Westminster Kingsway College

History: Westminster Kingsway College was formed from a merger in 2000 of the former Westminster College, which has been running since 1894, and Kingsway College, which first opened its doors in the 1920s. It is over 118 years old.

Address: The four centres are located across London in Camden and Westminster; the higher education provision is located in the Victoria Centre.

Ambience: Central and urban. One of the largest colleges in London. Each centre has a distinct atmosphere. The Victoria Centre is located in the attractive Vincent Square, Pimlico.

Who's the boss? The principal is Andy Wilson, a former community worker previously employed by Ealing, Hammersmith and West London College.

Prospectus: 0870 060 9800; or have a look on their website here.

UCAS code: W52

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Easy to get into? Entry requirements and interviews vary for each course so it is best to contact the college direct regarding courses.

Foundation degrees: Culinary arts; accounting; business; hospitality management; tourism management with one year BA Degree Top-Ups also available in culinary arts, hospitality management and tourism management. The College has also recently launched a new Foundation Degree in facilities management via distance learning.

Vital statistics: The college has about 14,000 students on more than 2,000 courses up to honours degree level. It is particularly proud of its reputation in business, hospitality, and travel and tourism.

Added value: Jamie Oliver, TV chef and former student called it "the best catering college in England". The Victoria Centre's student facilities are undergoing a major refurbishment and the centre features a working restaurant run by students called the Vincent Rooms. The College’s Higher Education Degrees are particularly focused in the areas of business, hospitality, travel and tourism.

Teaching: Good overall in all areas inspected by Ofsted in 2011, except for hospitality and catering which was rated as outstanding.

Any accommodation? None provided by the college – but most students are able to find somewhere in London.

Cheap to live there? No – living in London is not cheap, with rents hovering around £100 or £110 per week.

Transport links: The college is a five-minute walk from Victoria bus, tube and rail station, with connections to the rest of London, national and international rail services.

Fees: Vary for FE courses, with most under-19s being eligible for fee exemption. HE fees are assessed per student, according to the website.

Bursaries: No specific bursaries or scholarships offered by the college, but it does have a learning support fund which students can apply to if in financial need.

THE FUN STUFF

Nightlife: With sites scattered around central London, students are guaranteed the best choice of clubbing and pubbing venues in the country. In addition, the students’ union is frequently dreaming up imaginative events like world cuisine days, balls and sporting events.

Glittering alumni: Celebrity chefs Jamie Oliver, Ainsley Harriott and Anthony Worral Thompson all trained here in hospitality and catering. Other famous students include actress Michelle Collins, actor Steve McFadden and comedienne Kathy Burke.