West Thames College

West Thames College

Age: 19

History: Before 1993, West Thames was known as Isleworth Polytechnic and Hounslow Borough College. There is a grade II listed building on site called Spring Grove House dating back to 1645 - originally the 18th Century residence of botanist and explorer Sir Joseph Banks. Banks was the first unofficial director of Kew Gardens in 1772 and famously travelled around the world with Captain Cook.

Address: The main campus is in London Road, Isleworth; there is also a skills centre in Feltham.

Ambience: West London is a diverse and affordable area with a vibrant mix of cultures. This lively college offers a range of courses, specialising in professional and specialist vocational training.

Vital statistics: Over 6,500 students study courses from entry level to foundation degrees, HNDs and BAs. An associate college of Kingston University, it also has close links with other London universities and local employers.

Added value: The main college campus in Isleworth has some of the best facilities in the country, with bright, modern buildings such as the Atrium (opened in 2010) which uses sustainable energy sources. By September 2011, the campus redevelopment will be complete with the opening of the Sir Joseph Banks Building; this will house state-of-the-art classrooms and teaching spaces. The College is a certified Microsoft and Cisco Networking Academy.

Easy to get into? A levels, National Diploma or equivalent Level 3 for entry to higher level courses and various requirements for other courses. Applications are also welcome from mature students with suitable experience.

Glittering alumni: Freddie Mercury; actor Rufus Sewell; former Coronation Street actor Martin Hancock (better known as Geoffrey "Spider" Nugent); Mark and Scott Morris from The Bluetones.

Transport links: Isleworth train station connects directly with Waterloo and central London in 30 minutes. The nearest Tube station is Hounslow East or Osterley and Hounslow bus station is about 10 minutes' walk.

Who's the boss? Marjorie Semple, Principal.

Teaching: In a 2010 Ofsted inspection, the college received a Grade 3, or 'satisfactory', rating overall. Safeguarding, equality and diversity, and foundations for learning and life were all deemed to be 'good'.

Foundation degrees: Business and professional administration; costume in practice; early years care and education; IT for e-business specialist psychology and counselling studies.

Nightlife: The capital's throbbing club culture is only 30 minutes away but west London has its own charismatic flair.

Any accommodation? Paragon hall of residence is shared with the University of West London students. Paragon is based in Brentford, which has all the shops, bars, restaurants, leisure facilities and amenities you'll need. Rent is £127 per week.

Cheap to live there? Prices vary, but rents are generally pretty steep, in line with outer London rental prices.

Fees: Vary by course and qualification for further education programmes. HE fees range between £1,345 and £3,375 per year for 2011 entrants, depending on course and validating institution. As of 2012, West Thames College validated courses, including all HNDs and the FdA in costume design, will be £5,600 per year. Courses accredited by partner universities are yet to have their fees set.

Bursaries: Course-specific bursaries are available to those progressing well with studies.

Prospectus: 020 8326 2020; www.west-thames.ac.uk

UCAS code: W65