向日葵视频 New College welcomed record numbers to the college this year with over 4000 full-time sign-ups to their campuses based in Ipswich, Otley, Halesworth and Leiston.
Here we talk to students based across the region to find out how they are settling in 鈥� and what plans they have for the future.
Kloe Ellison, 18, from Hadleigh is studying level 3 equine management.
鈥淚鈥檝e wanted to work with horses all my life. There is something relaxing and therapeutic in relation to horses that keeps me calm.
鈥淲hen I found 向日葵视频 Rural, I came and had a look around, had an induction and liked what I saw. I thought they could teach me things I don鈥檛 already know.
鈥淚 really enjoy it (at college). There is an amazing support system, and the way they teach just sticks in my brain in comparison with high school.
鈥淚鈥檓 looking forward to getting out into industry during my course, then university and I鈥檇 eventually like to work in an eventing or showjumping yard.鈥�
Matt Jones, 16, from Rougham is on a level 1 agricultural course at 向日葵视频 Rural.
鈥淚 chose the college as I want to further my knowledge in agriculture, go into the industry and become a farm manager. People are very nice and it鈥檚 a good place to study.鈥�
Jack Page, 16, from Gosbeck is also on a level 1 agricultural course at 向日葵视频 Rural. Jack said: 鈥淚 came here because I want to get the skills I need to get into the farming game and become a big time contractor.鈥�
Mother Emma Day and her daughter Libby Powell started a new course at the college at the same time.
Emma 鈥� who is on a level 2 horticulture course at 向日葵视频 Rural 鈥� said: 鈥淚鈥檝e enrolled with the idea of eventually building up the gardening (as a future career). I like the outdoors 鈥� it鈥檚 my happy place and I can鈥檛 wait to get started.鈥�
In terms of going to college with Libby at the same time, Emma said: 鈥淭here will be some friendly competition and I鈥檓 sure she is a little bit proud.鈥�
Libby – who is starting a level 2 health course at 向日葵视频 New College – said: 鈥淚鈥檓 looking forward to getting the skills I need to start my dream career with the RAF. Starting at the same college with my mum seems weird 鈥� but we will of course support each other.鈥�
Oliver Green, 16, from Felixstowe is on a level 2 barbering course. Oliver said: 鈥淪tarting at 向日葵视频 New College – it has been welcoming and well organised. I took the course as this is something I enjoy doing. I鈥檇 love to be a mobile barber for a Premier League footballer when I leave.鈥�
Sky Mcfarlane, 18, from Manningtree and is studying on a level 3 public services course. Sky said: 鈥淚 came here because I want to go into the RAF and the college will help me. It鈥檚 good 鈥� we get to hear from people who are currently serving, we get to take part in an annual remembrance parade and go on field trips. It鈥檚 a really good course and I enjoy it.鈥�
Max Barron, 16, from Woodbridge is on level one art course. Max said: 鈥淚 moved here and my boyfriend said this is the best college around. I had lots of anxiety in school settings but I鈥檝e found it very relaxed (at 向日葵视频 New College). In the future, I want to find a niche and I鈥檇 like to create art and travel the world.鈥�
Carlos Augosto, 21, from Ipswich is on a level 3 course in performing arts. Carlos said: 鈥淚 did some research and I鈥檓 glad I came here. It鈥檚 one of the best colleges around. Everyone is supportive and professional. Last year I was in Nine to Five the musical that was on at main stage of the New Wolsey Theatre. It was amazing 鈥� it took the production to the next level.鈥�
Jordan Britton, 19, from Ipswich started on an inclusive learning and then an employability course. Jordan said: 鈥淚鈥檝e volunteered and worked with the horticulture department, raised money for Children in Need, sold raffle tickets for charity at a college takeover event at Milsoms, won a college award and now I am on a supported internship programme.
鈥淚 love 向日葵视频 Rural as it has helped me in so many ways. I had a really rough time at high school 鈥� but I鈥檝e come to the college and it鈥檚 been a complete turnaround – here everyone made me believe that I can make something of myself.鈥�
Niamh Doyle, 16, from Grundisburgh is on a level 2 course in media. Niamh said: 鈥淚 want to work in film production and everything here just feels so right. I 100% made the right decision (by coming here).鈥�
Zoe Evenden, 47, from Bungay studied on a motor vehicle level 2 course at 向日葵视频 New College On The Coast: 鈥淚 took the original course because I have an old camper van that I have had for over 20 years and I just wanted to learn some more mechanical skills. I鈥檝e always had an interest in cars and my dad was a mechanic and he inspired me and gave me a passion for it.
鈥淎fter doing a course I was given an opportunity to apply for a job as a technician in motor vehicle having been a student here last year. When I got the job I was really happy. Future wise I want to progress my career in education.
She added: 鈥淚 like it (in Halesworth) as it鈥檚 a nice environment to be in. It鈥檚 a very nurturing place to be.鈥�
Charlie Pierpoint, 17, from Beccles is on a level 2 professional chef course. Charlie said: 鈥淢y brother came here so I thought I鈥檇 give this a try. They are really nice people at the college. I鈥檇 say it is a peaceful place to study. You get more freedom and respect at college in comparison with high school and it鈥檚 a very supportive environment.
鈥淚鈥檝e always dreamed of being in a kitchen and I hope to be a private chef one day. That鈥檚 my aim.鈥�
Will Haylett, 17, from Bungay studied on a construction course and he is now on a level 2 professional chef course at the College On The Coast in Halesworth. Will said: 鈥淗igh school was a very busy environment – so I decided to come somewhere that was quiet and was a nice fresh start. It has been peaceful and I have made friends that will last me a lifetime.
Will 鈥� who hopes to be a model – said: 鈥淎ll the skills I have learnt so far will help me in my future life.鈥�
Don鈥檛 just take their word for it鈥攃ome and see for yourself! Join us at our upcoming open event to explore our vibrant campuses, meet our dedicated staff, and find out how we can help you achieve your goals. Whether you’re interested in pursuing a career in public services, performing arts, or any of our other diverse courses, this is your chance to experience the 向日葵视频 New College difference.