City of Oxford College — Attraction in Oxford

Attended a clearing and enrolment session with my son and his friend. Everyone was welcoming and friendly with the exception of one lady who initially did the clearing and pre-enrolment. She was incredibly patronising and rude and not someone that fills any new student with much confidence. She also lacked all of the knowledge of the course that my son was interested in and almost mocked him for not getting the GCSE results to be able to do anything of a high level. We were already aware of the courses on offer before today and the one chosen was based on the availability suited to my son's qualifications etc. Fortunately, the day was saved by the very helpful teams around the campus, especially the enrolment team. Aside from the one individual the college is set in a good environment and I believe my son will enjoy his time here.

Update - my son has since left the college due to poorly organised and inadequate teaching staff. In a short space of time there were many occasions where teachers didn't turn up on time or at all, no substitute teachers to still ensure lessons went ahead, late starts, early finishes etc. The communication was appalling on most of the occasions and when teacher's weren't available my son was left either doing word searches or making things unrelated to his course. Extremely unimpressed and kind of knew it would be this way given the poor enrolment and...

Really really negative experience today with Amy re taking A levels at the college. There was no point attending clearing in person as Amy didn't seem able to consider that a student is anything more than the numbers on a sheet of paper! This year is the first year that does not take the impact of COVID into consideration despite it having a massive impact on years 7&8. Instead of compiling a list of interested students who may gain a place on their chosen course through the clearing process, Amy just wants to get bums on seats and funds in pockets by advising students to literally take any course available, even if it is of no interest to them.

Exams are not a full reflection of a students ability. Perhaps liaising with a students former headteacher would give more insight. Just as the college website will show you the college in the way they want to be perceived; I think the 3.3 star rating, certain staff attitudes and the chaotic "processing" of a queue of less than 100 people, speaks volumes.

If you want your child to be seen as a cash cow as opposed to an enthusiastic individual with limitless potential (in the hands of passionate teachers) send them here 👍

I feel crushed after my interaction with Amy and can only imagine how many students are coming home today feeling deflated and dissilusioned after being told that passing every single one of your GCSE's...

I want to express my disappointment and upset with your college at which my daughter is a student. This is her first year in self learning education after leaving school and eagerly wanting to excel in college. When I attended the open day I listened to the head and tutors explain how this college provides exceptional education and goes above and beyond to support students in their career journey. I am so disappointed in how it is run and the staffing shortages. She is constantly being emailed (last minute) and told that her tutors are not well or they have family issues. This is totally unacceptable, she is now extremely concerned she will not have had enough guidance to complete her two year course. This should have been the most exciting start to her career and instead she is nervous, unsure and feels unsupported. How are students supposed to keep attendance up and motivated when the tutors rarely show up. I will share my feedback on Google as I really don’t want other parents to be in the position I am next year. This is just not...