Study

Location and Facilities Situated next to Southend Central station, our Southend Campus boasts a wide array of vocational subjects, adult courses, and higher education programs within the modern Forum. Our courses are designed to simulate real-world work environments, utilizing state-of-the-art technology.

Media and Production Facilities Media students have access to a high-definition television studio, radio studio, fully-equipped photographic studio with digital SLR cameras, dedicated art and design workspaces, performing arts studios, and a journalism newsroom. Sound and music production students benefit from Xtreme, our off-site recording and rehearsal studio, which includes facilities for mixing, recording, rehearsal, and sequencing.

Additional Facilities The campus also features science labs, an animal management center, a sports lab, and a 250-seat Performance Pod. With over 2,000 PCs and numerous Apple Mac computers, students can engage in activities ranging from graphic design to film editing. Our on-site restaurant and coffee shop are staffed by our catering students.

Sports Facilities Sports students utilize the Wellstead Gardens sports facility, which includes a gym and playing fields. The campus’s central location offers easy access to a variety of shops, restaurants, leisure, and entertainment venues.

Parking Information

• Luker Road Building: Public car park open weekdays from 07:00 to 22:00 (closed on Saturdays).
• University Square MSCP: Car park on College Way (opposite Sainsbury’s) open from 07:00 to 21:00.
• Additional Options: Various council-run short-stay public car parks in Central Southend.

Local Amenities

Convenient Living Located in the heart of Southend High Street, our campus is surrounded by shops, restaurants, and bars.

Transport Links Southend offers excellent transport links, including a comprehensive bus network and two major London-bound train lines (Southend Victoria & Southend Central) with nine rail stations in the borough.

Entertainment Southend is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, featuring pubs, clubs, and restaurants to suit every taste. The seafront offers a fun park with rides, amusement arcades, bowling, a famous pier, and beach activities.

Arts and Festivals The town has a thriving arts community with regular shows and exhibitions at venues like the Beecroft and Focal Point galleries. Major theatres, such as the Cliffs Pavilion and the Palace Theatre, host West End productions, concerts, ballet, opera, and comedy. Annual festivals include the Southend Film Festival (April), Village Green (June), Leigh Folk Festival (June), and Thurrock Festival (July).

Sport and Leisure As a coastal town, Southend is ideal for windsurfing, sailing, and kite surfing, with events like speedboat racing and a sailing regatta. Hadleigh Country Park offers picturesque hiking trails, and the 2012 Olympics mountain bike track provides a challenging course for cyclists and runners.

Parks, Gardens, and History Southend features numerous parks, public gardens, and woodlands. The town is rich in history, with an 11th-century castle, an ancient priory, churches mentioned in the Domesday Book, and several local museums.

Food and Drink With around 300 dining options, from large chains to independent family-run restaurants, Southend offers a diverse culinary scene, including the College’s own Waves restaurant.

Shopping Southend boasts a wide variety of shops, including major high street stores and small independent traders. The Victoria Shopping Centre and The Royals Shopping Centre provide extensive shopping options.

Visit South Essex College

About Us Our College is a leading specialist Sixth Form College, recognized as one of the largest and most successful inclusive providers of general academic education for 16-19 year olds in the country. We aim to deliver a broad range of high-quality academic and general education programs to our full-time students. This includes comprehensive support, skill development, and personal growth opportunities alongside pre-university academic courses. Our College enjoys an excellent reputation both locally and nationally.

Community and Ethos We foster a positive and vibrant atmosphere with a strong sense of community. Our educational experience is designed for full-time 16-19 year old students, emphasizing personal development. As a young adult environment, our College bridges the gap between school and higher education or employment. We equip students with the skills, experiences, opportunities, qualifications, and guidance needed to transition successfully into adulthood. Our pastoral and wellbeing support is robust, and we actively involve parents in their children’s education through regular progress reports, consultation evenings, and timely communication.

Achievements and Recognition Our College received an Outstanding rating in the 2024 Ofsted Inspection. We have strong student retention and achievement rates, including value-added measures. In 2000, we were honored with the Queen’s Anniversary Award for Higher and Further Education and achieved Beacon Status in June 2002. We are among a select few colleges to receive these accolades and hold Platinum level Science Mark and Gold level Arts Mark status.

Student Body and Staff Our College is financially secure and maintains high levels of student admissions. Currently, we have approximately 3,300 full-time students, with around 3,250 enrolled in two-year A level programs. While most of our students live within a 15-mile radius of Colchester, some travel over 35 miles daily. The area is projected to see significant demographic growth in the 16-18 age cohort through to 2034.

We have a dedicated team of approximately 200 teaching staff and 115 support staff, including specialist peripatetic staff, sports coaches, and volunteers.

College History and Governance

Foundation and Governance Established in 1987 by Essex County Council, the Sixth Form College transitioned to an ‘Incorporate’ charitable institution under the 1992 Higher and Further Education Act. Since then, it has been directly managed and funded by Central Government through the Department for Education and its national agencies, currently the Education and Skills Funding Agency.

Curriculum and Academic Offerings

Diverse Course Selection Our College provides a broad academic general education with a wide range of subjects and courses. Students can choose from around 50 Advanced Level or equivalent courses, including Applied General Extended Certificate and Level 3 courses. We also offer supplementary qualification courses for A level or AFP program students.

Specialized Support We provide tailored tuition, preparation, and support for students aiming to apply to Oxford and Cambridge. Additionally, we offer specialized support and extension courses for students pursuing careers in fields such as medicine, teaching, finance, and journalism. Our extensive program includes work-related learning and employability opportunities.

Additional Studies and Extracurricular Activities The Additional Studies Programme offers over 80 options, providing enrichment, skill development, and opportunities to broaden education. This allows students to explore personal interests and develop individual skills. Our extracurricular activities program is designed to foster skills, develop interests, and provide personal growth opportunities. Staff members often have the chance to engage in areas beyond their primary teaching responsibilities.

Pastoral Care All students participate in a pastoral program that includes general support, wellbeing and safeguarding, monitoring and target setting, personal development, progression support, and broader educational aspects such as health, resilience, and citizenship.

College Achievements and Examination Success

Inclusive Intake and Academic Success Our College welcomes a diverse range of A level students, offering a comprehensive and inclusive educational experience. We consistently achieve positive value-added A level measures, comparing students’ results at age 18 with their GCSE results at age 16. This positive value-added achievement applies to all student cohorts, including those with outstanding GCSE results. Our GCSE re-sit results, particularly in Maths and English, exceed national post-16 pass rates.

Higher Education Progression Each year, approximately 1,000 students successfully progress to Higher Education, either directly or after a year of specialist arts experiences, employment-based experiences, or a gap year. Many students advance to degrees and professional fields such as Medicine, Sciences, Veterinary Science, Architecture, Economics, Management, Engineering, Computing, and Law. Our students also frequently gain admission to Russell Group universities and other competitive degree courses. Government-published HEESA data indicates that our students are consistently successful in completing degree courses, performing well above national benchmarks.

Ethos, Pastoral Care, and Tutorial Programme

Commitment to Student Support Our College’s success is deeply rooted in our strong emphasis on pastoral care and student support, addressing the unique interests and needs of each individual student. We offer robust Learning Support facilities for those requiring additional assistance and are dedicated to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Inclusive and Positive Environment We pride ourselves on fostering a positive, inclusive, and distinctive atmosphere with a strong sense of community. Operating as an inclusive young adult environment, our students adopt a mature approach, and staff-student relationships are excellent. Each student is assigned to a Personal Tutor Group, led by a Personal Tutor who meets with them daily to oversee their general and academic welfare. This support is further enhanced by a Senior Tutor and other specialist staff. From the initial application process, students receive individual advice and support. Our dedicated Careers team provides expert guidance and support for higher education and employment applications.

Tutorial Programme Our Tutorial Programme is delivered by a team of approximately 120 Personal Tutors, supported by ten Senior Tutors and other specialists. This programme includes individual counselling, careers and higher education information, and regular reviews of students’ academic progress. It also encourages students to engage with broader personal, social, and global issues through presentations by visiting speakers, wider debates, and various materials. Teaching staff have opportunities to be involved in and trained for the Personal Tutor role, with a high proportion of full-time teaching staff undertaking this responsibility.

Student Activities

Extracurricular Opportunities Our students have the chance to engage in a wide variety of activities, including sports, drama, music, dance, and other vocational, recreational, and creative pursuits. We encourage students to take on responsibilities and contribute to the College community through the elected College Council and its five main committees: Social, Arts and Culture, Charities, Sport, and Environment. These committees organize various events and activities throughout the year.

Leadership and Involvement Students can participate as Tutor Group representatives, subject-level peer mentors, College Ambassadors, Library Champions, or take on leadership roles in local schools and the community. Numerous leadership opportunities are available, and our students are actively involved in extracurricular activities, including organized trips, visits, residential experiences, and expeditions. This includes a comprehensive program of international expeditions, residential trips, and local visits.

Accommodation and Facilities

Central Location and Historic Site Our College is centrally located in Colchester, offering excellent specialist sixth form accommodation and facilities designed specifically for sixth form studies. The site is historically significant, situated on rich Roman archaeological grounds.

Modern Facilities The College has undergone several phases of development and expansion. The original building, dating back to 1912, was refurbished in 1986/87, and a major new building was constructed. Further extensions and new facilities have been added over the years, including an IT Centre, the Midsite building, an outdoor floodlit sports surface, a Language Centre, and expanded Performing Arts accommodation. Additional leased premises and the Syd Kent Pavilion provide further study and social spaces for students. Our buildings and facilities are well-maintained, with ongoing programs to refurbish and enhance the campus.

Staff Development

Commitment to Professional Growth We prioritize staff development and training, dedicating significant resources to support these programs. Our staff regularly participate in curriculum development, academic and pastoral initiatives, and skill development. We promote external training and development opportunities and offer an ongoing In-Service program with national and local courses, in-house training, and opportunities for further professional qualifications.

Induction and Support Newly appointed staff undergo an induction program that includes discussions, briefings, and meetings to introduce them to the College’s work. For teachers and Personal Tutors, specialized induction support is provided at the departmental level. We offer particular support to new teachers, including the NQT Induction year for those completing their qualifications. Our staff development procedures are linked to a system of development interviews and self-assessment, providing appropriate support, guidance, and professional development opportunities tailored to individual career needs. A voluntary peer mentoring program is also available.

Partnerships and Collaboration The College has been an active partner in the Colchester Teaching Training Consortium (Ofsted – ‘Outstanding’) for the past sixteen years, providing training through full-time PGCE and Schools Direct Initial Teaching Training, as well as MEd opportunities. We successfully led an application for Teaching School Status on behalf of a group of local secondary schools, which opened in April 2013. This involves ongoing training and professional development, leadership and management training, and action research projects.

CENBASE Membership We are a member of CENBASE, a peer support group of six specialist Sixth Form Colleges in the East of England, North East London, and the Midlands. CENBASE focuses on staff training and development, support, and networking activities, particularly in teaching and learning.

General Information

Secondary Education in North East Essex Established in September 1987 as part of the Government’s reorganization of post-16 education, the Sixth Form College in Colchester has a strong community commitment to education. Many local 11-16 school pupils continue their studies at the College or nearby Colchester Institute, which offers a broad range of further education, vocational, and skills courses, as well as higher education and adult education. The College also welcomes students from 11-18

Travel Directions

By Car Please be aware that the uphill lane of North Hill is a bus lane monitored by an enforcement camera. All non-bus lane traffic must approach the College via Head Street and then down North Hill.

The College’s postcode is CO1 1SN. However, some sat navs may direct you to Balkerne Hill, which is at the back of the College and has no access to the site. Ensure your sat nav directs you to North Hill. The ‘what3words’ location for the College entrance is honey.daily.scenes.

There is no access for visiting vehicles without prior arrangement. Unless you are a blue badge holder, you will typically be directed to park at the nearby NCP Town Centre Car Park (Fenwicks) on Nunn’s Road, which is a short walk away.

By Foot From the High Street: Head east towards the Jumbo water tower and away from the castle. Continue until you reach the junction at the end of the High Street, where it meets Head Street. Cross at the pedestrian crossing and turn right into North Hill. Continue down the hill on the left-hand side for approximately 100 yards. The main entrance to the College is just before a two-storey Tudor building.

By Bus The following bus routes stop close to the College in the town centre: 1, 1a, 2, 2b, 2c, 4, 6, 8, 8c, 8e, 61a, 62, 62a, 63, 64, 64a, 64b, 65, 66, 66a, 67, 67a, 67b, 74b, 75, 75a, 75b, 77, 80, 87, 176.

For timetables, fares, news, and service updates, visit the Firstgroup website.

For details of Colchester’s Park and Ride service, including timetable information, routes, and pricing, refer to Essex County Council’s Colchester Park and Ride.

By Train

• From North Station: Bus routes 61, 61a, 62, and 62a from the station forecourt will take you directly into Colchester town centre.
• From Colchester Town Station: Turn right from the station and proceed up Botolphs Street, continuing onto Queen Street. Turn left at the junction onto the High Street and continue until you reach another junction. Cross at the pedestrian lights and turn right into North Hill. Continue down the hill on the left-hand side for approximately 100 yards. The main entrance to the College is just before a two-storey Tudor building.

Parking Information For detailed directions if you intend to travel to the College by car, please use the Directions link on the Google Map above.

Colchester Borough Council maintains a map with links to full details about the numerous public car parks in the town centre, including availability for both cars and motorcycles, opening hours, Pay by Phone, disabled badge parking, and pricing. See the council guide to local car parking for further information. Please note that there is no visitor parking on site at the College.

Visit Colchester Sixth Form College

About Us Chelmsford College is dedicated to helping you achieve your hopes and dreams. Whether you’re leaving school, looking to improve your skills part-time, or interested in an Apprenticeship program, Chelmsford College Group is here to support you. We offer a variety of vocational and professional courses across two main campuses: Moulsham Street and Princes Road. Our facilities have been recently redeveloped, featuring a new Electrical and Engineering block, an Art, Design and Media centre, and welcoming areas with internet cafes and landscaped spaces for relaxation and socializing.

Facilities

Our campuses provide a range of modern facilities, including a Refectory, Internet Cafe, Learning Centre, Assessment Centre, and Tutorial Centre. At Moulsham Street, you’ll also find a Copyshop, Sports Centre, Skills Development Centre, and Hub. All students have access to the College Intranet and an email account to stay updated with College activities.

Study Centres Purpose-built Study Centres at both campuses offer a comfortable environment for completing assignments. These areas provide easy access to resources, including Learning Centres, PCs, and support from knowledgeable staff. The Study Centres are designed to help students work independently and reach their full potential.

College Intranet and Email The College Intranet is a versatile communication tool for students and staff, offering a wealth of information about the College and its resources. Students receive a log-in ID upon enrolment, granting access to their email account for easy communication.

Copyshop Located at the Moulsham Street campus, the Copyshop features high-volume colour and mono machines, a wide format printer, and various finishing options like lamination and binding. Students can print from hardcopy, email attachments, CDs, memory sticks, or flash cards.

Sport Enrichment The Dovedale Sports Centre at Moulsham Street offers a multi-purpose sports hall, fitness room, dance studio, and squash courts. Students can participate in various clubs and activities, including indoor football, basketball, badminton, table tennis, pool/snooker, and netball. The gym is available free of charge, with an induction required before first use. Equipment for squash and table tennis is also available for hire.

Eating at the College Both campuses have a refectory and coffee bar, open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am. They serve snacks, breakfasts, cooked meals, made-to-order sandwiches, a pasta bar, a self-service salad bar, and beverages. Special dietary requirements can be catered for, and vending machines offer additional snacks and drinks.

Skills Development Centre The Skills Development Centre helps students achieve their potential by offering access to online resources and specialist software. It supports the improvement of essential skills in English, Maths, and IT, with additional support available for students with dyslexia. The Centre is available at both main campuses.

College Courses & Apprenticeships

Wide Range of Courses Chelmsford College offers a variety of courses, including university access, apprenticeships, T Levels, adult learning, and full-time courses. Our experienced tutors and supportive community help students reach their potential in a state-of-the-art learning environment. Courses cover public services, construction, business, creative industries, and more, often incorporating work experience to enhance classroom learning.

Industry-Standard Curriculum We tailor our curriculum to meet industry standards, working closely with key stakeholders to ensure our courses prepare learners for their future careers. For more information on our stakeholder collaborations, visit the Meeting Stakeholder Needs section.

Career Advice For career advice or more information on the right course for you, contact our Careers Advice Zone at careersadvicezone@chelmsford.ac.uk or call 01245 293031.

Adult Learning Courses

Tailored Courses Chelmsford College offers a wide range of adult courses for businesses and individuals, delivered online and face-to-face in Chelmsford, Billericay, and employer locations across Essex. Our face-to-face courses are taught by industry professionals in comfortable classroom settings, with refreshments and lunch included. Parking is available at all locations.

Course Categories

• Professional Qualifications: Health & Safety, Electrical, First Aid, Food Safety, and Security.
• Continuous Professional Development (CPD): Accredited and non-accredited courses for business upskilling.
• Essential Skills Courses: English and Maths GCSE/Functional Skills and Essential Digital Skills.
• Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes (SWAP): Short courses in hospitality, business administration, security, and construction.

Apprenticeships

Become an Apprentice Apprenticeships at Chelmsford College offer valuable training, experience, and nationally-recognized qualifications. Earn a salary while learning and working alongside experienced colleagues. Apprenticeships are delivered on a day-release basis or through one-to-one sessions with a work-based tutor, lasting between one and four years depending on the level and industry sector. If you don’t have a job, we’ll help match you with an employer. If you’re already employed, we’ll work with your employer to ensure you get the training you need.

Travel Directions

By Car Chelmsford is easily accessible by road, located on the A12, A130, and A414. From the M25 junction 28, take the A12 and follow signs to Chelmsford. The College’s postcode is CM2 0JQ. Ensure your sat nav directs you to the correct campus.

By Bus All Chelmsford College campuses are reachable by bus. Visit First Bus for timetables and routes. Full-time Further Education students can use the Chelmsford College Bus Pass Scheme for travel on First Essex Buses.

By Train Chelmsford is on the London main line from Liverpool Street. For train times, visit National Rail Enquiries. The Young Persons Railcard offers 1/3 off most rail fares for those aged 16-25 or mature full-time students.

Taxi & Minicabs Local taxi and minicab companies operate in and around Chelmsford. Taxi ranks are located at the Train Station, Market Road, and Baddow Road.

Visit Chelmsford College

About Us Located in Benfleet, our Seevic Campus is a leading provider of A-Levels, Professional, Foundation Learning, Adult, and Higher Education courses. With modern facilities and recent developments, we offer our 2,500 students an excellent range of amenities, including a state-of-the-art Immersive Room, The Hub for socializing, and quiet spaces for relaxation.

Accessibility and Support Our campus is fully accessible, featuring wider doors, lifts, and support from our Learning Plus team. We provide communicators for students and offer additional support for university applications, financial assistance, and more.

Facilities

From places to relax with friends to dedicated study areas, our Seevic Campus has something for everyone. We have a variety of on-site food and beverage facilities open throughout the day, ensuring you can grab a bite to eat whenever you need.

The Hub The Hub is the heart of our Seevic Campus, where you can relax, eat, or study in groups or individually.

The LRC Our Learning Resource Centre (LRC) offers over 50 computers for quiet study, along with printing and photocopying facilities, and a range of resources to support your learning.

On-Site Gym Our gym is available to students during the day and the public from 5 pm and weekends. Facilities include a 3G pitch, badminton courts, table tennis, a sports hall, and a dance studio.

Transport

By Car Easily accessible from the A127 or A13, use postcode SS7 1TW for your satnav. We offer free parking but cannot guarantee a space for every student.

By Bike Cycling to our Seevic Campus is encouraged, with covered shelters available for bike storage.

By Bus The following buses serve our Seevic Campus: Arriva – 1, First – 21, 25B, 27, 27A, 28. Contact local bus companies for updated routes and prices.

By Train Benfleet station (Fenchurch Street line) and Rayleigh station (Liverpool Street line) are the nearest stations. Discounted student season tickets are available on the Southend to Fenchurch Street line. Register for a c2c Smartcard at c2c-online.co.uk to save a third on rail travel.

College Bus Service We offer a subsidized College Bus Service with pick-ups across Essex, ensuring you arrive before lessons start and get home after they finish. Routes run Monday to Thursday during term time, with Friday services depending on exam schedules.

Food & Drinks

On-Site Dining Our Restaurant serves a variety of hot and cold food throughout the day, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. We also have an on-site Starbucks for freshly made coffee and sandwiches.

Study Space

Learning Resource Centre (LRC) Our LRC provides a supportive environment for independent or group study, with resources like books, journals, eBooks, and computers. Free Wi-Fi is available for use with personal devices.

The LINC The Library & Information Centre (LINC) offers a professional learning space with classrooms, a boardroom, and an open area for students. It supports your studies and improves research skills.

Enrichment

Activities Our enrichment timetable includes activities like Open Gym, Table Tennis, Football, Basketball, Debate Team, Dungeons and Dragons, LGBTQIA+ Group, and Book Club. We welcome suggestions for new activities and support students in setting them up.

Our Courses

Career-Focused Approach USP College offers a career-focused approach to all courses, helping you discover the right pathway. We provide a wide range of options, including A-Levels, T-Levels, Vocational courses (BTECs), Foundation Learning, Higher Education, Adult Education, and Online courses.

Visit USP College

Visit Harlow College

Visit New City College

Visit ARU Writtle

Visit Colchester Institute Braintree Campus

Visit South Essex College – Thurrock

Performers College