Text only site - Priestley College

In order to make our website accessible to the widest range of people, we have produced a text only version (which carries the key components from the normal graphical site but in a more accessible format for those with a disability).

Is it too late to apply?
Applications are still welcome. There are vacancies on a number of courses/subjects.

Applications received from 15 February onwards will be dealt with on a first come first served basis. We hope to be able to accommodate all applicants, however late applicants may find their choice of subjects/course are limited.

Please do not hesitate to contact our Admissions hotline on 01925 415415 if you have any specific questions. We are open every week day right through the summer.

Application Pack
Application packs are available from Student Services, the Connexions Service and most local schools. An electronic version can be downloaded by clicking here. The application form should be returned to the College as soon as possible.

* Please note you will need Adobe Reader installed on your system to view this file.

Choices Day
After you have received your GCSE results there is one final opportunity to discuss your programme at Priestley. This is Tuesday 31 August between 1.00pm and 3.00pm. Here subject teachers and connexions Advisers will be on hand to take you through those nagging last minute questions.

Enrolment
This starts on Wednesday 1 through to Monday 6 September. This is when you will sign up for your programme of study at Priestley and agree your final subject and / or course combinations. If you plan to be away at this time it is essential that you let us know before Welcome Day so that we can put alternative arrangements in place for you, if not you may lose your place.

Term Starts
Your first day at Priestley will be Friday 10th September 2010 starting at 8.45am. It may seem a long way off now, but there is a lot to crowd in between now and then. Make sure you keep in touch right the way through the crucial time. If you have any questions please contact our admissions hotline on 01925 415415 or email admissions@priestley.ac.uk

In recent years Priestley College has invested some £9 million pounds in new facilities for its ever increasing student population. Below you will find an outline of some of these facilities.

The Crescent Building
Priestley has just completed a huge phase of development and refurbishment work on its Loushers Lane Campus that has seen a total of £9 million invested.

The second phase which was completed in November 2007, saw the creation of the Crescent Building which has 22 new teaching spaces. The building also houses the College's new reception, a large student services area and a high street standard food court in the shape of the Crescent Cafe.

The first phase of the project had seen the refurbishment of the existing main Priestley building including the creation of a second floor corridor. The access for disabled persons was also improved whilst work on the college grounds and on the entrance to the site were completed.

Media & Performing Arts Centre
Further Changes have been made in the existing building too, specifically in the area of the Creative Arts following the formation of a new and high profile Performing Arts and Media centre.

The centre houses a dance studio with sprung floors and mirrored walls as well as a modern rehearsal studio for Drama and Performing Arts. Elsewhere there is a Media Editing Facility and a full Music teaching suite with recording studio and soundproofed practice rooms, all with the latest cutting edge technologies.

The new facilities complement the existing fully equipped performance theatre, within the hall which has also been refurbished and modernised recently.

Sports Centre
The transformation of the campus originally began in 2003 as £1.7 million was spent on a range of new buildings. Most striking was the creation of the Sports Centre. The facility contains a full size sports hall, fitness suite, sports lab, teaching rooms, office space and changing facilities.

The Fitness Suite contains a Techno Gym, comprising a treadmill, cycle ergometer, rowing ergometer, Smith's machine and a full set of free weights.

Away from the Sports Centre itself the College also has football, rugby and hockey pitches, four tennis courts, three netball courts and an all weather pitch.

The facilities enable the College to offer a broad range of sporting activities and opportunities to students and also enhance current schools of excellence.

The Learning Resource Centre
A fully equipped modern Learning Resource Centre, which houses a Library on the Ground Floor, is open to both full-time and community college learners.

The library contains 13,000 items, which include books, newspapers, periodicals and videos.

Research using CD ROM's and the Internet can be undertaken on PC's located in the library. The Centre also has a range of wireless laptops, which have full network and Internet access and allows students to work on the move.

Extensive IT resources are available on the First Floor of the Learning Resource Centre. There are over eighty, high-specification computers with Internet access, which are available to registered daytime students.

Both the Ground Floor Library and the First Floor IT resources are accessible to disabled students.

Wicked Cafe Bar
The Cafe bar, which is situated on the site of the former sports hall was officially opened in September 2003.

The building was part of the £1.7 million project of development and refurbishment on the College grounds.

The Cafe Bar also boasts a large screen television with access to Freeview, the music channels are usually displayed. In addition the facility also has a large seating area.

During the 2008 summer break the Cafe Bar was given a fresh look following the installing of a stage which will primarily be used by Music students to perform their work to their peers. Elsewhere two further 50" plasma screens were installed and a range of designer furniture.

Changes were made to the first floor of the Cafe Bar too as the Mezzanine Deck was transformed into another space for students to relax in between their lessons.

Student Services
As part of the building work which was completed in November 2007 a new and improved Student Services area was created within the Crescent Building.

Within this area students are offered a wide variety of support services which include: timetable re-prints and queries as well as course enquiries and enrolments for both full and part time courses.

A Connexions Personal Advisor and the College's Guidance Officer are both available in this area as is a wealth of careers and Higher Education guidance material.

The College's Guidance Officer can also assist with a range of matters including: deciding on career aims, choosing universities & courses, UCAS applications, getting a job, Writing CVs, gap years and voluntary work etc.

Helping Young Parents
Priestley College is committed to giving young parents support during their continued education. The head of student services is able to help you complete the Care to Learn form, and to advise on other financial matters. We can also advise and guide a young person about the most appropriate childcare facilities in their local community. Just give college a ring and you will be put through to Head of Student Services who will be happy to help you.

Art & Design
Priestley College's Art and Design Centre currently provides one of the broadest and most diverse ranges of Art and Design courses available anywhere. The building contains several workshops and studio spaces, each supported by a wealth of dedicated equipment and machinery, for subjects and activities including Textiles, 3D Design Technology, Ceramics, glass and Fine Art, as well as an exhibition space for the display of current and ongoing student work.

There are other studios dedicated to Graphic Design, Digital Photography and the Art Foundation Diploma. Here, a suite of over 70 high specification PCs is installed with a range of industry-standard multimedia software including the Adobe Creative and Video Suite, networked to 2 A3 Laser duplex colour printers and facilities for students to manufacture anything from t-shirts to mugs. The department also has 2, highly skilled technicians who work full-time to support students and staff across all art and design subjects.

The Sciences
The Physics Department has a modern, well-equipped laboratory with a resident network computer and a 10" reflecting tellescope and datalogging equipment. The electronics lab is well equipped with specialist benches and test equipment and has access to oscilloscopes and signal generators.

The Chemistry Department utilises a large, fully refurbished, flexible laboratory. The layout of the laboratory can be changed to cater for the activity taking place. The laboratory has computer access and there are four Analytical Balances of university standard.

The Biology Department has two large laboratories, which includes Photo and Video Microscopy facilities with a wide variety of slides and there is also a greenhouse annexed onto one of the laboratories. There are computers in the laboratories with data-logging facilities. In addition extensive resources for field study, and facilities, which cater for a wide variety of practical activities are also available.

Due to the increase in demand in our science courses a new laboratory has been built and will be fully operational from October 2008.

The Languages Centre
The College's Language Centre was officially opened in November 2004.

The facility was established to complement Modern Language specifications at AS and A2 level. these courses are offered in French, German and Spanish as well as GCSE Spanish and Entry Level Spanish. The centre also has a community use via night school.

In total 17 personal computers are installed, together with an interactive whiteboard, broadband internet access and a TV tuner card, facilitating stimulating and individualised teaching and learning.

Moodle
College students have access to high quality PCs and a range of computer software. To support you in your learning we have developed a Virtual Learning Environment in the shape of Moodle, which enables you to keep in touch from any internet linked computer with your tutors and fellow students, at any time, day or night. It provides you with easy access to your learning base from home, College or your local library.

Priestley College has been named amongst the most “outstanding” places of learning in the country following an inspection by OFSTED in which the Loushers Lane establishment was given a glowing report.

During March this year the College was inspected by HMI Ruth James and her OFSTED team of inspectors.

The Inspection Report looked into five key areas of College life, which included Effectiveness of Provision, Capacity to Improve, Achievements and Standards, Quality of Provision, Leadership and Management.

All five areas were graded as “outstanding” with all aspects of College life praised.

OFSTED concluded, “Priestley College is an outstanding college where every learner really does matter. It does everything in its power to maximise the life chances of its learners in a friendly, caring learning environment that encourages and enables them to do their best and achieve their potential. Learners make excellent progress; they are safe and well supported, and the College is extremely well led and managed.”

The findings identify Priestley as one of the top performing colleges nationally and comes on the back of sustained achievement and an on-going imaginative campus development project.

Results remain at an all time high with A-Level pass rates standing at 99.3% and 34 out of 38 advanced level subjects registered an impeccable 100% record. 14 out of 15 advanced vocational subjects also had a 100% record.

Student behaviour, the quality of teaching and the support of progression were recognised as key areas of great success according to OFSTED, “Attendance is outstanding. Behaviour is impeccable and learners display a respect for adults and each other alike.”

“Learners enjoy learning and rise to the teachers high expectations of them and enjoy being challenged. Teachers are enthusiastic, motivating, engaging and have very good subject knowledge. Advice and guidance on progression to higher education and employment or further training are excellent.”

By the time the new academic year begins in September, the College will also be operating out of new and improved facilities when the £7 million campus development plan is completed.

Amongst the new facilities is a brand new building which will dominate the entrance to the Loushers Lane site and house new teaching spaces and a high street standard food court.

Special emphasis is made in the report on the opportunities available to students to study abroad, have their voice heard and also contribute to the success of the College.

“A huge range of opportunities is on offer including many study visits to overseas destinations such as Kenya, New York, Poland and Lanzarote. The learner voice is given exceptional prominence at Priestley College through the Student Council, focus groups with the Principal, and work with the board of governors. Learners make significant contributions both to the college community and more widely.”

Speaking with regard to the published report, College Principal Mike Southworth, commented, “On behalf of the College I am delighted with the findings of the OFSTED inspection report. It is a fitting testament to the way our staff and students contribute to the day to day running of an outstanding campus.”

He added, “These are very exciting times to be associated with Priestley. We offer students the broadest range of sixth form choices across the area and believe we have a marked impact on the way our young people develop both academically and socially.”

“Our new build programme and £7 million investment leave us well placed to meet the challenges posed by an ever changing curriculum.”

Caring and supportive learning environment
Excellent range of courses
High pass rates for most courses
High retention rates for most courses
Excellent learner progress and high value added scores
Much good teaching and learning
Good resources in many areas
Strong focus on the learner voice
Excellent participation in a wide range of enrichment activities
Outstanding learner support
Outstanding leadership and management
Strong external and community links

Please also note the College will be closed on:
Friday 22nd April 2011
Monday 25th April 2011
Monday 2nd May 2011

From Warrington town centre, head south on Wilderspool Causeway along the A49 towards Stockton Heath.

We suggest that you use services such as Multimap and The AA Route Planner to plan a journey to Priestley if your haven't visited us before. The postcode you will need for both of these systems is WA4 6RD. When using the AA system or other route planners please be advised that you should continue your journey along the A49 and access the College via its main entrance on Loushers Lane as there is no access to the campus via car on Menin Avenue.

Please also note that the College has restricted parking and students in particular should not expect to find a parking spot for their vehicle.

Warrington Borough Transport and other bus operators offer a comprehensive service from most parts of the town and outlying areas to the College. Students should see the Travel Information section of this website.

Warrington is served by two town centre stations they are Warrington Central and Warrington Bank Quay - both of these mainline stations are approximately within 1.5 miles of the College. The map above shows how to find us from both stations.

How many A Levels will I be expected to take in the first year?
Your course will depend on your GCSE results. Many students on AS/A2 programmes take 5 AS courses in their first year. At your enrolment interview you will discuss the course you can take depending on your qualifications and career aim. We think it is important that you enrol on a programme which you will suceed on, but which will challenge you to do well.

How many GCSE's are required to do an Advanced level course?
To start an advanced level course you will normally be expected to have at least five A* - C grades at GCSE. For some subjects an average grade of C is required and some courses will expect particular subjects at grade C or above.

Will my GNVQ intermediate / BTEC First count towards my GCSE score?
If you have passed an intermediate vocational programme at school you will also need to have at least 3 GCSE grades at C or above to start an advanced level programme. Vocational GCSE qualifications count as any other GCSE.

I have five GCSEs at C+ but got a D in Mathematics. Can I still take an Advanced-level course?
You can still take an Advanced Level course but you will need to think carefully about your course. This reduces the number of options you can take. You will be guided by your tutors at the College to help you pick an appropriate course for your qualifications and your career aim.

Two AS Levels + two GCSEs or Applied A Levels (Double Award) + two GCSEs
BTEC National Diploma + 1 GCSE
BTEC National Certificate + 1 AS + 1 GCSE

Can I do an AS course alongside an advanced vocational course?
We strongly encourage students taking advanced vocational courses to take an AS alongside their course (this will not be possible with Early Years courses).

What does the General Studies programme mean?
We offer a range of courses which are designed to broaden your overall programme. You can choose to take an additional AS in General Studies, Citizenship, Critical Thinking, World Development or Science in Society. Or you might choose to take part in one of our Ambitions Programmes such as the pre-teaching or pre-medical course.

I didn't do very well at GCSEs, can I still come to college?
Some students do not achieve what they expect at GCSE and so cannot progress to an Advanced level course. However, the College offers one-year Intermediate and Foundation level courses to meet the needs of those students. In most cases the programme involves a mix of Vocational and GCSE courses. Staff will help you choose the programme that best meet your needs. Remember many students complete an Intermediate-level course and then successfully progress to Advanced level the following year.

I would like to do some part-time work alongside my study at college. Is that acceptable?
Within reason you should be able to cope with a limited amount of part-time work whilst at college. However, you will be a full-time student, so your priority must be your college work. You must expect to be in college between 8.45am - 4.15pm every day. Part-time work commitments cannot intrude into the college day, since apart from anything else, timetables may change throughout the year. We recommend that you do no more than 15 hours per week during term time.

Your personal tutor will provide guidance on this issue and you should consult them if you have any major financial concerns as there may be some help available through the Access Fund.

Will my bus travel to Priestley College be free?
You are entitled to a full bus pass, from Warrington Borough Transport if you live in Warrington and are at least three miles, or over, away from Priestley College. The charge in 2008-09 which will be £190. If you live less than three miles away from College, you are eligible for a half-fare bus pass.

If you live in Halton, you can purchase a travel pass for use on Halton Borough Transport buses. Ask at Student Services for further information.

Will my course cost anything?
Generally courses are free for students aged between 16-19. However, certain conditions may apply, for example if you are a student from overseas. Text books will be provided by your course departments on a loan basis, however you are responsible for the purchase of your own consumables such as pens and paper etc.

Are hardship grants available?
Priestley College has an Access Fund, which is money provided by the government to help students through Further Education. It is means tested, but anyone can apply. Application forms are available from Personal Tutors.

Can I change my mind if I start a course, but I find that I don’t like it?
Yes, but your aim should be to make the best choice at enrolment. During the induction period, and up until the end of September, you can change a course after discussion with your Personal Tutor. It is not advisable to change courses after the induction period since you are likely to be too far behind to join a new course.

What is it?
EMA provides a weekly allowance of up to £30 per week. You may also earn bonuses of £100 subject to your progress. It is there to help you through your education.

Who is EMA for?
You can get an EMA if your household income is £30,000 or less and you stay on at school or college to study on any FE course, such as GCSEs, BTEC, NVQs, AS/A2, up to and including A level standard.

How do I qualify for an EMA?
First you must fill in an application form giving details of your household income. Application forms are available from around April from a number of places, including schools, colleges, the Assessment and Payment Body who process applications and make payments, or Connexions.

Is that it? Do I need to do anything else?
You need to open a bank account to get your EMA payments. You must also sign an EMA Contract with college. This contract sets out the rules for attendance and agreement on coursework requirements and learning process.

And is that it? There's no catch?
Well, it is a "something for something" scheme. You must stick to your EMA Contract. A weekly payment can be stopped if you miss lessons without good reason.

What should I spend my allowance on?
That is entirely up to you. However, we would expect learners who get allowances to meet reasonable learning costs. Where costs are high you may also apply to your school or college for Learner Support Funds.

What happens if my EMA doesn't cover all my needs or meet my special circumstances and costs?
You may be able to get help from Learner Support Funds. In order to do this contact Student Services.

What happens if my parents are on benefits? Will they lose any money if I apply for an EMA?
Your family will not lose out on any benefits if you get an EMA. It will not affect any money that you earn from a part-time job either.

Where can I find out more on EMAs?
You can get further information on EMA by telephoning the helpline for young people and parents at 0808 1016219. Your local Connexions Service, school or college will also be able to advise you, or you can phone Connexions Direct on 080 800 13219. Alternatively, you can find the information on the EMA website: http://www.dfes.gov.uk/financialhelp/ema

We currently have vacancies for IT Technical Support:-

• Covering Letter (doc)

IT Technical Support (Temporary / Part-Time)
• Job Description (Pdf)
• Person Specification (pdf)
• Information about IT Technical support (pdf)

Files relating to working at Priestley
• Guide for Applicants (doc)
• About Priestley College (pdf)
• Application Form including Equal Opportunities Form (word doc)
• Child Protection Policy (doc)
• Ex-offenders Policy (pdf)

All information about working at Priestley College can be obtained by contacting the Personnel Department on 01925 624460, or e-mail jobs@priestley.ac.uk.

Priestley College is an Equal Opportunities employer.

The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. In this respect all applicants should be aware that any offer of appointment will be subject to Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau clearance, in addition to other relevant checks.