Student Profiles

What’s life been like since you finished studying at Coulsdon College? I finished Coulsdon College in 2017 after a pretty intense yet successful final year. When I received my fantastic A Level results, I was so proud of myself and it boosted my confidence. As a result, I was able to attend the University of […]

Why did you chose to study Sociology, Psychology and Law here at Coulsdon College? I chose these courses because I have a strong interest in each one and would like to pursue a career which involves each subject. I always knew which courses I wanted to study since I was young. What have been your […]

Why did you decide to study Computer Science? I want to become a programmer, and these courses will give me a basic understanding of programming but also a variety of challenges which will improve my mathematical and problem-solving skills. What attracted you to Coulsdon College? The Computer Science course is 50% programming, far greater than […]

Why did you chose to study A Levels here at Coulsdon? I heard so many positive reviews of the College from students past and present so I decided to attend an Open Evening. After my visit, I knew it was ideal for me. I was impressed by the facilities available to students and the staff […]

How has Coulsdon Sixth Form College helped you develop your career goals? Studying at Coulsdon Sixth Form College allowed me to gain practical knowledge in audio, and helped me learn the theory behind live sound. It was a great advantage to have this knowledge when applying for my apprenticeship.   Tell me about your Apprenticeship […]

Why did you apply to Coulsdon Sixth Form College? After I finished secondary school, I felt it was time to branch out into a wider space and become more independent. The art department at the College immediately caught my interest as well as the diverse social aspects of Coulsdon Sixth Form College. Why did you […]

Why did you apply to Coulsdon Sixth Form College? When I came and visited the College, I was instantly attracted to the modern facilities as it provided such a welcoming feeling for me. I also loved how the students are treated like adults and given so much independence by all teachers.   You’re taking part […]

Why did you decide to study here at Coulsdon Sixth Form College? I had a friend who’d applied and told me I should join her. I attended the open event and spoke to many of the friendly teachers who made me feel so welcome. From then, I knew it was the College for me. How […]

Why did you apply to Coulsdon Sixth Form College? I’d heard it was a good learning environment and it has turned out to be exactly that – peaceful and quiet. You are part of the Fulham Academy, how have you found your first season? I love playing football, it’s my favourite sport. I’ve learnt so […]

You came to College on an Exchange Programme from Germany, what prompted the exchange? I’ve been interested in fashion forever and worked for the fashion label Maison Suneve in Germany; it was my boss who said I should go to the UK because I couldn’t study fashion in Germany. My next step was to find […]

Why did you apply to Coulsdon Sixth Form College? Nowhere else offered me the chance to mix and match my courses. Mixing them has allowed me to cross two avenues of learning and opened up a wider way of studying. What’s your favourite subject, why? Music. I think of music like a language anyone can […]

What attracted you to Coulsdon Sixth Form College? I wanted a change of scene and thought it would help increase my confidence as I would get to meet new people. Plus the pass rate was high so that was a big positive. How have you found your first year? I’ve loved learning new things in […]

What made you apply to Coulsdon Sixth Form College? I wanted to do Engineering with Maths and Physics so I did some research and Coulsdon Sixth Form College came up. It had some great reviews so I decided to apply. How are you enjoying the Redhill Football Academy? I’ve played since I was 5 so […]

What made you choose Coulsdon Sixth Form College? The big appeal for me was the mix and match programme meaning I could do BTECs and A Levels together in one programme. Plus it was one of the few places that offered Fashion with such great facilities. What are you enjoying most about your Fashion course? […]

Why did you apply to Coulsdon Sixth Form College? After looking around at an open event, I liked the atmosphere and the staff were really approachable. Also, I have dyslexia and the support on offer looked positive. How have you found the support here? I was offered as much as needed initially but I am […]

Why did you apply to Coulsdon Sixth Form College? I’d visited a couple of colleges but found Coulsdon to be welcoming and the teachers really easy to talk to so I chose here. How have you found the transition from school to College? Obviously the timetable is better at College and I don’t always have […]

Why did you apply to Coulsdon Sixth Form College? I wanted the freedom of independence to complete my work while still being supported by teachers. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after College so I liked the diversity of courses at Coulsdon and not being on a fixed path. I selected courses which […]

Why did you apply to Coulsdon Sixth Form College? I was attracted to the Sports facilities at the open events as they’re quite new and looked great. Also, the links to football academies meant I knew the opportunities to continue playing football would be better here at Coulsdon. You’re part of one of our Football […]

Why did you apply to Coulsdon Sixth Form College? The College had the courses I wanted plus I could mix and match my programme allowing me to do BTECs alongside A Level Maths. You have an Apprenticeship at the Royal Albert Hall, tell me a bit about that. I have been selected to study for […]

Why did you apply to Coulsdon Sixth Form College? I really liked the atmosphere plus the range of courses suited me. The teachers were really enthusiastic at the open events the computing and graphics facilities swung it for me. What is your favourite subject and why? Graphic Design because we learn a huge range of […]

Why did you apply to Coulsdon Sixth Form College? The College had the courses I wanted to study plus it is local to me. I liked the concept that it’s not just a College and not just a Sixth Form, it’s a bit of both. What is your favourite subject? Geography and I am looking […]

Why did you apply to Coulsdon Sixth Form College? The College has a good reputation and taught the subjects I wanted to study. What is your favourite subject? Definitely Economics. I studied it at GCSE and loved the course content. It’s a subject I clicked with and have continued to. What are your plans after […]

What made you apply to Coulsdon Sixth Form College? When I came for my interview, the staff were really friendly and encouraging and that is what made my mind up. How have you found the transition from school to College? Easier than I thought it would be! I much prefer studying for A Levels than […]

What advice did you get on your subjects when you came to Coulsdon? As I gained 6A* and 2As at GCSE, I was encouraged to do four A Levels. I hadn’t considered doing Physics and it’s now become one of my favourite subjects. What are you planning to do after College?? I’m planning to study […]

Why did you choose Coulsdon College? I knew I wanted to study Film at A Level and that wasn’t possible at my school. There didn’t seem to be any timetabling issues at the College so I was able to choose exactly what I wanted to – namely English to help my scriptwriting skills and Business […]

Why did you choose Coulsdon College? I loved the atmosphere when I came to visit. I also wanted to do a mix of BTEC and A Levels and this was the only place which gave me the flexibility to do that. Were you clear about what you wanted to study? I want to be an […]

How did you pick Coulsdon College? I really liked the fact that I could mix A Levels with BTECs and I was also impressed that the College was linked with Reigate College which I know has an excellent reputation. How did you choose which subjects to study? I’ve always had a strong passion for Maths […]

What attracted you to Coulsdon College? Quite a few of my friends were coming here, but it was mainly the Public Services course which I wanted to do as I was interested in joining the military. When I came for the open day, the atmosphere was welcoming and vibrant and the teachers were all really […]

Tell us about yourself. I came to Coulsdon College as I really wanted to do the BTEC Extended Diploma in IT‑, which wasn’t on offer at Riddlesdown. What are your plans after College? I’ve been offered a place at Southbank University to study BSc Business Information Systems, a four year course with a one year […]

How did you decide what to study? I gained 9As, 1A* and 3Bs, so I had lots of options. I basically chose the subjects I have a passion for and decided to combine A Levels with a BTEC in Performing Arts. What areas interest you the most? I’d love to work in Theatre, or TV […]

What are your long term plans? I want to work in Sports Management, possibly in Marketing, so I’m going to Bournemouth University to study a four year degree course in Sports Management. I’ve been offered an unconditional place, but I’m not taking my foot off the pedal as I want to get good grades. If […]

You’re doing four A Levels, how are you managing the work? My subjects fit together really well and there’s some overlap between them, which helps a lot! I’m fluent in Spanish, so that’s made things a bit easier, but I’m very busy. What’s your favourite subject and why? Geography; there’s so much variety, as we […]

As Captain of the College’s Football team, what’s your experience of Sport here at the College? I’m proud to be a Sports Ambassador and to be Captain of the College’s Football team. I’ve played Football all my life and hope to make a career out of sports coaching so my Sports course here at the […]

How have you found your time at Coulsdon College? I’ve really enjoyed it. I liked the choices on offer and the support from staff has been amazing. I’ve learnt that you can do a lot in a short space of time, which has been necessary since becoming President of the SU. What was it like […]

How did you decide which subjects to study? I did a year in the sixth form at my old school, but realised that I was doing the wrong courses for what I wanted to do. I want to be a physiotherapist and you have to have science subjects, particularly Biology to do that. I subsequently […]

How are you coping with exam pressure associated with doing 4 A Levels? I actually prefer the intensity of working for exams to the constant pressure of doing coursework on BTEC courses. I seem to be able to focus really well under pressure. I did well at GCSE, gaining 6As and 5Bs and my predicted […]

Were you clear about what you wanted to do when you came to Coulsdon College? I knew I wanted to work in the Travel and Hospitality industry, but now that I’ve nearly completed the course, I’m clear that I want to work in Marketing within that industry. Have you been on any trips as part […]

Why did you decide to study at Coulsdon College? I wanted to go somewhere new and distant from home, so that I could get used to travelling to study. I’ve had to get used to getting up a lot earlier, but it’s worth it to come to this College. You’re studying Medical Science, what does […]

Why did you choose to come to Coulsdon College? I wanted a fresh start after five years at the same school and besides, the subjects that I wanted to study weren’t available at school. What’s your favourite subject and why? I love all of them, but Film Studies has to be my favourite. I have […]

Why did you choose to study at Coulsdon College? When I looked around Coulsdon College I found it to be a very calm place in comparison to my secondary school. I was intrigued by the Maths Department as the teachers struck me as being friendly and supportive. How have you enjoyed studying A Levels here? […]

Why did you choose to come to Coulsdon College? I wanted a change from what I was used to. I thought it would help me grow up and become more independent, which it has. What is your favourite subject? I love English Language and Literature. My analytical skills have really improved since coming here and […]

You’re obviously a keen sportsman, what is the sport like at Coulsdon College? The facilities are very good and the teaching staff and coaches are amazing. I’ve played football pretty much all my life, but since coming to Coulsdon, I’ve tried many new sports including badminton, volleyball, basketball and hockey. I even took part in […]

You’re doing a mixture of A Level and BTEC Qualifications? Yes, I’m doing A Level Computer Science, combined with BTEC in IT. Having done really well with my GCSE’s, I started doing three A Levels, but I was finding it hard to memorise the quantity of information I needed for the exams. What kind of […]

What’s your favourite subject and why? Graphic Design. I love this creative subject, which I want to develop into a career. I use a lot of my own photography in my designs. You want to be a Graphic Designer? I am already working as a freelance graphic designer in my own time, providing advice to […]

Why did you come to Coulsdon College? I started sixth form at Riddlesdown Collegiate, doing three A Levels, but didn’t do very well. When I came for my interview at Coulsdon College, I was advised to study for BTEC qualifications, which are the equivalent to A Levels. It was absolutely the right advice for me. […]

You’re studying four A Levels. How have you found the workload? There’s a big jump from GCSE’s to A Levels, but I’ve enjoyed the challenge. There’s a lot more independent learning, and I’ve enjoyed that, but there’s always been a lot of support on hand if you need it here at Coulsdon College. I’ll probably […]

How did you choose what to study at Coulsdon College? I had an idea I wanted to study Criminology, so knew that Sociology and Psychology would be useful. Even though I hadn’t studied those subjects at GCSE, the teachers explained the curriculum so clearly to me, I knew it was going to be interesting. I […]

Where did your love of music start? It’s in my blood; I’m the fifth generation of my family to be a musician and play in a Salvation Army band. What instruments do you play? I play piano and trumpet, but my main instrument is cornet. I’m working towards my Grade 8, fitting all my practice […]

Why did you choose Computing? Initially I joined Coulsdon on the Level 2 Intermediate Programme studying IT alongside Art. I really enjoyed it and was keen to focus on Computing by taking the Level 3 Extended Diploma (equivalent to three A Levels). What are the teachers like at College? They are strict but fair and […]

Congratulations on winning the College Photography Competition. I love the Photography A Level course I’m doing here and hope to go on to study Photography at university. The chance to work with the College’s Marketing Department, photographing events has been a great experience. Working to a brief and a deadline has given me an insight […]

What’s the difference between College life and school? At College, you are treated more like adults; I like the fact that we call the teachers by their first names, it feels more comfortable and relaxed. College feels like a good stepping stone to university. How did you decide to study Maths at College? I’ve loved […]

Why did you choose your courses? I did the Lower Sixth at St Bede’s doing A Levels, but didn’t do well in the exams, so I knew that I would be better suited to BTECs. I’ve known that I want to be a Paramedic for a long time, having been a member of St John […]

What are your favourite subjects? I’ve always been very keen on computer gaming. Both my Media and Computing courses have really allowed me to develop this interest and I’ve learnt how to design and programme my own computer games. I’m now planning to pursue this at the University of Falmouth and hopefully turn my passion […]

Why did you choose Coulsdon College? I attended Rosebury School for my GCSEs, but I was keen to move on from an all-girls environment. My best subjects at school were the ones with a practical element, so I knew that I would be better suited to BTECs than A Levels. How are you getting on […]

Why did you decide to come to Coulsdon College? The College’s excellent reputation in the community and the outstanding pass rates gave me the confidence that I would do well here. What are you studying? I’m doing three A Levels. My favourite is Art & Design which has been perfect for me as it has […]

What do you like about College? The atmosphere is completely different to school. There’s less drama, people are very respectful and I feel very safe here. The teachers treat you like equals and the students are friendly and supportive of each other. How do you find the commute to College? I catch a tram and […]

How did you decide to come to Coulsdon? I initially joined a local school’s Sixth Form, but didn’t get on very well there. When I came to Coulsdon College, I was struck by how welcoming it was and I quickly settled in. The standard of teaching is excellent and the workshops for every subject have […]

Why did you decide to come to Coulsdon College? I went on a Further Maths taster day and was really impressed by the teaching. What’s the best thing about College? The teachers are amazingly encouraging and supportive. They really believe in you. I’ve been to lots of additional workshops at the end of the College […]

How are you finding College life? I love it here. The atmosphere is lively and inclusive and I’ve made so many great friends. Lessons are better too as students are more mature than at school; everyone wants to be here, so it’s easier to focus on your work. Sport is my favourite subject. I’ve particularly […]

Why did you choose to come to Coulsdon College? I liked the atmosphere at the College when I came to look around. I really wanted to do a BTEC in Medial Science and Coulsdon was the only place offering it. I live in Selsdon and with such good transport links, it’s easy to get to […]

How have you found your time at Coulsdon College? This is my third year and it’s gone so quickly. Coming to Coulsdon has given me the opportunity to turn things around and I’m very happy here. I joined on the Intermediate Programme as I had to re-take some of my GCSEs. What else did you […]

What made you choose Coulsdon College? I felt ready for a change from school and I loved the more grown-up atmosphere and focus on Sixth Form. How did you decide on your subjects? Initially I picked completely different subjects, but coming to the taster and introductory days opened my eyes to other courses I hadn’t […]

What attracted you to Coulsdon College? I was attracted by the mix of students at Coulsdon, as well as the great facilities and a pleasant environment. I also liked the option to combine A Levels with BTECs, which was helpful when I didn’t do as well as I had hoped in an AS Level; I […]

I chose subjects which interested me. Biology was an obvious choice as I’m fascinated with the functioning of the human body and health and fitness.