Technical
At Warrington’s leading provider of technical education, we’ll help you build the skills employers are looking for and set you up for your next step - whether that’s landing a job, heading to university, or starting an apprenticeship.
16-18 Year Olds
We offer a huge range of college courses to choose from for your post-16 education, whether you’re in Year 11 and thinking of your next steps or you’ve spent time at another college and had a change of heart.
Calling all applicants!
Check in now for our New Student Welcome Day on Wednesday 8th July, and get ready to join us at #DestinationWVR this September.
Register your place by clicking the button below!
Book your place for New Student Welcome Day here!
Applications are still open for September 2026!
We have hundreds of courses for school leavers, all designed to provide our students with the stand-out skills, technical knowledge and industry experience they need to thrive in their future careers.
Click here to view our courses and apply now
Want to find out more about our courses available for 16-18 year olds?
Check out our digital prospectusCAREERS NOT COURSES
T Levels
Get a head start towards the future you want with T Levels!
T level courses are two-year courses that are equivalent to 3 A Levels. Developed in collaboration with employers and education providers, T Levels combine academic classroom learning with meaningful industry placement, in order to prepare students for entry into skilled employment.
Since the introduction of T Levels in 2020, we have seen students go on to achieve great things within industries they care about - whether that be through higher education, apprenticeships, or employment.
Apprenticeships
Earn while you learn with an apprenticeship at Warrington & Vale Royal College!
The college offers a range of apprenticeships starting from level 2, level 3, up to level 5. As an apprentice at the college, you will combine practical training in your workplace with studying at college so you can hone your craft and gain experience in a real working environment!
With strong links to a wide network of employers and one of the broadest apprenticeship offerings in Warrington, we can provide you with everything you need to kickstart a future in your chosen field. Our range of apprenticeships spans a variety of sectors, from construction trades to customer service, giving you the flexibility to pursue the pathway that suits you best.
Higher Education
Finding the right step for study after completing your level 3 qualification can be tough. However, finding that next step has never been easier with Warrington & Vale Royal College’s higher education courses! 16-18 higher education is about finding the course for you to progress from your level 3 to a Level 4 or 5 higher education course. With an extensive range of courses available for 16-18 higher education, we allow you an access to higher education across many subjects.
Whether you’re a practical learner or a more traditional learner, we offer higher education courses for you, including higher apprenticeships. 16-18 higher education couldn’t be easier than it is at Warrington & Vale Royal College and if you’re not quite ready for higher education, we have a range of access to higher education courses you can explore too!
English & Maths
If you do not achieve a grade 4 or above in your GCSE English and/or maths at school, our specialist tutors will help you achieve these essential qualifications here at college.
In adherence with government legislation, students who do not have a grade 4 in GCSE English and/or maths will be allocated slots in their weekly timetable to study for these alongside their core subject.
These essential qualifications really open up so many more opportunities for you in further education and employment.
GCSE English
GCSE English is assessed with two exams at the end of the year.
The two exams consist of:
Paper 1: 20th century reading and creative writing
Paper 2: 19th and 21st century non-fiction reading and transactional/ persuasive writing
Both exams assess reading and writing skills.
GCSE Maths
GCSE Maths is assessed with three exams at the end of the year.
Paper 1: Non-calculator
Paper 2: Calculator
Paper 3: Calculator
Modules covered include: number, ratio, proportion and rates of change, algebra, geometry and measures, probability and statistics.
Functional skills
Functional Skills is an alternative to GCSE English and maths.
Functional Skills English
The course focuses on the functional elements of reading, writing, speaking and listening. It prepares you for the world of work, exploring transactional writing, reading for purpose and information, and communicating effectively with others.
Functional Skills Maths
The studies concentrate on the functional elements of number, shape and space and data handling. The course really helps prepare you for work and the mathematical tasks you’re likely to face, including things like budgeting and problem solving.
Industry placement
We are passionate about making sure you are industry ready when you leave us.
As a student at Warrington & Vale Royal College, industry experience is an important part of your studies and will help you stand out from the crowd when you are applying for university, an apprenticeship or a job.
Therefore, you won’t just spend your time in the classroom; you will be given the opportunity to work alongside high-profile employers, gaining valuable work experience. This is a brilliant way to experience industry first-hand, and some students have even secured jobs through their work placements.
All of our students are expected to complete an industry placement, which can range from one day per week to a one week block or even longer.
Turing Scheme
We’re excited to introduce the Turing Scheme, the UK government’s global programme for study and work abroad.
This fantastic opportunity is designed for students who may never have had the chance to gain international experience. It offers the chance to develop new skills, grow in confidence, and gain a deeper understanding of different cultures.
By taking part, students can boost their employability and build valuable soft skills that last a lifetime.
Tutorial & Careers Programme
Throughout the year, you will have group tutorials and regular 1:1s with your Progress Coach.
At college, we are committed to providing all of our students with opportunities for high quality personal and social development. Through the tutorial programme, you will develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviours to prepare you for future life and work.
You will also be offered a ‘career led’ curriculum, which responds to local economic and labour market intelligence and community needs. As part of this curriculum, you will:
- Receive a bespoke careers programme relevant to the subject you are studying and the level of study
- Hone the skills needed for your next steps in life, work, and well-being
- Explore topics that cover current local and national issues
- Hear talks from guest speakers to enhance your knowledge and understanding of personal and real life issues.
You will have the opportunity to complete a bespoke Flight Path which will guide you through your studies and is focused on fully equipping you to reach your destination. Your Flight Path will track progress of your qualification, but it will also have a focus on developing your skills through work experience and participating in competitions and enrichment.
Enrichment
It's not all work and no play!
There is so much to discover in addition to your exciting new course. Taking part in enrichment opportunities and events adds an extra dimension to your college experience, allowing you to make friends and enjoy new experiences.
Getting involved with college life can even help you gain a new qualification and provide you with impressive skills to include on your CV or UCAS application.
