High success rates

West Thames College has one of the highest success rates in London - we have been a 'Top 5 college' since 2005 (there are 34 FE [A further education course at Entry level, Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3. Includes pre-university and vocational qualifications, full-time and part-time for all ages.] colleges in London). Our results have improved year-on-year and our student success, retention and achievement rates are well above national benchmarks.

We also had an excellent Ofsted inspection in 2007.

Beacon Award college

West Thames College won a national AoC Beacon Award in 2007-08 and an Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ grade for Equality and Diversity. We also won a Beacon Award in 2008-09 too for Promoting Race Equality.

Award-winning students

Our students take part in industry-sponsored national and international competitions and events as part of their course. Every year our students get through to the finals and often win these prestigious awards.

Check out some of our latest News stories.

Recently our students have…

• Won first prize at IMATS (International Makeup Artist Trade Show) in London for 4 years running and at IMATS in Los Angeles too
• Won Gold, Silver and Bronze awards at the Salon Culinaire 2010 Show in Bournemouth competing against professional chefs and other colleges.
• Won first prize for both the Hairdressing and the Beauty and Makeup competitons for WorldSkills 2010 heats hosted at the college and represented the college at the national finals.
• Showed off their fashion design collections on the catwalk at Alternative Fashion Week in 2009 and 2010.
• Won the London Regional Adult Learner of the Year Award for HE [HND, Foundation Degree or BA Hons Degree - i.e. university level qualifications at Level 4 and higher.].
• Won the LDD National Football League Tournament in 2009 and 2010.
• Triumphed at Skills Games 2008 – competing against other colleges to win top prizes in Trowel Trades, Catering and Hairdressing
• Gained places at the National Youth Theatre (former members include Orlando Bloom, Helen Mirren and Daniel Craig)
• Won top prizes at the NHF (National Hairdressing Federation) International Hairdressing Championships at Blackpool
• Performed at Osterley House in the London Voices project with the National Trust
• Won the World Bodypainting Championships in Austria
• Won a runner-up prize in an art and design competition sponsored by the Metro newspaper
• Won a prestigious competition to gain a top work placement at the BBC
• Met Prime Minister Gordon Brown and spoke to thousands at a rally in Trafalgar Square to raise awareness of the crisis in Darfur.
• Gained a top job as makeup artist for West End hit musical, Wicked.

Students think we’re great too

Results from the 2009 student survey conducted across 100 different UK colleges concluded that our students think we are one of the best colleges in the country for teaching, learning and support:

• 96% said the teachers have a good knowledge of their subject
• 97% said the teachers are committed to their learners
• 96% said they get on well with their teacher
• 95% said the lessons are well organised and help me to learn
• 95% said the quality of teaching materials is good

Inspectors at our recent Ofsted Inspection said that every single student they interviewed was positive about the college, their teachers, the support they receive, student activities and the college’s friendly atmosphere.

Student Awards Ceremony

At the end of each academic year we celebrate the amazing achievements of our outstanding students at our Student Awards Ceremony.