Mercy

Since I was very young, I wanted to become a nurse, however, growing up in Africa, I was initially unable to fulfil my dream. When I came to the UK this changed and after I had my two children, I was able to come to Waltham Forest College to begin my career in nursing.

I was able to finish my Pre-Acess course with a distinction. I then progressed to Access to Nursing and Midwifery and I was very lucky to have a teacher that taught us the modules I would also go on to learn at university, which made my progression to higher education that much easier.

Once I left Waltham Forest College, I started my degree in Adult Nursing at Middlesex University. I am pleased to say I successfully graduated with a 1^st Class Honours. I am really happy words cannot describe how I feel. Whenever I see my result I am always smiling at my achievement! 

Viktor

I'm going to university to study Air transport with Helicopter Pilot Training. Once I get my pilot license I want to join the NPAS (National Police Air Service).

I've really enjoyed my course and teachers and classmates have been a great support system. Studying Public Services has taught me a lot and we felt like a big family!

Poppy

Waltham Forest College offered the best option for me to attend university. The teaching was positive and I've learnt a lot during my time here, alongside developing my skills and knowledge of the business world.

I'm looking forward to the next part of my journey, I'll be studying Primary Education and university!  

Preslava

The best thing about Waltham Forest College is its support. The opportunities I've received during my time at the College allowed me to work in the industry and lead on some amazing projects. I love the challenges that the College has helped me tackle because they've all been worth it and helped me improve my skills tremendously. 

My careers goal is to be an Animator and that's what I'll be studying at university. I've gained so much from animation tutorial videos and I want to educate and share important topics and stories through animation.

Marini

One thing that made me come to Waltham Forest College was the feedback I heard from previous students. I'm glad I decided to join the College as the teaching experience was amazing and I'm grateful for all that I've learned during the period I studied. 

The College provides a lot of support and opportunities for students, and I'd definitely recommend studying here. 

Diandra

It's been a beautiful journey for me at Waltham Forest College, as studying here has helped me to fulfill my dreams. I had a dream of going to King's College and I'm both excited and slightly nervous that it's now a reality!

I was inspired to go into Nursing from my love for caring for my grandmother and great-grandmother in Jamaica. My classmates and my tutors motivated me so much during the pandemic to stay on track and push towards my targets. Everyone at the College was so helpful during that time. I feel really proud to be offered a place at such a prestigious university that also is rich with culture and people from across the world. 

Safia

I definitely made the right choice coming to Waltham Forest College. I’ve gained so many opportunities since joining the college and alongside my course I made the best memories as part of the Netball team. I had the chance to gain work experience with Leyton Orient and Decathlon and some great coaching experiences. I was also a Student Ambassador which was paid work during my time at the college.

My dream is to become an Osteopath. I’ve learnt so much about the importance of whole-body fitness and how every part of the body plays a part in healing the body. One day I hope to open my own clinic!

Jade

Coming to Waltham Forest College was the best opportunity for me to pursue my dream of becoming a criminal prosecutor. It's been great studying at the College, even during the pandemic my teachers were great and really supported me throughout that time to stay on top of my assignments.

I'm looking forward to my degree and finally starting university. My undergraduate degree is four years and then I'll be doing a masters degree in Law after that!

Lamar

I really enjoyed my time at Waltham Forest College. My teachers were great, I learnt so much from my teachers during my time here. The best part of being at the College is all the skills I gained. I had the chance to work on some amazing projects from painting to digital design and 3D design. 

I've always wanted to be an architect; my dad is an architect too and I'm really excited to follow in his footsteps. It's a long course but I'm excited to start university and be one step closer to my dream. 

Darcie

My career goal is to be a Personal Trainer. I've always had an interest in fitness and my course enabled me to learn more about the industry. Studying Sport at Waltham Forest College was amazing. The content was great and the course helped me to understand my career path more. Although it was hard to study during the pandemic and adjusting to online learning, I had loads of support and catch-up sessions. 

I'm looking forward to starting university to study Sport, Exercise, and Health Sciences and getting closer to my dreams. 

Sonia

I chose to come to Waltham Forest College because my family recommended it. My cousin came to the college and had a great experience, and even studied the same course as me. I definitely wanted the same experience and I'm glad I came to the College. It's a diverse place to study with great teachers who are always willing to help.

I will be studying Criminology with Psychology at university, and I'm really excited to start!

Zahra

I joined Waltham Forest College on Level 2 Digital Media and then progressed onto Level 3. My teachers have always supported me to do better, have given me great project suggestions, and overall made my time at college amazing. Waltham Forest College is a great place to study.

I'll be pursuing photography at university but I'm also excited to explore the world of behind the scene filmmaking. All photos have a story behind them and I’m really looking forward to learning more about equipment and different types of photography styles. 

Junjie

I'd definitely recommend Waltham Forest College as a place to study IT. The facilities are outstanding and the teachers are passionate about the courses they teach. The best thing about studying at the College was the environment, the tutors, and the great friends I've made during my time here. 

I'll be strengthening my love for computers at university this year when I study computer science. 

Dominik

I chose to come to Waltham Forest because it was so close to home. I went to secondary school in Walthamstow (Kelmscott), and traveling to and from college was easy. 

I started at Waltham Forest College on the basic construction course then progressing onto Carpentry and finally Painting & Decorating. It’s been really good, I’ve really enjoyed my time at the College and I’ve learned a lot. The teachers are nice, and the employability team really helped me to discover opportunities in Painting & Decorating. 

Since starting my apprenticeship, it has strengthened my dream of one day managing my own decorating company.  

Cansu

I had a great experience at Waltham Forest College. The best thing about studying here was the college community, I made lifelong friends whilst here and the learning experience was amazing.

I'm really looking forward to starting university!

Beraya

What I liked best about the College is how easy it was to receive support for any facility, for example, student finance). The campus is great and easy to navigate with really nice places to study and catch up with friends. 

I'd definitely recommend the College to others as there are loads of courses to study at any level and the teaching is very good. I'll be studying Children's Nursing at university and I'm super excited! 

Moinul

People always comment on how good I am at doing makeup, so I wasted no time in enrolling on the introductory course at Waltham Forest College after secondary school.

Things have not always been easy in managing my studies and personal life, but my Guidance and Counselling Officer as well as my tutors offered me a great deal of support that has helped me to keep on progressing. I really enjoy my course; I get to work in a real commercial salon with real customers.

Teuta

When I first started college I was so nervous, but eventually, it began to feel like home. English isn’t my first language but my tutors were so supportive and I felt like I was always supported to do my best. 

The most important part of Waltham Forest College is the teachers. Some of my tutors had taught at university level and it really has helped to prepare me for this next stage in my journey.  I’m looking forward to starting university and learning more about the systems needed to excel in business. I hope to work with top businesses in the future or start my own company one day!

Sol

I'd recommend the College to others because I've had a great experience studying at Waltham Forest College. If you're nervous about your next steps after secondary school or don't feel confident with studying, this is the best place to study as you'll receive all the support you need to get to your dreams.

I love how diverse the College is and there is so much support on offer. I'm looking forward to starting university and doing the best that I can!

Holly

My teaching and learning experience at Waltham Forest was amazing. The teachers stuck with me through thick and thin, always pushing me to strive for the best. I'd recommend studying at Waltham Forest College as the staff really do care for the students in every way. I would not change a thing about my time here. 

The best thing about the College is all the memories you can make whilst studying here.

Shakira

My career goal is to be a Physiotherapist. I’ve always been interested in sports and really excelled in rugby and athletics. Studying at Waltham Forest was the best decision for me. I had a hard time at school but thankfully my Aunt works at the college and she said it would be a safe place for me to study (she was right).

I’m looking forward to university and branching out more. I'm looking forward to meeting new people and being one step closer to my goal of becoming a Physiotherapist.

Kayleigh

I would recommend the College for people who want to study childcare. The course is really good and the teachers are amazing. I'm excited for the next stage of my journey and I'm really glad that I decided to come to Waltham Forest College.

Dmytro

I decided to come to Waltham Forest College because my aunt recommended it as a good college. I like everything about the College, the teachers are very qualified and welcoming, and the overall atmosphere of the College is brilliant. 

I'm looking forward to continuing my studies at Waltham Forest College after achieving a 7 in Maths GCSE.

Gulnar

I came to the College because a friend of mine recommended it. They offer a public services course which many other colleges do not provide. The best thing about the College for me is my teachers, they are always so friendly and willing to help. 

I achieved a 6 in English GCSE and an 8 in Maths GCSE and after I finish year 2 of my course I want to go to university to study law or politics. 

Awatef

I'd recommend the College for those who want to get into teaching, or change their job path. I think anyone who has studied in a different country but is finding it difficult to find opportunities should talk to the team at Waltham Forest College. The College can help you to find a new career path or open options for you with different courses. 

I achieved an 8 in GCSE Maths and will be completing my Teacher Training course so I can pursue a career in adult teaching where I hope to specialise in Biology. 

Elizabeth

I chose to come back to Waltham Forest College because I had studied GCSE English here before and I was blown away by the quality of teaching. The tutors at the College genuinely care about you and go above and beyond to help you achieve your best. 

I would recommend studying at the College because my experience has been great. I'm looking forward to going on to the access to social sciences course and then progressing on to university! 

Kawewa

What I liked best about studying at Waltham Forest College was the support I received. My teaching and learning experience has been informative and interesting, staff across the College are so friendly and helpful. 

I joined the College from a recommendation and I'd definitely tell others to come to the College and discover how they can gain a qualification and pursue their dreams. I'll be starting at the University of East London in September 2021 to study GCSE Primary School Education. 

Arezo

I achieved an 8 in GCSE Maths and I'd recommend the College to others s there are lots of experienced teachers at Waltham Forest College. The College was the nearest to my home and I've loved studying here.

After completing my Level 2 in IT I'd like to go to university and ultimately work in the IT field.  

Dilbert Temiz

I am always excited to come to class, I’ve learnt lots of different styles of cooking and new sauces. I look forward to moving onto Level 2 in the future.

Arron Bernard

I find the staff very insightful with the knowledge that they bring. I’m learning new skills every day and look forward to the next step in my education and career in catering.

Benjamin Amponsah

It’s a great experience. I am learning to use materials and techniques that are out of my comfort zone, but i’m gaining confidence with them.

Stephen Upton-Bryant

As a mature student I was apprehensive about returning to education, however I found my fellow students and tutors to be extremely supportive.

Nadin Bannout

The course has helped me so much. My confidence has grown and my tutors go above and beyond to help me with the course.

Wardah Rizwan

The College has a very supportive team of tutors. They really help you to achieve your goals and vision.

Adam Guffar

This course is amazing; it’s developing my skills and strengthening my weak points. It’s allowed me to improve my trade as a barber.

Maria De Las Mercedes Andujar

The course is really nice; it’s given me more confidence as a hairdresser. The real life experience on the course is second-to-none. 

Natalie Goodyear

After being out of education for 20 years, I came to the College and slipped right back into it. Here I gained all my study skills and they got me ready for university.

Mohamed Shaw

I enjoyed the course very much. It was challenging and intensive at times, but I had very supportive tutors. I would recommend this course and college.

Sheharyar Khan

I would recommend Waltham Forest College. The support I received was great, especially in 1-to-1 sessions. I am now looking to progress to university.

Nadia Ekambi

I started the course with very low confidence and low grades, but now since being on the course I am really improving. After this I plan to do an Access course, then to university.

Jakub Jeziorski

Triple-starred distinction earns Jakub top uni place

Jakub Jeziorski has won a place at one of the country's top universities by spurning A-Levels and taking the BTEC route to success.

He scored a triple distinction, each with a star rating, in IT BTEC Extended Diploma Level 3 course at Waltham Forest College.

His triple D* score is worth 420 UCAS points, which is equivalent to achieving three A* grades at A-Level.

Now Jakub is setting off to Kings College London, a prestigious Russell Group university, to study for a degree in Computer Science.

The Russell Group comprises Britain's 24 leading research universities, including both Oxford and Cambridge.

“I was so happy when I got my results with the highest possible grades,” he said. “Kings College London is one of the top universities in the country for Computer Science and I am so proud to be studying there.”

His achievement is all the more remarkable because he spoke very little English when he first arrived in London from Lublin in Poland four years ago.

He first came to Waltham Forest College to study ESOL (English for speakers of other languages). "German was the language I had learned at school and I could not speak English at all. I had to get a friend to fill in my enrolment form," he explained.

"From there I moved on to studying IT at Level 2 and then progressed to the Level 3 course. I am so glad I chose to do BTEC courses rather than A-Levels. It suits my style of learning.

"BTEC courses are based on assignments rather than exams which are basically memory tests. The assignments were tough, particularly when you have to write them in a language that is not your own.

"There were times when I was so far behind with my assignments that I locked myself in my room and did not leave until I had finished. I only wanted to be the best and to aim as high as possible.”

The BTEC course consisted of 18 units including computer programming, web design, hardware, software, on-line security and business.

"My teachers were brilliant," he added. "They were dedicated and really wanted me to succeed in life. They pushed me to get the best possible grades."

Oliwier Opolski

Male student lands dream job in Hair Salon

Level 2 Hairdressing student Oliwier Opolski, was offered a paid position at ‘The Salons’ in Walthamstow Village after impressing salon owner Paul Miller, on a one day work trial.

Oliwier decided to enrol on a Hairdressing course at Waltham Forest College in September 2015. Prior to enrolling he had no idea where he wanted to take his career and little to no experience in Hairdressing.

Shortly after the course commenced, Oliwier began to advance and develop new skills which soon became apparent to his peers and tutors.

Oliwier lives at home with his mom who is a single parent. Though he loves his course, he also wanted to help out at home financially, but was uncertain of how to do this whilst studying full-time in college.

After sharing his concern with his tutor, who then liaised with the Commercial and Business Development Team at the College, Oliwier was offered a placement at ‘The Salons’ in Walthamstow Village.

Salon Owner Paul Miller, who has worked with Celebrity Stylist and Hairdresser Nikki Clarke, was so pleased with Oliwier’s performance that he asked him to return for paid work along with additional training and support on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Oliwier, will also be progressing on the Level 3 Hairdressing as an apprentice at ‘The Salons’ in April.

He said: “It’s a dream come true to be working for an employee like Paul Miller who has so much years of experience under his belt. I’m truly looking forward to progressing on the Level 3 course as an apprentice in his salon.”

Fatima Jada, Learning Manager for Hair & Beauty said: “Oliwer is a dedicated and ambitious student who possesses excellent employer skills. He has proved to be the perfect candidate for the job.”

For information about apprenticeships at Waltham Forest College, email apprenticeships@waltham.ac.uk or call 020 8501 8074. Alternatively, visit the Open Events on Saturday 6 February 2016, 10am – 1pm. The College welcome all enquiries from employers, parents, and students.