Welcome to Andover College! 

Hello and welcome to Andover College. We are delighted that you are considering Andover as the next step in your education and we have developed a wide range of resources packed full of useful information and fun activities for you!

We hope you find these resources useful, interesting and inspiring and we look forward to welcoming you to Andover College in the future!

If you have any general questions please get in touch by emailing schoolsliaison@sparsholt.ac.uk. You can also contact our departments directly by using the 'ASK' email addresses at the side of this page in the 'Contact Us' section.  

Below are two welcome messages, the first from our Principal and Chief Executive, Julie Milburn, Vice Principal (Curriculum) Ben Stokes, Head of Learning Rob Price, and the Wellbeing Team and the second from our Assistant Principal (Professions) David Wales.

Explore the full playlist - here.

Student tour of campus!

T LEVELS ARE COMING…

T Levels are a new qualification after GCSE that will take your future to the next level.

From September 2022, the college has been selected to deliver T Levels in a range of subjects including Accountancy, Digital, Onsite Construction (Brick and Carpentry), Health (Nursing) and Science. T Levels are a new, two year qualification for students aged 16 to 19. They have been developed in collaboration with employers and providers to meet the needs of industry and to prepare students for work.  

When taking a T Level qualification, you will spend 80% of your time in the classroom and the other 20% in an industry placement. Through this you will learn the skills needed in your chosen industry and then be able to put those skills into practice. You will spend at least 45 days, each year of the course, in your industry placement, giving you valuable experience to help you stand out against the rest. 

T Levels are nationally recognised by universities and employers. They also hold UCAS points as they are equivalent to three A Levels.  

Industry Placements

Industry Placements are a Government initiative and part of the new T-Level qualifications that are due to begin to be introduced in September 2020.

These will be rolled out across a variety of subjects at different times and it is best to get in touch with the college as we can advise which subjects require these at this stage and which will in the future. You can also take a look at the individual subject pages which will include information about Industry Placement hours if needed for the course. 

If you have any questions, concerns or issues please get in touch with the Industry Placement team via email or drop in and see them when you start College! (ip@sparsholt.ac.uk)

Wellbeing

Starting college and studying a subject that you are passionate about is exciting but it can be daunting too. We know how important it is to stay focused on your studies but recognise that life can get in the way sometimes.

That is why we have a highly experienced Student Wellbeing Team to ensure you are able to cope with any obstacles life throws at you and to offer specialist advice and support. 

The wellbeing team provide our students with additional support and guidance for any worries or difficulties you have which are affecting you time at college including: 

• Counselling
• Confidential one-to-one services
• Childcare support
• Carer support 
• Learning support 

If you have any concerns or questions regarding Wellbeing support you may be entitled to please get in touch (wellbeingandover@sparsholt.ac.uk). 

Study + 

University Prep Programme 

We know that some degree and career pathways are often highly challenging and competitive, so Andover College has designed a range of University Prep Programmes to complement your main study programme and help you build the skills, experiences and confidence to give you the edge for your university applications and future career progression.

As part of the UPP you will be offered a range of opportunities, support and experience to help you build additional skills and experience.

We currently offer the UPP in the following subject areas:

• Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM subjects including medicine and veterinary medicine)
• Media and Journalism
• Education
• Law
• Business and IT

Extended Project Qualification 

Alongside your studies there is the option to undertake an additional EPQ course.

This 1 year course allows students the freedom and flexibility to explore a particular area of personal interest. You will be in charge of the subject and resulting project demonstrating your initiative and creativity.

The EPQ can be a great addition to your portfolio of courses and a fantastic stand out point for a university application. Previous projects have included: A German Cookbook, an essay examining the legality of Nuclear Weapons, and Designing and Building (to scale) a Town Development.

Enrichment

At Andover, we try to be creative and different. Enrichment gives students an opportunity to broaden their personal development. We focus on this taking place through the curriculum so that students learn the wider context of their studies and are able to take their learning beyond the classroom. Bringing learning to life – we organise a number of exciting excursions including Disneyland Paris, The Guardian Head office, Washington DC and many more.

Students are encouraged to take on extracurricular activities to support their education whilst at college. We have introduced many new enrichment activities such as; Film Club, a Political Society, Science Club and Art Club.

Student Council 

The Student Council is an integral part of campus life and great way for students to ensure their questions, concerns and experiences are heard and play and active role in decision making.

Each year students are nominated for their position and they attend monthly Student Council Sessions with representatives from the Senior Leadership Team to discuss ways in which the College can best support our students to achieve and develop as confident young professionals. 

Previous campaigns and projects that the Student Council have been involved in include, the introduction of Arlo and Romeo as therapy dogs and the mental health and wellbeing charter actioned last year (read full story here).

Student Ambassadors 

Every year at Andover College a select group of students get the opportunity to work as Student Ambassadors for the college taking part in various Open Events and Student Interviews throughout the year. 

This opportunity provides our students with fantastic experience for their CV and content for personal statements upon completion. Each year curriculum is asked to nominate exceptional students they feel are well suited to the position, who demonstrate reliability, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. 

If you are interested in the position when at college you should speak with your Personal Tutor and lecturers. 

Careers

At Andover College we do everything we can to make sure that you have a plan of what you want to do once you leave. We will do everything we can to get you started. Our Careers guidance aims to expand the horizons of all students, of all ages, enabling you to make informed career decisions in order to progress towards high personal and professional achievements and a fulfilling future.

Find out more 

Interested in an Apprenticeship?

Finance and Funding 

Embarking on a new academic programme can and should be an exciting time for all our applicants and students, however, it is important to consider any financial or funding support you may require to complete your course to the best of your ability. 

Click here for more information