Chip companies, with degrees awarded from Exeter University and Manchester University. In brief, we create opportunities, raise horizons and open doors at the most crucial stage of Education: we call this the Salesian difference.
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w w w. s a le s i a n co l le g e .co m | g loba l ly
a g lobal educat ion?
Reaching Out to Others Locally and internationally
Imagine, amid summer’s evening, a festival atmosphere, with a BBQ and friends.
The Colour Run raises money for Mrs Mwette’s Daily Porridge Club in Zambia, which feeds 750 pupils each day at Luylobula School for the vulnerable in Mazabuka, Zambia. The challenging, sponsored sleep-out, is a student-lead event which has and raised over £30,000 in recent years for the homeless young people at Step by Step in Aldershot. Students who lead events and advocate for SHARE, our own development charity, raise up to £40,000 each year, which means young people receive scholarships and have something to.
Playing Your Part in The World Salesian College is part of an international order, and these opportunities are invariably with the global Salesian family which are present in 133 countries worldwide.
In the midst of this, a Colour Run is called: plumes of smoke, red and yellow, rise across a field, moments of chaos and fun as paint flies in all directions. Imagine instead, agreeing to sleep-out with just a cardboard box and a sleeping bag. Outside, with a barrel campfire and scores of students in Mid-December; a great atmosphere, music: this is what it means to ‘Reach Out to Others’ at Salesian Sixth Form.
This means when we visit Zambia we stay at a Salesian community, similarly in New York, Paris and Barcelona. Salesian College is part of a worldwide family which means our Sixth Form provides a Global Education in which our students gain the inside track on the places visited. These opportunities, educate, broaden horizons, and develop our student’s resilience for their lives ahead as as being great fun.
At Salesian Sixth Form, our students regularly describe these experiences of reaching out to others as ‘life changing’. Salesian Sixth Form works in Partnership with:
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w w w. s a le s i a n co l le g e .co m | s u b je c ts
you r develop ment
What Subjects Are Right For Me 1. Information Gathering a. Explore the explore the website for details on our courses b. Attend a taster day to experience teaching and learning c. Talk to our students and teachers
2. Analysis a. What subjects work well together? b. What courses link to your university and career aspirations? c. What subjects do you have the right qualifications or experience for?
3. Reflection a. What subjects do you enjoy most? b. What are your strengths? c. What do you like learning about? d. What are your ambitions?
4. Decision a. You should now be ready to decide on your choice of 4 A level subjects to begin the next steps in your educational journey.
Subject
Entry Requirements
Examining Board
Facilities
The Salesian Difference
Art and Design
Minimum grade 6 in Art at GCSE
AQA
Dedicated A-level Art Room
Visits to Art Galleries and Museums
AQA
Dedicated A-level Art / Graphic Design Room
Visits to Art Galleries and Museums Visits to Art Galleries and Museums
Graphic design
Evidence of prior interest and experience of Graphics
Assesment Unit 1 = 60% personal project with up to 3000 word written study Unit 2 = 40% externally set assignment & 15 hour exam
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Your Future Opportunities Architect, Designer Architect; Graphic Designer
Photography
Evidence of prior interest and experience of Photography
AQA
Dedicated A-level Art / Photography Room
Biology
Minimum grade 6 in Biology or 6-6 in Combined Science at GCSE
AQA
Purpose built laboratories
Two day residential in Year 13
3 x 2hour exams Assessed practical skills = up to 15% of final written papers
Medical, ecology, neuroscience, genetics, teacher, science journalist. Scientific courses and careers
Business
Minimum grade 6 in Business at GCSE where taken
Pearson (Edexcel)
Two dedicated classrooms
Visits to BMW Mini plant and New York trip in Year 12 or Year 13. Visit to New York
3 x exams (Paper 1 35%, Paper 2 35%, Paper 3 30%) Paper 1 = 35%; Paper 2 = 35%; Paper 3 = 30%
Business based courses and careers, but supports any career if wishing to work at a senior level.
Chemistry
Minimum grade 6 in Chemistry or 6-6 in Combined Science at GCSE
OCR
Purpose built laboratories
Visit to Chemistry in action (London), Southampton University Laboratories and Bayer
2x 2hr15mins and 1x 90mins Assessed practical skills
Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, veterinary science, Medical courses and forensics, science journalism, chemical engineering, patenting and teaching Industry, commerce and research professions
Classics
Minimum grade 6 in Classics where taken at GCSE and/or grade 6 in English
OCR
Two dedicated classrooms
Visits to Greece and Italy
3 x examination papers (Paper 1 = 40%; Paper 2 = 30%; Paper 3 = 30%
Law, Politics and humanity courses
Computer Science
Minimum grade 6 in Computer Science at GCSE
OCR
Two dedicated ICT suites
Visit to Computing in Action lectures.
2 x exam papers (40% each) and a non-examined assessment (20%) Practical programming project = 20%
Computing based courses and professions
Drama and Theatre
Minimum of grade 6 when taken at GCSE and a passion for the subject
AQA
Two drama studios and dedicated classroom
Theatre visits, Upper School Play, Enrichment, School Production
Component 1 = 40% written exam and assesment Component 2 = 30% written notebook and performance Component 3 = 30% performance and report Component 3 = 30% performance and report
Creative Arts - academic, performance or production based (e.g. stage management and lighting/costume/set design) Any career holding a performative aspect - Law/Politics/ Marketing/Education etc
Economics
Minimum grade 6 in Economics if taken at GCSE and/or grade 6 in English and Maths
AQA
Dedicated A-level teaching room.
Visit to New York (in Year 12 or Year 13) and Bank of England Investor Challenge. Visit to New York
3 x exam pappers all 33.3% of total mark
Business based courses and careers, but supports any career if wishing to work at a senior level.
English
Minimum grade 6 in English Literature at GCSE
Pearson (Edexcel)
Five dedicated classrooms
Visit to Stratford Upon Avon
Research essay = 20%
Media, Advertising, PR
EPQ
Commenced in term 3 of Year 12.
AQA
Dedicated classroom
Research visit to University of Westminister
Written project / production of artifact Presentation
Often leads to reduced university entry requirements
50% Listening, Reading, Translation, 30% Speaking, 20% Writing
Language and joint honours courses A range of multi-national career opportunities
Photographer
French
Minimum grade 6 in French at GCSE
AQA
Two dedicated classrooms
Visits and exchange programmes Extra lessons with FLA
Geography
Minimum grade 6 in Geography at GCSE
Pearson (Edexcel)
Two dedicated classrooms
Residential field studies in Year 12 Visit to Iceland
3 x exam papers
Surveyor, Planner, Environmental roles
History
Minimum grade 6 in History at GCSE
Pearson (Edexcel)
Two dedicated classrooms
Visit to Berlin and France for a warfare trip.
3 exam papers = 80% Coursework essay = 20%
Politics, research and buisness courses and careers
Maths
Minimum grade 6 in Maths at GCSE
Pearson (Edexcel)
Six dedicated classrroms
Visit to Thorpe Park, Maths inspirations lectures
3 x 2 hour exams
Engineering, Hyrology, Physics, Economics, Accountancy
Further Maths
Minimum grade 8 in Maths at GCSE
Pearson (Edexcel)
Six dedicated classrroms
Visit to Thorpe Park, Maths inspirations lectures
3 x 2 hour exams
Engineering, Hyrology, Physics, Economics, Accountancy
Music
Minimum grade 6 in GCSE Music where taken and at least grade 5 instrument/voice
Pearson (Edexcel)
Dedicated Music School
Numerous performing opportunities
1x exam paper & 60% coursework
Music (academic or performance) or other creative courses Careers in sound engineering, music therapy, education, performing, composition, publishing and media.
Philosophy & Ethics
Minimum grade 6 in RE where taken at GCSE and/or grade 6 in English
AQA
Three dedicated classrooms
External Revision Seminars and lectures
2 x exam papers (50% each)
All academic courses and careers!
Physical Education
Minimum grade 6 in GCSE PE and strong sports performer
AQA
Gymnasium, all-weather 3G pitch
Weekly access to Surrey Sports Park
2 x exam papers (35% each) & 30% NEA
Sports Science or Sports Studies courses Careers in teaching, physiotherapy and lesiure industry
Physics
Minimum grade 6 in Physics or 6-6 in Combined Science at GCSE, grade 6 in Maths at GCSE
Pearson (Edexcel)
Purpose built laboratories
Visit to Thorpe Park, lectures at local universities, visit to CERN
3 exam papers (AP1 = 1hr45, AP2=1hr45, GPPP=2hr30) and assessed practical skills
All STEM courses and careers
Politics
Minimum grade 6 in GCSE English or History
Pearson (Edexcel)
Dedicated A-level teaching room
Visit to the Houses of Parliament, visiting speakers, members of the national quiz league and New York. Visit to New York
3 x exam papers
Humanities courses Careers in journalism, business and government
Psychology
Minimum grade 6 in a science or 6-6 in Combined Science at GCSE
AQA
Dedicated A-level teaching room
Visit to Vienna
3 x 2 hour exams
Various courses Careers in all aspects of psychology
Spanish
Minimum grade 6 in Spanish at GCSE
AQA
Two dedicated classrooms
Exchange with Salesian School in Barcelona Work Experience with Salesian School in Barcelona. Extra lessons with FLA
50% Liistening, Reading, Translation, 30% Speaking, 20% Writing
Language and joint honours courses A range of multi-national career opportunities
w w w. s a le s i a n co l le g e .co m | s u p p o r t
t he suppor t you need
Supporting You Pastorally
Supporting You Financially Scholarships Up to eight scholarships of a reduction in fees of £1500 per annum are awarded for entry to the Sixth Form, relating to Salesian Ethos, Outstanding Ability and Academic Excellence.
bespoke tutoring to develop your personal statement. We understand that at times you may need some additional support, and we have our own in-house counsellor who is available for confidential advice and support.
At Salesian Sixth Form we like to get to know the induvial and work with you to achieve your best. To support that we have small tutor groups, that meet twice a day, and collectively we get together as a group once a week for an assembly. We offer 1:1 support, and extra study sessions to enable you to achieve your full potential. We understand the UCAS process and provide
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Salesian College offers financial support to families in a number of different ways:
Bursaries Applications can be made for means-tested bursaries when applying for Sixth Form, for both new and existing students.
Keeping families together Any student entering the Sixth Form who has a younger sibling studying at the College is entitled to a Keeping Families Together award of a 25% discount off the tuition fee for each year of Sixth Form study.
w w w. s a le s i a n co l le g e .co m | Ca r e e rs
t he r ight p rofess ion for you
Careers The Careers Department is defined by its bespoke, dynamic and effective approach in a co-educational environment. The Department is committed to excellence in supporting and preparing our Sixth Form students for the unpredictable and rapidly changing world of work. Our inter-connected programmes offer the essential tools to make informed choices during this key stage of your education; fuelled by your key interests and potential career paths.
Employability Matters
Right information, right choice We are always up to date with new developments and our team of advisers is available to assist you in exploring an array of possibilities, with your interests and ambitions at heart. To make an appointment, please send an email to our Head of Careers: cardonai@salesian.hants.sch.uk. You will have a Careers appointment in the Autumn term in Year 12 and a subsequent follow-up in the Spring Term, in preparation for your applications.
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Salesian Inspires Here, we offer a variety of lectures, workshops and Careers guidance carried out by employers to inspire your choices and support your decisions with well-researched, real-life experience. This is a popular programme as it provides opportunities to connect with professionals in your field of interest.
Our PSHE programme along with the Unifrog and Morrisby digital platforms function to enhance your knowledge of universities and the world of work. They assist you identify what are you good at, your preferences in university courses, industry and your type of work environment. We frequently liaise with professionals from different areas through different programmes whom you can talk to about your thinking process by networking. Your future employability can be further honed through the annually organised EPQ presentations, CV workshops, and practise interviews run by practised professionals.
Events will help you thrive
Extensive and in-depth interaction
Our Careers events facilitate an upto-date insight into the world of work through visits to external companies, Career Fairs and via our own internal Careers Conventions. We believe in a world where informed decisions into your future career will prepare you well to both enjoy your field of work and contribute positively to society following the key tenets of Salesian values.
Come and speak to us! We have built numerous partnerships with Educational Establishments, Industry and Agencies to help you develop. The extensive Alumni Network annually facilitates an interview evening in preparation of university interviews, job applications and degree apprenticeships. These valued interactions inform and produce excellent work experience opportunities, volunteering and part-time or summer jobs. We also have a job market on our VLE for you to explore and connections with other Salesian Schools in other countries.
w w w. s a le s i a n co l le g e .co m | FAQ’s
have yo u r say
Sixth Form FAQ’s How big are the classes?
How do you support University Applications? Our team has experience and insight to support you to access the right course in the best universities. Nearly all of our Year 13 leave to go to university or degree apprenticeships.
Do you interview applicants?
Our A Level classes have 10 students on average, ensuring you get the best learning experience.
Yes, all applicants will be interviewed by one of our Senior Leadership Team.
How is it different from school?
What enrichment opportunities do you offer?
At Sixth Form you are an independent learner with freedom to leave the site and take personal responsibility for your studies. At school you were a ‘pupil’, now you become a ‘student’ meaning a more independent learner.
We offer an extensive range of activities, both inside and outside of the classroom, including residentials and overseas visits.
What are your entry requirements? We require students to achieve a minimum of six GCSEs at grade 6, including a grade of 4 or above in Maths and English, and a grade of 6-9 in the intended A level subjects.
How will I get there? We offer a number of bus routes, which can be viewed here Transport - Salesian College as well as a shuttle bus from Farnborough Main Station.
How do I apply? Please apply via our website Admissions - Salesian College
How many subjects will I study? You will start with 4 subject choices, then after assessments and a period of review at the end of the first term, select the 3 courses to go forward with.
What grades should I expect to achieve? On average, our students achieve A Level grades of ABB. About a quarter of students get three A* or A grades.
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w w w. s a le s i a n co l le g e .co m | te s t i m o n i a l s
what peop le say abo ut Salesi an
Testimonials “I wanted to experience a co-educational environment before I moved on to University.” Year 12 Female Student
“Having previously studied at another Sixth Form, I found the atmosphere here so refreshing.” Year 13 Male Student
“Older pupils are ambitious and realistic in planning the next stage in their lives and value the support of the careers department.” ISI Report November 2022
“Whether you are coming from another school or moving forward from Salesian you’re treated as an adult here.” Year 13 Male Student
“I wanted to go to a high achieving college and the A*-B success for female students confirmed this for me.” Year 12 Female Student
“Thank you for all your help, patience and support for our son during his time at Salesian, we were delighted with his A Level result which in no small part was down to your teaching.” Parent of Former Male Student
“I noticed at the Open Evening how well people knew each other and how well they got on and this attracted me to Salesian College. I have honestly found this to be the case ever since.” Year 13 Female Student
“One of the things I most treasure from Salesian is the value placed on friendship and having time for others, which has helped me every day since.” Year 13 Female Student
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Yo ur Jou r ney
Your Journey to Salesian College • Coach – Details of all our routes are available on the College website. Please check with us that a place on the coach is available by contacting transport@ salesian.hants.sch.uk. As coach places are limited we recommend that you book well in advance. Charges apply for coach services.
• Farnborough Main Station - The College operates a
free minibus shuttle service from Farnborough Main Station to the College between 8:05 and 8:20 each morning. In the afternoon a coach service runs to the station leaving the College at 4pm. A charge applies for this service which should be booked in the same way as our other routes.
• P ublic Transport - A No 1 bus runs frequently from
Farnborough Main Station to Alexandra Road at the junction of Reading Road.
• D rive – The College is close to the A331, Blackwater Valley relief road, giving easy access to Aldershot, Farnham, Guildford and surrounding areas.
w w w. s a le s i a n co l le g e .co m | a b r i g h t f u tu r e . . .