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Health, Social Care & Life Sciences

If you have a caring nature and want to make a career out of helping others, our health, social care & life sciences courses could be ideal for you. Our courses provide a pathway into a range of careers such as nursing and mental health, and there are even higher education and university level study options.

Our brand-new Health & Social Care Academy is equipped with a range of industry-standard equipment and facilities, ensuring students can gain the practical experience they need to succeed in this rewarding field.

Trips and visits

During your course you will be able explore exhibitions at places such as the International Slavery Museum and the Thackray Medical Museum. You will also take part in trips to local universities to discover more about higher education. There will also be opportunities to practice your skills overseas- past students have enjoyed trips to Spain to take part in a rewarding challenge of caring for people with limited English.

I am

16-18 Years Old

School leavers beginning a health & social care course will learn all about human growth and development as well as being taught how to work effectively as a health and social care professional. We have the course for you, from health, social and childcare level 1 to BTEC health & social care level 2 and 3; and our new T Level health course. Whether you dream of becoming a social worker, nurse or paramedic, our specialised health & social care courses will equip you with all the skills you need for employment or higher education.

I am an

Adult Learner

We offer a wide variety of health & social care courses for adults, including distance learning courses, spanning from entry level to level 3. Our courses are suitable for those who are taking their first steps into this rewarding sector, as well as those who are already employed and may be seeking to upskill, through one of the health and social care management courses. We also have a fantastic range of social care courses, which you may wish to take for personal reasons, such as wanting to support a family member with a particular condition, or even to develop a better understanding of mental health.

I am a

Higher Education Learner

Our health & social higher education courses are ideal for students who are looking to progress onto university to expand upon their health and social care knowledge and follow a specialised career route such as nursing, social care or midwifery. We now offer a new higher education qualification, Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQ) that sit between A levels, T levels and degrees. We are offering the HND Healthcare Professions’ Support (HTQ) course, which will ensure you have the subject knowledge and study skills required to successfully progress onto your next step in the healthcare profession.

I am looking for an

Apprenticeship

Perhaps you’d like to earn whilst you learn with one of our practical apprenticeships in health & social care. Ranging from level 2 adult care worker, level 3 early years educator apprenticeships through to level 5 healthcare assistant practitioner, we have a great selection of courses to choose from.

Meet our students

Samanrha Wildman

Samantha wants to progress into mental health nursing and felt that the colleges T Level Health: Adult Nursing course was the perfect option to do this. She has loved learning the science-based modules and feels the practical element of the course has given her valuable insight into the industry.

“I would recommend this course to anyone interested in the healthcare industry. I have received great support from my tutors and the course gives you lots of practical experience. Working on the ward in the Health & Social Care Academy makes the course really exciting because it feels very professional. Be yourself and get involved in everything because this course has a lot to offer!”

SAMANTHA WILDMAN

T Level Health: Adult Nursing

Izzy Massey

Former Hartford CofE High pupil, Isobel, was impressed by the simulation hospital ward at our Health & Social Care Academy and liked the sound of the wide range of content covered as part of our Level 3 course.

After expressing her interest in working in pastoral care in schools, Izzy’s tutors worked closely with our employer partners to secure her the opportunity to complete an industry placement at Charles Darwin Primary school in Northwich and a private school in Chester.

“The college has a great, relaxed atmosphere and I would recommend it to anyone, especially those looking for a career in the health & social care industry. The facilities are amazing and the course gives you the opportunity to explore a wide range of routes into the industry. My tutors are supportive and easy to talk to about any issues I have and they have prepared me fully for work.”

ISOBEL MASSEY

Level 3 Health & Social Care

Lois Barned

Lois Barnes joined the college for the opportunity to study a broad and largely practical-based science course that would allow her to explore the sector while getting some meaningful industry experiences.

After gaining valuable experience and skills, Lois was selected from hundreds of applicants to join Liverpool John Moores University’s prestigious ‘Summer University’ programme.

“With the support of my tutor, Caroline, and the amazing experiences I have been offered while at the college, I've gained the confidence to chase my dream and commit myself to being the first in my family to go to university! These experiences I have had have given me a great insight into the science sector and student life, and cemented that this is definitely the industry I see a future for myself in."

LOIS BARNES

Level 3 Applied Science

Nacer Houam thumb

Nacer Houam, a former pupil of Irlam & Cadishead Academy, has made the most of his time at college. Having taken on multiple industry placements during his course, Nacer has spent time volunteering with physiotherapists, in doctors’ surgeries, and even at Salford Royal Hospital in their A & E and Neurorehabilitation departments.

"This course has given me the direction and motivation to pursue a career as a physiotherapist, as well as the skills and experience I need to make my aspiration a success.”

Student Kelsey Siddall in the hospital ward

"The college has helped me achieve my career goal. My industry placement at Warrington & Halton Hospital opened up opportunities which I didn't think were possible."

Former Tarporley High School pupil, and Level 3 Health & Social Care student, Kelsey, is thriving on her course, achieving distinction grades due to her hard work and dedication.

Kelsey will be continuing her studies here as she progresses on to our HNC Healthcare Practice course before going to the University of Chester to complete her degree in nursing.

Grace Collopy Testimonial headshot

Having first gone to another college and realising it was not the right place for her, Grace came to our college looking for supportive tutors, fantastic facilities and the opportunity to fully reach her potential. Grace has excelled in her Level 3 Health & Social Care course with an outstanding A* (equivalent to Triple Distinction*). This September, she will be pursuing a BSc (Hons) in Paramedic Science at the University of Central Lancashire.

“I wish I’d come here sooner! It’s a very kind environment where the tutors really want to make your future happen. I would explore anyone making their choices after high school to look at all of their options properly and make the best choice for you.”

Meet our tutors

Nicola Voos Testimonial Headshot

Nicola Voos

Health & social care tutor Nicola Voos has over 20 years of experience working at Manchester Children’s Hospital as a Health Play Specialist, working in areas such as medical and surgical wards, the high dependency unit, the burns unit, the neurology ward and the radiology department. She has also been a specialist lecturer at Salford University and The University of Cumbria, before joining Warrington & Vale Royal College’s team of highly experienced tutors.

Nicola says, “Each day is different when you study health & social care. I love seeing students blossom into individuals who are one step closer to achieving their dream career by the end of the course, whether it be going into full-time employment, doing a higher apprenticeship, or going to university. I’m honoured to be part of their journey.”

Kirsty Rampling HSC Tutor Headshot

Kirsty Rampling

Kirsty has worked at Warrington & Vale Royal College since 2022. Before this, she had dedicated her time working in the healthcare, community supported living, childcare and education sectors.

"I love working at the college because everybody is so inclusive. Everybody works together, sharing thoughts and ideas, to make sure our students get the highest standard of learning possible."

Tanya Norris thumb

Tanya Norris

Health & Social Care Tutor, Tanya, has a wealth of industry experience, having worked in a variety of healthcare settings including residential care homes, community care and schools. Tanya also completed a degree in Education Studies, before undertaking her PGCE in Further Education and Training and moving into a career in teaching.

Tanya is passionate about inspiring young people and helping to equip them with valuable skills to prepare them for a rewarding career in the sector. Tanya says: "Both our exceptional facilities and expert tutors from a range of different career backgrounds support students to become successful healthcare professionals."

Debbie Roberts Square

Debbie Roberts

Debbie Roberts is one of the college’s expert science tutors, whose lifelong love of science has led her to a fulfilling career helping our students achieve their own dream scientific careers!

With a strong educational background in science, including a degree in applied biology, Debbie secured her first role at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. Her work involved diagnostic testing for veterinary and zoonotic parasites, and she honed her skills in immunology, microscopy, and tissue culture. It was here that she discovered her love for teaching while supporting undergraduates and Masters students in laboratory skills.

Over seventeen years, she taught at both high schools and sixth forms, undergoing additional training to teach Physics and Chemistry. Her passion for engaging young people in STEM career paths has led her now to Warrington & Vale Royal College, where enjoys supporting the talented students in the immersive laboratory environment.

Megan Quick

Megan Quick

Dr. Megan Quick studied her BSc (Hons) in Forensic Anthropology at John Moores University, followed by an MSc in the same field. She then completed her academic journey with a PhD from Liverpool John Moores University. Now serving as a Science Lecturer at Warrington & Vale Royal College, Megan brings a wealth of expertise to the role.

She finds it incredibly rewarding to witness her students' growth both academically and personally. Megan also highlights the college's fantastic facilities and emphasises how valuable it is for students to engage in hands-on projects that enhance their learning experience.

Choosing a career based on Health, Social Care & Life Sciences Back to top