Art, Design and Media students at Harrow College have showcased their work at the annual end of year show.

Organised by the art and media department, a private viewing at the Creative Arts and Media Show 2016 took place yesterday (Monday 13th June 2016) to celebrate the high quality of work produced by students at the College.

Members of the community were invited to see the creative art pieces designed by students as they approach the end of the academic year.

Students, parents and employers were in attendance to witness a showcase of artistic genres including Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, Fashion and Textiles, 3D Design and Architecture, Ceramics, Photography, Video production and Animation. Guests enjoyed a glass of wine and refreshments as they spoke with the student artists and enjoyed the gallery of work on show.

Owen Price, Curriculum Manager for Arts and Media at Harrow College said "our students have once again produced a high quality exhibition that really impressed the visitors in attendance. The students embraced the opportunity to show examples of their work and final projects which in many cases, have enabled them to secure a place at university or art/design related work experience.”

As well as exhibiting the standard of work achieved by current students, the event is a fantastic opportunity for prospective students to visit the College's Art, Design and Media departments.

Not only do visitors have a chance to view the dedicated facilities but they can also learn more about  potential course programmes at Harrow College and meet with curriculum staff.

Visitors are invited to drop-in to see the display at the Harrow Weald campus.

Located in the DAC building, it'll remain open to visitors on a daily basis, between 9am and 5pm until Friday 17th June 2016.

Interested in studying Art, Design or Media at Harrow College? Browse courses and apply today.

Olympic fever has gripped the nation with Team GB scoring high in the medals table. Former Harrow College student Richard Hounslow won a silver medal along with his partner David Florence in the men's double canoe slalom. This week we’ll be cheering on another former student. Triathlete Faye McClelland will be competing in the Paralympic Games in Rio which kick off on Wednesday 7th September.

Before Faye jetted off to Brazil, we caught up with her for a quick chat.

How has your preparation been?

Great! I’ve been training consistently and have a good number of races under my belt. Qualification went to plan so I’ve pretty much done as much as I can.

What are you most looking forward to in Rio (apart from competing)?

Just to be part of the greatest show on earth is really exciting. I’ve been to Rio before so to be there taking part in the Olympics representing Team GB will be amazing.

Where will you be staying whilst in Rio?

We go to a holding camp in Belo Horizonte first (just outside Rio). Two days before we start, we’ll move into our hotel in Rio on Copacabana beach. Finally we’ll move into the athlete village during our competitions where we’ll stay until the end of the games.

What will be your diet whilst in Rio?

My diet will remain the same – clean, sensible food! It’s best not to change the diet too drastically because by this stage, we know what works. On race day it will be more energy foods.

What does a typical race competition day consist of?

We’ll do final checks (race numbers, equipment) and then go to the venue and check the race paperwork approximately 2 or 3 hours before the race. We’ll then warm up (I usually do the exercise bike). At race time, we line up on the start line and names are announced (there will be roughly 30 competitors in my race at Rio). The race will last a little over an hour after which we’ll warm down, shower (we may be called in to give a random anti-doping sample) and then hopefully be involved in the medal ceremony a couple of hours after the race has finished.

How will your free time in Rio be spent?

We won’t get a lot of free time outside of training. I’ll have casual chats with my coach about my training schedules, race plans etc. over a coffee. Otherwise I try to switch off by watching some TV, catch up with team mates over lunch or get some sleep and rest.

What do you miss the most about the UK whilst away?

Friends and family mainly. I also miss living by the sea (I live in Eastbourne).

Who is your sporting idol and why?

My team mates inspire me. I’m also a really big fan of the Brownlee brothers who are triathletes like me (and won Gold and Silver in Rio).

What is your one stand out memory from being a student at Harrow College?

I was based at the Harrow on the Hill campus and have many fond memories. One which comes to mind is sitting on the hill near Harrow school looking over the London skyline and enjoying the amazing views. I do miss those days!

Faye’s Triathlon race takes place at 14:00 (GMT) on Sunday 11th September 2016. You can watch the race live on Channel 4 in the UK.

Students from Harrow College are looking forward to progressing to university and employment after receiving their A-level results today.

The FE college is celebrating year on year improvement recording 96% A-level pass rate overall, with 68% of students achieving A*-C grades. Overall high grades at A*-B are up by 8% on last year!

Delighted student Viktoria Noel took A-levels in Chemistry, Maths and Further Maths and gained three A* grades to secure her place at Oxford University. Reflecting on her A-level experience she said “this has always been my dream and I’m so pleased to have achieved it with Harrow College. I’m now excited to be going to Oxford to study Chemistry.”

Vishva Patel also enjoyed success with his A-level results. He achieved grade A in Maths, Chemistry and ICT, commending the College’s highly experienced and supportive staff with helping him to achieve this.

The dedication and efforts of Jermaine Wilson also paid off as he achieved grade B in Maths, ICT and Sociology and will now progress to Brunel University to study Economics and Management. Having previously failed his GCSEs, he joined Harrow College to retake his GCSEs before progressing to study his A-levels at the College. Jermaine says: Harrow College is a great place, it lets you take control of your learning in a supported environment.”

BTEC students were also in a buoyant mood following their results today. BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma Fashion & Styling student, Ja-dae Amanda Johnson, was happy to open her results envelope to see that she had scored a triple distinction. She’ll now be going on to Southampton University to study a degree in Fashion Textiles.

Dylan McTaggart, Vice Principal spoke of his delight following today’s results;

“Congratulations to our A-level and BTEC students; it’s been a great year and with the continued additional support we provide our students, the forthcoming academic year will see even greater numbers of our inspiring students achieving their dreams. I’m insanely proud of all that our students have accomplished. As Harrow College AS and A2 results have again increased, we must reference the hard work and dedication of our students and staff’.

84% of our university applicants received places at their choice of university - an outstanding achievement by each of them. The success of our students shows that we’re not just a pathway to university though. We’re looking to provide our students with a pathway into employment at Harrow. We would love to get them working in and benefitting the local community.

Harrow College now looks forward to welcoming a new intake of students for September 2016. If you’re considering your options then don’t delay, browse courses and apply now. Enrolment starts on Thursday 25th August 2016.

Enrolling at Harrow College for the new term?

Complete enrolment and take a selfie with your enrolment pack to be entered into a prize draw to win an iPad.

A Higher Education (HE) graduation ceremony has taken place to celebrate the achievements of new HE graduates from Harrow College (16 Feb, 2016).

Over 25 graduates donned gowns and hats as they returned to the college where they successfully completed a variety HNC and HND level courses in Business, Computing & Systems Development, Applied Chemistry and Health & Social Care.

Taking place in Harrow College's award nominated Enterprise Centre, the graduates took their seats with close family and friends sitting close by with cameras at the ready. Dylan McTaggart, Harrow College Vice-Principal, opened proceeding and spoke about how proud he was to see the room full of students who had each shown dedication and commitment in reaching their goals.

Graduation certificates were awarded by curriculum staff from each subject area giving graduates another chance to catch up with tutors who had supported them during their studies. There were plenty of opportunities to take photographs, including the customary throwing of graduation hats high into the air, as people enjoyed some food and drink after the ceremony and reflected on their time at the college. Many will now be progressing onto university or into employment.

Former student and 2015 HND Business graduate Michael George Roper returned as a guest speaker. Michael took to the stage to speak about some of his experiences throughout his career and education. During his motivating talk which left everybody feeling inspired, Michael spoke about the importance of staying grounded and being passionate about the decisions each of us make in today’s society which is changing faster than ever.

Places are still open for students wishing to enrol onto a HE course for 2016/17 starting in late September. For more details, click here.

For the fifth year running sales recruitment and training business Raw Talent Academy is partnering with Harrow College to deliver an Employability Academy to their student body.

The Employability Academy will run for the length of the 2016-17 academic year with over 400 students expected to take part in the initial stages. The brainchild of Raw Talent Academy founder and BBC Apprentice Winner, Lee McQueen, the Employability Academy has been a huge success over the past 4 years.

Lee Janaway, Director of Student Experience at Harrow College says "we really value the importance of developing students' skills and knowledge in employability and enterprise as we prepare them for life after college.

This is the fourth year we have worked with Lee McQueen and Raw Talent Academy, and believe that the process and programme supports our students to develop these skills. From the rigorous selection process that is open to all students, those who are selected for Employability Academy are clearly better prepared for the world of employment with many gaining paid internships or going straight into employment.”

Lee McQueen, who worked for Lord Sugar after winning The Apprentice, added; "we are aiming to make these students more confident when they face potential employers – we believe too many students are not ready for the reality of work and Harrow College is leading the way to change that with over 1,600 students taking part over the last four years. The students that will gain valuable employability and life skills that will help them at college, in work or at university.”

Raw Talent's Employability Academy aims to give students an insight into business through a hands-on programme, which is extracurricular to the studies of students at Harrow College.

Activities on the programme include providing the selected students with the opportunity to visit a large corporation and visit the different areas of a live business environment. They also receive coaching from business experts and owners who have been managing directors at multi-million pound organisations on specific skills required in employability. Students will also take part in 'Apprentice' style tasks before presenting details of their personal development.

Former Harrow College student Ajay Modha, 18, who was part of the 2015-16 Employability Academy said; "the audition day was an amazing experience and a real insight into business and The Apprentice. Winning a place on the Employability Academy coaching course gave me a great opportunity to improve my employability skills and has definitely put me in the right frame of mind for life experiences to come."

Existing and newly enrolled students at Harrow College will have the opportunity to join the Employability Academy, with over 400 students expected to apply to gain a place. The students will be put through a rigid interview and selection process with the top 40-50-invited to the audition day. Tasks to win one of the 20 places available on Raw Talent's Employability Academy will take place at the college's Enterprise Centre at the Harrow on the Hill campus in October 2016.

Harrow College is continuing to welcome new students for the 2016-17 academic year. Students are invited to enrol now to be eligible for an opportunity to join the Raw Talent’s Employability Academy. Find out more about enrolment at Harrow College and Raw Talent’s Employability Academy.

Former Harrow College student Faye McClelland has narrowly missed out on a medal at the Rio Paralympic Games.

Representing Team GB in her first Olympic outing, Faye finished the women's PT4 triathlon race in a very respectable 4th place in last Sundays final which took place along Rio’s renowned Copacabana beach.

McClelland finished 37 seconds behind France's Gwladys Lemoussu, failing to join compatriot and silver medallist Lauren Steadman on the podium.

Speaking to the media after the race, Faye insisted that she is content with her performance, but admitted that it is disappointing to have finished in fourth place.

She said "I had a good swim, the bike I found really tough, it was just a matter of hanging on in the run. Gutted it was fourth, just outside of third, but that's how racing is. I was obviously wanting to medal, third would have been awesome. But I knew it was going to be tough and I did everything I could on the day."

Harrow College is extremely proud of Faye’s achievements and would like to congratulate her for representing Team GB and producing such a closely challenged effort in the final.

The Construction Manager of the Year (CMYA) Awards took place with a glitzy black tie dinner at the Grosvenor House Hotel last night (15 September) with Harrow College very much in the spot light.

Among the finalist this year, in the ‘New Build and Refurb category for projects between £5m and £7m’ was Frank Conway, Project Manager at Morgan Sindall who led the development of the Enterprise Centre - the four storeys, 3000m2 building project which welcomed its first classes in September 2016.

The Enterprise Centre design creates a strong contemporary frontage to complement the existing Grade II listed surrounding buildings. Its height makes it visible from the recently developed Lowlands Recreation Ground and also visible from the rear side which faces Harrow on the Hill underground station meaning rail passengers get a full view of the building as they pass by. Traditional and more informal style classrooms, open plan work spaces and IT hubs are all part of the new Enterprise Centre interior.

The category which included the Enterprise Centre was closely contested but was eventually awarded to the new 2016 winner – Alan May, Project manager for construction company Sir Robert McAlpine and their project called OneSubsea, a Business Park development in Aberdeen. Despite Frank Conway and Morgan Sindall not taking the top prize, the award nomination was a great way to be recognised for such a fantastic building development which now stands at the heart of the College’s Harrow on the Hill campus.

Judith Abbott, Executive Director of Finance at Harrow College attended the event and said; “Although Frank Conway and the Enterprise Centre project didn't win, just being shortlisted for such a prestigious award was quite an achievement. It was a great event and really showcased the immense talent in the construction industry and it was fantastic to see pictures of our building up on the big screen on view in front of industry peers”.

The ICT (Information and Communications Technology) department at Harrow College have held a farewell presentation event for some of their leaving students.

BTEC IT Year 2 students who completed their course earlier this summer returned to their old stomping ground to enjoy the company of people who have become so familiar with them over the past few years.

The fun filled afternoon included lots of food and refreshments, guest speakers and of course lots of catching up with friends and staff.

Students were awarded with their BTEC qualification certificates before taking lots of photographs and exchanging contact details. The event ensured students received a fitting send off to their time at Harrow College.

One of the students in attendance was Amaan Aslam. He said;

I’ve been here for 2 years and these have been the best two years of my life! It’s down to my teachers that I’m now going to the University of East Anglia to study Computer Science.

Sultan Soukani, Senior Curriculum Manager for ICT & Business said;

It was great to see our BTEC IT Year 2 leaving students return for this special certificate presentation event. Today has been a wonderful occasion and a great way to say goodbye. We wish them the very best of luck in their new adventures.

Click here for more on ICT at Harrow College.

Harrow College has hosted and activity-packed cycling event today (22 September) at the Harrow-on-the-Hill campus. The event aimed to encourage more people to get on their bikes and highlighted the many benefits of doing so.

The free event had lots to offer including guests from the cycling world. The London Cycling Campaign team were present and offered advice on all sorts of cycling matters and also gave people the opportunity to try out a number of new bicycles.

Lots of students (and staff) got involved, with many making time to visit the event during breaks in their lesson timetables. Free maintenance checks were given to those who brought their own bikes. Students and staff also had the opportunity to meet the Metropolitan Police who were in attendance to give safety advice.

Jacki Staal, Coordinator of todays event said "Student enrichment, social interaction and getting more active are key aspects of our commitment to student development. Today’s event gave students, and staff, the opportunity to learn more about the benefits of cycling such as better health and saving money. Free advice was given out on road safety, cycling training, route planning, plus those with bicycles had a free maintenance check. We’re looking forward to running the event again on Tuesday, 11 October!”

Harrow College offers its students a number on enrichment activities througout the year. This along with lots of other extra cirricular activities ensure students have a busy social calender. Click here to learn more about the services and facilities we offer our students.

Harrow College students hoping to make their mark in the world of employment have taken their first steps in securing a place on the much sought after Employability Academy, which is being delivered by Raw Talent Academy, the business founded by The Apprentice winner Lee McQueen.

The Academy, which has been working with Harrow College exclusively for the past few years, aims to give students an insight into business through a hands-on programme, extracurricular to the students College education.

With over 170 student applications and places limited, applicant interviews started last week (23 September). Following an initial online assessment, students were invited for face-to-face meetings. This was their opportunity to shine in front of an experienced recruitment consultant from Raw Talent.

Hollie Glackin was part of today’s interview panel. She commented:

“The calibre of students and their performance at the interviews has been of a very high standard. It’s clear that students today are increasingly realising the value of getting a career head start and gaining the key employability skills that will benefit them later in life. That’s exactly what the Employability Academy has to offer”.

Raw Talent's Employability Academy includes the opportunity to visit a large corporation, visits to different areas of a live business environment and coaching on specific employability skills from business experts & owners who have been managing directors at multi-million pound organisations. Students will also take part in 'Apprentice' style tasks before presenting details of their personal development.

Following the interview process, the applications list will be shortlisted again into a final group of students who will be invited to an audition day later this term.

 If you are a student at Harrow College and interested in applying, click here.

A former student has returned to Harrow College to speak about the importance of doing well at GCSE English.

Brandon Maxwell, 19, completed his BTEC Level 3 Sports course last summer at Harrow College. As a pre-requisite of achieving this qualification, Brandon also needed to pass GCSE English. He worked hard to achieve this and as a result, Brandon had many more options open to him which he took full advantage of.

Speaking with a group of new GCSE English students last week (28 September 2016), Brandon explained how he initially didn’t think English was too important having already passed English at Functional Skills level (level 2). However, Brandon soon realised that without a sound grasp of English at a suitable level, his opportunities to progress were being hampered. Brandon required GSCE English to progress.

He changed his attitude and enrolled onto a GCSE English class. He attended all of his lessons as well as extra lessons. He researched his projects and worked closely with his new GCSE tutor Emma Roberts (a proud onlooker today). He practised past exam papers and essentially made English a priority. The result, a conclusive GCSE English pass!

Brandon shared his top three tips with his intrigued audience of students:

Tip 1: Choose your friend circle wisely and don’t get distracted. Others may not share your educational / career aspirations and may even distract you. Plan your time so you spend time with friends but during lesson time, you focus on the job in hand.

Tip 2: Do extra work outside of classroom time. This will give you the time to practice what you have learnt in class and come back with questions if required.

Tip 3: Work hard. You come to college for one main reason – to get a good education. Make the most of it now so you can reap the rewards later.

Brandon has now secured a place at the Tottenham Hotspur Football Club foundation to study an Applied Sport and Community Development foundation degree.

Click here for more on English courses at Harrow College.

Aged 16-18 and still looking for a college place for this year? We have new courses and apprenticeships starting soon.

Apply to join Harrow College where you'll benefit from a range of excellent facilities, a supportive learning environment with industry-qualified staff and a thriving enrichment calendar as part of your student life.

Courses available NOW include:

NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for Children and Young People’s Workforce

This course is for students with a keen interest in working with children or young people at a professional level. Students on this course can progress to employment in childcare settings such as schools, nurseries, playgroups or an unsupervised role or as a nanny or childminder. There can also be development to further study at Level 4 such as a hospital play specialist course, Foundation Degree or HND in Early Years.

Pre-Access to Science and Social Science

Available to students aged 16-18 as well as 19+

The Pre-Access to Science and Social Science involves studying the OCNLR Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Professions in Applied Science and Technology (QCF). This qualification has been designed to provide students with the underpinning skills and knowledge required to enable progress to further study in Applied Science and Technology, and ultimately to work in this or other related sectors. It is a full time course which lasts for 24 weeks.

ESOL – Young Foundation Entry Level

This course is suitable for young people aged 15-18 years old whose first language is not English. Students on the course will have support to improve their written and spoken English with an aim to go on to further studies or employment.

ESOL Introduction to Hair and Beauty (inc Barbering) Entry 3

This course is suitable for young people aged 16-23 whose first language is not English. This qualification has been specifically designed to develop your practical skills, whilst introducing you to the hair and beauty industries and how you should present a professional image in the salon.

• Level 1 and Level 3 Beauty

• Level 2 Skills for Science/Social Science

• Level 1, Level 2 & Level 3 in Hairdressing

• Level 1 IT Users and Games development

Other new courses with a January 2017 start include: 

Courses for Adults (19+ years)

• Functional Skills (Maths and English) P/T
• Level 2 Extended Certificate in Business Technology
• Level 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
• Project Management for Building your Home Extension

Professional and Developmental courses

• AutoCAD 3D
• Darkroom Photography
• Electricals Course for Professionals
• Final Cut Pro
• Introduction to Counselling
• Level 2 Award in Awareness of Dementia Care
• Level 2 Award in the Prevention and Control of Infection
• Level 2 Award in Understanding Substance Misuse
• Level 3 Health and Social Care for Adults
• Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning (CACHE Level 3)
• Level 4 Certificate for the Early Years Advanced Practitioner
• Personal Training Qualification
• Plumbing Course for Professionals
• Printmaking

To enquire about applications to the courses listed above please click here. Or please call 020 8909 6000. 

Other courses and apprenticeships also available, view our course search page and apply.

View our apprenticeship vacancies here.

A Harrow College student has secured a place at the Tottenham Hotspur Football Club Foundation following the successful completion of his BTEC Level 3 Sports course.

Brandon Maxwell, 19, will commence his new course with Tottenham later this month with the majority of his study time being based at the home of Tottenham Hotspurs Football Club, White Hart Lane – currently undergoing a huge re-development project.

Brandon, a keen footballer, initially enrolled at Harrow College to pursue his interest in Sports and in particular, Football. His BTEC sports course, linked to the Football Education & Development programme which Harrow College run in conjunction with Tottenham Hotspur FC for 16-18 year olds, allowed him to learn more about sports, continue to play football and acquire the core skills required to progress educationally, including a English and Maths qualification.

Proud Brandon, who returned to Harrow College this week to speak to current students about journey through college, was very appreciative of his time here. He said:

“My course at Harrow College was exactly what I needed. It ticked all the boxes regarding my interests in sports study and future career plans. My BTEC course was step one of my careers path. I will begin step 2 later this month when I start my degree with Tottenham. Step 3 will be my career and starting my first job”.

Brandon has ambitions of being a Sports Analyst, ideally in Football. His two year course with Tottenham will see him study a number of key career related modules including sport nutrition, psychology, coaching and performance. He also has the option to top-up his course into a full honours degree by concluding his qualification at Middlesex University in year three.

Brandon wanted to pass on some words of wisdom to new sports students. He said:

“Balance your time carefully, prioritise and then plan. Don’t put all of your eggs in one basket. Many on this course will have a dream of being a footballer. Whilst this is good, keep other options open. Choose what you like, pursue it, and above all, work hard!”

Click here for more about Sports courses at Harrow College.

Students based at the Harrow Weald campus have transformed a patch of rubble located in front of the newly opened Sprint House, into a beautiful flower bed.

The rubble patch was left bare following the completion of building work earlier this year. The Learning Links Horticulture Group, all of whom are students based at Spring House, were tasked with the project of transforming this small area of land.

Firstly, the group did some budgetary work and calculated the price of plants and bushes – specifically those that would continue to grow bigger each year. Once this was approved, the team got to work in their specialist indoor polytunnel by growing a variety of plants including sunflowers, chilli plants and hollyhocks – some of which were donated by staff members.

In May 2016, the plants were ready to take outdoors. This coincided with the official opening of Spring House where the same patch of land was being used to bury a time capsule. Those involved in the opening ceremony needed to tread carefully to ensure the new plants were not damaged. Marigold and dahlia plants were then also added into the mix. The result, following a few weeks of nice summer sunlight, is an amazing display of flowers that have given people a colourful and stunning display of different plants.

Celia Reece, Supported Learning lecturer for Entry and LLDD students (Learners with Learning Difficulties/Disabilities), who coordinated the project said:

“The students can see all their hard work has turned a patch of bare earth into a lovely display of different plants. The gardening group are now harvesting seeds from the annual plants and are busy making seed packets to sell in the campus Bits N Bobs shop. Seeds will also be planted in the polytunnel so they are ready for the flower bed next year”

Click here for more on Learning Links at Harrow College.

Harrow College Pottery tutor Dr Natalie Tobert has displayed her ceramic sculptures to the public in her first solo exhibition. A group of fellow tutors and students recently enjoyed a private viewing feeling very inspired by the work on display.

Natalie’s ceramic sculptures were part of the first exhibition at The House of Phoenix - a new Chinese Cultural Centre on the banks of the River Thames. The sculptures, which are made of high fired clay and take a number of months to make, were set beautifully on plinths creating a visual spectacle of growth out of the ground pushing through autumn leaves. The dramatic lighting made the event stunning with striking shadows. Eerie music gently played in the background creating a wonderful atmosphere.

Proceedings commenced with the event organiser introducing the exhibition before Natalie said a few words about her sculptures. After a few questions from those attending the private view, beautiful musical interludes played on a Chinese stringed instrument ensuring guests were given a fantastic cultural experience.

Speaking afterwards, Natalie described the event as “an amazing, magical evening”.

It’s been a busy few weeks for Dr Tobert who has also released a new book.

The book “Cultural Perceptions on Mental Wellbeing”, released for publication on 21st September 2016, was written for medical and health care practitioners. Speaking about the book, she said:

“It is very relevant today as we see human migration on an epic scale, which brings diverse people, faiths and beliefs into contact. I present cultural explanations for human experience from psychosis through to clairvoyance and spiritual awakening”. Click here for more about the book.

Click here for more on Pottery and other part time/adult courses at Harrow College.

The Olympics and Paralympics in Rio this summer have been a fantastic spectacle. Harrow College was proud to see some of its former students representing Team GB. Faye McClelland is one of our former students who did the nation proud. We caught up with Faye after she returned from the Rio Paralympics.

You gave a brilliant performance and just missed out on a medal. How did you feel at the finish line?

Relief! The race was exhausting however the amazing crowds and the electric atmosphere carried me over the finish line.

Did the race go to plan?

Yes it did although the temperature was hotter than we expected. It was 33 degrees when the race started at 10am so it only got hotter as the race went on. Having a hot summer in the UK helped with the acclimatisation and I have previously competed in hot conditions however this was definitely a challenge.

How did you spend the rest of the time in Rio after your race?

I met up with my family – my mum, sister and partner came out to Rio so we spent time together. I moved into the athlete’s village so I got to watch a few events (I was based about 3 hours away prior to my race). I also went into the studio to watch a live recording of the Channel 4 highlights show called The Last Leg. In total, I stayed over a week after my race and also got to enjoy the closing ceremony.

How would you describe your overall Rio experience?

It was more than I expected. It was amazing and spectacular! To be part of the biggest show on earth was an amazing experience. I’m definitely a proud paralympian.

What happens now you’re back in the UK?

It’s nice to be home. I’m just having some time out at the moment. Next month I’ll start getting back into a training programme. It’s nice to just do casual bike rides and spend time with friends and family after a hectic past 12 months.

What are your future plans in athletics?

I’d like to continue competing whilst I can. I’m still ranked in the top 10 in the world and still have the hunger to compete. The European Championships take place in Austria next summer and then it’s the World Championships in late 2017. Much will also be depend on my funding too.

What message would you send to aspiring athletes/students who have been inspired by you and others from Rio?

Follow your heart and dreams. As long as you enjoy something, you never know what can come your way. Don’t let obstacles come in your way. Don’t give up and pursue your passion.

Click here if you are interested in learning more about Sports courses at Harrow College.

Harrow College has been nominated for a top award at the prestigious Leadership Awards Ceremony 2016 which will take place on 25th November in London.

The Leadership Awards salute remarkable leaders and organisations for their continuing commitment to leadership excellence. Winners of the awards exemplify the best in leadership.

Harrow College has been shortlisted in the Coaching Initiative of the Year category based on a pioneering quality improvement plan and learning strategy it has undertaken since 2015.

The plan saw a series of ‘gold standards’ developed for each element of the customer/student journey. The plan also revised quality improvement processes and performance measures within the college whilst promoting innovation in teaching and learning. In parallel to this, there was a management restructure and the launch of a coaching initiative designed to support managers which consisted of development days and coaching sessions. The programme was designed to enable managers to both develop their own skills in coaching as well as have the experience of being coached.

Not only has the strategy been successfully implemented, it is also delivering some fruitful outcomes. Overall organisational performance has improved, student satisfaction is at a high, and effective performance management has resulted in the set-up of clear, outcome-based staff capability processes.

Speaking shortly after the nomination was announced; Harrow College Principal and Chief Executive Pat Carvalho said “We are absolutely delighted to be shortlisted for this award.”

A recent Ofsted report on the College states ‘the challenging programme of staff development is beginning to bring about improvements in teaching and learning’. It also states that ‘teachers are enthusiastic about the new approaches’ which endorses the improvements made in communication and increased engagement in innovation.

Click here to visit the Leadership Awards website.

Harrow College welcomed over 35 universities and other Higher Education providers through its doors today (12 October 2016) for its annual HE Fair.

The Enterprise Centre at the Harrow on the Hill campus played host to various universities from across the UK who were all attending the event keen to appeal to Harrow College students who are considering their HE options for 2017.

Students had the opportunity to speak with university representatives and discuss various HE related issues including course content, entry requirements, career options and employment routes.

The University of Wolverhampton attracted a particularly large audience today. They brought in their very own Formula 3 racing car. The university have their own racing team and also offer engineering courses specifically related to car racing. Student had fun taking photos with the car whilst learning more about the University courses.

The colleges own careers team were also on hand offering information about services available throughout the year to all students including student finance, UCAS support, gap years, employment opportunities and more.

For more information about the careers service at Harrow College, click here.

A former Harrow College student is reaping the rewards of his hard work and dedication by securing a top graduate employment job with IBM.

Back in September 2010, Anthony Birley enrolled onto a BTEC Level 3 ICT course at Harrow College with the desire of one day, working within the IT industry. He carefully selected this course at Harrow College due to the specific course modules on offer which would help to broaden his knowledge and develop key computing skills.

With support from staff along with a gritty determination to succeed, Anthony did really well with his coursework and took full advantage of the opportunities the course provided him including designing websites, building computers, using animation tools, speaking at events and more. On completion of his two-year course, Anthony had achieved the highest possible grade – a triple distinction star (D*D*D*).

Anthony’s talent had not gone unnoticed. He had applied to do a BSc Information Systems degree at City University. Anthony’s success at Harrow College lead to City University offering him a scholarship. His continued success in the second and third year at University meant that his scholarship support extended throughout his complete degree course.

Before completing his degree, Anthony secured a 12-month university work placement with IBM – one of the leaders within the IT industry. Anthony wanted to do a placement because he felt he lacked real-world experience. Although he had completed work experience at college, he felt he needed to gain additional soft skills necessary to progress with his next career ambition - a graduate employment role. This decision to do a placement was very beneficial. Anthony made some very useful contacts, he sought extra responsibility which got him known to senior managers and he also volunteered on various social activities.

On returning to university, an even more focussed Anthony only had one thing on his mind; graduating with a First Class Honours degree and then progressing onto a top quality graduate employment position. By the summer of 2016, Anthony had achieved both.

A very proud Anthony attended the City University graduation ceremony in July this year where he collected the certificate for his First Class Honours degree in BSc Information Systems. In September, he started his two-year graduate employment role with IBM as a Technical Solutions Manager in their Global Technology Services division.

Speaking to Harrow College recently from his IBM office in London’s Southbank, Anthony said:

“Harrow College allowed me to flourish in my IT development. This set me on my path and my achievements there helped me to decide that IT was the career I wanted. I had a great time at Harrow College and the support I received was excellent”.

Click here for more information on IT courses at Harrow College.