This week saw the start of term for the new and returning higher education students at Strode College, in Street.

To kick things off, the college held its annual Welcome Lunch for all higher education students to be able to catch up with one another, and for those new students to have an official introduction to studying at Strode College.

Adrian Ash, who leads higher education at Strode College, gave a warm welcome speech at the lunch to both new and returning students, followed by a formal welcome from Strode College principal Katy Quinn.

Mr Ash said: "It is a pleasure to greet our new group of higher education students, as well as welcoming back those who were with us before.

"Every year the number of people of all ages and backgrounds choosing university-level study at Strode College continues to increase and we are delighted to provide such a valuable educational service to our local community."

Students who attended were studying a range of courses from Foundation Degrees to Honours Degrees and Higher National Certificates and Diplomas.

Jade Hasemore and Hattie Bailey are returning Psychology Foundation Degree second year students.

Jade said: "The first year was really enjoyable so it'll be good to see what this year has to offer."

Hattie said: "It was a practical choice for me to study this degree at Strode, as initially last year, I didn't want to go to university and while studying for my A-levels here at Strode, they helped me to choose this course."

Michele Westlake and Emma Lefevre are just starting their first year of the new English with Creative Writing Foundation Degree, now offered at Strode College.

Michele said: "Strode has a great reputation and the options for doing a course like this locally is limited, so being able to study here in the heart of Somerset is perfect for me."

"This course is a fantastic opportunity for me to develop my confidence about English and extend my brain cells as I get older," said Emma.

"It is also offered right on the doorstep for me, being from Wells, so I am really excited that this course has opened up at Strode."

Daniel Wilkie, who has just started his first year studying for a History, Heritage and Archaeology Foundation Degree, said: "I chose to study at Strode because it was the only college that had this course available.

"Strode College also had a good reputation. I chose to study History, Heritage and Archaeology because it is something I have been interested in for 20 years and when I saw it as a course offered, it seemed a perfect fit for me.

"Even though I have only just started, I think the course is brilliant so far. I have been looking at the reading lists and it includes everything I am interested in, so I think I will really enjoy this course.

"The staff have also been very accepting and understanding of me so far, that I am nervous, having not been in education for 20 years."

Kim Unwin, who is also starting the same course, said: "I chose to study this course as it sounded very interesting and my daughter is an archaeologist.

"It also gives me something to do, as I am retired now. The course covers everything of this region and will give me a better understanding of where I live, which I am really interested in learning about.

"I am also excited to meet new people and learn new things while studying here."

Natan Zygiert, who is a returning second year student studying HND General Engineering, said: "I chose to study Engineering at Strode because I did my A-levels here, and as I studied Maths and Physics A-levels, Engineering appeared the logical step forward for me to study.

"I have found the course enjoyable so far and I am excited for my second year."

His mother, Angelika Zygiert who is starting her first year of the FdA Foundation Degree in Business Management studying part-time, said: "I chose to study at Strode College as it has a good reputation and better community, as well as the added bonus that my son is already studying his HND in Engineering here, and he also recommended the college to me.

"I chose this course because I am already working as a Production Administrator and therefore studying this course part-time alongside working in the industry is a great opportunity for me to gain a related degree in this field and better my skills. I have mixed emotions of excitement and being nervous to get started."

Strode College also teaches University Higher Education courses in a range of other subjects such as Computer Science and Public Sector Management, and also offers a number of Higher Apprenticeships, in a wide range of areas such as Accounting, Adult Health and Social Care, Business Administration, Childcare, IT, Management and other sectors according to demand.