NKC

NKC
NORTH KENT
COLLEGE
 Welcome
Welcome to College!
This handy little eBook holds all of the
information that you will need to know while
you’re here. It’s available to download when
and wherever you need it.

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Kent College and join us on…
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NKC
NKC
(Except when in
practical sessions)
NORTH KENT
COLLEGE

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Contents
Contents Page
Academic calendar 4
Help & guidance 6
IT information 8
Cashless catering 10
Careers guidance 12
Student counselling 14
Getting to college 16
Learner voice 18
Be part of it 19
College facilities 20
Safeguarding 22
British values 24
Code of conduct 26
Internal contacts 28
External contacts 30
Useful information 31

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 Academic Calendar

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North Kent College NKC
NKC
Academic Calendar 2020/21 NORTH KENT
COLLEGE
- Wednesday 19th August College Return Date (GCSE Results Day - 20th August)
- Monday 24th August Enrolment Week 1
- Tuesday 1st September Enrolment Week 2
Week 1 Monday 7th September FE Teaching begins / English & Maths Teaching begins
Week 2 Monday 14th September
Week 3 Monday 21st September HE Teaching begins
Week 4 Monday 28th September
Week 5 Monday 5th October
Week 6 Monday 12th October
Week 7 Monday 19th October Teaching Term ends Friday 23rd October

HALF TERM: 26TH - 30TH OCTOBER

Week 8 Monday 2nd November Teaching Term begins

(Staff Development Day - NO TEACHING) - Thursday 5th November
Week 9 Monday 9th November
Week 10 Monday 16th November
Week 11 Monday 23rd November
Week 12 Monday 30th November
Week 13 Monday 7th December
Week 14 Monday 14th December Teaching Term ends Friday 18th December

THE COLLEGE WILL BE CLOSED FROM 25TH DECEMBER TO 1ST JANUARY INCLUSIVE

2021

Week 15 Monday 4th January Teaching Term begins

Week 16 Monday 11th January
Week 17 Monday 18th January
Week 18 Monday 25th January
Week 19 Monday 1st February
Week 20 Monday 8th February Teaching Term ends Friday 12th February
(Staff Development Day - NO TEACHING) Wednesday 10th February

HALF TERM: 15TH - 19TH FEBRUARY

Week 21 Monday 22nd February Teaching Term begins Monday 22nd February
Week 22 Monday 1st March
Week 23 Monday 8th March
Week 24 Monday 15th March
Week 25 Monday 22nd March
Week 26 Monday 29th March Teaching Term ends Thursday 1st April

EASTER: 2nd April - 16th April

Week 27 Monday 19th April Teaching Term begins

Week 28 Monday 26th April
Week 29 Tuesday 4th May Monday 3rd May - Bank Holiday
(Staff Development Day - NO TEACHING) - Tuesday 4th May
Week 30 Monday 10th May
Week 31 Monday 17th May
Week 32 Monday 24th May Teaching Term ends Friday 28th May

HALF TERM: 31ST MAY - 4TH JUNE (Monday 31st May - Bank Holiday)

Week 33 Monday 7th June Teaching Term begins

Week 34 Monday 14th June Teaching Term ends Friday 18th June
Week 35 Monday 21st June Admin Week
Week 36 Monday 28th June Admin Week
Week 37 Monday 5th July Admin Week

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 Help & Guidance
We have loads of services here to help you when
you need it…
Reception
Reception is a hub of college
knowledge. If you have any questions
while you’re at college, Reception is
your first port of call. Reception is
located in the Oakfield Building at
Dartford and R Block in Gravesend.

Personal Tutor
Every student will have a Personal
Tutor; you can talk to your tutor
about any course, career or
personal concerns in complete
confidence.

Student Engagement Officer

Contact:
Gravesend
Trevor Fox:
Based in the
Student Zone in
the Cafeteria

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The Learning Technology Centre (LTC)
The LTC is great for all your study needs, including computer and library
facilities, as well quiet study areas and access to online resources.

You can borrow...

Course books
Fiction books
eBooks
Journals
Magazines
Newspapers
DVD’s

You can use... What’s offered...

Computers Printing
Photocopier Stationery shop
Scanner Computer training
General study area

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 IT Information
Student IT guide online
This is just an overview of IT information, you can download the full
student IT Guide from your MyDay webpage.

Resources
IT resources include access to:
• The College network from college and home • Printing
• The internet • email • Online learning materials
• Online course tracking
• Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) - Moodle

Your College Identity (ID)

We’ll provide you with a College ID, which allows you to login and use
our resources. This will be:
• Your name – Printed on your student card
• Your student number – Printed on your student card
• Your College email address – created using your name

Your College ID also provides you with access to:

• The Dartford and Gravesend campuses
• The Cafeterias
• The FREE College Shuttle Bus services
• The Learning Technology Centres (Libraries)
• The Cashless Catering facility

Free internet access

To access the internet, you’ll need to be logged into the College
Network via a College computer, or the student wireless network
using portable devices.

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Microsoft Office (MS) 365
The College’s cloud service, Microsoft Office 365, gives you access to:
Outlook Email, Outlook calendar, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote.
Access Office 365: https://portal.microsoftonline.com

MyDay
MyDay is a website and mobile app that combines email, timetable,
video portal, your tasks and other College services. It is the first
webpage that opens when you use any college computer.
Access MyDay: http://myday.northkent.ac.uk

Moodle - Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)

Moodle provides access to many core and optional online learning
courses. It contains online materials to support your studies as well as
links to ebooks, handouts and assignment submission facilities.

Cyber bullying
We have a zero tolerance policy regarding bullying and cyber bullying.
If this effects you; contact your course tutor who will report this to the
IT Department.

Printing
We provide you with £12 worth of printing.You can
buy top-up cards from the Learning Technology Centres.

Logging on to the college network

To log in to any device you’ll need your User ID and

Network Password:

• User ID = Student Number (on your student card)

• Network Password = your d.o.b “ddmmyy”

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 Careers Guidance
Our team of qualified and experienced Careers Advisers provide
information, advice and support to help you make the right course
choices and plan your next steps. They are based in the Learning
Technology Centres on both campuses.

You can simply drop in to speak to one of our Careers Advisers at any
time during the College day, or if they are unavailable you can make an
appointment to see them.

You can see our Careers Advisers as many times as you need to.
The appointments are completely confidential and if you would like, it
is okay for your parent/guardian to come with you.

Contact a Careers Adviser or book an appointment:

Dawn Fox
(available throughout the year)
T: 01322 629400 Ext: 1249
E: dawnfox@northkent.ac.uk

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 Think Don’t know
Not sure
you’re on what to do
what course
the wrong after
to choose?
course? College?

CAREERS
Want help Need help with
exploring choosing university
your future courses?
options?

Need help applying to

Need help University, personal
writing statements, or student
your CV or finance
help with
interview skills?

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 Student counselling
The counselling service is available for anyone who feels that
something in their personal life or at college is having an impact on
their quality of life or education.

What is counselling?
The opportunity to talk about the difficulties you are facing in a safe
place, where you can explore freely and openly in a way that is not
always possible with friends and family. The counsellor is not there to
judge or advise you, but to help you clarify your thoughts and feelings
and become more effective at finding your own solutions and coping
mechanisms.

Counselling may help you with

• Personal development issues
• Addressing and resolving particular difficulties
• Making decisions
• Coping with crises
• Improving relationships with others

Some of the common issues students come to discuss with the

college counsellors are:

• Anger • Parental separation

• Self-harm • Family difficulties
• Bereavement • Self-image
• Adapting to college life • Anxiety
• Depression • Suicidal thoughts
• Eating disorders • Abuse

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 ...
However, you can talk to the college counsellors
about any difficulties or worries that you have.

Confidentiality
What you discuss in the counselling sessions with your counsellor is
confidential, which includes from your parents and tutors. However,
there are limits to confidentiality and these will be explained to you fully
at the first appointment.

The 1st appointment

• An opportunity to ask questions about what is offered
• Discuss what has brought you to counselling
• What you hope to gain

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
To book an appointment click here
http://desk.nwkcollege.ac.uk/counselling2016
or ask a member of staff.

What happens next?

Once your application for counselling has been received you will be
notified by your chosen choice of communication with an available
appointment.
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 Getting to college
Dartford Campus
Bus: We offer a free shuttle bus service to help NKC students to get to the
Dartford Campus, which travels to and from Dartford Station.
All students can get discounted travel either with the Arriva Thameside or South
East Student Saver tickets using the College’s promotional code to buy online.
Students who live in a London Borough and are 18 or under as of 31st August,
can apply for a 16+ Zip Oyster Card for just £20 per year, giving free travel on
the London buses. For those who are 19 and over, the 18+ Student Oyster Card
can give you a 30% discount on Travel Cards or Season tickets.
You can use your Oyster Cards on any London bus service to Dartford which
includes the 96, 428 and the 492, or the B12 service to Leyton Cross.
Train: The nearest train stations to our Dartford Campus are Dartford,
Swanley, Crayford and Bexley. Travelling from a London zone to Dartford station
(zone 8), if you have a 16+ Oyster card you can get 50% off the adult single fare,
with the 18+ Student Oyster card you can get a 30% discount off the price of the
adult rate Travel cards.
Car: The Dartford Campus is based on Oakfield Lane in Wilmington (Dartford)
which is easy to reach from the A2 and M25, our postcode for Sat Navs is DA1
2JT, and we have ample free parking on site.

Gravesend Campus
Bus: The Gravesend Campus is easily accessible via bus, with regular Arriva bus
services from Gravesend town centre and railway station as well as Bluewater,
Dartford, Higham and the Medway towns. All students (including those from the
London Boroughs travelling via Dartford to Gravesend Campus) can purchase
discounted 4 week Arriva Student saver tickets via the Arriva website using
the College’s promotional code. For students aged 16-21, a discounted Annual
Student Saver ticket is also available. If travelling from Dartford the 480 Arriva
service, or the 190 from Medway towns travels directly to the campus.

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Train: The nearest train station to our Gravesend Campus is Gravesend station,
Higham station is a little further away.

Car: The Gravesend Campus is based on the Lower Higham Road in Gravesend,
which is close to the A2, as well as the A226 Rochester Road, our postcode for
Sat Navs is DA12 2JJ, we also have plenty of free parking.

SusCon Campus
Our address for directions is:
SusCon Campus, Brunel Way, The Bridge, Dartford DA1 5FW

We recommend you use a face

covering when travelling on
our shuttle buses. Thank you.
Student promotional
code for Arriva
This is available from Student Services

Student Oyster cards

www.tfl.co.uk

FREE EVERY
SHUTTLE
BUS 30
MINUTES
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 Learner Voice
Something Bugging You?
Something Bugging You?

SU
STUDENTS’ UNION
NORTH KENT
COLLEGE
Students’
Union
This is YOUR College and we want you to have your say!

The Students’ Union (SU) is run by you, for you and is affiliated to the
National Union of Students (NUS). It’s made up of students who form an
Executive Committee, Student Governors, Class Reps and most importantly... you!

The Executive Committee is the core of the SU and is led by the

Student President, who is elected by students. They work on your behalf to help
to improve the college and can be in term from 1-2 years and attend all College
Board of Governor meetings. This is the link between learners and the leadership.

Class Reps are the voice of the learners from each curriculum area. You will be
informed when they are meeting.

Your voice matters

If you have a compliment or complaint while at College you can talk to:

• Your tutor
• The Student’s Union
• Student Services
• Make a formal complaint via reception
• Make a formal complaint via the website:
www.northkent.ac.uk/contact/complaints-procedure
• You can download our complaints procedure on our website:
www.northkent.ac.uk/contact/complaints-procedure

Join the SU and help plan events that benefit the college and community!

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Be part of it!
SU Elections will run every year, so watch out for election details whether
you’re running for a position or voting.

The Student Zone is for you to chill out with your friends and is
located in the cafeteria. There’s comfy seating and pool tables, plus
events and entertainment.

Fresher’s Fayre will give you the chance to cram in heaps of information, offers
and fun that we think you’ll appreciate. This will be held during September, so look
out for the Fresher’s Fayre posters that will confirm the date!

Thorpe Park is a trip we hold every year.

Dates and prices will be confirmed later in the year.

Have an idea?... If you have an idea for an event that you think
students would like, then join the Students’ Union, or simply let them know.

Contact the Students’ Union at the SU HQ or email:

Dartford & Gravesend:

Trevor Fox
trevorfox@northkent.ac.uk

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 College facilities
Cafeterias
There’s a cafeteria on both our Dartford and Gravesend Campuses, which
serve freshly prepared meals every day. Plus Costa Coffee, a shop and plenty of
vending machines.

Miskin Radio
Miskin Radio is a local radio station for North Kent, covering Dartford and
Gravesham and is based at NKC. All presenters and production staff are
either students at NKC, or volunteers from the local community - bringing a
unique diversity of radio shows to the region. You can listen live 24/7 at:
www.miskinradio.co.uk. If you’d like to get involved with your own radio show,
or add value behind the scenes, contact Miskin Radio: info@miskinradio.co.uk.

The Miskin Theatre

The Miskin Theatre situated at our Dartford Campus has an excellent
reputation. The theatre company conducts a variety of productions and
presents some of the most exciting contemporary performance work in the
South East of England. Tickets are reasonably priced and performances are
advertised on the Miskin Theatre website. For tickets, please go to:
www.miskintheatre.com or call the box office on 01322 629422

Bright Beginnings Nursery

Bright Beginnings Nursery provides professional and affordable child care
in purpose-built and designed facilities at both our Dartford and Gravesend
Campuses. We offer a year-round provision and a flexible schedule to meet
you and your child’s needs. Our nursery is Ofsted inspected and we are open
from 8am until 6pm. For further information, please contact 01322 629443 for
Dartford or 01322 629641 for Gravesend.

The Gallery Restaurant

The Gallery Restaurant located at our Gravesend Campus offers an extensive
range of dishes in contemporary surroundings prepared and served by our

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students. Lunches are served Wednesday to Friday
with Afternoon Tea available on a Tuesday. The Gallery
Restaurant also offers Themed Dinners on a Thursday.
For reservations, please email:
thegallery@northkent.ac.uk or call the Restaurant
on: 01322 629601.
Day Nursery and Pre-schoo
The Lee Stafford Academy
The Lee Stafford Academies are located at both the
Dartford and Gravesend Campuses. They are open
most weekdays and on selected evenings. They offer a
comprehensive range of hair services to the general
public at very reasonable prices. To book an appoint-
ment call the Dartford Salon on 01322 629501or
Gravesend Salon on 01322 629602. Pricelists and
treatment details can be found on
our website: www.northkent.ac.uk.

Miskin Spa & Beauty

Miskin Spa & Beauty is our brand new spa which is
located at our Dartford Campus. The spa has state
of the art facilities and offers services to the general
public most weekdays and on selected evenings and
weekends (subject to availability and term times). To
book an appointment call on 01322 629501. Pricelists
and treatment details can be found on our website:
www.northkent.ac.uk.

The Learning Shop

The Learning Shop at Bluewater is a nationally
recognised award winning recruitment and training
centre, offering commercial business courses and
retail programmes, for people aged 16 onwards. Their
partnership with Jobcentre Plus and Bluewater, allows
excellent opportunities for full and part-time work
in Bluewater and the local area. There are regular
pre-employment courses and job seeking workshops
for anybody looking for employment. Contact The
Learning Shop on: 01322 624455.
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 Safeguarding

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The College has a legal duty to report cases of safeguarding related
issues. If you have any concerns for your own safety or that of a fellow
student, you must tell a member of staff.

Types of abuse are: Why do we safeguard?

• Physical We safeguard because we care
• Psychological or emotional and we want all of our students
• Sexual to:
• Financial or material • Be healthy
• Discriminatory • Stay safe
• Neglect • Enjoy and achieve
• Make a positive contribution
• Achieve economic well-being

Bullying:
Bullying is unfair and not tolerated
at the College, and will be dealt
with as a serious issue. If you are
being bullied or harassed please
speak to your tutor or a member
of the Student Services team in
confidence.

Contact:
If you have a safeguarding concern,
please contact a member of the Safe-
guarding team or email:

safeguarding@northkent.ac.uk

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 BRITISH VALUES

British Values and Prevent

Prevent is a Government strategy to help promote and celebrate the
British Values that underpin our lives.

British Values and the College:

At NKC College we work to ensure that you learn about and are
able to show a strong sense of social and moral responsibility and the
college is committed to promoting these values. It is our aim that you
will be able to contribute effectively to your future workplace and the
community, by using the skills and knowledge you have gained during
your time at College

Our aim is to prepare you for life in Modern Britain by developing an

understanding of:
- Democracy
- The rule of law
- Individual liberty
- Mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

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The Prevent Strategy
What is Prevent?
Prevent is the name given to a national strategy which aims to stop
people from becoming violent extremists or supporting terrorism.

What is extremism?
“Vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values.”

What is radicalisation?
Radicalisation happens when a person’s thinking and behaviour become
considerably different from how most members of society and commu-
nity view social issues and participate politically.

What is Channel?
Channel provides support across the country to those who may be
vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism.

Any concerns
By raising your concerns, you could help someone who you believe is at
risk of radicalisation get support, preventing them becoming involved in
potentially violent activities, long before any criminal activity occurs.

If you become concerned about activities or behaviour, or if you have

other information relating to the above you can talk to:

• Your tutor

• A member of staff:
Sheila Dance, Safeguarding Lead member of staff
Wendy Davies, Prevent Lead member of staff

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 Code of conduct
As an education facility we do have a code of conduct that you will
need to follow while studying with us:

Attendance
Make sure you turn up to all of your timetabled classes and tutorials.
In addition you should attend sessions outside your normal timetable,
including exhibitions and trips.

If you are unable to attend college, you must contact your

Department Administrator, giving a reason for your absence and
your expected return date.

Punctuality
Make sure that you turn up to your lessons and tutorials on time, with
all of the equipment that you need.

Mobiles and other devices

Mobile phones and other devices should not be used during lessons and
need to be switched off, unless directed by your tutor.

Being appropriate
If your curriculum area has a uniform you must follow the rules of your
area. Please ensure that you respect those around you by not wearing
offensive clothing, hats, caps and outdoor clothing in lessons. Please
refrain from eating and drinking in teaching areas.

Please be aware that smoking outside of the smoking zones is

considered a disciplinary offence.

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Use of the internet
Use of the internet during lessons should be for work related tasks only.

Plagiarism
Copying material from other people, websites or books and passing it
off as your own, is seen as plagiarism. A quote from a source should have
a reference, such as the exact web address or book title. Plagiarism can
result in disciplinary action or even expulsion.

Deadlines
Make sure you meet the coursework deadlines that are set. If you cannot
meet a deadline, you must speak to your tutor who will decide if an
extension is warranted.

Respect
Please respect all members of staff and fellow students. Consider others
and abide by the College rules with regards to abusive behaviour,
bullying, theft, violence, or being intoxicated through alcohol or drugs.
Please also respect College property and facilities.

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 Internal contacts
The main College number: 01322 629400
The Safeguarding Helpline: 01322 629423
Bright Beginnings
Bright Beginnings Dartford 01322 629 443 (ext. 1443)
Bright Beginnings Gravesend 01322 629 641 (ext. 2641)

Careers advisors
Rosemary Keys Dartford 01322 629330 (ext. 1330)
Gill Smith Gravesend 01322 629637 (ext. 2637)

Higher Education Officer

Sharon Juty Dartford 01322 629580 (ext. 1580)

Lee Stafford Academy and Beauty Salons

Salon Dartford 01322 629501 (ext. 1501)
Salon Gravesend 01322 629602 (ext. 2602)

Learning Support
Learning Support Dartford 01322 629400 (ext 1056)
Learning Support Gravesend 01322 629675

Reception
Reception Dartford 01322 629400 (ext. 1499)
Reception Gravesend 01322 629400 (ext. 2698)

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Security
Security Dartford 01322 629562 (ext. 1562)
Security Gravesend 01322 629697 (ext. 2697)

Student Counsellors
Anna Knowles Dartford & Gravesend 01322 629400 (ext. 1032)

Designated Member of Staff for Children in Care

Fiona Hassan Dartford 01322 629723 (ext.2723)
Dawn Nicholas Gravesend 01322 629471 (ext. 1471)

Student Finance Team

Tina Bates Dartford 01322 629428 (ext. 1240)
Michelle Humble Gravesend 01322 649649 (ext. 2649)

Students’ Union
Trevor Fox Gravesend 01322 629708 (ext. 2708)

The Learning Technology Centre

LTC Dartford 01322 629431 (ext. 1431)
LTC Gravesend 01322 629615 (ext. 2615)

The Miskin Theatre

Box Office Dartford 01322 629422 (ext.1422)

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 External contacts
Local Taxi firms
All Night Cars Dartford 01322 221100
B&R Taxis Gravesend 01474 532222

The National Union of Students (NUS)

01625 413277 www.nus.org.uk

Kent Police non-emergency

101 www.kent.police.uk

Job Centre Plus

0845 606 0234 www.jobseekers.direct.gov.uk

NHS Direct
111 www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

Childline (freephone)
0800 1111 www.childline.org.uk

The Samaritans Helpline

08457 90 90 90 www.samaritans.co.uk

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Useful information
Reception – is a hub of useful information and is based in Dartford B
Block and Gravesend R Block.

Absence – if you’re ill or cannot make it into college, you must

contact your Department Administrator; this information will be given
out when you start. However, you can contact reception who will
forward your call.

Security – is here to make sure the College remains a safe place for
you to be.You can find the Security office in the lodge at the front of
the Dartford campus, or by reception R Block in Gravesend.

Lost property – can be found at the Security office.

ID cards – you must wear your College ID Card at all times, this is
for your own safety but is also handy for you as it means you can use
all of our facilities without any problems. Your ID Card will provide
access to the Dartford Campus via the turnstiles and is used for
Cashless Catering in the College cafeterias.

Smoking – please smoke inside the smoking zones that are dotted
around campus. Not everyone smokes, so please respect those who
don’t.

The College website

www.northkent.ac.uk

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 NK
NKC
C
NORTH KENT
COLLEGE

Dartford Campus: Oakfield Lane, Dartford, Kent, DA1 2JT

Gravesend Campus: Lower Higham Road, Gravesend, Kent, DA12 2JJ