CWA: Preparing you for work or university

The College of West Anglia (CWA) is one of the largest providers of education and training in Cambridgeshire and Norfolk. We have an exceptional track record for developing the skills and talents of our students, and our courses are designed to prepare you for work or university. Our staff are industry-trained professionals, and our students have access to specialist, state-of-the-art facilities such as our veterinary unit, equestrian centre and K9 grooming centre.

The Cambridge campus focuses on land-based programmes including:

• Agricultural & horticultural apprenticeships
• Animal care & management
• Equine studies
• Veterinary nursing.

The campus boasts state-of-the-art facilities including:

• Indoor and outdoor horse riding arenas
• Equine Therapy Centre - open to the public and offers a range of rehabilitation therapies
• The Companion Animal Centre - our specialist animal and veterinary unit with clinical examination equipment and an observation suite
• K9 Grooming - a public-facing dog grooming parlour

What’s the difference between college and sixth form?

Deciding what you want to do after your GCSEs is a difficult decision to make. The adult environment, wide range of courses and high levels of tutor support offered at CWA might mean that studying with us could be the best decision you’ll ever make.

We will treat you like an adult, making you feel more independent and responsible. You can wear your own clothes, allowing you to feel more comfortable and express your individuality. You can make new friends by studying with people from other schools and who study other courses. You will be able to learn from industry-trained staff who will pass on their experience to you. You can access our specialist facilities, deigned to ensure you learn in an environment that will prepare you for work.

Supporting your learning

At college you are treated as an adult and have the freedom to manage your own learning experience. Our programmes are designed to support you and our experienced staff are always on hand to offer advice and help.

Our student services team can provide information about courses and training, advice on financial support, transport and accommodation options. Personal support and counselling services are also available. If you are a young person in care, our student adviser team will support you during your time at college.

Academic staff will provide support for progression and career planning within your course area. Staff in the learning resource centres can help with broader career information and advice.

Additional support is available for a wide range of needs related to physical and learning disabilities. Specialist staff are also available to help with literacy and numeracy difficulties.

Work experience

All of our students who study on a vocational course will take part in work placements. This allows you to gain practical work-based experience to help you become ready for your chosen career. We work in partnership with local employers and will help you to find the right placement for you.

Let’s hear from some of our students

Kayla Hardy: “I have learnt so much during my time at the college and the teaching staff are always extremely encouraging and supportive. Studying on this course has allowed me to go to university in order to fulfil my dream of becoming a veterinary surgeon.”

Phoebe Cox: “There are so many great opportunities to get involved in. Studying at the college is a fantastic experience and will set you up for your future career. I would say to anyone thinking about coming to CWA to study to find out more about the courses on offer.”

Make an informed choice

Book a slot at one of our Cambridge campus open days to help you to make an informed choice about your next step.

• Saturday November 5: Morning slots
• Tuesday, April 25, 2023: Evening slots

Visit cwa.ac.uk/openday to book your place.