New College, Swindon

New College

Established	1983
Type	Further & higher education
Religion	None affiliated
Principal	Graham Taylor
Location	New College Drive Swindon Wiltshire SN3 1AH England
DfE URN	130851
Ofsted	Reports
Students	4,800 approx.
Gender	Coeducational
Colours
Website	newcollege.ac.uk

Coordinates: 51°33′27″N 1°45′30″W / 51.5575°N 1.7583°WNew College is a further and higher education institution, founded in 1983 and located in Swindon, England. The latest (2009) OFSTED report rated the college as good (grade 2) stating that: "This is a good college with outstanding features and good capacity to improve.." and that: "Achievement and standards are good overall. For adult learners on long courses and for pupils aged 14 to 16 on school link programmes they are satisfactory. Learners’ outcomes do not justify the college’s own view that achievement and standards are outstanding".^[1] New College is also one of the largest institutions in the country, for around 3,000 16-18 year olds, 1,500 over-19s and 14-16s "enrichment programmes".

Rebuild

In January 2003, 20 years after formation, there was a rebuild of the main site. The new building has a larger library and computing area, darkroom, digital darkroom, recording studio, 250 seat theatre, textile labs, more biological, physical and chemical labs and a large sports centre.

OFSTED

Overall in the 2009 inspection, the college was rated good (grade 2) in achievement and standards and the same in quality of provision and leadership and management.^[1] The report also stated that "...pass rates and the achievement of high grades in A levels are in line with the high national average and are good. Pass rates in AS qualifications are broadly in line with the national average. A-level success rates are mostly in line with sixth form college averages but at AS level they are low in comparison. This is as a result of learners withdrawing from part of their programme of study during the year".

Range of Courses

New College is known for its large range of courses offered, with 52 A-Level subjects (including unusual options such as Ceramics, History (Tudors & Stuarts), Archaeology and Environmental Sciences) and a selection of vocational courses.^[2]

Criticism

New College has been criticised by staff and students alike for its businesslike "bums-on-seats" attitude to learning.^{[dubious – discuss]} Some parents of students in particular have commented on a lack of organisation with regards to some of the courses.^{[dubious – discuss]}

Prices

Prices of food in the college refectory and additional charges such as cash withdrawals, and extra expediture on course materials, such as printer credits, is deemed too high for the students.^[3] New College has relieved some of these costs in recent years (for example, allowing some students of art-based courses to obtain more printer credits for their money).

Over-crowding

Over-crowding within the college was still a major issue in 2005, with a large influx of students attracted by the rebuild. Limited 'free-time' space is limited gathers in places such as stairwells and classrooms. Parking is also difficult. Students and staff were parking in the housing estate opposite the college annoyning residents. Extra parking has been added but many feel is still inadequate.^[3]

See also

• Swindon College
• Education in Swindon

References