Student Stories

“I wanted to study something where I could be creative” says Elli, one of our Level 3 Graphic Design students. Impressed with the facilities and teaching staff available at Winsford campus, previous Weaverham High School student Elli enrolled on to the course. “The facilities are great and the tutors are really nice. They helped me decide that studying at Warrington & Vale Royal College was the right choice for me.”

After gaining an insight into graphic design work, Elli plans to go to university to study a degree in fashion and costume design.

Second-year student Jakub is currently enrolled on our Games Design Extended Diploma (Level 3) at Warrington campus. Jakub said: "Before coming here I was a student at Beamont Collegiate Academy which is right next door. It's close to home for me and lots of my friends came here.

"I'm really enjoying my course. The teachers are really good and I love the creative aspect of it. I'm also resitting my English and Maths GCSE whilst at college to enhance my employability and improve my English speaking skills."

After college, Jakub hopes to study Game Art at Futureworks in Manchester.

Student Ambassador Carl is currently enrolled on our Art & Design Foundation Diploma at Winsford campus. Carl said: "Winsford campus is not necessarily close to home for me, but it’s one of the few colleges in the area that provide this specialist course and the facilities are first-rate.

"The tutors are helpful and supportive. I’m really enjoying learning the different art and design disciplines and am eager to begin specialist study and develop my portfolio for UCAS application."

Carl, who volunteers as a sale assistant at a Cancer Research shop every Sunday, hopes to study Fashion Design at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Emma is just one of the many adult students embarking on the new Level 1 Ceramics Creative Craft Award at Warrington & Vale Royal College’s state-of-the-art Winsford campus.

Emma, who enrolled on the skills-based course with her mother Michelle, hopes to progress on to Level 2 and complete an Art & Design Higher National Certificate. Emma commented: “It’s my dream to teach ceramics classes to children within my own workshop. Being on maternity leave has made me think about the future and the flexibility being self-employed has to offer.”

Previous Wellington School student Daniel (right) is currently enrolled on Hospitality & Culinary Arts Level 2. Daniel said: "I did a lot of research and learnt that the tutors from this college are well respected in the industry. They have a wealth of knowledge and they teach you from experience, not from a textbook."

Daniel has made lots of new friends on the course and enjoys the amount of enrichment opportunities available, in particular taking part in national competitions. Daniel added: "The course has opened doors that I never thought would open to me, like meeting celebrity chefs Marcus Waring and Aiden Byrne."

Previous Weaverham High School student Luke enrolled on to our Level 3 Graphic Design course after he was impressed by a visit from the college tutors to his high school. He enjoys the practical, hands-on aspect of the course, but also the state-of-the-art facilities. He says: “It’s quite relaxed here. The tutors are nice and they know everything about the subject.”

Luke is looking to study a graphic design degree, he is currently considering a number of universities including Loughborough and Preston. Luke said: “One day I’d like to start my own graphic design company. I plan to travel the world whilst working within the graphics industry.”