Suraiya

The best thing about the College is the Teachers. They are always very helpful and are there for everything. The teachers genuinely want to help and push every student to reach their potential, they are the reason why I got into a Russel Group University.

Mohammed Zakariyya

Joining Waltham Forest College was the best decision I've ever made as they offered a fast track to my dream job. 

The Access to HE: Computing course gave me a better understanding of the industry and the the teachers were very good as they created engaging lessons and made the lessons understanding for everyone.

Iris

I decided to choose Waltham Forest College as I have heard that they are diverse College and this motivated me to join the College. 

I am grateful I joined the College as they have helped me get into my first University of choice, which is Kings University.

The best thing about the College for me is the facilities within the College that are available to all the students such as the library, common room, activity center, etc. Also, the plethora of clubs that all of the students can take part in.

Saaliha

I studied Travel and tourism Level 3 at Waltham Forest College and the best thing about the College is the teachers; they were very friendly and helpful, and without them, I wouldn’t be where I am. 

The teaching and learning experience was amazing as it was very beneficial for my career and extra help was provided outside of the classroom.

The staff are very approachable and are always there for any help, even after school hours. Also, the teachers sacrificed their time for students and made the learning experience fun.

Angelina Khan

I am going to my dream University, Anglia Ruskin University, to study Interior Design and I couldn't have done it without the help of Waltham Forest College.

The teaching and learning experience was very supportive, as the staff took their time to help with my goals and informed me on what was needed to achieve my goals.

One of the best things about the College is the opportunities that were available to me, such as the Student Union.

Zayd

I chose this College as the environment is very welcoming and friendly and the support, they provided was good.

One of the best things about the College is the enrichment activities provided; ranging from Basketball, Football, Book Club, and many more. They even had a common room that had a pool table and table tennis.

Erin

The teaching and learning experience at the College was great as the teachers made the learning very fun.

The College allowed me to get out of my comfort zone by doing projects like the end-of-year fashion show that I had to prepare the clothes for but also take part in.

I would definitely recommend the College as it has given me plenty of opportunities and everyone from the principal, teachers, and support staff were all lovely.

Mohammed Najam

The Travel and Tourism Level 3 course at Waltham Forest College was very beneficial to me and has led me to get into my university of choice and enhanced my career.

The course was informative and provided me with an abundance of knowledge about the industry and has prepared me for university.

I would definitely recommend Waltham Forest College, because of the support you get inside and outside of the classroom, the facilities provided and the overall student experience was amazing!

Lauren

I decided to join Waltham Forest College as they are in a great location and offer a good range of courses.

The teaching and learning experience was very positive as the teachers created lessons that were fun and easier to understand. Also, they offered good 1 on 1 support that really helped me get a distinction in my course and led to me getting into University of London to study criminology.

Gideon

I studied the BTEC Level 3 in Sports Coaching and Development at Waltham Forest College and it was the best!

The teaching staff were amazing and helped me solve my problems both in and out of the classroom. The teachers gave me advice that helped me get through the course and achieve a grade of D*D*D, which led me to progress to study at Birmingham City University to study sports science.

Brianna

The College offers a variety of courses, and this enticed me to join the College as Travel and tourism is something not many colleges offer.

I am now going to the University of West London to study Air transport management and I couldn't have done it without the help of my lovely teachers who always push me to be the best version of myself. Also, the support given, such as the career advisors so guided me through the whole UCAS process.

Maria

I studied Access to HE: Law and Business Level 3 at Waltham Forest College and thanks to them I am now able to study accounting and finance at the University of Greenwich.

The teachers in the College are very nice and created interactive lessons, which made the learning experience so much better!

My greatest memory from Waltham Forest College is when I had my ERASMUS trip to Portugal, that was so fun!

Jasmine

I studied the Access to HE: Social Science course at Waltham Forest College and now I am studying Psychology at City University.

The teachers are amazing as they are always there to help. They were caring and always encouraged me to do my best, even when I didn’t believe I could do it.

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! 

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. 

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!

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. 

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.  

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!

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.