North Warwickshire and Hinckley College

Age: 15

History: The college is the result of the merger of North Warwickshire College of Technology and Arts and Hinckley College.

Address: The college is based on two main campuses in Hinckley and Nuneaton, as well as outreach centres situated across the region, including in towns such as Bedworth, Atherstone and Polesworth.

Ambience: Situated right at the heart of the Midlands motorway network, the college’s main campuses are nonetheless spacious and green. North Warwickshire College is situated two miles from the centre of Nuneaton in Warwickshire, about 10 miles from Coventry, and is a classic mix of 1950s red-brick and concrete. Built on the outskirts of town, the college enjoys an expansive greenfield site. In Hinckley, a brand new, £13m, town centre campus will open in September 2011 to replace the existing site on the outskirts of town.

Vital statistics: The College has over 500 education and training programmes which are offered on a full and part- time basis. The levels of each course range from entry-level to higher education and cover the main 15 sector subject areas. Currently there are 15,000 individual learners enrolled onto various programmes; over 400 HE students and more than 2,500 on FE courses. Partner universities include Birmingham City University, Coventry University, De Montfort University, Nottingham Trent University and the University of Warwick.

Added value: The college has a close working relationship with local authorities, local and regional employers, and the community it serves. The college holds a Career Mark, a quality mark for careers guidance. High rates of student satisfaction in the National Student Survey.

Easy to get into? Requirements range quite widely, with foundation degrees generalyl asking for between 80 and 180 UCAS points (or equivalent). However, previous experience is held in high regard, and some courses admit students solely on the basis of interview.

Glittering alumni: James Ormond, Surrey and England cricketer; John Green, former physiotherapist at West Ham.

Transport links: Regular rail services link the Nuneaton and Hinckley sites. Rail connections also include destinations such as Coventry, 10 miles away, Birmingham New Street and London. Shuttle bus between the Nuneaton and Hinckley sites is free for students.

Who's the boss? Marion Plant OBE, who grew up in Zambia and has worked in further education for 17 years, is the current principal and chief executive.

Teaching: In November 2007 the college was graded outstanding in an Ofsted inspection. Following this the college was awarded the Investors in Excellence Quality Standard in January 2008. In July 2008 the college was awarded QIA Beacon Status.

Foundation Degrees: Interior design; work with communities and young people; children, families and community health.

Nightlife: Both Hinckley and Nuneaton are relatively small towns, and this is reflected in their nightlife, which consists of a scattering of bars and a couple of clubs between them. Head to Leicester, Coventry or Birmingham for the thrills of the big city.

Any accommodation? None provided by the college, but suitable housing can be found through the learner services department.

Cheap to live there? Yes. Can grab a bargain in a shared flat for around £55 per week.

Fees: £1,345 per year for full-time HE courses starting in 2011. Fees for 2012 are as yet uncomfirmed, but the college assures that they will remain below £6,000.

Bursaries: None offered by the college in 2011, but one will be available in 2012.

Prospectus: 024 7624 3000; www.nwhc.ac.uk

UCAS code: N79