Training more than 7,500 students each year, the College of West Anglia is one of the largest providers of education and training in Norfolk and Cambridgeshire with an exceptional track record of developing the skills and talents of our students. This is achieved through a combination of great teaching by a team of highly-trained, industry experienced staff and excellent, modern facilities designed to prepare students for employment and further study.
Many students look forward to putting high school behind them and moving on with their lives. At college you’ll be treated like adult, gain independence, explore and broaden your interests, pursue your goals and meet lifelong friends.
The College of West Anglia was founded in King’s Lynn in 1893 as the King’s Lynn Technical School, with a stone commemorating its opening being placed on 30th June 1893 (the stone was later relocated to the CWA King’s Lynn campus, where it can be seen outside of the front block). In 1973 it was renamed the Norfolk College of Arts and Technology, commonly abbreviated to ‘Norcat’ and known to local residents of the town as ‘the tech’.
Norcat merged with the Cambridgeshire College of Agriculture & Horticulture in 1998, which added land-based provision in Cambridgeshire. The revised institution became known as the College of West Anglia post-merger.
In April 2006, a further merger took place as Isle College in Wisbech was added to become the third College of West Anglia campus. View an early promotional video of Isle College in 1989 here.
In 2009, building work commenced on all three campuses to improve facilities for students, with over £35million being spent to carry out work including the development of two new technology centres at the King’s Lynn and Wisbech campuses, which both opened in 2012 and a bespoke higher education centre at Cambridge campus.
In 2013, our sports department relocated to bespoke teaching facilities at Alive Lynnsport, opening our sports campus in King’s Lynn.
The ‘tower block’ in King’s Lynn, one of the tallest buildings in West Norfolk, underwent a complete refurbishment and reopened to students in September 2013. £5.5million was also invested in redevelopments at our Wisbech campus in 2015 to create a new teaching centre with state-of-the-art facilities, new main entrance, reception, restaurant, social areas and learning resource centre. This was followed by the unveiling of our new creative studios at the King’s Lynn campus, boasting industry-standard facilities for art and design, performing arts, media and music, including recording studios, performance and rehearsal spaces, editing suites and our very own Springboard TV.
Would you like to see one of our state-of-the-art campuses before completing an application with us? You can take a virtual tour of our campuses to see our facilities up close for yourself. Or if you would prefer to come in and visit one of our campuses, we would be happy to give you a guided tour of the facilities.
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I completed my level 2 health and social care here (2014-2015), I was given placement and training which made me more attractive to employers. The tutors were compassionate and friendly, and did everything as expected.
From 2016-2018 I completed my level 3 nursing and paramedic course (health and social care). I was supported with everything and anything I needed to ensure I could succeed. The quality of teaching is high, although there were some management issues and tutors leaving which caused some issues. However, irregardless, this college is top quality, and becomes your second home. You'll make great friends (in course class, on your course and other friends) and you'll get to enhance your skills, training, quality of work and your attitude.
By Kirsten Lees (Aug, 2018) |
Awful place from lanyard checks the minute you get to the entrance, to negative attitudes from students and staff, smoking areas monitored, poor course layout and materials and they seem more interested in the amount of signs and rules to follow than the people who come herre. I am an adult and could not even have a drink in a basic classroom, very much like a school environment treating adults like kids. Avoid!!
By Stephen Fiske (Aug, 2017) |
I was an exchange student there for 4 weeks and it made me appreciate the Finnish education system so much more. The teachers are great people.
By Jyri Haihla (Aug, 2017) |
In my short time attending the College of West Anglia I've already been able to snuff out many of the issues that plague my course and possibly others too. These issues range from disconnect between staff and their students to the downright ignorance and teaching inability of the apparently quality “Industry trained staff”.
In terms of an educational institution you will find you'll have better chances learning the secrets of the universe from a cardboard box. Don't waste your time here.
By Astra (Aug, 2016) |
During my two years on the course (Video Games Development) my units were well organised and I thoroughly enjoyed my time. Other class mates were friendly, we all got along. The tutors were excellent and it didn't feel anything like school like my Sixth Form friends describe that as. I would recommend this college to anyone looking for a fun and educational course :)
By Shepard (Aug, 2014) |
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This university has exceeded our expectations with its dynamic curriculum and genuinely dedicated staff; I am amazed at the remarkable growth my child has achieved during their time here.
By Fatima Abdulaziz (May, 2024) |