Business as usual this Thursday (17th October)

Members NUT and Nasuwt are planning a series of strikes in schools across the UK tomorrow (17th October). 

As the strike only affects schools, Epping Forest College will be running as normal, and students are expected to attend lessons as usual.

EFC seeks new governors

With success rates in the top 10% of FE colleges, and a financial position judged “outstanding” by Ofsted, the short and long-term outlook has never been better for Epping Forest College.

Principal Jeannie Wright is looking to expand the current team of Governors as she builds upon the college’s recent accomplishments. She hopes that the new Governors may be in post to view the college during its Open Event on Saturday 9^th November.

“It would be beneficial for the new Governors to see the level of professionalism and care that our staff and students take towards our prospective student body. Our values are just as focused on those who may join us as our existing students”.

Ofsted also noted this in their most recent inspection, saying that a key strength of the College was the“…development of students’ positive attitude to their studies and how they work well in the college’s harmonious atmosphere”.

Mrs Wright said: “The College has come an incredibly long way in a short time. In 2008 we were housed in buildings that were unfit for purpose, while Ofsted Inspectors declared us “unsatisfactory”.

“Fast forward 5 years, and the College is unrecognisable in every sense. Our £38 million campus now welcomes over 4,000 students aged from 14 to 65+ across a range of courses. Our talented staff are dedicated to our core values of learning, safety and respect every day. This has contributed to a student retention rate of over 93%, placing us in the top 5% of FE colleges.

“These are all considerable achievements, and in no small part due to our diligent and knowledgeable Governing Corporation. They have laid the strategic directions for all of this”.

Ofsted inspectors agreed, noting that the College’s Governors are “…committed and well-informed”, and “provide a high level of challenge to managers and staff”.

Chair of Governors Will Breare-Hall said: “Although Governors traditionally have a wealth of experience, of far greater importance is passion and commitment for education, and the role of Epping Forest College in improving the local skills base for future growth and development in the region.”

If you think that you could be an Epping Forest College Governor then please contact Jon Allen, Clerk to the Corporation, care of Barbara Calvert at bcalvert@efc.ac.uk.

All the Fun of the Fayre

Epping Forest College held its annual Fresher’s Fayre for the new intake of students. The Fayre is designed to welcome students to the college, and give them the opportunity to meet staff and fellow students.

Students visit the Fayre

Over 2,000 students had the opportunity to find out what’s going on in College and the local area. They were also able to discover the exciting activities and challenges that are open to them. 

Surf's up

Principal Jeannie Wright said: “Our induction events are always very popular. It is a great opportunity for them to get to know each other and find out more about the college. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting our new students.”

A number of local and national organisations attended the Fayre to offer a range of student promotions and advice to students. They included the NUS, Army Careers, Barclays Bank, Top Golf, Kim's Driving School, Barclays Bank, Mayhem Paintballing, Camps International and Shelter, who are the college's Charity of the Year. 

Hotshots and surfers also got the chance to show their stuff thanks to  Shoot for Goal, who set up a speed gun goal at the front of EFC, and a surfing simulator on the Street.

EFC Security try their hand at Shoot for Goal.
Oops.

The emergency services were also represented. Essex Police and the Essex Fire Service were offering help and advice to students on welfare and safety with a range of activities for them to take part in.

Lunchtime treats were also on offer as Palm Bay Caribbean served up delicious Jamaican cuisine in the college car park.

The college also took the opportunity to take part as well - the Sport department gave students the chance to sign up for their clubs, and the Hair & Beauty students from the Inspire Salons gave free treatments.

Student Liaison Lead Dan Hunter said: “This is just the first of many exciting events that we're organising for the students throughout the year. We want to make sure that students enjoy their time with us, and the Fayre is the ideal opportunity to get them off to a great start. We had excellent feedback from exhibitors and students who really enjoyed themselves.”

Students hop on board the HE bus

On Friday 13th of September, the Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) Roadshow Bus came to EFC. 

The day was great success and was enjoyed by over 400 students. The big purple bus was full at most points during the day with students eager to find the answers to their HE questions. 85 EFC students took the opportunity to speak to an ARU Student Ambassador about anything to do with HE and uni life.

The Roadshow bus enables students to speak to an Higher Education (HE) institution about their future options after A Levels or BTECs, but all from the convenience of the college.

The ARU team took over the theatre for the day and presented talks on ‘How to choose a uni and how to choose your course’, ‘Student Finance’ and ‘How to write your personal statement’.

Emma Seward, lead representative of ARU recruitment and marketing, said: "I was really impressed with EFC’s students, all of whom seemed very knowledgeable about the university application process, as well as giving some great input during our presentations. We're looking forward to coming back and doing more smaller personal statement workshops in the near future".

Thanks to everyone that came and we hope it was a big help for you guys applying or thinking about going to uni.

Dan Hunter
Student Liaison Lead

EFC are currently enrolling for September, and there are still some places remaining on our full and part-time courses. If you're still unsure what your best option is, then make sure you contact us to see what we can offer you. 

Maybe you've just received your GCSE results and they've made you rethink what to do. You may not have thought about college to carry on your education. However, even though you're staying in education until at least 17, you don't have to stay at your current school. 

The college has a range of A Levels, vocational courses and Apprenticeships. Call us now on 020 8508 8311 to see what we can offer you.

Are you looking to learn a new skill, improve your CV, or simply to make new friends? EFC is holding a part-time Advice and Guidance evening this Wednesday. 

Come and see what we have to offer you, whilst taking a look at our fantastic facilities. You will also have the opportunity to enrol on the evening as well. 

Need help with the cost of your cost? We may be able to help with a range of financial support schemes (subject to status).

If you already know what you want to do, and would prefer to enrol over the phone, then call 020 8502 8790 to speak to the Fees and Enrolments team.   

HE Fair 2013 a success

Epping Forest College held the 2013 Higher Education Fair on Wednesday 
(17^th April) as part of the programme of events for its students 2to consider all the opportunities and options that are available when they complete their current courses.  

The Fair has been built up over several years and includes representatives from many of the universities and institutions in and around London including both the public and private sector as well as promoting courses which can be part time or full time.  

Parents and surrounding schools are also invited.  A group of students from West Hatch are going to join us and will attend one of the talks that have been arranged on Primary Education being given by the University of Greenwich. There were also talks on The Study of Law from the University of Law (London) and Student Life from The University Campus, Suffolk. 

Exhibitors said that the students were well prepared; “Students were on the ball and asked very pertinent questions regarding course outline, entry criteria, location and career prospects”.  One institution who asked for an invite stated “It was our first time exhibiting here and we would definitely like to come again next year”.

Many valuable links are forged which lead to the students making taster day visits to various universities and also getting visits from the experts with help and advice when it comes to the University application process. 

Principal Jeannie Wright said: "I'm delighted that so many students took the opportunity to make themselves aware of their future education options. Fairs like these give the students an insight and clearer idea of the courses available to them and advice and guidance on progression after courses. They also gave students the opportunity to ask questions that they may not necessarily have asked exhibitors.

"More than 200 of our students will choose a Higher Education pathway when completing their courses with us, so it is vital that they are aware well in advance of the choices available. 

"With the rise in Apprenticeships and other forms of work-based training, I am also pleased to see so many private providers and organisations here who provide an alternative to the traditional academic route for students where Higher Education is not appropriate."

Thursday 27th June - final Open Event before September enrolments

Epping Forest College is holding it's final Open Event on Thursday 27th June. 

The Open Event will take place from 2pm-6pm, and coincides with the EFC Art Exhibition, which is part of the Creative Industries Festival (24th-28th June).

This is your final chance to see the college before the early enrolment period, so take the time to have a look around the building and see the fantastic facilities that we can offer. Our dedicated staff will be on hand to answer any questions you’ll have, and course tutors will help you decide on your best study option.  



Students and parents are welcome, and there's no need to book. We will also be providing light refreshments and hot drinks, in case you come straight here from school or work and need a quick pick-me-up.



With A Levels, vocational courses in exciting areas like Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, and Apprenticeships, we have something for you no matter where you are starting from. 


The college will also have a team on hand to discuss our part-time courses starting in March and April. Have a look at our Part-time Course Guide to see if there's a course for you.

Transform your potential and take the next step to your future.