West Met Skills apprentices from Uxbridge College and Harrow College are celebrating after winning highly commended awards in the prestigious West London Business Awards 2019.

Mohammad Umar Ahmed, Thomas Gillet and Connor Williams received their awards at a gala ceremony and dinner for the sixth annual West London Business Awards, held at Twickenham Stadium and hosted by Sky Sports presenter Alex Payne - pictured far left.

The three apprentices come under the umbrella of West Met Skills, which provides apprenticeships, CPD, bespoke training, and statutory qualifications to west London employers through the two colleges.

Mohammad Umar Ahmed from Harrow College (pictured third from right) – a Laboratory Technician Level 3 at the University of Westminster, was described as exceptionally conscientious and diligent. Mohammad gained excellent technical skills by learning from the chemistry and medical microbiology technicians, and made significant improvements across the workplace.

Uxbridge College students Thomas Gillet (pictured second right) – an Infrastructure Technician Level 3 and Web Support at One Care iT Limited IT and Connor Williams (pictured third left) - a Mechanical Engineering Level 3 at John Guest Plumbing Systems were also both highly commended on the evening.

Jo Withers, Executive Director Employer Services and Partnerships, said: “West Met Skills, Harrow College and Uxbridge College are all extremely proud to have three apprentices chosen for highly commended awards in 2019’s West London Business Awards - congratulations to them all! With the colleges’ excellent track record of delivering training for over 50 years, it stands to reason that the West Met Skills collaboration is proving to be a major success and these awards underscore just how effective its training and support packages are.”

West Met Skills grew out of the long-standing and successful Employer Services teams at Uxbridge College and Harrow College following the legal merger of the two colleges to create HCUC (Harrow College Uxbridge College). As well as providing a full range of apprenticeships and other skills-based training, the organisation matches trainees and candidates to existing vacancies. West Met Skills works with over 700 apprentices and 1200 employers at any given time.

School students from across the UK found out more about study and careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) with a series of taster workshops and talks at Harrow College.

At the event led by the charitable trust the Engineering Development Trust (EDT), around 30 Year 9 and 10 students took part in a range of events on February 19 including:

● Making an electronic circuit (provided by Harrow College Science)
● Computer programming(ICT)
● Photo/video editing (Media)
● Careers talk
● Speed networking
● STEM options after Year 11

The students also found out more about opportunities with Industrial Cadets, an industry-led accreditation which enables employers to run accredited experiences for young people aged 9-21, helping them to develop skills, gain an insight into industry.

Michael Worgs, Head of School for Science, IT and Media. said:

“This was a fantastic way for young people from all over the area and beyond to see how many opportunities there are on offer in the fields of Science, Technology, Maths and Engineering. It was a really valuable chance for school students to see Harrow College from the inside, use our great facilities, and find out more about the many routes from college into both university and really rewarding and worthwhile careers.”

The day at Harrow College was part of EDT’s programme for UK school students in which participants spend three days in their half term at a college, a university and an employer. EDT delivers over 40,000 STEM experiences each year for young people aged 9 -21 across the UK, to support them to enhance their technical, personal and employability skills through industry-led projects, industrial placements and specialised taster courses.

The schools taking part included Notting Hill and Ealing High School, Francis Holland School, Sacred Heart High School, Tiffin School, Haydon School, South Hampstead High School, Leicester Grammar School, North London Collegiate School, Fortismere School, Wren Academy, Queen Elizabeth's Boys School and Chestnut Grove School.

Poet, writer and campaigner Benjamin Zephaniah brought his dub magic to Harrow College’s newly refurbished Zephaniah building during a visit on Friday 15^th March 2019.

Students and staff gave the visiting dub (reggae) poet a very warm welcome when he came along to the learning centre named after him at the Harrow Weald campus.

Zephaniah, who was born and brought up in Birmingham, England, shot to fame with his unique and accessible work which is strongly influenced by the music and poetry of Jamaica and what he calls ‘street politics’.

Among the students he met during the visit to Harrow College were a group with learning difficulties and disabilities who had been learning about his work and who shared their own writing with him, showing how they had been inspired by his vibrant, evocative poems.

As well as meeting students and happily agreeing to their requests for photos, he also talked about his life and work and the importance of education. Zephaniah told students and staff he had left school at the age of 13 unable to read or write, learning literacy in adult education classes, where it was also discovered that he was severely dyslexic.

He said: “Education can liberate us all and for that reason it is extremely important. Having my name on this building is more than just a name on a building - I am now associated with you guys, you are friends and family, and I am really proud to be bringing my name here.”

Zephaniah’s informal visit followed the official opening of the building at the end of last year with Jules Pipe, Deputy Mayor for Planning, Regeneration and Skills (Greater London Authority) and Cllr Kareema Marikar, Mayor of Harrow.

The building provides students with high quality facilities and a modern spacious learning environment in which they can develop their skills and knowledge. The ground floor is designed especially to support students with learning difficulties and disabilities, featuring IT facilities, an open social space, hygiene and medication rooms, and the first floor is dedicated to the new college library and IT classrooms.

Zephaniah, a writer, presenter, actor, recording artist and campaigner, writes poetry and books for young people and adults, is Professor of Poetry and Creative Writing at Brunel University London, and has 16 honorary doctorates. He was included in The Times’ list of 50 greatest post war writers, and in a BBC national poll voted the nation’s third favourite poet of all time, the only living writer in a top ten which also included William Blake, TS Eliot, Dylan Thomas and WB Yeats.

For more photos of the visit, click here 

HCUC - the merged college group for Harrow College and Uxbridge College - is delighted to announce it has been chosen to go forward to the pre-award stage with the Department of Education (DfE) to open one of the country’s first Institute of Technology (IoT) centres.

Working with its anchor partners Brunel University London, Fujitsu, Heathrow and West London Business, HCUC is among 12 education and training providers nationally to be selected by the DfE in a competitive bidding process.

HCUC will get a share in a £170m capital fund earmarked by government to establish the specialist technical education provision, and the IoTs will promote and deliver education and training provision predominantly at Level 4 and above through a unique alliance between further education, higher education and employers.

Laraine Smith OBE, Principal and CEO of HCUC, said “It is fantastic news that HCUC and its partners have been successful in this highly competitive process to be among those leading the way in launching the Institute of Technology centres programme. HCUC is delighted to be at the forefront of developing the provision of these essential high level skills, which form part of the broad range of vocational and employment-related education and training supporting the UK to build the skills it needs going forward. We will be working closely with our partners to build relationships with a broad range of employers, to ensure the success of the West London IoT. I’d like to congratulate and thank everyone involved in leading our application through to its successful conclusion.”

Professor Julia Buckingham CBE, Vice-Chancellor and President of Brunel University London, said: “I am delighted that Brunel is part of HCUC’s successful bid, and that we will be working together with our partners to establish an Institute of Technology for people in West London and surrounding areas. Increasing the opportunities for young people and those already in employment to build essential engineering and technology skills – part of the STEM subjects, which have significant skills shortages – will help our local and national economies thrive.”

Ash Merchant, Education Director for Fujitsu UK&I and Global Subject Matter Expert, said: “We are delighted that HCUC have been successful in their application for the proposed Institute of Technology (IoT). As an Anchor Employer Partner to HCUC we are committed to supporting the vision of creating a strong digital infrastructure, with outstanding curriculum that will support the digital economy for West London and beyond. We look forward to working with HCUC, making their vision come to reality and creating an IoT that will enable individuals to be fit for a digital economy.”

Bally S Grewal, Director of IT Programmes at Heathrow Airport said: “We are proud to be a partner of the West London Institute of Technology. There is a vital need to bridge the skills gap in the UK, achievable through the provision of top quality training and apprenticeships. This is the latest step we have taken which will ensure future generations are more skilled than ever and we look forward to working in this partnership, increasing skills in west London and beyond and helping the next generation realise their potential.”

Andrew Dakers, Chief Executive of West London Business, said: “Securing funding to launch the West London Institute of Technology is a huge achievement for the team of partners working with HCUC. Sat at the heart of the UK’s global gateway the IoT will be both a local and national asset that helps ensure we have the talent pipeline to propel West London’s £73bn economy forward filling some significant skills gaps. We look forward to building the community of employers that will help shape the curriculum, bringing new partners on board as we plan for launch and beyond.”

Do you want to join Harrow College in September 2019? Click here to view our courses and to apply online.

A student inclusion sports programme at Harrow College has been hailed as a great success by organisers.

Students from across the college were invited to take part in the programme which spanned over three weeks in March & April 2019 and consisted of table tennis, football and dodgeball events. The programme’s main aim was to promote student integration and friendship whilst encouraging confidence and interaction.

Level 1 Sports students supported the programme by officiating the events and in doing so, completed their Events Organisation Skills course assignments.

Adeleke Adeniji, Learning Support Assistant at Harrow College, organised the programme and was extremely proud with the student feedback received. Adeleke said:

“The student environment within the college is already excellent with lots of enrichment activities available – this is something students really value. Having a programme like this enhances the opportunity for students to integrate further in both an enjoyable and competitive team environment. Student feedback has been brilliant”.

Interested in joining Harrow College? Click here for details about our next open day

Students and staff at Harrow College and Uxbridge College are celebrating after jointly hitting the No. 1 spot in London for 16-18 year old success.

HCUC (Harrow College Uxbridge College) - the merged ‘college group’ for the two individual organisations - achieved the highest overall achievement rate at 85.6% for 2017/18 in the figures released earlier this month.

Laraine Smith OBE, Principal and CEO of HCUC, said: “We should all feel very pleased about this fantastic headline which is particularly positive given 2017/18 was the first year of HCUC’s existence following the legal merger of Harrow College and Uxbridge College. Whilst the two colleges continue to stand as separate establishments and to each work individually to the highest possible standards, we would also like to acknowledge the fantastic collective effort that has resulted in this very commendable overall outcome. Congratulations to all students and staff involved in making this excellent result possible.”

HCUC’s QAR (Qualification Achievement Rate) in the Department for Education’s National Achievement Rate Tables places it 1.4% above the next best performing college in London, and 3.3% above the next best performing college in west London.

The figures rank London’s 30 colleges and college groups in the tables published by the Education and Skills Funding Agency in April 2019. The data covers achievement rates in classroom-based qualifications including in science, engineering, computing, business and the creative arts.

QAR figures replace the previously used ‘success rates’ and this is the first year results for Harrow College and Uxbridge College have been published under the HCUC umbrella. QAR is a measure of those students who were successful compared to the number who started the course in the first place, so is a more demanding measure than achievement rates such as those published by most schools, which generally show the percentages successful compared with the total number who were entered for the qualification.

Providing students with employability related opportunities is integral to student life at Harrow College. We work with a number of partners and businesses who are experts in career planning.

As a result, students participate in many activities to help build their confidence and encourage them to prepare for life after leaving Harrow College. Here’s a sample of what students have enjoyed this year and what new students can look forward to:

Careers team

The Careers team continue to deliver employability sessions for specific curriculum areas.
These engaging sessions aim to broaden the student’s knowledge of the range of possible career and learning opportunities open to them, as well as helping to develop their confidence and networking skills which are vital for today’s job market. These activities also Inspire and motivate the students to succeed in their chosen careers and hopefully prompt further research.

Working Knowledge

Following the success of stage 1 with Working Knowledge where circa 70 business volunteers delivered sessions to students on the importance of networking, stage 2 is now in progress. All subject areas can look forward to welcoming over 50 business volunteers, who will bring real life industry experience and every day professional challenges into the college environment.
Working Knowledge are social enterprise education specialists who are passionate about creating chances for young people to open doors into employment whilst changing employer's perceptions of the value of young people in industry.

Wider employment related activity with Raw Talent

Raw Talent have again used their recruitment process to select students to undertake their employability academy programme with former BBC Apprentice winner Lee McQueen. Activities on this programme cover lots of areas – from CV writing and interview technique to effective communication and industry visits.
Raw Talent are also running sessions for Level 3 students around creating a “Brand YOU” where students will understand what a personal brand is, and the importance of having/maintaining one. The sessions will help students to build a CV with limited experience, giving them the confidence to sell themselves and not just their work experience.

In addition, Raw Talent staff will be delivering ‘Power Hour’ tutorial sessions in the summer term focused on employability.

Work experience opportunity for all students

Our dedicated Work Experience Partners team have been busy sourcing work placements for the majority of our students. Each curriculum area plan dates throughout the year for students to go out on placement – usually for one week however often leading to extended placements.

Are you interested in joining Harrow College? Click here for details bout our next open day, or click here to view courses and apply online.

Harrow College and Uxbridge College have joined every general further education college in England in an unprecedented move to urge action following a major review of post-18 education.

In total, 203 leaders of the colleges and merged college groups have joined forces to write an open letter to the Chancellor and Secretary of State for Education calling on them to “answer the calls from business” and respond to the “challenges of technological change and Brexit” by urgently investing in the country’s technical and vocational education system by implementing the main recommendations of the government’s recent Post-18 Education Review (the Augar Review).

The leaders, including Laraine Smith OBE who has signed the letter as Principal of Harrow College Uxbridge College (the merged college group, HCUC), and Pat Carvalho, Principal of Harrow College, are responsible for institutions that educate and train 2 million people each year, employing 180,000 staff and with a combined turnover of £6 billion per annum.

The Augar Review has called for, amongst other things, an end to the 17.5% cut in education funding for 18-year-olds, so that everybody, regardless of age, could be supported to achieve to at least level three (A Levels or equivalent qualifications), and a rebalancing of the traditional post-18 educational landscape.

Laraine Smith, Principal of HCUC said: “At Harrow College and Uxbridge College we are proud to be joining every other Further Education college and merged college group in the UK in adding our support to this letter, which rightly promotes the case for increased recognition of the work of FE colleges as captured in the Augar Report.

“This includes the more-than-justified case for improved funding for colleges which unfairly receive less funding than both schools and higher education institutions for providing equivalent education and training. We very much hope the Government will take this national call for action seriously and finally start giving FE colleges, their students and the employers they are training on behalf of the support that they rightly deserve.”

Key extracts from the letter:
“[The Post-18 Review] understands that employers and communities need more high quality technical and professional education and training, industry standard facilities, expert staff and the unique curriculum that colleges already provide. It sees colleges as the key vehicle for the flexible, local delivery of national strategies, supporting industrial policy, productivity, skills development and genuine social equity. It clearly acknowledges that all this requires real investment.”

“In many respects the Augar Review represents a wider emerging consensus across England. We are sure that you will agree with us and other key stakeholders that further education colleges have been neglected, and that there is now a growing appreciation of their unique role, value and potential. What we now need are decisions and commitments: with your political leadership, support and resolve, colleges will be able to build on what they already do to reach more employers and more adults and make the differences our economy and society need. “

Bev Robinson OBE, member of the Independent Panel and co-author of the Augar Review said: “The government’s response to the outcomes of the well-received Augar Review is arguably a watershed moment for the British government. Choosing to enact the recommendations would demonstrate the government’s commitment to the much-needed skills revolution which our country needs, which industry is crying out for and which will promote social equity for all adults, not just the 50% as it is now.”

Alun Francis, Principal and Chief Executive, Oldham College, who led the campaign to get every college to sign the letter, said: “The technical and professional education which our colleges specialise in is a hidden strength of this country. There is some astonishingly good provision, but the system overall has been held back by a clear view of its role backed by a serious investment plan. Implementing the Augar Review will genuinely change lives, communities and the economy for a generation. Now is the time to act.”

David Hughes, Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges said: “It is extraordinary to have every leader in every general further education college in the country collaborate like this. But then these are extraordinary times. These college leaders are uniquely placed at the hearts of their communities, working closely with local, national and international business, supporting individuals to get on in life, and driving the social mobility agenda.
Government needs to listen to them if they’ve got any chance of tackling the major issues this country faces, now and in the future.

For the full letter and signatories list, click here

Building work has started on some exciting new updates to improve our facilities. We are still open for business as usual but we have made some changes to the access route onto campus. If you are coming in for enrolment or Career advice, information and enrolment session dates, please note the following access arrangements:

- Entry and exit access onto the campus is by the gate on Lowlands Road that is nearest to Grove Hill Road. Click here to view on Google maps.

- There is very limited and restricted car parking available and we recommend you use public transport when visiting Harrow-on-the-Hill Campus. It is only a 4 minute walk from Harrow-on-the-Hill station (on the Metropolitan underground line and Chiltern Railways mainline) and a 7 minute walk from Harrow-on-the-Hill bus station.

- There are no vehicle drop-off points on campus. The two recognised drop-off points are at either Station Approach (by the underground station entrance) or by Grove Hill Road (close to the access gate).

- If you are travelling by car there are some metered car parking spaces on Lowlands Road outside the College and the campus is a short walk from Harrow town centre, St Ann’s and St George’s shopping centres where you can pay for car parking.

- Thank you for your patience and understanding as we undertake these exciting updates to the campus.

The annual Harrow College Student Awards ceremony has taken place to celebrate the academic achievements of students.

Over 200 guests attended the awards ceremony at the Harrow Arts Centre, on Thursday 27 June 2019. During the event students from the across the college celebrated their achievements from the 2018/19 academic year.

As guests arrived on a sunny summers evening, the event started off with a wonderful buffet where guests were treated to a selection of light finger food items, sweet treats and fruit juices. As people mingled and anticipated the evening ahead, final preparations were taking place in the main auditorium.

The awards ceremony got started with a video made by students celebrating the diversity and inclusivity which Harrow College is so proud of. Pat Carvalho, Principal of Harrow College, then welcomed the audience before Councillor Ghazanfar Ali, The Deputy Mayor of Harrow took to the stage to offer his support and encouragement to the students. Dylan McTaggart, Vice Principal of Harrow College and host for the evening then got the awards of to a start.

One of the highlights of the evening included the inspirational words spoken by former Harrow College student Venelina Urlachka. Not only is Venelina a former Student Awards winner, but Venelina also went on to win a national British Education Award as the result of her many accomplishments as a student at Harrow College. Venelina spoke to the audience about her determination, her can-do attitude and the importance of self-belief and chasing your goals.

Guests including proud parents, tutors, governors and community members were treated to awards being presented across all subject areas as well as special Principal and Governor Awards presented to students for their courage, commitment and dedication. An impressive short video made by media students was also shown.

The awards were supported by local businesses who were keen to give their backing to specific subject areas and career development. The first was JD Booster who sponsored the ‘Most Promising Talent in Maths’ award. JD Booster is a local company that specialise on enhancing mathematics for 11-16 year olds (www.jdbooster.com). Another supporting business was Working Knowledge who gave their backing to students and employers who had participated in their college based career development workshops throughout the academic year.

Click here to view a selection of photos from the evening on our Facebook page

Following a successful spring term RAG Week of fundraising and giving back to the local community, Harrow College Student Union President Bella Odattil and Student Governor Camila Mendes were proud to present a cheque and collection boxes to the amazing value of £242.89 to Aneka Shah-Levy, Community Fundraising Executive from local charity Mind In Harrow. 

Over 50 students took part in RAG week selling cakes and cookies, washing staff cars, organising a football tournament, litter picking the local park and collecting money. Both Bella, Camila and the rest of the Student Union Team at Harrow College are delighted that through team work and dedication to a good cause, students at Harrow College were able to make a difference to support a local charity that provides mental health support to young people in Harrow.

Harrow College Student Union hope to beat this total next year for another local cause.

Interested in joining Harrow College for 2019-20? Click here for enrolment details.

We are delighted to announce that Harrow College has successfully bid for grant funding from the Greater London Authority (GLA) to refit one of our main buildings and improve the facilities on our Harrow-on-the-Hill Campus.

This work will provide the College with much improved, cutting-edge facilities including: a brand new sports hall, updated classroom spaces for IT and ESOL courses, an improved reception area plus a new canteen area and social spaces.

It’s business as usual!

The work started on 15 July 2019 and will take around one year to complete.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Whilst this work takes place there are changes to the access route onto the Harrow-on-the-Hill Campus including no parking on site – CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS.

It is an exciting time for Harrow College. With the updates at Harrow-on-the-Hill Campus and the recent updates we have made to our buildings at Harrow Weald Campus we are continuing to develop more fantastic facilities for our students, enabling them to develop the skills they need for their future careers.

However, most importantly, we continue to deliver our courses as normal and the education of our students remains our priority.

Students from seven high schools from around Harrow College’s local area took part in another successful STEM (Science, Technology, Maths and Engineering) day.

Around 120 visitors took part in a robotics and engineering competition with the robotics winners going through to the national championships of MCS Projects Robotics competition. There were also medical diagnostics activities for learners interested in finding out more about medical careers, and for those considering studies in Forensic Science, a chance to use eFit (Electronic Facial Identification Technique) software for producing facial composites of wanted criminals. Winners received their prizes from special guest the Mayor of Harrow Councillor Nitin Parekh.

Michael Worgs, Head of School (Science, ICT and Media) at Harrow College, said: “Harrow College has run a number of successful STEM days and our most recent gave the visiting high school students another great opportunity to get a taste of life in further education. We’d like to say a big thank you to both the Mayor of Harrow Councillor Nitin Parekh for making it such a special day and to MCS Projects for their support.”

The event gave the students a chance to find out more about STEM careers as well as routes into them via further education including pathways to university.

The event on June 28 in the college’s Harrow-on-the-Hill campus Enterprise Centre was co-ordinated by MCS Projects LTD which supports Science and Technology Challenge Days for high school students.

The schools which took part were:
● East Barnet School
● Mill Hill County High
● Park High School
● Pinner High School
● St James
● St Mary's and St John's
● Whitefriars School

Harrow College A-Level students are celebrating strong results this year with a number achieving coveted triple and double A grades across A-Level and AS Levels and some great individual performances.

A total of 97% of students achieved A*-E grades, placing the college in line with national figures and heralding another year of expected ‘Value Added’ success on DfE tables, which are published in January. Value Added is a measure of the progress that students make compared to their GCSE grades.

Students and staff are very proud of high grades with 63% of A2 (A-Level) and 58% of AS Level students achieving the prized A*-Cs.

Achievers this year included:

Camila Mendes studied A-Levels in Biology, Chemistry and Maths and got A, A, A. She said: “I am very happy and excited as I am now going to the University of Nottingham to read Economics, which was my first choice!”

Kajana Chaountharagnanan studied A-Levels in Art & Design, 3D Art and Fine Art and got A, A, B. She said: “I am now going to Oxford Brookes University to study Architecture. I really wanted to go there and it was my first choice – it’s a dream come true! I enjoyed my time at Harrow College and the teaching staff were really friendly and supportive.”

Fiorella Boda who took Maths, Chemistry and Biology was celebrating two A grades among her results and a place at university. She said: “I am off to Queen Mary University of London to study Economics - I am very happy I got my place! The teaching staff at Harrow College were great and very supportive and it feels like all the hard work I did paid off.”

Chrishan Warnakulasuriya studied A-Levels in Maths, Psychology and Physics and got A, A, B. He said: “I am pleased with my results. I am planning on taking a gap year and I am thinking about taking two more A Levels in Philosophy and Further Maths, and then looking to possibly go on to university.”

Mischa Andon who studied A-Levels in Biology, Chemistry and Maths got A, B, B. She said: “I’m really pleased and excited to be going off to university. I am going to my first choice - University of Bristol to study Zoology. ”

Matthew Quaynor studied Biology, Chemistry and Maths A-Levels and got A, A, A. He said: “I am really pleased with my grades and I am now going to look at getting into the best university I can.”

Pat Carvalho, Principal of Uxbridge College and Deputy CEO of HCUC (Harrow College Uxbridge College – the merged college group) said: “I am delighted our students will yet again progress to their chosen university having achieved such great results.”

Dylan McTaggart, Deputy Principal HCUC was extremely proud of the performance by A-Level students at Harrow College, most notably the specialist Science A-Level package. Similarly, the Science BTEC package has very strong results with students from both pathways applying successfully for university.

Dylan said: “It’s been an inspiring year with outstanding overall student achievement. Harrow College students often arrive from school without the strongest GCSE backgrounds and this year’s results show what a great option college can be for these students – we would certainly encourage school students to look at college as an option once they receive their results - and are testament to the approach the college takes to ensure all students achieve their full potential. Whether they go on to university, into jobs, to further study at college or on to the increasingly popular option of an Apprenticeship, they can get all the support they need here, including with language needs or learning difficulties.”

Dr Darrell Desouza, Principal of HCUC, said: “We are extremely pleased with the strong A- Level and AS Level results at both Uxbridge College and Harrow College and the many individual success stories. The successes in science and maths subjects at both colleges this year, and previously, pave the way for our exciting new Institute of Technology due to open next year. We are very proud to have been chosen for this as just one of 12 organisations nationally – and for the introduction of the new technical equivalents to A- Levels, the T Levels.”

Students celebrating excellent GCSE results at Harrow College in sciences, Maths and English are on their way to further study thanks to their achievements.

At Harrow College, GCSEs are either taught as a full-time one year combined Science programmes, including with an ESOL option, plus Maths and English GCSEs, which are a national curriculum requirement as well as being needed by universities, can also be studied where needed.

The college, which achieved a 67% pass rate at GCSE grades 9-4 (equivalent to the old A*-C grades) on full-time one-year programmes, offers GCSEs to students who are either doing the exams for the first time or did not fulfill their potential at school

Alka Rai, 19, was Harrow College’s top GCSE achiever this year with grade 9s - equivalent to a high A* grade under the old system - in combined science, a grade 8 (also equivalent to grade A*) in Maths, a 7 (A grade equivalent) in Statistics and a 6 (equivalent to B) in English. She said: “I feel so happy with my grades. I’m especially pleased with my English grade as I didn’t think the exam went too well. I’m looking forward to doing A-Levels at Harrow College in September.”

Alisha Rai, 18, said: “I have passed all of my GCSE exams including a grade 8 and 7 in combined Science which I am really happy about. I feel really pleased that I can now progress to doing a BTEC Applied Science course at Harrow College.”

Wafiullah Obeidi, 17, who got a grade 6 and four grade 5s, said: “I feel ecstatic and relieved. I put a lot of hard work into this which has really paid off. Looking forward to returning to Harrow College in September!”

Anas Bashir, 17, who is progressing on to a Level 3 BTEC course at the college, said: “I’m very happy with my GCSE achievement and excited to now progress at Harrow College. I worked really hard and the teachers were really supportive.”

Ibrahim Soai Ali Haroun, 21, who studied Maths and English alongside a Level 3 vocational qualification, said: “Words cannot describe how absolutely delighted I am. A few years ago I moved to England from Sudan with very little English knowledge. With lots of hard work and support from my amazing teachers at Harrow College, today I have passed my GCSE English!”

Immanuel Kojo Nana Osei, 18, who also took a Level 3 vocational course, said: “I feel very excited. My nerves have turned into absolute joy. I have got a grade 6 in English and grade 5 in Maths which I am really happy about.”

Dr Darrell DeSouza, Principal of HCUC (Harrow College Uxbridge College, the merged college group) said: “I am delighted to see so many students in a position to go on and study at a higher level either at college or beyond thanks to their GCSE achievements at HCUC. As well as the many opportunities that come out of our successful one year full-time GCSE programmes, students who have not yet achieved Maths and English or need to raise their grades in these subjects, can make that essential step to get them into university or other Higher Education programmes.”

Dylan McTaggart, Deputy Principal of HCUC, said: “Across Harrow and Uxbridge it’s thrilling to see so many successful students taking on the next year of their aspirations, carrying the momentum of such high performing GCSE results. Looking across the enrolment hall I can see the innovators, digital disruptors, mathematicians, vocational business owners and university graduates of our futures. Similarly, it’s just great to see the number of students overjoyed to have now achieved their Maths and English GCSEs- well done HCUC students!”

We are enrolling now for 2019/20 (courses start in Sept 2019). For full enrolment details, click here.

New part-time ESOL courses (Day/Evening)

Over 40 ESOL-related qualifications offered (ESOL / English all levels, Living and Working in the UK, Employability, Maths and ICT*).

*Eligibility for free courses and choices of subjects will be assessed at interview.

Classes start during the following months:

• September 2019 ✅
• March 2020 ✅
• July 2020 ✅

All classes take place at the Harrow on the Hill campus.
Evening classes are normally on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 18:30 to 20:30.
Day classes are usually 3 days a week between 9:30am - 14:00.

Interested? Simply come to our Harrow-on-the-Hill Campus on Lowlands Road (HA1 3AQ) for more information and to enrol. We are available all week (click for enrolment times).

Course information:

ESOL Part-Time Day Courses

Our ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) courses run in semesters with different enrolment dates. You will learn a lot of important skills and can take a wide range of qualifications in some or all the subjects listed below*:

• Speaking and listening
• Reading
• Writing
• Maths
• Living and Working in the UK
• ICT
• Employability
• Volunteering (Level 1 only)

(The choice will depend on the course you are enrolled on.)

 ESOL Part-Time Evening Courses

Our English evening courses run in semesters with different enrolment dates. You will learn a lot of important skills and can take a wide range of qualifications in some or all the subjects listed below*:

• Speaking and listening
• Reading
• Writing
• Maths

*All courses above are subject to availability

Interested? Simply come to our Harrow-on-the-Hill Campus on Lowlands Road (HA1 3AQ) for more information and to enrol. We are available all week (click for enrolment times).

Fast track your IT career at Harrow College. This one-year Higher National Certificate (HNC) course will develop your knowledge and skills essential for a successful career in the IT sector.

Why HNC in Computing at Harrow College?

• A university level course, without the university fee!
• Be career ready! Your IT knowledge will give you a fantastic career head start…or
• On completion, progress to 2nd year at university (or our own HND in Computing course)

Highlights of the course:

• Meet professionals and get up-to-date on information related to ERP & SaaS Innovation.
• Understanding the latest cyber security and strategic information systems.
• Learn software development approaches.
• Awareness of the importance of the professional practices and continued professional development (CPD).

Course content:

• Programming
• Networking
• Professional Practice
• Database Design & Development
• Security
• Managing a Successful Computing Project (Pearson-Set)
  Plus two optional units:
• Strategic Information Systems
• Website Design & Development

Progression routes:

- Ready for work? You'll have comprehensive IT knowledge to pursue employment in the IT sector.
- Keen for further study? You can pursue entry into the 2nd year of a university degree programme, or progress onto a HND in Computing course here at Harrow College 
- Specialise? Harrow College are an official partner of the IOT etc...

Entry requirements:

English and maths GCSEs grade 9-4 (A*- C) or equivalent and a UCAS Tariff of 48 points from a related full Level 3 qualification such as A-Level, BTEC or Access to Higher Education. International students require an IELTS score of 5.5. Mature students with relevant work experience and/or professional qualifications are also welcome to apply.

Next steps:

We're recruiting new students now with the course starting in mid/late October 2019. The purpose of the HNC in Computing is to develop students as professional individuals able to meet the demands of employers in the computing sector and adapt to a constantly changing world. Are you ready to apply?

Click here for more course information and to apply online
Click here for our opening times so you can visit us

Harrow College students have been successfully awarded with financial bursaries to support their educational development, thanks to the Helena Kennedy Foundation.

The Foundation exists to overcome social injustice by providing financial bursaries, mentoring and support to disadvantaged students from the further and adult education sectors, enabling them to complete their studies in higher education and move on successfully into employment.

The Helena Kennedy Foundation and Harrow College have developed a strong working relationship over the past three years. The confidence and clarity of student ambition at Harrow College has resulted in the Foundation awarding students a fantastic £17,000 over three years.

Chris Evans, Student Progression Advisor at Harrow College, is extremely passionate about providing support to students. Chris has spearheaded the bursary application process for a number of years and through his endless dedication and perseverance, five students this year have been successful with their applications.

Haia Al-Hamweya , (University of East London) Bedour Al-Shameri , (City University studying Optometry) Priya Pandey , (Middlesex University) Hanan Lebetiou (University of West London) and Jwhara Ahmed-Elmi (Imperial College London University) are all Science students at Harrow College who will each receive £2,250 to help towards their upcoming university tuition fee.

Speaking about her successful application, A-Level student Bedour said:

‘The College has supported me through some very testing years since I moved from Kuwait. Awards from the Jack Petchey Foundation, the David Stewart bursary and now the Helena Kennedy Foundation have really supported my studies financially but also emotionally, knowing that there is help out there for students who are struggling’.

The success of this year’s bursary applications are not only a great achievement for the aspiring students, but also for Chris and the support team staff at Harrow college who work tirelessly to help students at the college to achieve their career ambitions.

Government funding of £8.6m has now been approved for the new West London Institute of Technology - one of just 12 to be licenced nationally to create a better qualified workforce in industries built on higher technical skills. West London IoT will boost opportunities for students, trainees and Apprentices to achieve the higher technical qualifications in demand by employers - equivalent to undergraduate study, up to degree level, in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson, said: “It’s fantastic news that West London Institute of Technology has been awarded its licence to become one of the country’s very first Institutes of Technology.

“Institutes of Technology will play a vital role in this government’s commitment to establishing our technical education system as one of the best in the world, and I look forward to seeing learners in the area make the most of all it has to offer them and gain the higher technical skills they need to succeed. Congratulations to all those involved.”

Brunel University London, Fujitsu, Heathrow and West London Business and hundreds of other employers are working with HCUC, the merged college group for Harrow College and Uxbridge College, to develop a wide range of qualifications designed to meet the needs of local employers at Levels 4, 5 and 6. Employers will offer input into the content of the qualifications, provide placements and masterclasses, and give students the chance to work on real projects in their workplaces.

West London Institute of Technology is now accepting students on to courses in Digital Technology, Engineering and Building Services courses across Harrow College and Uxbridge College. These currently include HNCs (Higher National Certificates) and HNDs (Higher National Diplomas) and Higher Apprenticeships - equivalent to one or two years at university. The IoT is also working towards an expansion and upgrade of current specialist learning facilities to underpin its developing provision.

West London IoT was one of the first to sign its DfE licensing and funding contracts in August, following the Government announcement in the Spring that they had been successful in the 16 month IoT competition.

Dr Darrell DeSouza, Principal and CEO of HCUC, said: “This is a unique opportunity for students across West London and beyond to benefit from this prestigious new Institute which HCUC is delighted to have been chosen for. Government and industry have identified the need for higher technical skills as a national priority and are supporting this with funding to enable us to continue to develop and expand our STEM offer with our expert academic and industry partners. Qualifications offered by West London Institute of Technology offer excellent career advancement prospects or a pathway to university as well as great industry links.”

Professor Rebecca Lingwood, Provost at Brunel University London, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be part of west London’s new Institute of Technology and I am very much looking forward to seeing the next generation of scientists and engineers start to come through the IoT at HCUC, and for some to join us at Brunel.

“Working together to offer such a broad range of vocational and academic STEM subjects really enriches our local area and helps us stand out as a hub of true educational excellence.”

Ash Merchant, Education Director for Fujitsu UK&I and Global Subject Matter Expert, said: “We are delighted that HCUC have been successful in their application for the proposed Institute of Technology (IoT). As an Anchor Employer Partner to HCUC we are committed to supporting the vision of creating a strong digital infrastructure, with outstanding curriculum that will support the digital economy for West London and beyond. We look forward to working with HCUC, making their vision come to reality and creating an IoT that will enable individuals to be fit for a digital economy.”

Bally S Grewal, Director of IT Programmes at Heathrow Airport said: “We are proud to be a partner of the West London Institute of Technology. There is a vital need to bridge the skills gap in the UK, achievable through the provision of top quality training and apprenticeships. This is the latest step we have taken which will ensure future generations are more skilled than ever and we look forward to working in this partnership, increasing skills in west London and beyond and helping the next generation realise their potential.”

Andrew Dakers, Chief Executive of West London Business, said: “Sat at the heart of the UK’s global gateway the IoT is a local and national asset that will help ensure we have the talent pipeline to propel West London’s £73bn economy forward. Partners will work together to fill some significant skills gaps. We look forward to building the community of employers that will help shape the curriculum, values and culture of the institute to the benefit of both learners and businesses invested in West London.”

A £13m redevelopment project at Harrow College to create state-of-the-art facilities for construction and digital skills training is underway thanks to Mayor of London cash.

The college’s Harrow-on-the-Hill campus is undergoing an £8 million refurbishment and redevelopment to create a Digital and Skills for Work Academy, updating classroom spaces for IT and ESOL courses, an improved reception area, a new sports hall, and a new canteen area and social spaces. At the Harrow Weald site £5m has transformed one of the existing buildings into a modern facility for construction training.

Pat Carvalho, Principal of Harrow College, said:

“This generous funding from the Skills for Londoners fund is an extremely welcome contribution to ensuring Harrow College continues to provide state-of-the-art-facilities to support young people and adults in gaining the skills they need. As well as our broader offer, both construction and digital skills are core needs for London, regional and national employers and we are proud to be in a position to be developing cutting edge provision to support these vital economic areas.”

At Harrow-on-the-Hill, the front-facing Armstrong building will be critically important in terms of both day-to-day delivery of courses and programmes and as a high-profile gateway into the campus. This project will complete by the end of 2020. At the college’s Harrow Weald site, the Newton building has been transformed into a construction training centre where students will be able to learn hands-on skills. Indeed, our first cohort started in September.

The work at Harrow-on-the-Hill is funded with £5.3m from the Skills for Londoners fund (SfL), and at Harrow Weald just over £1.4m is being contributed by the Mayor’s Construction Academy fund, with the remainder being met by HCUC, the merged college group for Harrow College and Uxbridge College.

The SfL capital fund and Mayor’s Construction Academy fund are funded through the LEAP (London Economic Action Partnership) and HM Government.