Welcome to Priestley College's (text only website)
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).
To
access our normal graphical website click here
Text Only Website
Menu
• Results
• Become a Student
• Facilities
• OFSTED inspection
• 2011/12 Calendar
• Contacting Us
• Finding Us
• FAQ (16-19)
A-Level Results
Priestley Pass Rate in 2011 (A-E) 99% E & OE.
Pass rates, 99% and over for 7 years running.
100% Pass rate in 42 Advanced Level subjects.
73% A* to C grades.
100% pass rate in all BTEC National Diplomas.
79% High BTEC grades.
Become a Student in September 2012
Make sure you take every opportunity to find out why we are the first choice for so many young people for Sixth Form Study.
Open
Evenings
• Thursday 2 February - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Come and see the College, talk to students and teachers, meet the Principal and find out more about all the courses that interest you. Our Saturday Guidance Forum will be an ideal opportunity for you to follow up any questions after the early Open Evenings.
How
to Apply
Application packs are available from Student Services, The
Connexions Service and most local schools. Application forms can also be downloaded
by clicking here.
Our priority application deadline is Wednesday 29 February.
Applications received after this date will be treated on a first come first served basis.
Every applicant will be invited for interview and parents are welcome to attend too. Once offered a place you will need to accept your place by the set date at interview and you will be guaranteed a place at Priestley for September 2012.
If you are in Year 11 and miss the priority application deadline, you will be interviewed on a first come first served basis and offered a place subject to availability.
Interviews
Interview evenings take place at between 4:00pm and 7:00pm and those currently
planned for 2011/2012 are:
•
Tuesday March 6th
• Wednesday March 14th
• Wednesday May 2nd
If you have completed an application form you will be able to book your interview at an Open Evening if you wish.
Welcome
Day
Once you have accepted your place at Priestley you will be invited to attend
Welcome Day which takes place on Wednesday 4 July. Here you will be able to
sample some of the subjects you are considering taking in September and meet
some of your teachers and other students who are planning to join us.
Choices
Day
After you have received your GCSE results there is one final opportunity to
discuss your programme at Priestley. This is on Tuesday 28 August. Here subject
teachers and Connexions Advisers will be on hand to take you through those nagging
last minute questions.
Enrolment
Starts on Wednesday 29 through to Friday 31 August. 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.
Term
Starts
Your first day at Priestley will be Friday 7 September 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 this 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.”
Key strengths of Priestley College as highlighted by the OFSTED inspection
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
Inclusive
teaching programme dates for full-time 16-19 students:
Tuesday 3rd January 2012 - Friday 10th February 2012
Monday 20th February 2012 - Friday 30th March 2012
Monday 16th April 2012 - Friday 1st June 2012
Monday 11th June 2012 - Friday 13th July 2012
Open Evenings
for
students wishing to start College in September 2012
Thursday 2 February 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Address: Priestley College, Loushers Lane, Warrington, Cheshire, WA4 6RD
Main Enquiries (Reception)
Tel: 01925 633591
Fax: 01925 413887
E-Mail: enquiries@priestley.ac.uk
Website: http://www.priestley.ac.uk
Admissions - Tel: 01925 415415
Contacting College Curriculum Areas
Art
& Design: Andrea Marren
Business, Tourism & Law:
Julie McDonald / Colin
Whittaker
Early Years / Health & Social Care: Bev
Devlin
English & Foreign Languages: Kim
Wallace
Humanities: Kevin Smith
ICT: Karen Geary
Performing Arts & Media: Sarah
Graham
Science & Maths: Deb
Pressage
Sports Science: Nigel Howells
Adult Education: Glennis Hassall
By Car / On Foot
From Warrington town centre, head south on Wilderspool Causeway along the A49 towards Stockton Heath.
Turn left at the traffic lights by Greenalls, onto Loushers Lane.
The College is 200 metres up on the left.
Pedestrian access is also possible via Menin Avenue.
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.
By Bus
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.
By Rail
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 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. With qualifications like this,
the following are possible options:
Three AS Levels + one GCSE
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?
If
you use Warrington Borough Transport Services to get to College you will be
able to buy a Town Saver pass. The Town Savers cost £6.75 per week or
£22.50 per month whilst the Network Saver costs £8.75 per week or
£29 per month. A yearly pass is available at a cost of £245.
These passes entitle you to use any WBT service any day of the week including weekends.
To get your pass you will first need to be issued with a photo ID pass from College. These will be available from College at registration, but you will need to bring a passport sized photo with you (2nd Years note: you can use your ID pass from 2010/11). You will then be able to buy your weekly or monthly passes from College or the Interchange. If you live outside of the Borough of Warrington and are unable to use WBT you will need to apply for your own pass from Arriva, Halton, or your local train or bus operator.
Halton passes are also available from College. These cost £12.50 per week and will be available at registration. Arriva passes can be bought online and can cost from as little as £7 per week, depending on where you live. Both Halton and Arriva passes can also be used any day of the week including weekends.
During 2011/2012 we will support those young people who spend more than £13 per week on bus or train fares. We will contribute up to £100 towards travel costs incurred for bus or train fares that exceed £13 per week. This will be paid in two instalments, one at Christmas and one in June. Only those students with an attendance rate of 95% or above will receive the full amount. Details on how to apply for this support are available from Student Services.
Note: Bursary Fund - Students in receipt of a Bursary will be able to access additional support towards travel costs.
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.
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.
Bursary
Funds
See this detailed section of our website