Liverpool Community College

Liverpool Community College

Age: 18

History: All the further education and technical colleges in Liverpool became part of Liverpool Community College in 1992.

Address: Spread across Liverpool, with different subjects focused in different centres. Clarence Street, Duke Street, Vauxhall Road, and the Arts Centre are in central Liverpool, while Bankfield Road is in the north of the city.

Ambience: Regenerated. City centre buildings are modern and purpose-built. A fully-refurbished Bankfield Centre opened in September 2006.

Vital statistics: Over 20,000 students, with the majority aged over 25. The college works closely with other training providers in the area. More than 500 courses ranging between basic skills and higher education.

Added value: Most courses are developed beyond the class room, including field trips, individual visits, attending performances or exhibitions, and work placements. For instance, fashion students go to the London shows.

Easy to get into? Yes – keen on widening participation.

Glittering alumni: Willy Russell, playwright; Joe McGann, actor; Michael Owen, footballer; Cilla Black, entertainer.

Transport links: Clarence Street, Duke Street, and the Arts Centre are all within walking distance of Liverpool Lime Street station, and Vauxhall Road is a brisk run away. Bankfield Road is by the inner ring road.

Who's the boss? Maureen Mellor MBE is the principal.

Teaching: In a 2009 Ofsted inspection, the college was ranked as outstanding in five or six areas, with the sixth area being graded as good.

Foundation Degrees: Building services environment; teaching in the lifelong learning sector; digital media design; early years practice; fashion and clothing technology; leisure and tourism; leisure and hospitality; music and audio production; popular music; information technology. Foundation degrees are awarded by Liverpool John Moores University, De Montfort University, Edge Hill University, Manchester Metropolitan University and Liverpool Hope University.

Nightlife: All the delights of the Mersey at night - but no student bar as most of the students are under 18.

Any accommodation? None provided by the college – almost all of the students live at home.

Cheap to live there? Yes. Rents in the private sector are around £55 to £70 per week.

Fees: £3,375 per year for full-time BA and foundation degree students starting in 2011, £1,345 for HNC/HNDs. The college has not yet set its fees for 2012.

Bursaries: Students liable for variable tuition fees and who receive a partial maintenance or special support grant, will be eligible for a partial Special Support Bursary for books, equipment and travel of £300 per year.

Prospectus: 0151 252 3000; www.liv-coll.ac.uk

UCAS code: L43