Barnfield College
Barnfield College is the largest college in Bedfordshire and Luton, with four centres in Luton and one in Bedford. It also runs an extensive network of community based courses, an expanding range of higher education programmes and is a major operator of Apprenticeships through Barnfield Training Services.
Following its most recent Ofsted inspection report, it became the first further education college to be designated a national Learning and Skills Beacon. Barnfield is also home to six centres of Vocational Excellence. Barnfield has recorded one of the highest performances by a general further education college in the country. The report covers Barnfield's four Luton centres and one in Bedford, plus community-based courses covering Bedfordshire & Luton.
The college provides a broad range of full-time and part-time vocational courses that meet students' needs. Resource centres have good stocks of learning and teaching material. There are good supplies of consumable materials for all courses which are provided free or at heavily discounted prices. The college avoids additional course charges, which deter students from study, and offers help for those facing financial difficulties.'
Teaching was found to be 'good or better in 70% of lessons, which is significantly above the average for further education colleges'. For 16-18 year olds, 'students are well prepared for progression to work and employment. They gain good occupational skills through working with modern equipment in workshops and simulated work environments. Students enjoy working with good specialist equipment and with staff and other students who are committed to a common subject area.' For the approximately 20,000 adults enrolled per year, retention and pass rates are well above national averages. 'Through close co-operation with local communities, the college attracts adults who have had little previous success in formal education.'
The College welcomes the diversity of students and staff. Governors and management will work to achieve equality of opportunity for all students and staff, irrespective of age, gender, ability/disability, culture, ethnicity, marital status, religion, national or racial origin or sex orientation, in terms of recruitment or selection, access to education, training and development and progression.
We welcome students with disabilities or learning difficulties and those with English as a second language. If you inform us upon application or at interview, you will be offered a confidential interview to assess your particular needs. Examples of student support include: study centres, communicators and note-takers for deaf or partially hearing, Braille and large print service for blind or partially sighted, diagnostic assessment for dyslexic students, one to one and small group tuition, personalised examination/assessment arrangements and provision of specialist equipment.
Our Vision 2010: To create dynamic learning situations that will enable individuals to achieve their personal education and employment goals in a cost-effective, diverse, innovative and inclusive environment.
For details and free prospectus call 01582 569600
Rotheram Avenue Centre, Luton call 01582 569700
New Bedford Road Centre, Luton call 01582 569600
Barnfield technology Centre, Luton call 01582 569500
Charles Street Centre, Luton call 01582 569850
Westbourne Centre, Bedford call 01234 332300
contact: www.barnfield.ac.uk
