STROUD College has been dogged with less-than-positive news in recent months, with the controversial resignation of the former principal and the running battle over plans for its Nailsworth campus grabbing the headlines.

But scratch the surface and you'll find a quiet revolution going on as the college adapts to fit the needs of the community.

Sam Bond reports.

IT would have to be a very sympathetic viewer who would call Stroud College a pretty building.

From the outside it still looks like the same old hulking 70s monstrosity, all dull concrete and glass.

But those prepared to look beyond the uninspiring exterior will find a modern, community college where the spirit of learning is clearly thriving and it is bustling with activity.

There has been a major cosmetic overhaul inside, with claustrophobic corridors of classrooms and offices transformed into airy, open plan facilities with glass walls and decent carpets.

But the physical transformations are not just skin deep and huge efforts have been made to make the college facilities more accessible.

The reception desk has been lowered so those in wheelchairs have no trouble seeing over the counter to make eye contact with staff while the student services have all been brought together, so queries, registration and problems can all be dealt with in one place, rather than being scattered all over the campus.

The classrooms are becoming more and more high tech, with interactive, computerised whiteboards providing links to the internet and replacing the old blackboards and chalk, while hi-spec computers for students seem to be dotted liberally around the college.

"The technology adds a new dimension to teaching." said marketing co-ordinator Jim Kelly.

"There is a big push for it from the Government and we surpass their requirements.

"New technology is now a daily part of people's lives and we can't go backwards."

The library has become a learning centre and again, there are banks of computers as well as books.

"What's a library?," said Jim.

"It's a room full of books and the younger students don't find that very sexy.

"We've still got plenty of books but we've also got all these other resources."

The college is quick to adapt to the demands of its students and the needs of employers.

Its much-admired art department is expanding, with students pouring in from all over the county on the basis of its excellent and well-deserved reputation.

Studios are being expanded and less-used departments such as those teaching heavy engineering are giving over no-longer-needed space to the art students.

Meanwhile, hi-tech engineering and IT courses are receiving more resources so students can learn using the type of equipment they will need to be able to use when they enter the world of work.

The college also works with school children who may not be destined for the academia of higher education, giving them a taste of practical trades like plumbing, brick laying and motor mechanics.

"The response from the schools has been fantastic," said Jim.

"Sitting in the classroom a lot of these pupils are bored to death. "But when they come here they can do things they actually enjoy. They are really vital and alive."

The college's care department is also the envy of many other educational establishments, having recently been awarded the Learning and Skills Council's Centre of Vocational Excellence (COVE) standard.

Courses cover a huge variety of areas of the care industry, from working in a home for the elderly to care in the community or working with profoundly disabled children.

There is a good balance of practice and theory and the additional funding from the COVE means there is money to spend on new equipment.

A recent addition is the sensory room, designed to relax and stimulate the minds and senses of those with serious learning difficulties or impaired senses.

The latest addition to the college is the new beauty therapy suite, with students enrolling on the courses for the first time this term.

"It has really taken off," said Jim.

Beauty lecturer Wendy Kent explained how students would learn about a host of different therapies, from manicure and facial massages to holistic therapies like aromatherapy and Indian head massage.

They will also be studying the theory, so they will understand the importance of hygiene and why treatments work, as well as how to carry them out.

"At the moment the students are practising on each other, as this is the first intake," said Wendy.

"But after Christmas we are hoping to open the salon up to the public so they can come here for all kinds of therapies.

"People often think it's just painting nails and putting make-up on but there's a lot more to it than that.

"I want my students to leave here as therapists, not beauticians."

As well as full time courses for school leavers there are plenty of other options at the college, from evening classes to day release courses.

"We get all sorts here, it gives the students a taste of the real world," said Jim.

"We've got the hip kids alongside people who have retired and want to learn new things.

"There are 16 year olds working with people who are already in the industry and want to come here one day a week to get their professional qualifications."

It only takes a swift tour around the college to see that things are changing, and for the better.

It seems geared towards giving people the education they actually want and employers recognise the value of what they are learning.

"There have been a lot of changes," said Jim.

"But there are still things to do and we're not quite prefect yet but we are getting there."