Dearne Valley College

Seemed to be decent place to learn but communication is non existent. Nobody answers any messages, emails or phone calls so don't expect support. My sons ended up giving up his course as zero support has been offered. Ofsted need to look at how they offer support.

The college has a nice feeling compared to city centre colleges, North Notts, Hillsborough for example. Staff are helpful by email, phone or in person. My child has enjoyed their 3 years here.

I came to this college to do their level 3 in animal management. At the time of my interview I was reassured that this course would give me enough ucas points to go onto a degree level course the following year, this being what I thought was my last chance at an education I enrolled! As soon as I started this course it was very obvious how unimportant this course was to the majority of the students!! One tutor made it clear she “couldn’t be arsed” to teach us a lesson so off to the “farm” we go in our clean clothes!! I began to feel suspicious! I asked one of the teachers to find out just exactly how many UCAS points this course would give me on completion!! Turns out I would only achieve 14 UCAS points meaning there would be no chance of applying for any university next year! Their idea of an academic lesson would be building a den out of sticks in the woodland! Absolute shambles!!! Avoid at all cost! If you want to do animal management, animal nutrition etc go to a real college like Nottingham Trent, askham Bryan etc!!!!

Arrived here today to complete some training and have a few meetings. I was there all day and thought the campus was great.

Communication from staff is bordering on non existent, as an adult learner I would have thought my concerns would have been taken more seriously but all I have done this school year is chase tutors for replies to emails and feedback on my assignments. Raising these concerns with the tutors and other members of staff haven't gotten me anywhere and all this year has done for me is cause stress and exacerbate my already existing anxiety and physical health problems due to stress. Staff turn over in the animal department is never ending and the burden of this is placed on the students, course pathways cancelled, units being forgotten to be taught, rushed deadlines... I could go on. Completely disappointed with this college and have already cancelled my application for the following year, it's just not worth it.