Top 5 things to consider when picking a college course!

The best place to start is with you.

Ask yourself:

• What subjects do I enjoy most?
• What activities do I look forward to?
• What motivates me to get up in the morning?

When you are genuinely interested in what you are studying, learning becomes more engaging and rewarding. You are more likely to stay motivated, push yourself, and enjoy the process.

"I had the grades to do sixth form, but I just couldn’t sit in a classroom. I needed something different. When I came to an open event, it just made sense – I saw what I could be doing every day, I could be outside, I could be active, and that’s what actually motivates me to learn" – Leyton, Year 1 College Student

For students who love being active, working outdoors, and learning through experience, practical and vocational courses can be a great fit. At Rockley College, courses are built around sailing, watersports, and outdoor education, allowing students to turn their passions into qualifications and careers.

Everyone learns differently.

Some students thrive in traditional classroom settings, while others learn best by doing, experimenting, and applying their knowledge in real situations.

Think about:

• Do I enjoy hands-on learning?
• Do I prefer practical tasks over long lectures?
• Do I learn best when I am active and engaged?

If you enjoy learning through experience, a course that combines academic study with practical training could be ideal. Rockley College focuses on immersive, real-world learning, where students gain industry-recognised qualifications alongside their studies.

"At school I found sitting in lessons all day working towards exams really stressful, and I didn’t feel like it played to my strengths. At Rockley, everything felt more practical and applied. It wasn’t about cramming for exams – it was understanding what you were doing, building skills, and being assessed through coursework and real experiences. That made such a difference to my confidence." – Holly, Year 1 College Student

This approach helps build confidence, independence, and practical skills that are valuable in any career.

While it is normal not to have everything planned out, it helps to think about where your course could lead.

Consider:

• What jobs might this course lead to?
• Does it offer recognised qualifications?
• Will I gain transferable skills?

A good course should open doors, whether you go on to higher education, apprenticeships, or straight into work.

"Whether it's seamanship, communication, teamwork or even just confidence in leading a group, I use it all. Especially now in the military, where those core skills make a real difference." – Jasmine, College Alumni

Rockley College courses are designed with employability in mind. Students gain professional qualifications, leadership experience, and workplace skills that are highly valued in the outdoor and leisure industries. Many graduates go on to careers in instruction, coaching, marine services, and outdoor education.

Your college experience is about more than lessons and exams. It is also about feeling supported, encouraged, and part of a community.

Look into:

• Class sizes and teaching style
• Student support and mentoring
• Facilities and learning environment
• Pastoral care and wellbeing

A positive learning environment can make a huge difference to confidence and success.

"Being on a beach and by the sea is where I work at my best. I would spend a day at college, and it wouldn’t feel like work, but we were picking up skills every minute. The supportive environment helped me step straight into the world of work using communication skills, organisation, and leadership." – Angus, College Alumni

At Rockley College, students benefit from small class sizes, close relationships with tutors, and a strong sense of teamwork. Living and learning alongside like-minded people helps students build friendships, resilience, and independence, all in a supportive setting.

Where and how you study matters.

Think about:

• Do I want to study close to home or somewhere new?
• Do I enjoy being outdoors and active?
• What kind of daily routine suits me?

Your surroundings can influence your wellbeing, motivation, and overall happiness.

"With the practicality of the course, the ability to immediately apply what we were learning made a huge difference. The opportunity to sit in a classroom discussing a topic and then step outside and put the theory into practice is invaluable." – Alisha, College Alumni

With bases on the coast and by the water, Rockley College offers a unique environment where learning takes place on the water, on land, and in real working settings. For students who enjoy an active lifestyle and being part of a close-knit community, this can be a hugely rewarding experience.