Walsall College

Walsall College

Age: 59

History: The main educational provider in the town for vocational and academic study from pre-entry level to HND and foundation degrees.

Address: Operates from two sites – the new £64m Wisemore Campus, which opened in September 2009, is in the centre of the town, while the Green Lane Campus that houses the college’s construction and engineering provision is less than five minutes walk away.

Ambience: The new campus provides cutting-edge facilities and a range of fully equipped specialised academies developed in conjunction with industry. There is also a study zone for HE students with space to relax and socialise. It is a modern, vibrant and friendly college.

Vital statistics: Approximately 3,500 young people on vocational courses, and a further 4,000 adults learners. 365 students study on higher education courses. Strong links with industry and universities including Derby, Staffordshire, Wolverhampton and University College Birmingham. The college was praised by Ofsted for attracting students typically under-represented in further education.

Added value: Specialist academies, which provide training in conjunction with external companies. The Microsoft Academy covers computing skills and the Digital Design Centre incorporates the Apple Authorised Training Centre for Education (AATCe) and also the Adobe range of creative software solutions. The Roland DG Signmaking Academy is the first of its kind in the United Kingdom. The Roland Music Academy is the place for those with a real passion for music. Black Country University Technical College will open at the Walsall site in September 2011, offering a headstart to year 10 and 12 students in developing the skills required for a career in the engineering industry.

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

Glittering alumni: Josh Hill, Max Stewart and Ty Robinson, gold and silver medalists at the English Junior Open for Judo 2010; Anisa Petkar, Young Designer of the Year at the Clothes Show Live 2009; Michelle Thompson, British Hairdressing Awards' Afro Hairdresser of the Year 2009.

Transport links: Bus and rail links are five minutes walk away; the M6 and M5 motorways are nearby.

Who's the boss? Amarjit Basi, Principal & Chief Executive.

Teaching: Good in health, social care and childcare, engineering & motor vehicle, construction and visual arts, according to a 2008 Ofsted inspection. Outstanding in hairdressing and beauty therapy. Overall success rates are above the national average, and it is recognised as the most improved college in the Black Country.

Foundation degrees: Salon business management; education (teaching assistant); health and social care; inegrated children's and young people's services.

Nightlife: Walsall boasts a lively nightlife at the local bars, clubs and restaurants. The bright lights of Birmingham and Wolverhampton are less than a 20-minute bus ride away.

Any accommodation? None provided by the college, but the accommodation officer can help you find a place to stay, either with a local family or on your own.

Cheap to live there? From around £65 per week for a room in a shared flat.

Fees: Vary for FE courses. Full-time HE courses are £1,310 per year for those starting in 2011. Part-time courses vary between £665 and £1,310 per year for 2011 entry. Fee plans for 2012 are still being finalised.

Bursaries: None offered by the college in 2011. Walsall will take part in the National Scholarship Programme from 2012.

Prospectus: 01922 688 852; www.walsallcollege.ac.uk

UCAS code: W12