A GROUP of college converts have been spreading the word about the benefits of studying in a supportive setting.
Northallerton College sixth formers have volunteered to be student ambassadors visiting schools in the area to extol the virtues of good things coming in small packages.
Last summer 86% of those applying to go to university went to their first choice, including Oxford.
Student ambassadors attribute this success to the ‘big enough to provide, small enough to care’ culture that pervades the college.
“Many of the region’s colleges are huge with hundreds of students and you are just one anonymous face among the crowds,” said Jack Cornforth, 17, of Brompton.
“Here everyone knows you and you know them. Staff/student relationships are so good; you can go to your tutor any time for support which is much more nurturing.”
Adam Wilson, 17, of Northallerton, agreed. “The staff are really good at teachers, they always put you first and lessons are challenging and enjoyable.”
Earlier this year the college launched the Johnson Group, a special lunch-time session helping students with everything they might need to get into a Russell Group university.
Students said they also valued the fact that College is convenient to get to, why travel further when you can get a good education on your door step?
They had high praise for the college’s facilities, particularly the standalone sixth form centre which allowed them to maximise the student experience.
“We have everything we need,” said Amelia Allerton, 17, of Thorton-le-Beans. “It is also great that the college supports us if we have an interest. So if you want to set up and run a club or activity – anything from horse-riding to Frisbee – you can do it and this type of thing looks great on your personal statement.”
The college also runs peer mentoring initiatives, a leadership and community engagement group called SLICE and a Step into Sport community project.
“The college tries to give you as many opportunities and experiences as possible to enrich your life at college,” said Ellie Readman, 17, of Northallerton.
Head of Sixth Form Bronia Harris said she was thrilled by the positive feedback received from students.
“They really are the college’s best ambassadors and we are delighted that they are now spreading the word to prospective sixth form students about how much they enjoy student life at Northallerton College,” she said.
She said that parent feedback had also proved very positive and that staff were ever conscious of responding to students’ changing needs.
If you want to know more – come and see for yourself at the Sixth Form Open Evening - why not bring along your family and friends?
