Stephenson College

Stephenson College

Age: Five

History: Originally a mining college, but has diversified over time and now offers a wide range of courses.

Address: Thornborough Road in Coalville, Leicestershire.

Ambience: A medium-sized, friendly further education college. Fantastic new building with hi-tech facilities and industry standard workshops, a Health and Fitness Suite, a hair salon and beauty treatment rooms.

Vital statistics: 12,500 students taking a wide range of courses. Offers full time and part time courses, apprenticeships and other work-based learning programmes. Higher Education courses include Business Studies, Engineering, Computing, E-business and Early Years, Motor Vehicle, Civil Engineering, Building Studies and Interactive Media. It is a TQS (Training and Quality Standards) accredited provider.

Added value: The college has excellent links with employers and currently works with Volvo Truck and Bus, The Lovell Partnership, Taylor Woodrow, Biffa Waste Management and hundreds of local companies.

Easy to get into? The college welcomes applications from everyone - but there are entry requirements on many courses.

Glittering alumni: None as yet.

Transport links: Located in East Midlands, the college has excellent rail, motorway (MI/M42) and road links and is close to East Midlands Airport. The college runs a regular minibus service and some students may be eligible for free transport.

Who's the boss? Nigel Leigh, Principal and Chief Executive Officer.

Teaching: A recent Ofsted inspection praised good teaching and learning, guidance and support, and reported success rates above national averages.

Foundation Degrees: Construction; Business Accounting; Children’s and Young People’s Services.

Nightlife: The college is located close to Coalville town centre, home of the Emporium 'Passion' club. Leicester, Nottingham and Derby are also within easy reach.

Any accommodation? None provided by the college.

Cheap to live there? Most students are there for around six weeks, so are put up in low-cost B&Bs or housed with families if necessary.

Fees: Vary widely between courses and qualifications. HE students tarting in 2011 will pay between £950 and £1,350 per year. Fee plans for 2012 are yet to be confirmed.

Bursaries: None offered by the college.

Prospectus: 01530 836 136; www.stephensoncoll.ac.uk

UCAS code: S69