United Colleges Group (UCG) was delighted to host a visit from college ROC van Twente (RVT) to its Paddington campus for a glimpse into the future.
The fourth largest vocational college in the Netherlands — with more than 20,000 learners spread over a wide range of campuses — 25 RVT staff members were treated to a special demonstration of the college’s immersive room in operation and the benefits of technology enabled lessons for students.
Louise Reynolds, Assistant Principal, A levels & Science, introduced UCG then Misk Sharif Ali gave the guests an amazing presentation showing how technology enabled lessons has helped learners through activities by using singing, rap and poetry in the classrooms, as well as sharing her own journey through vocational education.
In what was the fourth visit of a long-standing relationship between the two education establishments, the delegation then had a tour of the Paddington campus before heading to the Bett exhibition ExCeL London, described as the biggest Education Technology exhibition in the world.
In the next academic year, UCG hopes to link up with RVT’s commerce and entrepreneurship department with its business studies team using the immersive room for a joint project culminating in a visit to London hosted by UCG students and possibly a return trip.
Louise Reynolds, Assistant Principal said: “Our students will be using the immersive room to link up with classes in the Netherlands to study international business with them, completing a project about a trip to London — it will really help them look at Europe post Brexit.”
Misk Sharif Ali, Curriculum Manager for Computing said: “With regards to the immersive room, it feels as though we are all together within the classroom with the help of technology”.
“My experience at College of Northwest London, has been exciting, it has been thrilling and it has been full of opportunities, and we have the tutors that help us whenever we’re in need. We go on educational trips to get a feel for what university life is like. We have the careers advisors that help us on our path, our university path.”
“The facilities here are brilliant. You have range of courses you can study. My teachers in the Performing Arts department have got history in the industry, which is very useful. You get to ask them for advice and actual knowledge from the industry, and take that into your own work within the college also afterwards. ”
“At City of Westminster College, my experience has been the best of all the other colleges I’ve attended. The reason I like CWC is because the teachers make my journey easier with assessment and exams. I’m a Level Two Science student and I enjoy my lessons because most of them are practical, which are helpful for me. I love studying at CWC because you meet people from other countries – all over the world and from all different communities.”
“My favourite thing about studying here has definitely got to be the teachers. They’re really helpful, kind and in the industry, so it’s good.”
“The technical knowledge and hands-on experience gained during my apprenticeship at College of North West London have been invaluable, particularly in understanding site processes, health and safety requirements and the understanding of electrical systems.”
“My experience studying at City of Westminster College has been amazing. It’s been so welcoming; I enjoy it very much because of the staff members we have here. They’re very approachable and I could come to them with any question, and it will be answered straight away. And if I come early for a class, I can use the Learning Resources Centre, I can use the computers, the books, just to continue all my studies outside the classroom time.”
“The training process was seamless. I had good instructors who were very flexible, supporting people of all learning levels. On the last day after our exams, a security company came and did a presentation. We had the opportunity to have an interview afterwards. I told them about my experiences, and they said I would be a good fit. I formally applied for a role and started with the company soon after. Getting into security has opened doors for me. I hope I will continue to take steps up the career ladder.”
“Coming to study at the City of Westminster College was the best decision that I had ever made. The teachers are very accommodating – they help you learn things in a way that might be easier for you to learn. They are very supportive and I think that’s one of the best things about learning here.”
“I was so grateful to have won Apprentice of the Year at the West London Business Awards 2026, I could not have done it without the support my company Size Group and the College of North West London.”
