Meet our students

Read Paige's full story

Why did you choose this course?

"When I was in 6th year of high school, I first came to college one day a week on Wednesdays to study a Fashion course. I really enjoyed it - I loved the practical side of making things, and at the end of each day, I could see that I had achieved something tangible like my origami-style bag.

Before this, I hadn’t done much practically in fashion and didn’t get the opportunity to study it at a higher level at school. I’d always loved art and creative subjects, so this course really stood out to me. Attending the senior phase Fashion course was beneficial in helping me complete my Advanced Higher art portfolio as I was able to apply the skills I was learning in college."

How did the senior phase course help you?

"The senior phase course helped me learn basic sewing skills and construction techniques, which made the transition into my full-time fashion course much smoother. Studying at college while in school has eased me out of secondary education and into college life. I like having more time to work on projects in college, the environment is relaxed and the lecturers are supportive and focused on helping you get the work done."

How did you find coming back to college full-time?

"After finishing school in June, I applied and interviewed for a full-time fashion course at UHI North, West and Hebrides, returning to college in August/September to continue my studies. The skills I had learned during my senior phase course really helped me feel confident from day one."

What advice would you give to other students?

"My advice to anyone thinking about following their passion is to give it a shot. College gave me the chance to study something I love and motivated me to push myself."

What are your plans for the future?

"After finishing this course, I have thought about starting my own business, making my own garments and continuing to grow my skills and passion for fashion."

Read Naomi's full story

Why did you choose the course?

"I’ve been thinking about becoming a hairdresser for a while, following in my mum’s footsteps. I saw this course as a great opportunity to get a taste of college life and get hands-on experience rather than just learning in a classroom."

How does the college environment feel compared to school?

"Coming to college has been a great addition to my school week because it’s a subject I’ve specifically chosen and really enjoy. The atmosphere in the salon is great and is a nice change of pace from a traditional classroom. The lecturers are so supportive and they bring a lot of their industry experience to the course. It has also been a fantastic way to meet new people from other schools who are interested in the same career as me."

What have been your highlights so far?

"I’ve loved being hands-on with the salon equipment. I’ve learned how to wash hair, do a bouncy blow-dry with a heat brush, and use different professional products.

A big part of the course is also about the business side. We’ve been learning about the consultation process - how to greet clients, prepare them for a service, and provide great customer service. Working with new people has definitely built my confidence and improved my teamwork."

Has the course helped you plan for the future?

"I already had an idea of what I wanted to do, but this experience has confirmed it. I definitely plan to go to college to get my full hairdressing qualifications after school. I’m really looking forward to learning more about cutting and colouring."

What would you say to other students?

"I’d definitely recommend it. It helps you build your skills and gives you a chance to see if a career path is actually right for you before you leave school."

Read Zinnia's full story

Why did you choose this course?

"I decided to apply for the course because I’ve always loved cooking and baking. I enjoy making new dishes and presenting food well, and I was excited by the opportunity to study something practical while still at school. Although cookery isn’t my chosen career path, I wanted to develop useful, hands-on skills that I know will benefit me in the future."

How have you found coming to college?

"Being at college feels very different from being at school. There’s a real sense of independence, and it feels much more grown-up. I travel from Mallaig to Fort William, which has helped me become more independent, and I’ve enjoyed meeting people from other schools. You’re treated more like a university student, which has been a really positive experience."

What have been your highlights so far?

"One of the highlights of the course so far has been making and decorating Christmas cakes. I learnt how to use fondant icing, which was new to me, as well as how to colour the icing and decorate the cakes. It was really satisfying to see the final result and learn new techniques along the way."

How has the course helped you develop personally?

"I’ve developed lots of new skills since starting the course, especially knife skills. I’m now much quicker and more confident at chopping and slicing. I’ve also learnt important skills outside of the kitchen, such as teamwork, adapting to new environments, and managing the responsibility of travelling to college independently."

How has the course prepared you for the future?

"This course has really helped me think ahead to life after school. It’s been great preparation for university, especially learning how to juggle school and college commitments, manage my time, and work to deadlines. I want to study medicine in the future, and I feel these skills are transferable. The course has helped me become more self-disciplined and self-motivated."

What advice would you give to other students?

"My advice to anyone thinking about applying for a senior phase course would be to go for it. It’s definitely worth the travel for me, and it’s a great opportunity to do something vocational and practical alongside school. You do need to be prepared to keep up with your schoolwork, but for me, S4 has been the perfect time to do this course before starting Highers. It’s also nice to have some variety in your school timetable."

Read Summer's full story

Why did you choose this course?

"I’m the oldest of seven siblings, so I’ve grown up helping to care for them and playing with them. I’ve wanted to work with children for as long as I can remember. I wanted to do something that I knew would benefit my future."

How have you found coming to college?

"It feels great to be doing something I genuinely want to do. It’s nice to have a change of environment from school and meet new people from different backgrounds. I was quite nervous coming to college, but my tutor, Hazel, is so nice and helpful. She answers all my questions and really makes me feel at ease; it's reassuring to have such a supportive lecturer."

What have been your highlights so far?

"I’ve really enjoyed the course so far, particularly learning about different types of families, such as travelling and adoptive families - it’s interesting to learn about lives that are different from my own. I feel like I am doing really well at college and have passed all my assignments so far which is a good feeling."

How has the course helped you develop personally?

"I feel really focused at college. Getting positive feedback and knowing I’m doing well at something has been amazing for my confidence.

I’ve developed much more patience and learned exactly what qualities you need to work with children. We do a lot of brainstorming and poster-making, which has helped my creativity too.

Doing a senior phase course is also great for your social skills. It's been a great opportunity to make new friends and find out why other people want to work in childcare."

What are your plans for the future?

"I hope to work with children who have additional support needs. I remember bonding with pupils in the supported learning class in primary school; it’s so rewarding to know you’ve helped someone have a happier day.

My plan is to stay at school and do the Level 5 course next year, then eventually come to college full-time and potentially go to university to get my full qualifications."

What would you say to other students?

"I’d say go for it! Even if you aren't 100% sure, it gives you a taste of what you need to do to enter that career path. I was stuck between a few courses, but I’m so glad I chose childcare."

Read Naomi's full story

As a home-educated pupil, Naomi studied online through her Senior Phase Business Management course before progressing onto HNC Business full-time.

Senior Phase Experience

"I first became interested in business after watching films like The Founder and YouTube videos from channels such as Business Insider and Hook, which show how big businesses first started and how they became so successful.

As a home-educated student, I found accessing classes and resources online to be very convenient. It was a helpful way to gain my National 5s and Higher qualifications. The lecturer was approachable, well organised and a good communicator, which made the course informative and enjoyable.

Presenting reports in front of the online class improved my public speaking skills and boosted my confidence. Working with others in my class was enjoyable and a new experience for me. Studying through the Senior Phase course helped me discover which areas of business interested me most, while also gaining new skills and qualifications that I hoped to use to apply for an apprenticeship or further study.

Overall, I had a very positive experience and would definitely recommend it to others, especially those in remote areas and other home-educated students."

HNC Business

"I was recommended this course when I attended the Caithness Jobs and How to Get Them event, where I met apprentices at the NHS and other companies who had positive experiences with the HNC and then moved on to business apprenticeships.

After learning more about the course, I applied and found the process straightforward, with regular updates throughout. Laura, who is now my Accounting lecturer, recommended that I study the course full time, three days a week. This still allows me to work part time and gives me plenty of time to complete assignments and revise for exams.

All of the lecturers have been extremely engaging and helpful so far. They have provided lots of useful resources to support my studies and are always open to questions. The course has developed my presentation skills, report writing and understanding of key business areas such as marketing, customer care and managing people. I also gained a basic understanding of economics and passed the exam. I have just started my new units and am looking forward to seeing what’s next.

One of the best things about the course is the flexibility. I can learn digitally from home, college, the library or anywhere else, which is something I would not get from most universities.

Overall, it has been a great course, and I am excited to continue progressing in this area."

Read Carly's full story

Why did you choose this course?

"I’ve always been interested in hair and beauty, and I really wanted to try something more hands-on and practical than my usual school subjects. Since I’m considering a career in this industry, the course is a perfect way to try out both hair and beauty to figure out which path I prefer before I leave school."

What is the college experience like compared to school?

"It’s a very different environment. It’s been great to meet new people from different schools and make new friends. The lecturers are really nice too and they’ve been so helpful.”

What have been your highlights so far?

"I’ve particularly enjoyed the beauty side, especially learning how to do facials and manicures. We’ve learned about using heated towels, applying different products, and identifying which products suit specific skin types.

Beyond the practical skills, I feel like my communication has really improved. Learning how to talk to people professionally will be a huge help when it comes to getting a real job and working with clients in a salon."

What’s next for you?

"I’m really interested in skincare, so I’m looking forward to doing more of that. I’d love to come back next year while I’m still at school to complete the next level. Hopefully, that will help me make a final decision on my next steps after school."

What would you say to someone considering the course?

"I’d definitely recommend it! It’s a brilliant way to make new friends and help you decide what you want to do with your future."

Read Fiona's full story

Why did you choose this course?

"When I was 14, in 3rd year of high school, I joined the one-day-a-week National 4 Fashion Design course through the senior phase programme at UHI North, West and Hebrides. It quickly became my favourite day of the week. I loved learning how to use a sewing machine, trying out different sewing techniques, and creating projects like my red cape for the Lochaber Show Stoppers production of Cinderella and my Cruella Devil-inspired skirt."

How did the senior phase course help you?

"The senior phase course gave me a taste of the college environment before I started full-time study. I already knew the staff and the space, which made the transition a lot less intimidating. It also showed me how much of a difference studying something you’re passionate about can make. The skills I gained during this time helped me feel confident to take the next step and pursue a full-time course in Fashion."

How have you found full-time college study?

"Since starting full-time college, I’ve been able to develop my skills further and work on more ambitious projects. One of the projects I’m most proud of is a memory bear I made for the Highland Hospice project. It was made from wedding dress fabric, with each patch using a different part of the dress and incorporating its embellishments."

What support have you received while studying?

"Fashion has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember, so continuing on this path felt like a natural step. I’ve also received incredible support throughout my studies. I have learning difficulties, and I’ve always felt seen and supported, especially during assessments and written work, where I’ve been given extra guidance and space to succeed."

What advice would you give to other students?

"My advice to anyone thinking about following their passion is: if it’s your dream, go for it. College is a place where you can get the support you need and focus on the subjects that you are passionate about."

What are your plans for the future?

"Looking ahead, I’ve applied to study Fashion Textiles in Edinburgh because I want to experience something new, step out of Fort William, and continue working toward my career goal of becoming a designer and personal stylist."

Read Maddison's full story

Why did you choose this course?

"I decided to apply for this course because I want to go to university, and I felt it would give me the practical skills I’ll need to cook for myself when I get there. Some of my family members are chefs, which also inspired me to learn more about cooking."

How have you found coming to college?

"Being at college feels very different from being at school. The atmosphere is nicer and more relaxed. I feel comfortable chatting to our lecturer, Charlene, and I know I can ask for help or support whenever I need it. I’ve also loved getting to know other people on the course, including classmates from my school as well as students from different schools."

What have been your highlights so far?

"One of my favourite parts of the course so far has been making Christmas cakes. I really enjoyed feeding them with orange juice and decorating them. I’m quite artistic, so I had lots of fun being creative with the decorations and seeing how everyone’s cakes turned out differently."

How has the course helped you develop personally?

"Since starting the course, I’ve gained so many new skills. I’m much more confident speaking to people now, and working closely with Charlene and my classmates has really helped with that. Everything I’ve learned practically has been new to me, from cutting and using ovens to frying and preparing food."

How has the course prepared you for the future?

"This course has helped me feel more confident and independent. I used to be quite shy and underestimate myself, but now I feel more capable and willing to take initiative. The problem-solving skills I’ve developed, along with the practical skills, are all transferable and will stay with me as I move forward."

What advice would you give to other students?

"My advice to anyone thinking about applying for a senior phase course would be not to worry. College suits a lot of people and offers a different learning environment to school. I was nervous at first about juggling school and college, but it’s been absolutely fine and nothing to be scared of."