Student Case Studies

Ben developed a passion for Business in Year 9. He felt it was a subject he could succeed in and undertook a lot of background research into the subject in his own time. His father is CEO of a company, and through conversations with employees, B...

Lisa came from Ireland to live in England in 2020.On leaving school, Lisa did an apprenticeship in a hairdressing salon for a year. After realising this wasn't the career for her, she decided to get into primary teaching instead.With...

Jose first enrolled on Travel & Tourism Level 2, to get a first taste of the industry, and then began studying our Cabin Crew qualification. He chose ESC after hearing positive things from former students, and knew which subjects he wanted to stu...

After studying Art GCSE at school, Annabelle joined us on Photography Level 3 and progressed through our 2 year HND course to her current BA (Hons) qualification. She found that the courses at ESC offered more freedom than other Colleges and...

Molly previously studied Childcare Level 2 and chose the Childcare pathway as she is passionate about helping children with disabilities. Her reasons for applying to ESC include it being her local college and:"I heard about the col...

Chloe initially came to East Surrey College with an interest in studying Early Years. But after visiting the Salon facilities with a friend, she realised that Beauty Therapy was a route she would love to explore. She had always loved doing beauty tre...

Pictured above: Lily's 3D piece in situ in the office of Jayne Dickinson, Chief ExecutiveLily enjoyed technical subjects at school but initially started her FE journey at Merrist Wood College, studying Dog Grooming. After finishing this ...

Originally from Sudan, Mo enrolled on ESOL Entry Level 3 and then progressed onto our Motor Vehicle Entry Level Diploma.Now on Motorsports Level 3, he chose to go into the Motor industry as he is "interested in cars and I want to g...

Finlay completed Public Services Level 3 at ESC and was excited to begin a career in the Armed Forces. He's now in the British Army, within the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards. "As part of the household division, we are a dual role i...

Rylan joined ESC on an Entry Level 1 Life Skills course, progressing up through Entry Levels 2 and 3 before joining the Supported Internship at Level 1. Due to the pandemic, he was unable to complete the work placement element, so was keen to re...

Applied Science Tutor Andy worked his way up through our CET, AET and DET courses, completing his Teacher Training through an Apprenticeship. "It fits into my goal of becoming a teacher and allows me far more experience than traditional...

Jo-Ash initially joined us on Business Level 1 and progressed through IT Levels 2 and 3, to join our Internet Software Development FdSC. After leaving school, he initially chose ESC because of the opportunities offered by the College: &...

When Jhalak came to an Open Event at East Surrey College to get more information about the Science courses, she knew this would be the best place to continue her studies. She was excited about the progression routes the College could offer her, and w...

Former School: Greenshaw High SchoolAfter completing his GCSEs, Murtaz enrolled onto IT Level 2, after which he then studied Business Level 2, before his current course, IT Level 3! He's on his first year of the course, and initially cho...

Shaydon played football for his school team as well as with Raynes Park Vale FC but he has always been interested in aviation, particularly a career in Air Traffic Control. He applied to the Royal Navy in November and had a fa...

Aeronautical Engineering Level 3 student Billy made a positive impression at his work experience interview and was subsequently offered a five-day placement with the Gatwick Hangar 6 Programme with British Airways.Billy was able to experienc...

Owen began studying Motor Vehicle School Links programme at East Surrey College and moved onto a Health & Social Care course. Whilst studying, he gained some work experience at the YMCA. He commented that he "really enjoys working there and ...

Lauren studied Child Development as one of her subjects at school before coming to East Surrey College to study Childcare. She wanted to study Childcare as she is passionate about working with young children. Her school recommended East Surrey Colleg...

Former School: Moor House School & CollegeAlfie studied on our Aviation Operations Level 3 course and was offered the opportunity of work experience with Airbus! Alfie undertook a week-long virtual work experience, during w...

Our student Noelle was happy to tell us all about her experience studying for a Higher National Diploma in Photography at ESC. “Open discussion has always been encouraged on my course – the support network within the Co...

Charlotte is an HR Apprentice with Schlumberger, completing her training at ESC. She’s loving discovering the world of HR and really enjoys being able to learn on the job, getting to grips with different procedures and building her relationship...

After completing his A Levels, Charlie joined us at ESC, where he completed Engineering Levels 1 & 2, followed by an Engineering Level 3 Apprenticeship and his current course, the Engineering Level 4 Apprenticeship. ESC was Charlie's loc...

Michael joined ESC straight after GCSEs, and after enjoying Computer Science GCSE he knew he wanted to study IT."I've been interested in IT since I was young, and the course is a good step to help pursue a career."He was gr...

Jake started his career journey with a Customer Services Level 2 Apprenticeship at Reigate and Banstead Borough Council, which he found helped him to build transferable customer related skills. For Jake, an Apprenticeship allowed him the opportunity ...

Former School: Therfield School, LeatherheadAfter finishing Sixth Form, Lucy knew that she didn't want to go to university and started researching career options. She came across Apprenticeships and thought that it sounded like the perfe...

After experimenting with mechanisms in Design & Technology GCSE, Abbie knew she wanted to pursue something practical, taking after her father, a retired Carpenter. She also took part in a Carpentry & Joinery session as part of a Taster D...

Leo was our Student Union President for 2020/21 and joined ESC after finishing his GCSEs at Royal Alexandra and Albert School. He loved Art and Computer classes at school and was able to combine his two passions by studying Film & TV Product...

Former School: Harris Academy, PurleyMaria chose to study at the College as it provided her with the opportunity to gain work experience in the industry. She's always had an aspiration to work within Health & Social Care as a Social Worke...

Dale was determined to pursue his interest in business and get a qualification, so joined ESC on the Business Level 3 course, whilst also re-taking his English GCSE.Whilst on the Level 3 courses, he found the learning style to be completely diffe...

Former School: Westfield Academy, WatfordFaiszarn is currently on an Engineering Apprenticeship, working at University College London (UCL), whilst completing his training through East Surrey College. He was shortlisted at The BAME Apprentic...

Ella enjoyed IT GCSE and knew that she wanted to do something creative, and decided to challenge her skills with Film & TV Production. "I choose this particular course as I really enjoyed video editing and wanted...

Freya is an extremely motivated student and is on track to achieve a DM grade for Year 1 of her Public Services course. She actively participates in student-led community based events such as helping a local outdoor centre and taking part in the...

Myles took on an Apprenticeship in Mechanical Engineering with East Surrey College and is now in his second year of studies for his Level 4 qualification. Having completed his GCSEs at Carrington School and A Levels at Reigate College, he “deci...

Former School: Collyer's CollegeSian, like many others, had not heard much about the Apprenticeship pathway, but further research led her to “to discover that [it was] something I was interested in and wanted to pursue a career in ...

Aspiring Beauty Therapist Jamie joined East Surrey College on Beauty Therapy Level 1, and progressed up through Level 2 to Level 3. She now has a part-time job at Lifeline Beauty Salon in Redhill, and shared her experience of the course at College:&n...

As part of the national Pearson BTEC Awards for 2019, Ryan was nominated by his tutor and won the BTEC Gold Award for Public Services Student of the Year! Ryan was nominated for his outstanding work and dedication to his course.Ryan also led the ...

Current position: Renewal Advisor, Plan Insurance BrokersChantelle initially enrolled on Aviation Operations Level 2, before deciding that she wanted to pursue a career in business, and went on to study Business Levels 2 and 3. She feels...

Current Position: Sales and Marketing Apprentice, GoogleDuring his Business Level 3 course, Callum heard from Iconic Digital as part of Raising Aspirations Week. The digital marketing agency presented on their role in the industry and Callum shar...

Beth visited East Surrey College at an Open Event and said that "it felt right - I could see myself here." Her choice to enrol onto Public Services was easy, as she takes part in Cadets twice a week. "The course appealed to me...

Former School: Knole AcademyAfter his school pulled the Travel & Tourism courses, Adam started looking for options and came to an Open Event at East Surrey College. “Although the College was one of furthest from me, it had a go...

Former School: Millom School, CumbriaMichael moved down to Redhill after finishing education in Cumbria. He was looking for further options to compliment his passion for Sport and "ESC appealed to me, due to the sport-specific courses t...

Reece originally enrolled onto Film & TV, but was interested in the creative side of the business industry and later began Business Level 3.“Being able to focus on one course really appealed to me – I think that’s a real adv...

Reigate School of Art students; Marina, Jack, James and Lucas enjoyed the exciting opportunity to exhibit their work at Origins Creative Arts Festival in July, held at the Truman Brewery in Brick Lane.This annual celebration of work by ...

Brenda had a place at her school's Sixth Form, but decided that College was more suited to her work style, and enrolled on Childcare Level 2: “At that point, I had no idea what I wanted to do, but I knew I enjoyed working with chil...

William chose ESC as it allowed him to join even though he left school with few qualifications. He has now gained Maths and English GCSEs, which he is very grateful to have achieved through College. Will initially joined Business Level 1, be...

Faith initially joined East Surrey College on a School Links Hairdressing programme, but changed to Childcare Level 3 as she knew she wanted to work with children and "the course would introduce me to a wider range of jobs available." ...

Elizabeth visited various college Open Events, and decided that ESC was best suited to her career aspirations and found that: “ESC was so much more welcoming and friendly – I was excited to start the course and be part of the fam...

Charlie discovered the IT course at a College Open Event, where he found that: “The teachers went through the course content in a lot of detail and explained how it’s all coursework based – which I prefer. The college also ...

Lily joined ESC on Childcare Level 2, after missing a Maths GCSE Pass by one mark! Determined to continue towards the Level 3 qualification, she found that "it definitely helped me feel more ready for Level 3, as I gained a lot of knowledge.&quo...

After visiting an Open Event, Rochelle was impressed with the facilities at East Surrey College and initially enrolled on Art & Design Level 3. She then moved to the Beauty Therapy course and progressed from Level 2 to Level 3. Her Colle...

Georgina joined ESC from de Stafford School, after visiting the College at an Open Event, and chose to explore Public Services as she wanted to do something "different and practical - I'm not a fan of exams!"The course gives Georgin...

After finishing her A Levels, Liberty spent six months in Germany, interning at a law firm, and then returned back to the UK to pursue her passion for Engineering, and career that runs in her family. In Sept 2017, she joined the four-year En...

Despite enrolling late on the Access to Social Work Level 3 course, Maria was quick to catch up due to her determination and passion for the subject, after taking Health & Social Care for GCSE."I was considering a gap year but decided th...

Matthew joined East Surrey College from Boston College in Lincolnshire, where he studied Health & Social Care. Throughout his course, his part-time work as a care assistant in a residential dementia facility helped him to realise that &q...

A Supported Internship is a chance to build up confidence and gain independence, and was the path chosen by Hannah, who started the course in 2017.Hannah began by working 2 days a week in the College shop, which allowed her to develop key retail ...

Callum initially joined East Surrey College on a Public Services course, as his chosen route of science was not yet available. His decision to study at ESC was helped by location, but also with a visit to an Open Event, where he remarked tha...

James, an Engineering Apprentice working at Gatwick Airport, was recently awarded an IET (Institute of Engineering and Technology) bursary, which will support him throughout his studies. The award comes following his work as a STEM Amba...

Michael put together a fantastic video titled ‘My Stammer is Me,’ for his final project. Drawing on his personal experience, he wanted to “change perceptions on stammering.”The 30 minute film featured Michael talking ...

Former School: DunottarAlumni student Sophie recently celebrated the launch of her book, ‘Alienated’, at Reigate Library. The illustrated children’s book started as a project during her foundation year at...

Talented songwriter Teide, has been playing gigs in Surrey, Liverpool and London, impressing audiences with her guitar and vocal style.  She progressed from Music Production Level 2 to Sound and Music Production Level 3 and has recorded many...

Hannah currently works at East Surrey College as a Technician, assisting students on the Theatrical, Media & Special Effects Make-Up HND course. She started out as a student at the College, enrolling on Beauty Therapy Level 2, and progressing to ...

Luke’s love of cycling has taken him from bike-riding at a young age, to the 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games. He has been chosen to represent Team GB at the Games, which take place in March 2019 in Abu Dhabi. This is a huge achievement...

Ellie has started an exciting career within the skincare industry and is currently working for Dermalogica as a training specialist.Ellie was inspired by the different skincare companies that visited the College and knew this was the direction sh...

Jack completed Level 3 IT Software Development with a triple distinction.Web solution agency Monochrome visited the College to give the students an overview of the cutting edge tools they use. Jack used the opportunity to approach the company gai...

Alison was awarded Student of the Year for Childcare Level 3. She completed a work placement in her first year at Furzefield Primary School and was asked back in her second year on the course. She is hoping to work there full-time for a year before r...

Daniel chose to study at East Surrey College as he felt the Level 3 course was more relevant to what he wanted to do as a career rather than the A level equivalent at his previous school. Daniel is now studying Computer Science at the University of B...

Richard first studied Level 2 Travel & Tourism at East Surrey College as a route to the Level 3 Aviation Operations course. He is described by his tutor as being "hardworking" and was awarded Level 3 Aviation Operations Student of the Y...