How my course helped me
Hear more testimonials from our students by watching our Ambition Achieved video.
At City and Islington College we place the learner voice at the heart of each of our five centres. What our students say about their course and the College as a whole is very important to us and helps drive our reputation for teaching for learning but also helps to constantly improve.
This page gives you a taste of what our students have to say about their experiences at the College and how their courses and teachers have helped them achieve their ambition.
Centre for Applied Sciences
Spencer Carter
Studied: Access to Higher Education Diploma in Medicine and Medical Bioscience
Now studying: Dentistry at King’s College London
Spencer Carter decided to become a dentist after becoming disillusioned in his career and suffering from chronic tooth pain.
He said: “Studying with older students helped me make good friends on the course."
Helena Stengel
Studied: Diploma in Ophthalmic Dispensing
Destination: Working as a Dispensing Optician
Helena Stengel came to London wanting to train as an optician after taking the German equivalent of A Levels.
She said: “Working in Optics is very rewarding as you are able to give professional advice and expert customer care to clients."
Centre for Lifelong Learning
Syeda Afaz
Studied: Progressed from adult literacy to studying an Access to Higher Education Diploma in Humanities and Social Sciences
Destination: Studied a Law degree at the University of Westminster and is now training to become a solicitor at the University of Law
“When I enrolled at the College I was only 24, but I was nervous that there would be just young students there. However, the Centre for Lifelong Learning is so diverse and there are learners of all ages which helped me to settle in a lot.”
Centre for Business, Arts and Technology
Alfie Lambert
Studied: Access to Higher Education Diploma in Mixed Media
Destination: Studying a BA in Human, Social and Political Science at the University of Cambridge
He said: “Growing up I did not gel with school at all and I did not study any A Levels. I have always been passionate about politics and music though. I could not have done what I am doing without the support and encouragement of my tutor. ”
Stephanie Ware
Subjects: Access to Higher Education Diploma in Mixed Media
Destination: After graduating from a BA in Human, Social and Political Science at the University of Cambridge, Stephanie is working for Frontline supporting London's most vulnerable families
She said: “I am so excited about the opportunities ahead and what the future holds. Taking the Access course was a big step, as I had to give up a well-paid job in the City, but it was so worth it.”
Centre for Health, Social and Child Care
Byron Baker
Studied: Access to Higher Education Diploma in Social Work
Now studying a BA in Social Work at Middlesex University
He said: “ The psychology modules on the Access course were fascinating for me. They gave me answers as to why I had felt like I did. The College nurtures you back into education and it was very satisfying to get four university offers.”
Ivone Bailes
Studied: Diploma in Health and Social Care
Now working as a Senior Nursing Assistant at Guy’s Hospital
She said: “The decision to come back to the College was completely life changing and the best I have ever made. I had lost my confidence and did not think at my age that I would get another chance to work in the health care profession. ”
Student support
Supporting our students is the number one priority for the College. Find out what we have in place to support you.
Financial support
Most of our courses are free, and if not we can help you get a government loan. Don't let finances stop you learning.