Accrington and Rossendale College Virtual Open Event for school leavers and parents

Accrington and Rossendale College is set to host its second Virtual Open Event for school leavers and parents/carers – with a bigger and better experience in store for those who attend.

The Virtual School Leaver Open Event will take place on Wednesday 4 November, from 6pm until 8pm, and includes live skills demonstrations in a range of subjects, panoramic tours, live chats with tutors, the chance to book on to a campus tour, and much more.

Visitors will have the opportunity to find out more about life at Accrington and Rossendale College and how it has developed to ‘bring the extraordinary’ to its campus since merging with one of the highest performing colleges in the country, Nelson and Colne College.

With a newly transformed £4million campus, as well as the same phenomenal teaching, strong industry links and extensive wraparound support as at its sister college, there has never been a better time to study at Accrington and Rossendale College.

The live skills demonstrations will help bring subject areas to life for prospective students and they include Hair and Beauty, Painting and Decorating, Motor Vehicle, Carpentry and Joinery, Plastering, and Sport. Information on the exciting Extracurricular programme offered at College will be shared too.

Students and parents/carers will also be able to hear video content from former students who have progressed in their careers, and find out more about the College's wide range of Vocational and Technical courses and Apprenticeships, which are designed to get students career ready.

A Principal’s Welcome, support Q&A and application help complete the Virtual Open Event experience for those attending. To register, students and parents/carers need to visit: www.accross.ac.uk/events/virtual-school-leaver-open-event/

Ellie Armstrong, 18, formerly of The Hollins, progressed on to the BSc Sports Science and Coaching degree at Accrington and Rossendale College after gaining Triple Distinction* in her Sport and Sport Sciences course.

Ellie said: “The college was always going to be my first choice for Higher Education because it is a fantastic place to study with modern facilities and brilliant staff members. They are supportive, helpful, fun and are always there to help you reach your full potential.

“The college has always felt safe and welcoming and I have enjoyed the subject – it is full of informative lessons and practical sessions, which enable you to really develop your knowledge.”

Luke Moffat achieved Distinction* and Double Distinction in Creative Media Production student and progressed to Edge Hill University to study Film and Television Production.

Luke, 17, formerly of Haslingden High School, said: “I would recommend Accrington and Rossendale College as the teaching and support for students is excellent.

“The qualification shows that I am suited to media, and as I advance through my education, I will be able to specialise in the industry and I hope to one day become a producer.”

Accrington and Rossendale College now sits as the number one college in Lancashire for 16-18 Advanced Apprenticeships and is one of the top five colleges nationally for classroom learner achievement. In 2020, the college achieved a 100% Advanced Vocational pass rate.

Principal of Nelson and Colne College Group Amanda Melton CBE said: “Choosing a College is a big decision, and if you have an ambition to progress into a vocational or technical career then Accrington and Rossendale College should be your first choice destination when you leave school.

“Open Events are the perfect opportunity to really get a feel for what it is like to study at College. While we would love to see pupils and their parents/carers in person, their safety is our number one priority right now, and as such we have invested time and money into this online platform, to ensure they will receive the same quality and same delivery they would expect if they were coming to see us on campus.

“I really would encourage any school leaver, as well as their parents/carers, to register to this virtual event and get booked on to the live sessions available by visiting our website or contacting our Admissions Team on 01282 440272 or admissions@nelsongroup.ac.uk."

For more information about Accrington and Rossendale College, please visit www.accross.ac.uk. To apply, or for application support, contact the Admissions Team at admissions@nelsongroup.ac.uk or call 01282 440272.