Merrist Wood College College, University in Guildford, Worplesdon

Reviews

1. Robbie Morrison ★☆☆☆☆

   Average college with good facilities. However, the friendliness and professionalism of some tutors could be much better. First of all, I have ASD, ADHD, and dyspraxia. These conditions make it very difficult for me to stay focused for long periods, manage my emotions and other people’s behaviour, use my hands for practical work and handwriting, and cope in large, loud classroom environments. Some tutors completely refused to listen to me when I tried to explain my difficulties and instead accused me of being lazy. They made no effort to address any of my issues. I also have a medical condition that prevents me from doing heavy lifting and difficult practical work. Three times during that year, my back went into spasm while I was working, yet I was forced to continue regardless. Again, they refused to listen. I have never felt so disgusted in my life. The course I took was Level 1 Horticulture, yet half of it involved landscaping and brickwork. This was not listed on the college website, in the course handbook, or mentioned during my interview. In another incident, I was being bullied. After the student verbally abused me using discriminatory language, I stood up for myself. I was then called in for a disciplinary meeting because my behaviour was considered “unacceptable,” even though staff claimed they did not hear what he said. The tutor in question was standing within earshot. At the time, I had also just been through a personal bereavement. The college called this “being fair,” yet the student who bullied me faced no consequences. The additional learning support for maths was very good; however, English and speech and language therapy (SALT) were poor. In my English sessions, I was left sitting at a computer doing online work. Once I completed it, the tutor would simply reset it and make me do it again. Most of the time she did not sit with me and instead ignored me while working at her own computer. In my SALT sessions, I struggled with interrupting due to my autism, and the therapist would tell me to be quiet in a very nasty manner. This often caused me to shout out random answers due to stress. When we were outside doing practical work, if I spoke to help myself focus, I was usually told to “BE QUIET” or “STOP TALKING.” The functional skills English lessons were extremely poor. The tutor did not teach me properly and the college expected me to learn everything in one week before immediately moving on. When I sat my exam, I undoubtedly failed, and the tutor read my results out in front of the entire class. I was the only student this happened to. Throughout the entire year, she did not make any effort to teach me properly. Towards the end of the year, the college attempted to remove my exam arrangements, claiming I “didn’t need them,” despite these being legally documented in my EHCP. The college website claims to support students with learning difficulties, but I felt completely ignored. Staff would also make fun of me, treating me as if I was stupid and incapable of succeeding in life. One horticulture tutor used discriminatory language towards me and mocked my disabilities. He also encouraged unsafe behaviour, such as starting fires in the woods by lighting a tyre. Other members of staff also mocked me during lessons. I made a complaint, and the student progression officer said she would deal with it, but she never did. This was the same person who was also one of the practical tutors mentioned above. On multiple occasions, she refused to listen to me. I have never felt so appalled in my life. If you are considering applying to this college and have learning difficulties, I strongly advise against it. The staff are rude, dismissive, and unsupportive. They also refused to allow me to continue into the next academic year. I would not recommend this college to anyone with learning difficulties, as most tutors do not understand them and refuse to try. I highly recommend to consider other colleges and do not come to this one.

   almost 7 months ago
2. Harmony Page ★☆☆☆☆

   marina (animal course) is absolutely awful and bullied my child without reason, terrible behaviour and the college did nothing about it. this is not a good establishment and i am praying on their downfall

   almost 11 months ago
3. Alex Kennedy ★★★★★

   We attended an Animal Encounters Tour at this College in January 2025. The members of staff (who were also students) were knowledgeable, enthusiastic and adept at answering questions. It was so lovely to see the animals and the fact that there were not too many people on the tour enhanced the experience. The duration of the tour was just under two hours. I recommend this tour because it is informative and enables people to see animals such as giant tortoises, axolotls, meerkats and red-footed tortoises up close. The tours take place on the weekend and booking is essential. It was great to have the chance feed the Giant Tortoises. ***We attended the Merrist Wood Animal Encounter Tour again, namely on 7 June 2025. The students who led the tour were Ash, Lola and Jade. In comparison to the prior tour, some of the animals were different and the experience was still excellent. Once again, people had the opportunity to feed the tortoises and handle some of the animals. Members of the tour also had the opportunity to see the meerkats being fed. The students emphasised that no one should feel forced to handle an animal. Although this might seem obvious, it is prudent to inform people so that they do not feel pressured about doing something about which they are apprehensive. I recommend participating in this tour if one wants to see animals up-close and learn more about them. Furthermore, the students are enthusiastic and the tour is quite interactive.***

   1 year ago

1. Mark Fullbrook ★★★★★

   We had an amazing birthday party for our 8 year old today at the animal centre. The kids enjoyed themselves so much. Charlotte and Beth, who looked after us, were brilliant and so knowledgeable. They handled our group with ease and made it so much fun for the kids as well as the adults. Just a huge thank you and to any parents thinking about it booking this for their little ones - do not hesitate! They will love it!!

   1 year ago
2. Daniel Briggs ★☆☆☆☆

   Forcing the Earthling School out is appalling behaviour and trying to force e a 50% price increase in these times is even worse so you can put in place your own business. Scummy behaviour.

   almost 3 years ago
3. alexander wharmby ★★★★★

   I am currently studying a course here at merrist wood college and I have to say I love it like the staff are friendly the lessons are a joy to be in and the food is worth the money like it's tasty and made on site, i believe, everyone here is so friendly and I will definitely recommend this college to anyone.

   almost 3 years ago

1. Karen Moore ★★★★★

   Merrist Wood is Amazing. It teaches Animal husbandry but it has a special unit for special needs adults which we were very grateful for. Our son CM had a good 3yrs there. He just finnished on the 1st July this yr. Thankyou Merristwood for having him and for all the support he got. Bless you all. Hope all the students starting in September also have an amazing 3yrs. All the best to tutors and students. Regards Karen Moore

   almost 4 years ago
2. Jay Talbot ★★★★★

   Did a wonderful 10 week course in Plant Identification and Knowledge and learnt so much! Paul and Ray are both so knowledgeable. I highly recommend this for that extra gardening knowledge boost!

   almost 4 years ago
3. Lisa Morrow-Mayer ★★★★★

   Studied here in 80's and was pleasantly surprised that it has not changed too much. I visited with my husband and son this Saturday and we were able to take a look around the grounds. The second image shows my old dormitory

   more 7 years ago

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