Sponsored Editorial

A new year has begun at Folkestone College, and with it comes a brand new building.

The class of 2022/23 are the first to have full use of the Welcome building, which features a host of facilities specifically designed to enhance students’ educational experience.

Those on full-time, part-time, and short courses are already enjoying the enhanced learning experiences afforded by the fully kitted-out structure.

In contrast to the previously general use learning environments, each room has been specifically designed with a department in mind. This means students have access to cutting edge, industry-specific equipment which will mean they’re fully prepared to enter a university course or the workplace.

Outside of the classroom, learners are also benefiting from a new common room and refectory.These serve as an excellent space for relaxing and socialising, with the common room also acting as a careers and wellbeing hub to ensure everyone is happy, healthy, and informed about their future.

Donna Smith, Principal of Folkestone College, said: “It’s very exciting that our learners can now enjoy the excellent new facilities we have available.

“Our new building plays host to our Catering, Hair, Beauty, English and Maths, and ESOL curriculums, as well as housing a new reception, refectory, and student centre. These will all add greatly to the holistic student experience.

“The Welcome building is a testament to the hard work and commitment we have put in, in order to provide the best training and student experience possible.It will allow us to teach current and future students using outstanding industry-specific settings and I’m truly proud of what we have achieved.”

One department enhanced by the new building is Hair and Beauty, which now occupies an entire floor of the Welcome building. A state-of-the-art salon is now being enjoyed by both students and members of the public who come in to have massages or hair and nail treatments.

Programme Director for Beauty, Sara-Lee Jones, said: "The new salon opens up so many opportunities for both our learners and the community we serve. We have top-of-the-range equipment as well as fantastic facilities that really boost the training we offer.

"The students are also noticing a difference, with many returning for their second and third years to a completely new set of treatment rooms. The same goes for our returning clients, who've been giving us fantastic feedback regarding the new equipment and products we have on offer.

“Though we are just one department, other lecturers have remarked on the boost the building has given their lessons. It’s truly a new era for Folkestone College, and one that I’d encourage everyone to get involved with.”

Search folkestonecollege.ac.uk today to find out how you can apply.