Son thinking of Pearson College London

[2anddone]

Hi my son is considering applying to Pearson College in London (he is currently year 12). He is interested in the Escape Studios. Has anybody's ds, dd or themselves attended this college? What's it like? We live 2 hours away on a train but depending on the timetable it might be cheaper for him to commute from home on his timetabled days (says 15 hours contact time a week and 25 hours self study). Where could we find out an example timetable? London is ridiculously expensive to live where is good for students? I am a lone parent on a low income so he should hopefully get the full maintenance grant plus London 'top up'. Any advice gratefully received

@2anddone sorry not answer your question directly, but depending on what he wants to do, Hertfordshire, Arts Bournemouth, Bournemouth, even UAL might be better. Have at a look at the Rookies ranking for his preferred area of study.

It seems a shame not to have a student experience with other creatives. 4 hours travel each day would be awful. Socialising after a day learning would be almost impossible. I suspect he would be very cut off from his fellow students. There are other universities which are cheaper. Train fares are very high at peak times too. Plus trains are not reliable.

if you earn little, DS might qualify for a bursary too. So he won’t be badly off with a maximum loan too.

@2anddone We have just been to an open day at their new location in Greenwich which is very different from the previous location in Holborn. They are well regarded by the Rookies and often trade places with Hertfordshire in ranking 1st & 2nd in animation and vfx although I think Hertfordshire still has the edge on them. I am impressed with what they offer in terms of the course and the teaching staff; and speaking with students, most feel well taught, have good relationships with staff and are well prepared for work as well as plenty of opportunities to network and meet industry people. The destination of graduates is impressive. The downsides are it doesn't feel like a university, perhaps a bit more like a college. I think they try hard to provide a decent student experience through societies, talks and events but it isn't a campus and if you want to live nearby you will need to find your own accommodation. I guess this is the trade-off. It has certainly given us some food for thought.

@Okisenough has your dc booked onto their taster session day in a couple weeks time?
Ds is still considering Escape we went to see the new location when we went to O2 in the summer and we also looked at accommodation in Wembley (45 minute tube ride but not ridiculously expensive!) he will be doing the taster session.
We have also booked University of Hertfordshire for 14th October to have a look around too.

@2anddone no not yet. We might leave it and try the taster day in December or next year. We are off to see UCA Farnham and Portsmouth soon. Have seen Hertfordshire, Staff, and both Bournemouths. Teeside is the other one often mentioned but think that is a tad too far away!

@Okisenough what did you think of Hertfordshire? I like that accommodation is nearby and you don't have to 'find' it plus everyone living there will go to the same university.
We also have Buckinghamshire New booked for November, we live in Norfolk so everywhere he is currently looking at is no more than 2 hours from home.

@2anddone The course leader seemed great, really sold the course and he told stories about how students are recruited even before they graduate with employers coming to campus to interview. The showreels were very impressive and like Escape they clearly know how to train students for the industry. Our open day coincided with a holders day and the future Hertfordshire students came across like the cats that got the cream, they were all VERY pleased with themselves, a few even high-fived each other when the lecturer pointed them out to us!!

@Okisenough glad it's not an offers day when we go that would totally put ds off if they were doing that!!
I must admit I am favouring Hertfordshire so far just simply because of accommodation, ease of transport for visiting/moving in and only being hour and half from home in an emergency!

U of H for animation or games/vfx no question. Most of the others mentioned had those courses in clearing.

Just making sure you’re aware- it’s a student loan, not a grant.

Thank you @FictionalCharacter I know it's a loan so not sure why I typed grant 😳
@mondaytosunday thank you it's currently between Hertfordshire and Escape.

Went to see UCA Farnham and was impressed with the course and staff plus the campus had a very nice feel to it and is very compact. The town seems lovely too. Again alumni list is impressive. The impression given is that students do work in the industry from second year onwards as they are so in demand. I am beginning to get the feeling that as long as the student is driven, listens to feedback and takes up opportunities offered they will do well wherever they go.