Joanne D
“DCG helped me unlock my academic potential.”
From the archive · 2024 Read their storyWhat happened next
If you studied here, you're part of the network. Former students on where they’ve got to, in their own words.
Ricky S
“A place to meet like minded people.”
From the archive · 2024 Read their story
David N.
“My first aid course helped me save a child's life.”
From the archive · 2022 Read their story
Harry T-C.
“You learn that the world is larger than the boundaries of your secondary school.”
From the archive · 2022 Read their story
Karl M.
“Derby College prepared me for university...”
From the archive · 2022 Read their story
Katie B.
“I loved my course because of my teachers...”
From the archive · 2022 Read their story
Luke B.
“Lots of opportunities and resources to help improve knowledge.”
From the archive · 2022 Read their story
Janine T
“My time at Derby College helped me to develop as a person.”
From the archive · 2022 Read their story
Rachel C
“A good place to study...”
From the archive · 2022 Read their storyScott D
“A fantastic venue for enhancing the learning experience.”
From the archive · 2022 Read their story
Zack M
“Amazing - best time of my life.”
From the archive · 2022 Read their story
Helen D
“Derby College was instrumental in my ability to gain a university place.”
From the archive · 2022 Read their story
Liam A
“The College kept me on track and was very open to helping me respond to any challenges.”
From the archive · 2022 Read their story
Robyn Y
“It was fun, engaging, and friendly!”
From the archive · 2022 Read their story
Danielle H.
“Everyone was supportive in helping you to achieve your best and to go forward with you careers.”
From the archive · 2020 Read their story
Richard H.
“My time at college helped me to excel under pressure and increase my confidence.”
From the archive · 2020 Read their story
Stuart H.
“Derby College was the foundation for the rest of my life.”
From the archive · 2020 Read their story
Hannah H
“My favourite thing about Derby College was the great people I got to learn alongside.”
From the archive · 2020 Read their story
Nile B
“A brilliant stepping stone for setting me up for university and further education.”
From the archive · 2020 Read their story
Zack M
“Amazing - the best time of my life.”
From the archive · 2020 Read their storyLauren Bamford
“My time at college allowed me to prepare for not only university but also my current job role. The style of teaching…”
From the archive · 2018 Read their storyZishan Fazel
“The support from lecturers was amazing, on completion of BTEC it enabled me to continue my education at degree level”
From the archive · 2018 Read their story
Amy Parry
“Derby College undoubtedly helped shape my career”
From the archive · 2018 Read their story
Harley Jackson
“College has honestly given me a life that I wouldn’t have even dreamt of”
From the archive · 2018 Read their story
Tayla Barnes
“I enjoy college. The staff are really good – they’re always there to help us and the course content is great. I’ve…”
From the archive · 2018 Read their story
Aaron Ledster
“You learnt a lot of customer skills and got used to being in a salon in a professional environment. It helps you when…”
From the archive · 2018 Read their storyBrad-Owen Knight
“It’s quality. I absolutely love it. In the future I’d like to open more shops and maybe go international. Dream big.”
From the archive · 2018 Read their story
Danielle Fretwell
“I go to college on day release every Monday work in the salon the rest of the week. It’s a good course and I put into…”
From the archive · 2018 Read their storyMarissa Hunt
“My tutors were very helpful and supportive. They knew I was ambitious and that I wanted to open my own salon and they…”
From the archive · 2018 Read their story
Aimee Woore
“Taking the Derby College course has helped me massively in my job”
From the archive · 2018 Read their story
Nathanael Confaloni
“The lecturers were absolutely brilliant – all of them.”
From the archive · 2018 Read their story
Sophie Wright
“College helped me to decide that exploring digital marketing was the right choice for me”
From the archive · 2018 Read their storyAnita Saunders
“College definitely helped get me to where I am today”
From the archive · 2018 Read their story
Charmaine Simpson
“The teaching staff are very helpful and if I run into difficulties I can talk to Jo, my student tutor.”
From the archive · 2017 Read their story
Elizabeth Spinks
“The lecturers were really good. They kept me really interested, especially after teaching full-time all day, and then…”
From the archive · 2017 Read their story
Stuart Thom
“Derby College was invaluable, and I wouldn’t be where I am now without it.”
From the archive · 2017 Read their story
Michelle Carlos
“Without my sports qualifications I would never have set up Jumpz”
From the archive · 2017 Read their story
Aaron Curd
“The course narrowed down what I wanted to do and set me up for my job.”
From the archive · 2017 Read their story
Alan Dunn
“Derby College helped me get the skills I needed to further my career.”
From the archive · 2017 Read their story
Emma Dyson
“All the tutors were really brilliant. Very welcoming, helpful and you could use all their knowledge to help yourself.”
From the archive · 2017 Read their story
John Mann
“The lecturers have been very supportive and know their stuff – what you learn at college you can bring back to work.”
From the archive · 2017 Read their story
Monique Fowlke-Bosworth
“My lecturers at Derby College couldn’t have been more supportive. They’ve helped me with my English, maths – in fact…”
From the archive · 2017 Read their story
Shareen Akhtar
“Going to Derby College for my A levels is 100 per cent the reason why I’m now a qualified vet doing a job I absolutely…”
From the archive · 2017 Read their story
Harj Dhanjal
“I always wanted to do well in Business and Finance,”
From the archive · 2017 Read their storyPeter James
“The most important thing is to listen to people,” he said. “Work with them, respect them and empower them./strong>”
From the archive · 2017 Read their story
Sameer Hussain
“My time at Derby College broadened everything I knew in regards to IT, such as software, graphic design and the likes”
From the archive · 2017 Read their story
Simon Arnold
“My time spent studying at Derby College started me on a journey”
From the archive · 2017 Read their storyAndrew Jeffries
“College gave me the confidence to get to where I am now”
From the archive · 2017 Read their storyJoanne Bollands
“College helped to get where I am today”
From the archive · 2017 Read their story
Kyle Robertson
“The transferable skills I learned at College allowed me succeed at University.”
From the archive · 2017 Read their storyReece Oates
“You’re never too old to qualify - keep at it and continue to learn.”
From the archive · 2017 Read their storyAlexandra Summerscales
“My favourite thing about Derby College was finally discovering what I wanted to do!”
From the archive · 2017 Read their storyChristopher Stevenson
“My favourite thing about my time at College was that all the classes I did helped me to improve my practical knowledge…”
From the archive · 2017 Read their storyEmma Hatton
“Derby College for me was a great place to meet new people with the same interests while also achieving the knowledge I…”
From the archive · 2017 Read their storyFrancesca Ruth Roome
“Derby College was a fantastic place to meet new people and learn together! I also really enjoyed learning about my…”
From the archive · 2017 Read their storyLee Jason Grimes
“I would describe College as being the best thing that has ever happened to me!”
From the archive · 2017 Read their storyPaul Whysall
“Derby College is an excellent learning environment!”
From the archive · 2017 Read their storyRobyn Humphries
“My course at Derby College was amazing. I wouldn't be where I am today without it!”
From the archive · 2017 Read their story
Anthony Lockett
“I loved being able to have a laugh with my teacher and classmates at the same time as learning something new.”
From the archive · 2017 Read their story
Emma Johnson
“I would describe my time at Derby College as a great learning experience!”
From the archive · 2017 Read their story
Gordon Kimberley
“I loved meeting the other students and hearing their stories and discussing solutions throughout the courses.”
From the archive · 2017 Read their story
Phoebe Eley
“I will always remember the feeling that anything was possible after achieving my final grades and after performing in…”
From the archive · 2017 Read their story
Samantha Duffield
“I would describe Derby College as a resourceful learning environment.”
From the archive · 2017 Read their story
Samuel Oluwa
“I found Derby curriculum to be broad in every aspect of teachings in various departments.”
From the archive · 2017 Read their story
Sarah Wall
“A fantastic college that provides a very different and interesting way to learn!”
From the archive · 2017 Read their story
Shannon O'Hagan
“My time at Derby College helped me learn that I am responsible for my own future.”
From the archive · 2017 Read their story
Shannon Warren
“What a great experience and a good place to be! Staff were friendly and inspiring and the facilities were very good.”
From the archive · 2017 Read their story
Angela Allkins
“I loved meeting new people at college!”
From the archive · 2017 Read their story
Carolyn Wild
“I found Derby College to be an inspirational place to learn and develop my skills and career path.”
From the archive · 2017 Read their story
Elizabeth Chambers
“I loved my course as it gave me real work experience and a good understanding of the retail world.”
From the archive · 2017 Read their story
Jack McDonagh
“The best step to start a rewarding career!”
From the archive · 2017 Read their story
Kirsty Bowler
“My time at Derby College helped me to get the grades I needed to do my PGCE and further my career!”
From the archive · 2017 Read their story
Kyle Yeomans
“Derby College is a modern and well equipped place to learn. The support from teachers and the staff is unlike any other…”
From the archive · 2017 Read their story
Kyra Woolley
“My favourite this about going to Derby College was meeting new people and making new friends.”
From the archive · 2017 Read their story
Lara White
“I would describe my time at college as a coming-of-age experience”
From the archive · 2017 Read their story
Ocean Hampson
“I was always supported by my teachers with any idea I had, no matter how big!”
From the archive · 2017 Read their story
Sarah Booker
“My favourite thing about Derby College was the choice of courses and the support from the staff.”
From the archive · 2017 Read their story
Suman Zulifqar
“My time at college helped me to become the confident person I am today!”
From the archive · 2017 Read their story
Tom Longdon
“Derby College made me want to carry on farming and made it possible for me get my 'tickets”
From the archive · 2017 Read their story
Ashley Slater
“The two courses gave me the qualifications I needed and helped me build on what I already knew. Some of the teachers…”
From the archive · 2017 Read their story
Alexandra Wood
“You aren’t spoon-fed like you are at school and the independent reading you have to do prepares you well for university.”
From the archive · 2017 Read their story
Luke Wilkins
“The course covered everything from finance to marketing and equipped me well to study business at university. I really…”
From the archive · 2017 Read their story
Eleanor Holt
“The college gave me what I needed to do the job I’m doing now.”
From the archive · 2017 Read their story
Sarah-May Anderson
“The course appealed to me in the first place because it gave a lot more than just floristry – it was quite detailed.”
From the archive · 2017 Read their story
Hannah Curley
“I’d recommend Derby College – not just for A levels but for any course. It’s an ideal place to study if you’re a…”
From the archive · 2017 Read their story
Kieran Dixon
“I was attracted by the fact that the job and the course together give you the chance to learn all the different trades.”
From the archive · 2017 Read their story
Lewis Cottle
“At college the teachers show you the easiest and best ways to do a job. They really help if you are struggling with…”
From the archive · 2017 Read their story
Craig Shore
“I’m glad I went to Derby College and gained on the job training at the same time as studying for my foundation degree.”
From the archive · 2017 Read their storyJess Guest
“Steve, my college tutor, is really good. I’m assessed on site and he’s always very helpful and happy to give me advice…”
From the archive · 2017 Read their story
Krystal Treadwell
“I’m glad I went to Derby College as it set me up nicely for going in the army.”
From the archive · 2017 Read their story
Pete Szabo
“For me, college was great. I was painfully shy at that stage and it helped me grow as a person”
From the archive · 2017 Read their story
Emma Jarrett
“Coming from Ripley it did me good to break out of a small town and meet new people from different backgrounds. It took…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Joyin Li
“It’s set up a bit like university; they give you the resources and tell you what to look at, tell you what you need to…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Danny Shooter
“Derby College was very important to me, without it I wouldn’t have had the confidence to go to acting school. They…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Ewelina Wisniewska
“At college, I gained organisation skills and was therefore able to make sure that I always handed my university work in…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Heather Shaw
“My psychology tutors were great. Glyn Pickering was such a good teacher and I completely fell in love with the subject…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Rita Jansone
“Derby College has prepared me for life at university, and I was vital in my success in securing a place at university…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Chloe Henchliffe
“Derby College made me think that going to university was worth bothering with after all!”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Andrew Fretwell
“I loved the course from start to finish. Every aspect of each section had somebody knowledgeable.”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Mark Hall
“The wealth of information that was there throughout, from woodland management, to the practical side: you never felt…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their storyCarrie Hallsworth
“I was really nervous at first about going back to college in my thirties, but the lecturers were great – very…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Helen Towle
“The practical conservation and ecology parts of my course were the ones I enjoyed the most. The teaching at Derby…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their storyIsaac Fowler
“The lecturers have both come from construction and they really know what they are talking about.”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Jacqui Heath
“I think the most important thing I left with was the confident thumbs up from the excellent teaching staff.”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Joe Evans
“My joinery side was the basis of where my construction knowledge began. The sky’s the limit really and the foundations…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Leo Kokoszko
“My college teachers have been so supportive – not just about my coursework but personally too. Their teaching style is…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Sam Gilleard
“My college experience has been so positive that I’ve already recommended the professional construction course to other…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Shannon Riley
“As well as opening doors at First Response Finance, the whole experience at Derby College gave me independent learning…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Sukjevan Dhindsa
“I wouldn’t be where I am now without Derby College.”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Zahir Mahmood
“Derby College helped me understand what type of career I can get with a law degree and it helped me understand what…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Emily Sheldon
“Everytime I sit down and learn something, I can use it the next day at work. It’s all that instant. I can do my job…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their storyGeorge Wright
“If I’ve got any questions on my course I can email my lecturer Nicola Dean and she comes back to me within the hour…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their storyGrace Draper
“An apprenticeship at Rolls- Royce is the best of both worlds. We get to work in all sorts of areas of the company…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their storyGraeme Turner
“Derby College gave me the qualifications to pursue a career as a ranger and ultimately secure a degree which led to…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Hitomi Ferguson
“The Roundhouse is brilliant – it has everything you need. In the long term I’m hoping to get onto an apprenticeship…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Jacob Holmes
“The tutors at Derby College are so helpful. They really care about the learners and their progress, which pushes you to…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
James Radford
“I would definitely recommend the Media Studies course to other people interested in a career in the creative industry.”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Jamie Holmes
“When I first started at College, I was really lacking in confidence but I had so much help and support that I really…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Jane Finch
“When you return to education, you become hungry for more: my life and career are going from strength to strength since…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Jonathan Barcz
“I’m so pleased that I joined the Derby College Employment and Skills Academy which opened so many doors for me”
From the archive · 2016 Read their storyJordan Green
“I really want to be working in fine dining and to learn from the best in the industry. Hopefully winning this award…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Jordan Richards
“I am enjoying my placement with GF Tomlinson and I learnt a lot over the course of just a year.”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Joshua Horsley
“I hope to be a professional dancer in the future but I am keen to gain behind-the-scenes skills too, which will stand…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Katy Morten
“I knew I could get nationally recognised qualifications more quickly on an apprenticeship”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Lauren Morley
“The course gave me a good understanding of yard management and equine health and there was always support available if…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Luke Mahon
“I was drawn to Derby College because the staff there treat you like an adult and trust you to make your own decisions.”
From the archive · 2016 Read their storyNigel Duffus
“The college is very learner-friendly – you get access to all the support and facilities you need to help reach your…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Rachel Dennis
“I was delighted to hear that Derby College ran a specialist course in the subject. Winning the Peak Award completed a…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their storyRehmat Ramzan
“I am so happy. As soon as the exams are over, you start fretting about the results but now that is all over and I am…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Rhiannon Elliott
“Derby College has offered me lots of support throughout my course... However, the College has kept me on track and has…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Richard Auzins
“The Derby College course helped me get the job and having a qualification in retail merchandising has made me more…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Rosie Dales
“I'm really enjoying the college work. The tutor is focussed on the students and I'm making good progress.”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Ryan Horsnall
“At Derby College I was taught a lot of skills such as target setting that has helped me be organised and realistic with…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Sam Mount
“I’d always been interested in both the software and hardware aspects of computer technology”
From the archive · 2016 Read their storySonia Meakin
“It’s tough to return to education but Derby College makes it so easy and it is a very structured and supportive…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their storyStephanie Davis
“Every step of the way I've been supported by the college. I'm not a natural at English but the college has given been…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Steven Rimmer
“I want to emulate those lecturers who taught me on my access course and help other people like me get the chance to go…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Craig Gavagan
“I love working with the livestock and machinery and I hope that the qualifications I gain as part of the apprenticeship…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Daniel Johnston
“When I first joined Derby College, I saw the Diploma as a qualification which could probably lead to a job a few years…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Dean Wain
“I just look forward to coming to work; I don’t have that Monday morning feeling. I enjoy it here and I’d recommend…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Gerald Namwaza
“I had a wonderful maths teacher and I’m thankful to all the lecturers who helped me throughout my course.”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Jack Bowler
“Derby College gave me the confidence to do what I’m doing now, and I owe my lecturers a lot.”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Jack O'Connor
“I can honestly say that the course was brilliant and the lecturers were great.”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Josh Randall
“Leading a team when you're only 16 is a big ask, but the Derby College course gave me confidence and was great…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Lauren Cooper
“Taking the decision to come to Broomfield Hall was a no brainer. I loved everything about the level 3 course and I’m…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Louise Rea-Allen
“The college tutors are excellent, the quality of their teaching and feedback is always of a high standard.”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Maddie Kirkman
“There aren’t that many women in construction but a lot of work is underway to get more trainees in. I think it’s…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Paul Prime
“The course content and the quality of teaching was excellent – so much so that I’ve been back to the college since to…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Pavandeep Tiwana
“The course has given me a taste of what the world of work is like. I’m enjoying my studies and I feel like I’m on the…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Steph Lovely
“The course is really hands-on and that’s what I wanted.”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Sukhveer Singh Dhadwal
“Going to Derby College has helped inspire me. Unlike sixth form college you’re encouraged to take more responsibility…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Suzanne Butler
“The course is great and without the college I wouldn’t have had the chance to get a job with Morrison Design Agency.”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Yikai Shen
“My biggest challenge at College was obviously the language but I worked hard and gained a lot of support from tutors at…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Zoe Longdon
“I started in business last summer. Now I’ve got 85 clients and I’m going from strength-to-strength. I’ve achieved my…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Ian Palmer
“The staff at Derby College were very dedicated and knowledgeable in their field”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Jazmine Greenaway
“Derby College really prepared me to be organised and also improve my time management.”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Alex Holmes
“Most of my competitions are during the summer which involves me travelling around the country most weekends to get the…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Angela Ward
“It has been a struggle to juggle College and home life but I have loved every minute of it. The Peak Awards were a…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Annie Dowell
“I loved absolutely every minute of my course and wish I could do it all again. I'm always recommending Broomfield to…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Carla Davies
“When I heard about the job opportunities and support available through the REED NCFE team, I decided to go for it and…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their storyCarly Baxter
“It's my ambition to open my own fine dining restaurant but to do that I need to know everything that's involved, not…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Caroline Keeton
“Caroline Friel, our lecturer, played a major part in my decision, and that of other students on my course, to go on and…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Jamie Rushton
“I’ve always wanted to be around cars and I know I always will. I’ve carried out some quite demanding jobs since I…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Daniel Ranby
“I always wanted to run my own business, and Derby College gave me the insight I needed”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Aisha Kirby
“The wonderful lecturers at Derby College encouraged me to achieve the best I could.”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Simon DeMontfort
“My time at college helped me move forward in the world and in my chosen career.”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Dominic Saneria
“The most exciting part of my current role is training and developing new staff members, helping them to learn new…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Cinzia Corleto
“I’m loving it. They told to me to expect the most intense year of my life - and it really is intense but it’s really…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Helen Clark
“The BTEC course was like an introduction to the real world and how people work in the industry.”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Saffron Limb
“The Beauty faculty at the Roundhouse is modern and well equipped and has everything you need to prepare you for a good…”
From the archive · 2016 Read their story
Callum Reeves
“Without the help of the college I wouldn’t have got this nice job. I would have had no chance if the staff hadn’t been…”
From the archive · 2015 Read their story
Jessica and Lucy Sheldon
“The quality of the teaching in all our subjects was outstanding and the guidance and advice we received was fantastic.”
From the archive · 2015 Read their story
Katie Weeds
“Taking an apprenticeship gave me the hands-on training I needed to be able to qualify as a hair stylist and open my own…”
From the archive · 2015 Read their story
Liam Silver
“We had some brilliant trips, and one which sticks out was a week with the Royal Marines.”
From the archive · 2015 Read their story
Louise Herrington
“The skills I learnt at Derby College were invaluable in helping me to achieve my goals!”
From the archive · 2015 Read their story
Luke Orme
“I had great tutors at Derby College who motivated me and kept me on course.”
From the archive · 2015 Read their story
Maria Warren
“Studying part-time for my CIM qualifications at Derby College has given me the knowledge and skills to progress in my…”
From the archive · 2015 Read their story
Melissa Shanker
“Taking the course at Broomfield gave me the qualifications I needed to pursue my chosen career as an Equine Veterinary…”
From the archive · 2015 Read their story
Nadia Di Tullio
“I was determined to move away from a conventional career and dedicate my working life to creating something I love.”
From the archive · 2015 Read their story
Natalie Shardlow
“I got a great start in my job thanks to my apprenticeship and the course overall gave me all the background skills I…”
From the archive · 2015 Read their storyYour turn
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