“I am really enjoying Hills. There is so much going on I have to be careful I don’t sign up to too many things! I have joined the volleyball and basketball teams which are great and the Africa Link Society and Wind Orchestra. There are lots of other interesting “one-off” things that take place at lunchtimes too. I was worried Hills Road would be just work, work, work but it’s not. There is a lot more work but it’s manageable. Also it’s great meeting so many new people!”

“The best thing about coming to Hills Road is the wide variety of people you will meet, and that they are all genuinely interested in the lessons. The teachers are fantastic and always willing to give extra help and guidance if you need it. You will fit right in as soon as you start, everyone is so willing to talk as everyone is in the same boat. It is true you need to do a lot more work than at GCSE, but it’s all about getting the work-life balance right. I am playing for the College rugby team, which is great fun and a brilliant way to do something totally different away from your normal studies. The social side of College is great too: the Freshers’ Ball was amazing, definitely do not miss out on this one!”

“Since being at Hills Road I have made lots of new friends and enjoyed all my subjects, especially the new ones I didn’t get a chance to take at secondary school. The social and working aspect run alongside each other in a balanced environment during College time. The teachers are approachable for help during and after lessons. There is also help at ‘surgeries’ if you have any uncertainties. I didn’t think I would fit in at first, but after coming and experiencing it for myself, I have definitely made the best choice. Hills Road life is mature, sociable and intellectual with amazing opportunities at your finger tips.”

“When I first looked at Hills Road I was amazed at the sheer size of the College site; however after my introduction and the warm hearted welcome from the students and staff I found making my way round the College increasingly easier, knowing that there were always people about to help me. I thought I wouldn’t have anyone else I knew around me but I soon realised that every one else in my year was in the same situation as me and they were ready to make new friends, which gives the College a real sense of community and a great place to be.”

“Life at Hills Road: given the support offered by teachers, at Hills Road, I found the transition from secondary school to college remarkably easy. The huge variety of societies and clubs helped me meet some great new people outside of my regular classes and tutor group, who also share similar interests to me. The lessons, whilst challenging, are always interesting and allow you significantly more independence and responsibility for your learning than at GCSE level; teachers, too, aim to accommodate all learning styles and are always on hand if you want to ask any questions about a class. The atmosphere is friendly, the people are awesome, but I think I speak for everyone when I say the best thing is the chocolate cake from the café!”

“I feel I have settled into Hills Road very well. The teachers are very helpful, supportive and enthusiastic and they are always friendly if you are in need of assistance. The lessons are very different to those at my previous school as there is more student participation. I am really enjoying my subjects, especially Photography as it is a practical subject and it is very relaxed. Socially, the College has really helped me as it is a new environment and everyone is friendly and easy to talk to. In my personal opinion, the best things here are the variety of societies and clubs which you can join.”

“Students and teachers here are all friendly and helpful, and we’re offered lots of support. In lessons there is a relaxed yet engaging atmosphere and there is never a feeling of being too scared to ask questions. The teachers are nice and are always keen to help and make sure that everyone understands as we go along. The best thing about being at Hills Road is the interesting courses and the relaxed atmosphere”

“I have found Hills Road a very good place for making lots of new friends, as well as a great place to learn. I also really enjoy the huge choice of enrichment activities available and I particularly enjoy doing Young Enterprise. I have also found the move from secondary school to sixth form very easy and have settled into Hills Road very well.”

“When I first started here I felt the odd one out as I only knew four people. The first week was hard as everything was completely new to me and trying to make friends and keeping up with the work at the same time was tough. However, settling in wasn’t as hard as I first thought. I found out that other students at Hills Road were in the same boat as me and that many of us had come only knowing a few people. I also discovered that when I found the work hard the teachers were always there to help, whether it is in the lesson or in lunchtime ‘surgeries’. I feel Hills Road is a very warm, welcoming College.”

“I think that Hills Road so far is a challenge, but not in a negative way. I enjoy most lessons and feel that the College is a breath of fresh air from secondary school. The work is harder, much more homework is set and a lot is expected of us all but I think that it is manageable. I think the best thing about Hills Road is the environment. Everyone is trying their hardest and people are now studying what they enjoy instead of just fitting in the curriculum which makes a big difference to everyone’s outlook on the College and work within it. I think Hills Road is a great College and I enjoy being here.”

“I am really enjoying Hills Road and I also love getting to know all the new people I have met outside of college hours. The teachers expect good performances from the students but there are many ways in which you can gain extra help if you need it. For enrichment I chose to do football, which I thought I may come to regret, since I am not particularly good at the sport; but I have felt really included in the team and it is really good fun. I have been especially impressed with the extra activities that you can take on in your frees, which seem to be limitless! I think this came as a surprise to me as the main focus in Year 11 is to decide which subjects you are most interested in and not on extra activities.”

“Hills Road provides students with a very friendly environment from the very start. There are all kinds of societies and clubs for everyone to get involved in; so basically it's impossible to feel left out. I am doing basketball as enrichment and am involved in the Maths Society. Social events provide me with a fabulous opportunity to enhance my knowledge as well as making new friends. Teachers are very friendly and always willing to help. There is also a Study Skills Department to help you get organised. The best thing about the College is that you are being treated like an adult. This makes you more in charge of your own learning, but you still have to follow the tasks set out by teachers.”

“I have really enjoyed my first few weeks at Hills Road. I felt automatically accepted after only a few days and I have made many new friends. The teachers have all been very supportive and I enjoy my lessons. I am in several societies and I especially enjoy the Classics Society as I have met lots of new people including Year 13s who share my interest in ancient history.”

“The progression from secondary school to sixth form can seem like a daunting prospect, but I managed to settle in quickly and in just a few weeks was making friends in all of my classes. The best thing about being here is that it is your decision about what you do – so everyone is really interested in the subjects they choose and the activities they take part in. Many options have opened up for me already – from Music enrichments such as the Wind Orchestra to the German Society. I’m even an entertainment editor for the newspaper!”