Callywith Virtual Open Event success

Callywith College in Bodmin has welcomed over 800 virtual visitors to its first ever virtual Open Day providing future students with the opportunity to chat live to staff, take 3D virtual tours of the College’s campus and explore everything the College has to offer, all from the comfort of their own home.

Ofsted Outstanding Callywith College typically welcomes hundreds through its doors to Open Events throughout the year, with the first November open day always being one of the most popular. Given the current restrictions due to coronavirus, the College worked together to host the virtual open event and showcase their outstanding staff, world-class facilities and exceptional student experience online.

Online applications were also launched alongside the open day, allowing future students the opportunity to apply via the College’s website, with many applying on the day.

Many visitors took to the College’s Facebook page after the event to thank the College, with one saying: “A very professional and informative morning. It was lovely to have science lecturers engaging in conversation with my child and not just answering questions. Thank you.”

Another visitor commented: “Thank you for an insightful morning which has helped my daughter finalise her thoughts.”

In all, there were over 7,000 views of the College’s open event portal throughout the day, with virtual visitors choosing to either watch subject specific videos, read in-depth course information, tour the College’s 3D campus or chat live to lecturers and support staff, giving an insight into what learning and life as a student is like at Callywith College.

The event came after weeks of preparation for the College including creating the series of subject spotlight videos that were viewed two thousand times.

Speaking after the event, the College’s Principal Jon Grey said: “Welcoming so many future students and their parents to our first ever virtual open event was a real privilege and I want to thank everyone who came along and joined us online.

“Our remarkable staff have spent many weeks preparing for this open day to ensure that during these challenging times, would-be students and their parents get to experience as much of the college as possible and have the opportunity to ask support and teaching staff questions.

“Prospective students are making important decisions about their futures. Covid-19 has made accessing open days and good advice more challenging. Our aim is always to showcase what an Outstanding college we have and encourage students to apply, join us and thrive. The results our students achieve are exceptional and the way they describe their college is testament to the exceptional teaching and support they receive.

"Assistant Principal Allyn Jefferies added: “In association with Truro and Penwith College, Callywith College has established itself as one of the best providers of post-16 education nationally. The results achieved by its students rank it as one of the very best providers of both A-level and Vocational courses in Cornwall. When you combine truly outstanding teaching with the highest level of student support, it makes for a brilliant learning environment. I would encourage all students with access to the college to discover exactly why Callywith College should be part of their futures.”

Callywith College’s successful virtual Open Day event comes after another highly successful year that saw the College rated outstanding in all categories by Ofsted in January 2020, rank as the top sixth form college nationally for qualification achievement rate and top local league tables for A-level results in Spring 2020 and nominated for two AoC Beacon awards for student support.

Online applications are now open for September 2021 here and the College’s next virtual open event will be on Thursday 21 January 2021, 5pm – 8pm which can be accessed by visiting the website.