Paston College

Welcome and thank you for considering Paston College for your next step. Our College has everything you need to achieve and succeed. We offer a fantastic learning experience and great support to help you reach your chosen destination.

It’s a great time to come to Paston. Located in North Walsham, Our College continues to offer excellent A Level and vocational teaching in an inspirational environment. This sees our students progress to leading university courses and other outstanding destinations.

Paston has a long-established reputation for academic excellence and a superb all-round student experience. Our college offers great student support, exciting extra-curricular opportunities and brilliant course trips and events,

As a Paston College student, you get all of this and more. There’s a wider range of courses to choose from and your very own NUS-affiliated Students’ Union. You have even more opportunities to add learning and work-related experiences to your CV or UCAS personal statement. This will truly make you stand out from the crowd.

Whatever your ambition, everything at Paston College is set up to help you reach your goal. We have expert staff who are fantastic and enthusiastic teachers, bringing a wealth of subject knowledge to all our courses. Your learning will take place in a superb learning environment. You will find a relaxed, friendly atmosphere and all the support you need to succeed.

The majority of Paston College students go on to university, with around 25% accepted to leading universities every year. Our students also have a great record of progressing to high quality apprenticeships and jobs.

3 A Level Programme

Minimum of 66444 at GCSE (Please note : grade 4 may be replaced by an 'old C' grade and grade 6 by 'old' B grade)

Vocational subjects cannot replace GCSEs for entry on to an A Level programme.

You must also study English/Maths GCSE if you have not already achieved grade 4  in these subjects.

4 A level programme

If you achieve a minimum of 3 GCSE's at grade 8 (A*) plus 5 at grade 7 (A) and your English Language and Maths are at minimum grade 4, you will have the option to join the A Plus programme.

Please note that A Plus is designed for applicants to academic courses at Oxford, Cambridge or other Russel Group universities. Grades in vocational subjects cannot replace GCSE's for entry to this programme.

Vocational programmes

Minimum of five grade 4 at GCSE (or old grade C) or Merit/Distinction in a relevant BTEC First Diploma (or equivalent) plus 1 grade 4 (or old grade 4) at GCSE. You must also study English Language and/or Maths GCSE if you have not already achieved grade 4 in these subjects.  

Level 2 programme

Minimum of three grade 4 at GCSE (or old Grade C). 

This programme is designed for those students who just miss our entry requirements for level 3 study.  It includes an opportunity to improve your GCSE English Language and Maths grades, alongside a Workskills course to develop the skills required for progression into employment or onto a level 3 programme.

Personal Tutors

All students have a personal tutor who will help you settle in and support you throughout your time at College. Tutors are a vital part of your College experience and you will see them both in group sessions and on a one to one basis.

Their role is to support your progress towards your own personal targets. They will provide you with personal development opportunities and help you on your journey to university level study, apprenticeships or employment.

Wellbeing

Our College provides a safe, positive and supportive environment for all students. We ensure that all students feel valued and can learn and progress in a secure environment.

The Study Skills Centre and Learning Support

If you require additional support with your studies, you will find help in the Study Skills Centre. This is a quiet and supportive working environment where students can study alone, work within small groups or work one to one with a member of the Additional Support Team.

It is open during college hours and it is well equipped with computers, desks for group work and staff available to give advice and support to you. Additional support may be available to you for a short period of time or for the duration of your studies at college.

For students who require and receive a weekly one to one support sessions, a programme of study is agreed with targets set. These are reviewed at regular intervals and shared with teachers to ensure that the student is receiving the most appropriate help. Our wellbeing team is here to help you fulfil your potential and maximise your physical and mental wellbeing. The team offers support with any health or wellbeing problem.

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

Paston College is passionate about supporting students with Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities. We offer a range of support services to help you while you are studying with us. Whether you have any specialist needs, or you would just like some help with your work.

Our specialist staff will ensure that effective and appropriate support provision is allocated to students requiring assistance with accessing their academic studies. Once you have applied to study at Paston you will receive a letter from the support team, which invites you to return the slip requesting contact from the Specialist Advisor team.

When this slip is received an Advisor will make contact with you to identify areas of support needed. You can also email our SENCo and share your EHCP (Education Health and Care Plan) sen@ccn.ac.uk

16-19 Bursary Fund

If you are under 19 when you start your course and your household income is under the set threshold then you may be eligible for support from the 16-19 Bursary Fund.

The aim of the fund is to help cover some of the financial costs of coming to college such as travel, equipment, & DBS fees. 

Payments from the general 16-19 Bursary Fund vary from about £240-£814 per year depending on income, course and circumstances.

We understand that you want to enjoy your time at College. Coming to our College is very different to being at school. You will be treated as an adult and given real independence and responsibility for your learning.

Our College has an active Students’ Union and great facilities to socialise in. We also provide a range of sporting and other extra-curricular activities. This gives you lots of opportunities to make new friends and have fun!

Transport

Getting to Paston College is both easy and affordable. North Walsham is well served by both bus routes and train services.

North Walsham Train Station

North Walsham train station is just 5 minutes walk from Paston College. It connects services from Norwich to Cromer, Sheringham and Runton on the coast.

Student Travel Discounts

Students can make use of the Norfolk County Council Post-16 Transport Scheme if travelling to Paston by bus.

Students can access reduced rail fares through Greater Anglia’s 16+ Scholar ticket. Rail fares through may be cheaper than the Norfolk County Council subsidised rate, particularly from stations on the Norwich to Sheringham line. 

Got a question about student travel?

If you need advice on travelling to College or have a question about anything below get in touch with Natalie Dyer on 01603 773607 or email: citytravel@ccn.ac.uk 

Paston College is a unique and interesting place to study with a mixture of historic and modern buildings.

Paston is based in the heart of the historic market town of North Walsham. The college campus is spread across two sites that are a short walk away from each other.

The Griffons Site

The Griffons site is based on Grammar School Road and is home to our newly refurbished Griffons Studio and the Griffons Theatre.

It is also the original Paston site which dates back to 1606 and is home to the historic Nelson Room where Lord Nelson studied before he joined the Royal Navy in 1771.

The Lawns Site

Based around the corner from The Griffons site on Park Lane, The Lawns site is home to our newly refurbished Scarburgh Science Centre, Student Services Centre and Advice Shop, Digital Support Centre, Gym and Starbucks Café.

If you need a space for some quiet study and to access resources, our library has everything you need. There are also lots of study areas and computer rooms located around our campus where you can get on with your work outside of the classroom.

The Advice Shop

If you have any questions or need support then our friendly team in the Advice Shop offer expert advice on everything from careers and finance, to travel and wellbeing. The Advice Shop is open to all students and you can drop-in or book an appointment.