Capel Manor College

Age: 43

History: The college was established in 1968 and has been one of the fastest developing specialist colleges in the UK since then. London's specialist college for land-based studies, Capel Manor offers courses in horticulture, arboriculture (tree surgery), floristry, garden design, countryside management and the environment, as well as animal care and saddlery.

Address: There are five centres across London. The main campus is at Bullsmoor Lane, Enfield, just off junction 25 of the M25. Other centres are at Gunnersbury Park, Regent's Park, Crystal Palace and Barking College’s Rush Green Campus.

Ambience: The main campus at Enfield is impressive: the college is housed in a 13th-century country estate set in 30 acres of its own grounds, which form Capel Manor Gardens. The gardens are also a tourist attraction and host the National Gardening Centre as well as ‘Gardening Which?’ demonstration and trials. The grounds are extensively used by students to enhance their studies.

Vital statistics: Both full and part-time courses are on offer, as well as short courses, evening courses and apprenticeships. The college has proved to be very successful in attracting mature students who are seeking a career change and want to do something more practical, and setting 16-19 year olds on their career path.

Added value: The college gardens cater for many of the courses on offer at Capel Manor and allow students to gain practical experience on their doorstep. Students regularly win awards at both Chelsea and Hampton Court Flower Shows. The college nurtures strong links with the local business community, as well as hosting trade events on campus, such as the annual Celebration of Trees and the Festival of Gardening.

Easy to get into? All courses ask for enthusiasm in the given area, but formal entry requirements vary widely. Most courses require four GCSEs at grade C or above, while some ask for relevant ND or NC and one A-level. Work experience is also taken into account.

Glittering alumni: Kim Wilde, former pop star and now a professional gardener.

Transport links: By road, the main campus is just off junction 25 of the M25. Rail links go to Turkey Street railway station, a short distance from the college. The college also runs free minibus services from Tottenham Hale (Victoria line), Oakwood (Piccadilly line) and High Barnet (mainline rail) stations to the Capel Manor Enfield Campus. The Gunnersbury Park Centre is only four minutes from Acton Town tube station. Crystal Palace Park Centre is served by the mainline station (from Victoria and London Bridge). Regent’s Park Centre is a short walk from Regent’s Park, Great Portland Street and Camden Town tube stations.

Who's the boss? Chief executive Madeline Hall.

Teaching: A 2008 Ofsted inspection rated the college as satisfactory in equal opportunity and capacity to improve and good in all other areas. It is a recognised Beacon College and holds Matrix accreditation for the quality of its student guidance.

Nightlife: Enfield has a variety of places to eat and drink. There is also a large cinema multiplex nearby.

Any accommodation? Yes, but only just. Six study bedrooms are available at Forty Hall Farm, which is within walking distance of the Enfield College. There's also accommodation for twenty mature students in rented flats and shared houses. Students under 19 are not eligible for college-managed accommodation. The registry office keeps a list of local landlords to help livers-out. Priority for college housing is given to first year students.

Cheap to live there? Yes and no, depending on where you live. Expect to pay anywhere between £66 and £105 per week for a room in a shared flat.

Fees: Vary between courses and level of qualification. Full-time level 2 and 3 courses are £1,190 per year for 2011/2012 entry. The college is yet to set fees for 2012 entry. Students who are under 19 on 31 August 2011 are exempt from paying tuition fees on government-funded further education courses, as are those over 19 who are on active state benefits. Students between 19 and 25 who are enrolling on their first level 3 qualification are also exempt. For full details see the college's fees and finance page.

Prospectus: 08456 122 122; www.capel.ac.uk

UCAS code: C13