Learning in our in-house training restaurant, Nightingales which was established at the College over 15 years ago, our affordable flexible courses provide the opportunity to cook with experienced chefs who have a wealth of knowledge, creativity and enthusiasm to get you inspired in the kitchen.

There are two classes coming up in March with our Wednesday Cooking Tonight Speciality Classes preparing curry and dessert based menus.

Curry Night    

Wednesday 7 March 2012      6.30pm to 9.30pm   £45.00

Learn the art of authentic Indian cooking; You will be working with fresh ingredients and spices to see how they bring their magic to the dishes. Build your confidence to prepare and cook authentic dishes.

Desserts         

Wednesday 21 March 2012    6.30pm to 9.30pm   £45.00

Learn to cook delicious hot and cold desserts, traditional puddings, classic tarte tatin, ice creams, sorbets and mousses.

To book a place on these courses, please contact our Customer Services team on 020 8544 4501

Born in London and growing up in Mitcham, Tony has had an incredible career working in London and France, cooking for the royal family and for the past 18 years working at Jersey Pottery. Tony has an unstoppable drive to be versatile in food and facilities offered and is an inspiration to any young person looking at a career in catering. 

On leaving education for the first time, Tony got a job as a trainee fish monger on the fish counter at Tesco’s in Sutton.

“Coming from an inland suburb of London and with no family involvement with food it took a while to get used to gutting fish and the smell, I was pretty squeamish when I started but its now one of my passions living so close to the sea with some fantastic seafood.”

A member of the Saturday staff at Tesco’s was studying at Carshalton College and gave Tony the idea to enquiry. Following an interview with the Head Chef, Tony was offered a place.

“I spent two years at the college from 1985-1987, achieved good results, all the lecturers were brilliant, I struggled with the theory in the beginning (might be something to do with not listening at school) but the fact that I found something that interested me along with the dedicated lecturers helped me start a career that I still enjoy success in 25 years later.

I didn’t enjoy school at all but I loved college especially in the second year when along with the placement at Inigo Jones I realised I defiantly wanted to be a chef. Whilst at college I worked part time at the Greyhound Hotel just around the corner which helped a lot as I worked in pretty much all departments but mainly cooking.”

After leaving College, Tony worked at various establishments including Earls Court exhibition centre and the Churchill Hotel on Portman Square as a Commis Chef, the Britannia Intercontinental Grosvenor Square Hotel, the Royal Garden Hotel as Chef De Partie in the restaurant kitchen, spent some short periods in top restaurants in France to understand different operations before going to Jersey to work as Sous Chef at in a small French restaurant The Granite Corner. After a year, Tony moved back to London to be Sous Chef at the Ritz before retuning to Jersey to become Sous Chef at Chateau la Chaire in Rozel Bay and then to his current position at Jersey Pottery, a company who have built a reputation for award winning ceramics, superb dining and first class outside catering.

“In the time I have been at Jersey Pottery, I have seen it grow from 2 restaurants, one formal (previously awarded three AA Rosettes) and one less formal, both in the same complex alongside a working pottery and large shop, in the days of high tourism to Jersey. Currently we have 20 outlets including 7 schools, 3 cafes, a gastro pub and a top quality beach restaurant plus a large outside catering business  with other offerings on the way. My title now is Chef Director, I oversee the whole of the back of house operations and get involved with most parts of the business, I have been a director for about 10 years and currently I am involved in the changes including moving our operations to Jerseys main town of St Helier.”

In their latest book, Homemade Homemade, Tony has put together a collection of their favourite recipes which are simple and easy to follow. Tony says the desire to stay in Jersey comes from the wealth of fresh ingredients to create recipes from and the endless new opportunities at Jersey Pottery. Tony’s advice to anyone interested in becoming a chef is

“My advice to young people going into the industry is to be prepared for hard work, be flexible and show commitment to the job, they must be willing to learn and listen to advice given by senior staff, also don’t leave a stone unturned keep researching recipes, food styles and techniques that you are not sure of to improve your knowledge, don’t be shy get stuck in.”

for more information, please contact

Each year, Carshalton College helps professionals realise their ambitions as they graduate in Higher Education qualifications including the Level 4 Diploma in AAT Accountancy.

Over 30 Graduates will attend the event in traditional ceremony attire of ‘hat and gown’ to receive their awards to an audience of family, friends and Carshalton College staff.  Graduation highlights the hard work of our graduates who many of hold down full-time jobs while studying part-time and juggling family commitments. 

The ceremony will begin with a congratulation speech by AAT President, Hilary Lindsay and then presentation of the certificates. Gwen Blackburn, Team Leader for the Accounting Courses, is thrilled the graduates are receiving recognition for their hard work 

“This is the culmination of all the hard work that these students have completed over the last few years. It is a joy to celebrate their achievement at the Graduation ceremony and we are pleased to welcome the Present of the AAT Hilary Lindsay to officiate. The AAT qualification opens doors for these students as they progress with their careers in Accountancy.”

for more information, please contact

Held in the Pulse Sports Hall, the venue will be transformed into a setting for a fashion show. Over 60 hairdressing students aged between 16 and 60 years will be styling models throughout the day creating an entire look. Family and friends will be asked to model the looks including make up, hair and outfit, combining elements of the course they have learnt so far. Students taking part will be from all levels with six competition groups; Full Time Level 1, 2 & 3 and Apprentices from Level 2 Year 1 & 2 and Level 3.

The show will start at 7.00pm and is open to family and friends of the students, staff and the general public. The competition is put on annually to allow the students to complete a module of their course in organising and taking part in a live event, to celebrate the talents of the hairdressing students and raise money for charity. 

This year, tickets will be on sale for £5.00 and collection boxes used on the night to raise money for Cancer Research.

Carshalton College has a great reputation for their Hairdressing courses. The courses have been running for over 50 years since the College opened, making it one of the few original vocational courses on offer. There is a front of house  Renaissance salon that is open to the public, which is a realistic working environment and a training salon where learning takes place in a creative atmosphere. The staff are all dedicated practitioners who continue to work in industry alongside their teaching role, keeping updated of new trends, innovative ideas and practices. 

The fashion show will be judged by industry professionals from TV, Businesses, Employers, Retail and tutors at the College. Winners will be picked from each group with winning styles being unique looks where students have stepped outside the box to be creative and in the use of resources available. Moodboards will also need to be provided with an outline of the theme with pictures, drawings, text and materials explained. Winners can also add the achievement to their CV and the success is recognised by employers with previous winners gaining promotions at work placements following the show.  

Tickets will be available from beginning of February and sold on a first come basis as we are restricted with numbers.

Please contact Emma Sarbutt on 020 8544 4484 for more details

The regional heats are taking place across the country in February and March where top plumbing and electrical trainees go head to head as they battle to win the title National Apprentice of the Year 2012.

Carshalton College 3^rd year Electrical Advanced Apprentices, James Proctor and Charlie Smith will be competing. All regional winners will go through to the national final at Newbury Racecourse on 18 and 19 April.

The competition recognises talent with the up and coming accomplished and committed apprentices and rewards their dedication and commitment while they get the opportunity to develop their key skills and add the experience to their CV.

Carshalton College offers a number of Apprenticeships including the Level 2 Plumbing Apprenticeship, Level 2 Apprenticeship in Electrical Engineering and the Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship – Installing and Commissioning Electrotechnical Systems.

The Power Assessment and Training Centre, a partnership between Carshalton and Kingston Colleges, provides Gas & Plumbing, Electrical Installation, Digital Technology, Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency courses for industry professionals, ensuring that employers across the Building Services, Construction and Energy sectors have the skills required to take advantage of future business opportunities. Click here to download their latest course booklet.

for more information, please contact

Maxine Alexander, Marketing and Publicity Manager
e: maxine.alexander@carshalton.ac.uk  t: 0208 544 4558