Make the smart choice this summer with Northern Regional College

Explore your options this August and secure your future in further education.

With A Level, GCSE and BTEC results just around the corner, thousands of young people and their parents or guardians are facing big decisions about what to do next and where to go.

Faced with so many options, the process can feel overwhelming. That’s why it’s important to explore and understand all the choices in order to make a well-informed decision.

Northern Regional College offers a wide range of full-time and part-time vocational, technical and professional courses across its four campuses: Coleraine, Magherafelt, Newtownabbey and the brand-new Ballymena Campus, opening this September for the 2025/26 academic year. From entry level through to university-level qualifications, it’s a place where you can build real skills for the future in a supportive and dynamic learning environment.

One student who has excelled during her time at the College is Georgia Archibald from Draperstown, a Level 3 Computing/IT student who recently won Highest Achieving Student at the College’s Student Recognition Awards.

Finishing her studies with an impressive triple distinction, Georgia has demonstrated unwavering commitment, intelligence and a real passion for learning. She’s not only excelled academically but has also made a positive impact across the college community through leadership and teamwork.

Georgia said: “I’ve loved my time at Northern Regional College. The support from tutors and the structure of the course really helped me thrive. It’s given me the confidence to aim high and believe in my abilities.”

Her achievements are especially meaningful in a field where women are often underrepresented.

Georgia added: “Being a young woman in the IT industry can feel daunting but this course and the College environment showed me that I belong here. I hope my journey can encourage more girls to follow their passion for tech.”

Georgia also completed a two-week work placement at a local IT company, gaining valuable hands-on experience and practical skills to complement her academic success.

She added: “The placement really opened my eyes to what a career in IT looks like. It helped me connect everything I’d learned in the classroom to the real world. I feel much more prepared for my next step.”

Looking ahead, Georgia is excited to continue her journey in the tech industry. She has recently secured a prestigious apprenticeship opportunity with software company Nitec and will begin a Higher-Level Apprenticeship in Cloud Computing with Cyber Security at the College this September.

“This is a fantastic next step for me,” she said. “I can’t wait to keep learning and growing in a field I’m passionate about.”

Whether your results don’t turn out exactly how you expected or you’re rethinking your next move, Northern Regional College has a wide variety of options to help you move forward.

From apprenticeships and traineeships to university-level qualifications, there’s something to suit everyone. Visit nrc.ac.uk to explore courses and follow the simple instructions on enrolling online from the comfort of your own home to secure your place on a course starting in September.   

If you would like to discuss your application, available course options or require assistance with enrolling online, visit your local campus – Coleraine, Magherafelt, Newtownabbey or the new Ballymena campus - during enrolment days. The College will be open for enrolment between 9.30am to 3.30pm on A-Level and GCSE results days, Thursday 14 August and Thursday 21 August respectively, where staff will be on hand to guide you through your options and support you with the enrolment process.