Two very different colleges... which would you choose?

So it's a choice between passing and failing for the sake of getting the bus? I know which one I'd choose.

Hey all,

I am in the process of potentially enrolling for my first college soon after my GCSE results, however I have two choices.

Choice A being an Ofsted outstanding college (in all areas, 2011) which is a largely vocational study based (btecs, apprenticeships, ect), however it offers the exact A Levels I wish to study. The A level centre is small and the average grade is c-b. It is is modern, has fantastic facilities and is very welcoming from what I've seen. The catch is I will have to travel on two public buses to get there and it will take about an hour and a 40 minutes one way (10 mile away) Crazy I know!

Choice B is an Ofsted requires improvement college (in all areas, 2017) which produces broadly the same results on average at grade C. It is a sixth form college and specialises in A levels as must sixth form college do. Sadly I won't be doing my ideal options here for a level, I will be doing a second choice as they don't offer one of my dream a level choices anymore. It was previously graded as good. The bus journey is a simple contract "school bus" which will take about an hour (10 miles away ish again).

Please do let me know what you'd do guys! Bearing in mind my ridiculous travel times! I'm a hard working and sensible person, I want to maybe go to uni.

Many thanks for anyone's thoughts,
A

Hell, I walked 30 minutes to the train station each day and then took the train to the town the sixth form was in... up a hill again to get to the sixth form.... rinse and repeat for the way home. Every single day.

OP is lucky to be able to have the chance of getting on two buses lmfao.



Take Choice A. It's a no brainer.

How long did it take you in total and did it affect you home workload, jobs or anything like that?

30 minute walk + 18 min train + 15 minute walk up to sixth form so just over an hour.

I must admit, it was bloody tiring doing that for two years, especially during exam time. I normally take 30 mins to an hour when I get home to acclimatize before I am able to start doing work

I would have been able to do more if I stuck to my local FE college, but I was dead set on going somewhere which had better outcomes and I do not regret my decision at all.

Fair enough, I'm glad you don't regret your decision. I'm worried simply because it's an hour and 40 that's nearly four hours a day travelling. Against two hours to the other... It's requires improvement and I really don't know anyone who's been to a sixth form graded so badly, do I'm confused.

I know someone who took about two hours (and a little bit more) EACH way to get to my sixth form. He's going to St. Andrews this year hopefully so it hasn't affected him too much clearly

You could do school-work on the bus, how long are you on each bus for?

Around 12 minutes and then 45 minutes. The rest of the time accounted for by the walking and waiting for change over bus. It's good to keep in mind the change over is in a big bus terminal so lots of shelter.

Does seem like a royal pain in the backside that. I still think it's worth it though. What @Ethan9133 said is right.

Although at the end of the day it is completely up to you.

I guess it's going to be a trade off between my educational aspirations and my sanity...

I'm sure you'll stay sane haha

The real question is in my shoes would you choose the outstanding and 1 hour 40 journey or the requires improvement and the hour.
Both are a joke really.

I would definitely choose the outstanding one.

I must emphasize though - The choice is yours!

Of course I know this is my decision! But thanks for your input and to all who responded also.

Hey all,

I am in the process of potentially enrolling for my first college soon after my GCSE results, however I have two choices.

Choice A being an Ofsted outstanding college (in all areas, 2011) which is a largely vocational study based (btecs, apprenticeships, ect), however it offers the exact A Levels I wish to study. The A level centre is small and the average grade is c-b. It is is modern, has fantastic facilities and is very welcoming from what I've seen. The catch is I will have to travel on two public buses to get there and it will take about an hour and a 40 minutes one way (10 mile away) Crazy I know!

Choice B is an Ofsted requires improvement college (in all areas, 2017) which produces broadly the same results on average at grade C. It is a sixth form college and specialises in A levels as must sixth form college do. Sadly I won't be doing my ideal options here for a level, I will be doing a second choice as they don't offer one of my dream a level choices anymore. It was previously graded as good. The bus journey is a simple contract "school bus" which will take about an hour (10 miles away ish again).

Please do let me know what you'd do guys! Bearing in mind my ridiculous travel times! I'm a hard working and sensible person, I want to maybe go to uni.

Many thanks for anyone's thoughts,
A

Have you thought about maybe going to a sixth form not necessarily a college that is connected to a school maybe your previous school as it would be closer and are also usually better for a levels than colleges which are better for vocational studies.