Woking College

"the security guard at the entrance is very polite and helpful"

"TL;DR: Great teaching staff! Social justice is strong there; debate about social issues that don't align with the personal opinions of certain staff is a bad idea. I graduated from Woking college in 2020, and I had a mixed experience. The teaching staff were absolutely wonderful, I had an extremely enjoyable time learning there, with particular thanks to teaching staff Sam, Rob, Nikki, Dan, Shanaal, and Josh. Every lesson was interesting and well planned, and each of the above-mentioned teachers was always happy to answer any and all questions I had about the subject. Some so far as to do independent research, off the curriculum, to answer my question at a later date! However, I had a particularly negative experience with feeling heard when, after engaging in a philosophical debate in my philosophy class, my head of year and another member of staff came to believe that the argument I presented was my personal opinion on the matter, and thus I was treated like a misguided student and told by my head of year that I should research emotional intelligence. I am typically extremely careful about the words I choose to use, and I'm very conscious of the thoughts and feelings of others. Despite my protest, it was like explaining myself to a brick wall. Suffice to say, I was far quieter for the rest of the year learning there, in fear that what I say would be miscontrued once again. (Addional context for those interested: The debate was about whether or not another student should be allowed to use racial slurs when directly quoting a movie. My argument was that because his recital was purely objective, that it's acceptable. I obviously do not condone the use of racial slurs. Despite my objective argument, regardless of my personal opinion, I was told on numerous occasions that I shouldn't use racial slurs; something I've never done. I went unheard to those who it mattered most. Fortunately, my form tutor, Sam G, took the time to actually listen to me and made me feel far more validated, not as some maniacal racist, but as a student that can offer an opinion without it being misconstrued and pushed down because it differs with of the personal opinions of other staff members)."

"My experience was over 5 years ago tho it felt like yesterday i chose to leave due to some of the teaching methods and overall atmosphere of the college. Don't get me wrong i have some good memories from woking college but not great ones, nothing about being in that college made me want to stay to go further in life with education nor a big time career. My creativity was enlightened by the one teacher i liked at the school the most (Cherry) as well as a few others."

"Really disappointing. Great facilities but teachers will not allow students who get below certain grades to progress. When a request to do work from.home for a short time due to health issues was supported at first then pressure put on to attend the following week was unbelievable. The Italian GCSE was a shock. You don't get put through if you cannot prove a 8 or 9 grade. That is why the grades are always good. I cannot believe that the safeguarding lead is someone who really should not be in post. Look elsewhere if you want your child to succeed. Only people who were remotely supportive was Wendy and one other staff member. They are no good for supporting with social issues. Want to treat students like adults except when it suits."

"My experience may be a one off, but some of the teachers, including some which are at the very top. Are completely blind to the social issues in the college, bullying and discrimination was the massive problem, not by the students, but the staff. Was relieved to be able to leave and pick up my distinctions elsewhere."