Access to Higher Education courses are designed to prepare students who have been out of education for some time to go on to further study at university or into employment. Our popular Access courses include Nursing, Social Work and Teaching.
Access courses are full-time. We also offer a part-time English and maths courses for adults.
Whether you want to move up the ladder or launch a whole new career in accountancy, AAT qualifications will equip you with the expertise and confidence to succeed. Our Accounting courses are accredited by the Association of Accounting Technicians, from the Level 2 Accounting Certificate to Level 4 Advanced Diploma.
At West Thames College, we offer some of the best Art and Design courses London has to offer. You can study courses from Level One Foundation through to the Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design. You can specialise at Level 3 within Art and Design or Animation and Games Design.
West Thames College Beauty Therapy courses are taught by teachers with professional industry experience so that you qualify, are job ready and become confident in your professional skills.
On our Beauty Therapist courses you'll train in professional salons and take part in industry visits and exhibitions. These qualifications lead to a career in beauty therapy.
West Thames College Business and Administration courses have good success rates. Our teachers have industry experience and will help you progress to university and employment.
You'll study work-related projects linked to current business practice and work on live briefs from real clients. Business courses offer outstanding work experience opportunities and industry visits.
West Thames College offers a range of practical childcare courses and apprenticeships with high success rates. Students receive individual support from experienced teachers and gain valuable work placements or apprenticeships in schools, day nurseries and children's centres.
We have strong links with Kingston and Roehampton Universities and many of our students go on to study at higher levels.
Bright Horizons UK and West Thames College have joined in partnership to support their students in completing their Early Years qualifications. This partnership will provide students with hands-on placement experiences in our nurseries, helping students foster a deeper understanding of Bright Horizons and the Early Years sector specifically, while also benefiting our teams, allowing them to mentor and guide students.
"We recently had the pleasure of visiting the college at the start of the academic year to meet the students, which has provided us with the opportunity to engage with them, answer questions, and set expectations before they start on their student journey. We look forward to visiting again in the next term, and support by delivering a workshop tailored to their curriculum."
"Our aim is to develop this partnership over the next year, and we look forward to continuing the work we do with Carolyn and West Thames College."
- Kirstie O’Neill, Early Careers Manager, Bright Horizons.
West Thames College is a certified CISCO and Microsoft Academy, giving students the chance to study a range of Computing and ICT courses at varying levels.
Our computer courses are taught by teachers with industry experience. Students on our ICT courses benefit from our state-of-the-art ICT suites, experience interactive learning with our virtual learning environment and study work-related projects, e.g. working with live briefs from real clients.
The courses offer outstanding work experience opportunities and the opportunity to visit local businesses. That's why we believe you'll find the best BTEC IT courses London can offer at West Thames College.
Our Construction courses are based at the Skills + Logistics Centre in FeItham. The Centre is equipped with specialist workshops for all the trade skills: plumbing, painting and decorating, electrical installation and carpentry.
West Thames College delivers part-time professional Counselling courses, which lead to CPCAB accredited qualifications.
Our Counselling Psychology and Therapy courses are taught by teachers who have a wealth of experience working for the NHS, in psychiatric hospitals and for mental health charities.
Our Dance courses give you the skills for a career on stage. You'll take part in workshops led by highly experienced teachers and dance professionals. Our dance studios and 140-seat Endeavour Theatre with professional sound and lighting rig make us one of the best colleges for performing arts in London.
Based at the West Thames College Skills + Logistics Centre in Feltham, our Engineering department has an excellent reputation. We offer a range of Engineering and Manufacturing.
Our teachers are industry experienced professionals and will give you the skills to get you job-ready or to study further at university.
ESOL courses are designed for anyone whose first language is not English and who wishes to learn how to speak English, progress to other courses, or to get a job. If you're looking for English courses for beginners, we'll interview you to find out which class is best for you.
Our supportive teachers will help build your confidence and develop the skills you need to live and work in the UK. On our Skills for Life courses, you'll have termly exams to help you to progress quickly and gain nationally recognised qualifications.
These courses contribute towards the Citizenship Skills for Life certificate
We offer full time, part time, or day release hairdressing and beauty courses, as well as apprenticeships in hairdressing. Our hair courses achieve high success rates and are staffed by teachers with extensive professional experience.
On your hairdresser course you'll train in our professional hair salons, which are open to the public, and take part in industry visits and exhibitions in the UK and overseas. After your hairdressing course, you'll be confident, qualified and job ready.
Looking for a career in Health and Care? West Thames College offers a variety of Health and Care courses, which can lead to careers ranging from counselling to nursing.
You'll learn from teachers with professional industry experience, as well as guest speakers and lecturers. Our Health and Social Care courses have high success and progression rates.
Our Specialist Professional Makeup courses have an outstanding international reputation. To get a place on our Makeup courses, you must apply early and have an excellent portfolio.
We have exceptional success rates and many of our students are snapped up to work for the BBC, West End theatre productions, retailers such as Bobbi Brown, film productions and photoshoots for top magazines.
You'll get to work in our professional makeup studios and theatre, and learn from professional and award-winning teachers with extensive industry experience.
Want to learn cutting edge skills in music technology, game design, media production, theatre production or audio production? Our Media and Music Production courses are taught by highly experienced tutors, who will teach you in our amazing new state-of-the-art studios.
Whether you choose to study on our Music or Media Courses, you'll get to perform/engineer live gigs and go on industry visits, e.g. Sky, BBC and Metropolis Studios. We have excellent success rates and many of our students go on to find employment in leading media and production companies around London.
Our Motor Vehicle courses will teach you motor vehicle maintenance and repair in a large workshop based at our Skills + Logistics Centre in Feltham.
Courses are taught by highly experienced motor-trade professionals. They will give you the relevant skills to start a motor vehicle apprenticeship or begin work in the industry.
Our Performing Arts and Dance courses give you the skills for a career on stage or behind the scenes. Whether you study a Performing Arts course or a Dance course, you'll take part in workshops led by highly experienced teachers. Our Performing Arts courses have visits from guest directors and industry professionals.
We have some of the best facilities in London with our dance studios and 140-seat Endeavour Theatre with professional sound and lighting rig.
We offer some of the most highly sought after Science courses in London: BTEC Applied Science courses as well as HND/HNC Applied Biology for advanced students. Study at West Thames College to prepare for a science degree and a range of jobs in science.
You'll learn from highly qualified staff with science-related Masters and PhD degrees as well as guest industry speakers and specialist lectures. You'll have work experience opportunities and take part in visits to universities, museums and conferences, as well as events such as National Science Week.
Study Sports and Fitness courses at West Thames College to gain the skills you'll need for jobs in sport and fitness or active leisure. Our experienced sports professionals will develop your skills in team-building, problem-solving and self-discipline and will help you to gain Sports Leadership, Lifeguard or Coaching qualifications.
As a student on our Sports courses, you'll get to use our sports hall, fitness suite and outdoor sports pitches. Studying these Fitness courses, you'll get the chance to participate in outdoor activities including camping, canoeing, orienteering, abseiling and climbing and also have the opportunity to join one of the college's successful sports teams.
Our Supported Learning courses have very high success rates with good progression to mainstream courses. Supported Learning students benefit from small class sizes, work experience opportunities through Project Search based at GlaxoSmithKline and the London Borough of Hounslow plus a varied and stimulating enrichment programme.
Key Facts
Our teaching courses include CELTA, AET, DET / ProfGCE and Access to Teaching, are designed to give you the skills you'll need to find a teaching job or to develop your skills.
You'll get excellent support from our experienced tutors, as well as a mentor system, workshop and online help. We take a practical, hands-on approach for new teachers and operate flexible study times to fit in with your work and lifestyle.
West Thames College offers a range of FREE trade union training courses for elected or appointed Union reps. Our Trade Union courses aim to arm reps with the knowledge they need to help them represent, negotiate and organise to improve conditions in their workplace for their members.
West Thames College has a long-standing relationship with Heathrow Airport, a leading local employer. We offer a range of Travel and Tourism Courses to help you find careers in the travel industry. Our courses include: Aviation Operations, Galileo reservations, HND in Travel and Tourism Management and Worldwide Airline Fares and Ticketing courses (WAFT).
We offer full time travel courses and short programs such as the airline ticketing courses. You'll study practical work-related projects with teachers who have real industry experience.
Study BTEC Uniformed Public Services courses at West Thames College to prepare for a job in one of the uniformed services such as the fire service, paramedics, police or armed forces.
Our industry-experienced staff will teach you skills in team-building, problem-solving and self-discipline; plus, whilst studying your Uniformed Public Services course, you'll have access to our fully equipped fitness suite and brand new sports pitches.
The employer-focused training division of West Thames College works in partnership with businesses to provide strategic learning and development programmes. Our short courses are ideal for people working in small to medium sized organisations and to assist working professionals to develop their skills in key areas. Our training team consists of qualified professionals who all have experience of delivering training to a wide range of businesses across all sectors. They will share their expertise with you, to ensure that you and your staff work together to make your business more effective.
Logistics is crucial for business operations, ensuring products are delivered quickly and efficiently with minimal risk. It involves planning, organising, controlling, and executing the movement and management of goods from origin to destination, using various techniques and technologies.
Key aspects include warehousing, inventory management, and transportation. Studying logistics is important because it equips individuals with the skills needed to optimise supply chains, reduce costs, and improve overall efficiency.
The West Thames College Skills + Logistics Centre is based in Feltham and it is a prime location to support the local area in providing candidates to the workforce.
As a college, we offer a range of courses that support candidates in developing skills to enter one of the largest sectors in the UK.
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Business with Logistics (16-18 Year Olds) |
|
This course is designed for those who wish to pursue a career in business with Logistics. It gives learners an insight into the world of Business with particular emphasis in the area of logistics. How businesses efficiently move goods and services from one point to the other. |
Level 2 Certificate in International Supply Chain Logistics (Adults) |
|
This qualification aims to advance employment or studies in supply chain logistics, equipping students with essential knowledge and skills. It suits current sector workers, those returning to learning for a new challenge, and those progressing from a Level 1 qualification. |
Pre-Employment Courses in Logistics
From your initial enquiry until you leave the college, we will give you all the advice, guidance and support you need to ensure that your time at West Thames College is happy, safe and successful.
For general questions about the courses and the application process please contact the Information Centre via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 020 8326 2020.
The Information Centre can also arrange:
All full-time students have a student learning adviser, who will meet with you regularly to monitor progress and assist with any issues. You will also have access to specialist teachers, who will:
Contact the Information Centre to book an initial assessment with the Inclusion and Progression team.
Access a range of online services and resources to help you with your studies. It is also a quiet place to study and to use a computer.
We will take all reasonable steps to ensure that the college facilities are accessible to you and that your learning and support needs are met.
Our team of independent careers advisers will help you make the right decision for your future and identify the skills you need to succeed.
Talk through problems in complete confidence with a professional counsellor.
Our financial adviser will give you practical advice and help with loans and bursaries
Our Student Experience and Security teams help to create a safe, welcoming and friendly college environment for everyone to enjoy. You can talk to a safeguarding officer at any time if you have concerns about your safety or wellbeing.
West Thames College is a vibrant, successful college of further and higher education. Our practical courses and degree apprenticeships will give you the skills you need and employers want. You can contact our Information Centre to find out more information about all our courses, and why West Thames College could be the right place to continue your studies.
We will give you all the support you need to succeed.
London is an exciting place to study with great job opportunities
Be part of our friendly, lively and successful community
View our range of Higher Education courses and apprenticeships. See the events page for dates to visit the college. Apply via www.ucas.com or click the Apply Now button on the course web page. If you have any questions, please contact the Information Centre on 020 8326 2020 or enquire now.
West Thames College is a vibrant and successful college of further and higher education. Our vision is to be outstanding in everything we do. We provide excellent support to our diverse student population and staff are well supported in a culture of continuous professional and personal development. Many members of staff have been encouraged to take on new and more senior roles at the college.
We have a good reputation in the local community and enjoy long-standing partnerships with a number of leading local employers. Facilities at both our campuses in Isleworth and Feltham are state-of-the-art, with good public transport links and free staff parking. See our facilities, benefits and professional development for staff.
To join our friendly and welcoming college see the current vacancies and apply online. Please read the Guidance for Applicants before you complete the application form.
If you need more information, please contact our Human Resources team on 020 8326 2638 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Thank you for your interest in West Thames College; it really is a great place to work.
Louise Owen
Head of HR & Professional Development
West Thames College works in partnerships with local schools to offer specialist vocational courses aimed at 14-16 year olds.
Are you looking for extra enrichment or an alternative to traditional schooling?
We are dedicated to supporting young people, their families, and our partners. Our flexible curriculum for 14-16-year-olds prepares learners for college with core subjects like English and Maths, alongside courses developing personal and employability skills. Our personalised approach ensures each student gains skills, qualifications, and confidence to overcome challenges. Progress is reviewed regularly, and students are encouraged to pursue higher-level qualifications if capable.
We offer Year 10 and Year 11 options, with 16 hours of on-site study over 3-4 days. Learners work towards a BTEC Level 1 Award/Certificate/Diploma in Vocational Studies and GCSEs in English and Maths, taking exams at the end of Year 11. Additional lessons include subjects like Sport, Travel, Business, Art, and trades such as Hairdressing or Multi-skills. Students also participate in enrichment sessions and receive career advice.
Year 10 students begin with Trading Places, with the option to progress to Year 11 FreshStart upon completing Level 1. Year 11 FreshStart is open to both returning and new students.
Applications are made by secondary schools or the local authority to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
| Course | More Information | Next Steps |
| Trading Places for Year 10s | Full time courses for Year 10 pupils who might be more suited to a college than a school environment. | Courses start in September, with applications accepted from January to March 31. Applicants and parents are invited for a tour and interview. For inquiries, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
| FreshStart for Year 11s | Full time courses for Year 11 pupils who might be more suited to a college than a school environment. | Courses start in September, with applications accepted from January to March 31. Applicants and parents are invited for a tour and interview. For inquiries, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
Our ESOL 14-16 Years course is tailored to support 14–16 year-old students whose first language is not English and who aim to improve their skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes core subjects such as English and Maths (offered at Functional Skills or GCSE level), alongside employability training, personal and life skills development, Science, Humanities, and Physical Education (PE). Students will benefit from engaging, interactive teaching methods designed to make learning accessible and enjoyable, while also helping them focus on achieving their individual goals and personal targets through targeted support and tutorials.
| Course | More Information | Next Steps |
| ESOL 14-16 Years |
This full-time course supports 14–16-year-olds whose first language is not English, focusing on improving reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. | Send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
We can arrange customised provision to ensure that students get the best out of their education.
For further information please contact the Information Centre to arrange an initial meeting to discuss your requirements.
Our part-time and evening courses for adults are ideal if you want to return to work or study, or learn something completely new. At West Thames College we have courses for all levels, so whether you are upskilling for your career, or you are complete beginner - join us and start your new chapter with us. If you are in work and want further training and a recognised qualification, talk to us about apprenticeships.
West Thames College trains thousands of adults each year, and it could be you next. Become part of a vibrant and supportive community with teams available to help you with funding and financial support, as well as offering you careers guidance, if you are unsure of what course you want to study.
Our lecturers are industry experts as well as being qualified teachers, who will give you the extra support and encouragement you need to succeed.
Some courses require a fee. We offer financial assistance and guidance on loans. See our financial support page.
West Thames College is one of London’s leading providers of professional education.
We offer expert Apprenticeship and work-based training courses to develop staff across all levels of the organisation in order to improve your productivity.
We offer employers:
Short courses and customised training for Businesses
Find out about Apprenticeships
Be part of the local community
Logistics Skills Alliance
These short courses will develop your skillset and specialist knowledge as well as providing excellent opportunities to network with other businesses.
We have scheduled courses in:
See leaflet for full range of courses. For more information email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
West Thames College offer a free training needs analysis service and can create bespoke course programmes to meet the needs of your organisation, covering areas such as:
Our customised training solutions are delivered by expert consultant trainers at discounted rates. Training sessions can take place at your premises, at a location of your choice, or in our Spring Grove House training suite.
Contact a business adviser to discuss your learning and development needs.
West Thames College offers a range of FREE trade union training courses for elected or appointed Union reps. Our Trade Union courses aim to arm reps with the knowledge to help them represent, organise and to negotiate to improve conditions in the workplace.
Click here for information about the trade union courses currently being offered.
West Thames College delivers free, pre-employment courses for Hounslow residents, who are receiving benefits.
| Course | Duration |
| Preparation for work | 2 weeks |
| Digital skills for beginners | 3 weeks |
| Customer service skills | 2 weeks |
| Basic IT skills | 1 week |
| Bookkeeping Level 1 | 1 week |
Ask your career coach for details.
If you’re a student or parent still deciding on colleges or the right course, there are plenty of occasions to come and see us. We have regular Open Days, careers events, parents' evenings and opportunities to see our students’ work.
Visiting us is the best way to get a feel for the college before you apply.
We run a number of Open Days throughout the year, please click here to see the latest upcoming days and to book your place.
You'll have a chance to meet our lecturers and students.
Ask questions about the courses and apprenticeships we offer.
Take a tour of our fantastic facilities.
Next Open Day:
Parents’ evenings are an opportunity to receive an update on your son or daughter’s progress directly from their teachers. You'll also receive a written review to take away with you.
Please click here to see our next set of parents' evenings.
College tours take place at 4pm on the first Wednesday of most months. These are small, informal tours where you are able to:
With state-of-the-art facilities, dedicated staff and having been awarded "Good, with 'Outstanding' features" by Ofsted in 2014, we aim to provide the best educational services to our students.
Our next tour at our Isleworth campus will be confirmed soon.
We will have dates for theSkills & Logisitcs Centre, Feltham shortly.
In the mean time you can register for our Open Days. This is a great way to see the college and talk to tutors about all our courses.
If you're interested in our engineering, construction, catering, motor vehicle, and logistics courses, then you'll want to attend a tour at the Skills & Logistics Centre, Feltham.
Register below and you're well on your way to becoming a part of one of London's top colleges!
West Thames College is located on two sites: the Isleworth Campus and the Skills+Logistics Centre in Feltham.
The Isleworth Campus is situated on London Road (A315) between Hounslow and Brentford, next door to the Isleworth Fire Station. It is in TFL Zone 4.
Address:
West Thames College
London Road
Isleworth
Middlesex
TW7 4HS
Phone: 020 8326 2000
Isleworth Station (5 minutes walk).
https://www.southwesternrailway.com/plan-my-journey
Osterley or Hounslow East Stations (Piccadilly Line), then 10-15 minutes walk, or by bus from Hounslow Bus Station.
https://tfl.gov.uk/maps/track/tube
117, 235, 237, E8 and H37 buses stop outside the college.
http://content.tfl.gov.uk/bus-route-maps/hounslow-station-a4.pdf
There is a car park for staff, disabled students and evening students (entrance on Harvard Road), however places are limited on a first come first served basis. There are parking meters on the roads directly around the campus. The nearest free parking is on Osterley Road.
Download our Isleworth Campus map
The Feltham Skills+Logistics Centre is at the end of Boundaries Road, off the main Uxbridge Road (A312). Boundaries Road is accessed by a small service road and parade of shops (opposite the Airman pub, near the footbridge). It is in TFL Zone 6.
Address:
77 Boundaries Road
Feltham
Middlesex
TW13 5DR
Information Centre 020 8326 2020 or 020 8818 6800
Feltham Station (15 minutes walk).
https://www.southwesternrailway.com/plan-my-journey
Buses 285 and 490 stop on Uxbridge Road.
Other buses - the 235, 117, 90 and H25 - stop on Feltham High Street (15 minute walk)
Car park on site
Please report to the Information Centre on arrival.
Download our Feltham Campus map
Ofsted is the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills. It reports directly to Parliament and is both independent and impartial. It inspects schools, colleges and other providers with the aim of providing information to parents, to promote improvement and to hold providers to account.
Ofsted Inspection 2024
The College is being inspected by Ofsted from Tuesday 3rd December to Friday 6th December. This is an important opportunity for us to showcase the excellent work that we do for our students, from the hard work of our staff, to our liaison with parents/carers, and through collaboration with our employers and other partners. It will enable us to demonstrate our absolute commitment to ensuring that every student has an outstanding experience in their time with us, enabling them to achieve their qualifications, to develop their skills and to progress to their next step.
We are incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made on our Journey to Outstanding (J2O) and we look forward to sharing the impact of our work with the inspectors.
Thank you for your continued support, enabling our students to succeed and progress.
Ofsted Report 2021
The house is available to hire per room/per day and is a popular venue for business meetings, conferences and training events. The College's Endeavour Theatre and sports hall are also available to hire for larger functions, shows, exhibitions, conferences and sports activities.
Rooms: We have a wide range of meeting rooms that can either be hired individually, or as block bookings. We also have venues for larger conference events. Wi-fi, audio visual / conference equipment and catering can be provided upon request.
Parking: We offer free parking, but there is limited availability at peak times.
Ready to book? Please click here, or alternatively, If you have any questions about our rooms, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or you can call us on 0208 326 2268.
OUR CORPORATION BOARD
The Corporation Board is an independent body made up of the Principal, independent governors, staff governors and student governors.
The Corporation was established under the Further and Higher Education Act 1992 for the purpose of conducting West Thames College. The College is an exempt charity and is regulated by the Secretary of State for Education.
The main responsibilities of the board are to:
• Determine and develop the College’s educational character.
• Set and communicate the College’s strategy and goals.
• Hold executive leaders to account for the educational performance and quality of the College, and for the performance of staff.
• Exercise effective control to ensure that funds and assets are protected, the College remains solvent and legal obligations are met.
• Engage with stakeholders to understand their views.
The responsibilities are set out in the Instrument and Articles of Government
The Corporation has established a number of committees to support it in its work:
You can find more about each of the committees in their terms of reference.
The Chair of the Governing Body is Stuart McGeoch. Contact the Chair of the Governing Body through the Head of Governance: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Looking to kickstart your career or learn something new? West Thames College is offering a range of exciting courses starting in January. Whether you want to gain new skills, pursue a passion, or change your career, now is the perfect time to get started.
Select a course you've previously looked at or search for a new one, confirm the details and start your application.
