The Trafford and Stockport College Group: Greater Manchester's Multi-Campus Further Education Provider

Four colleges, two boroughs, and over 11,000 students. The Trafford and Stockport College Group brings together Trafford College, Stockport College, Cheadle College, and Marple Sixth Form College under the ethos of "One College, Local Difference." Each campus retains its own identity while sharing resources, expertise, and a group-wide Ofsted rating of Good. For students aged 16 and over across south Manchester and Stockport, the group offers A-levels, T-levels, vocational courses, apprenticeships, and higher education pathways validated by universities including Manchester Metropolitan and Liverpool John Moores. The Altrincham campus alone features an award-winning restaurant, professional salon and spa, and dedicated Sixth Form Centre with a distinctly university feel.

The college group operates under five core values: Resilient, Ambitious, Collaborative, Respectful, and Inclusive. These are not mere slogans but principles woven through the student experience, from tutorial support to enrichment activities.

James Scott serves as Principal and CEO, leading an institution that has grown significantly since the 2018 merger that created the original Trafford College Group. The 2021 integration of Cheadle and Marple Sixth Form College expanded the footprint further, creating one of Greater Manchester's largest further education providers. Graham Luccock, Chair of the Corporation for 17 years, was Highly Commended at the Educate North Awards 2025 for his governance during this period of transformation.

Each campus has its own character. Trafford College's Altrincham site has a university feel, with its dedicated Sixth Form Centre, photography studios, and creative arts centre featuring green screens, Mac suites, CAD, AI, and VR equipment. The Stretford campus specialises in STEM subjects and trade skills. Stockport College offers a vibrant, multicultural environment with strong vocational provision and the Peter Barkworth Theatre for performing arts. Cheadle and Marple provide smaller, more intimate sixth form experiences where group sizes are typically smaller, enabling tutors to build closer relationships with students.

The group has invested significantly in its estate. A £23 million transformation at Stockport College has already been delivered, and a £27 million redevelopment project at Cheadle College is underway. These investments reflect a commitment to providing modern, industry-standard facilities.

A-level results at the Trafford and Stockport College Group sit below the England average. In 2024, 39% of entries achieved grades A*-B, compared to an England average of 47%. At the highest grades, 14% achieved A*-A against an England average of 24%. The group ranks 1,771st out of 2,649 A-level providers in England, placing it in the lower 40% of institutions (FindMySchool ranking based on official data).

These figures require context. Unlike selective sixth forms or independent schools, the college group operates an open-access model, welcoming students across the ability range. Many arrive to resit GCSEs alongside A-levels or combine A-levels with vocational qualifications. The college serves a diverse community, including students who may not have thrived in traditional school settings.

Vocational and technical qualifications tell a different story. The 2022 Ofsted inspection rated Quality of Education as Good across education programmes for young people, adult learning programmes, and provision for learners with high needs. Only Apprenticeships received a Requires Improvement judgement, an area the college has been addressing since.

The A-level programme is a two-year, full-time course where students choose three subjects, either all A-levels or a combination with Applied qualifications depending on timetabling. Assessment is predominantly exam-based, though some subjects include coursework components.

Tutorial support is built into the programme, with weekly sessions providing academic guidance and pastoral check-ins. Work experience is integrated, giving students practical insight alongside theoretical learning. Students aiming for competitive universities are encouraged to take the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), a research-based independent study that demonstrates commitment and differentiates applications.

Teaching staff bring substantial industry experience, particularly in vocational areas. The Aspire restaurant is supervised by tutors with extensive hospitality backgrounds, while the Enhance Salon and Spa operates with Dermalogica partnership, giving students access to professional-grade products and techniques. Celebrity chef Simon Rimmer has delivered masterclasses on site.

Class sizes across the group tend to be smaller than many further education colleges, particularly at Cheadle and Marple, allowing for more individualised attention. The Ofsted inspection confirmed that teachers hold high expectations and promote effective learning strategies.

The college serves a cohort of 2,471 leavers annually. In 2024, 21% progressed to university, 12% continued in further education, 9% started apprenticeships, and 33% moved into employment. One student secured a place at Cambridge, with 2 students applying to Oxbridge overall.

The university progression rate reflects the college's diverse student body. Many students pursue vocational or technical pathways leading directly to employment rather than higher education. The Airport Academy, Green Skills Hub, and specialist trade centres prepare students for careers in growing sectors without the need for a degree.

For those aiming for university, the group's University Centre offers Access to Higher Education courses and foundation degrees validated by local universities. Higher education programmes include Computing (Software Engineering and Cyber Security), Childhood Studies, Construction Management, and Building Services Engineering. All degrees benefit from partnerships with Manchester Metropolitan University, Liverpool John Moores University, University of Central Lancashire, and University of Chester.

The Greater Manchester Institute of Technology (GMIoT) partnership expands technical education pathways, connecting students with regional employers and industry-aligned qualifications.

The Trafford and Stockport College Group operates an open admissions policy for post-16 education. There are no entrance tests, catchment areas, or competitive selection processes. Students apply directly to the college, typically through the college website.

For the 2025-26 academic year, new learners begin their induction week commencing Monday 1 September 2025. Specific start times and locations are communicated by email following application.

Entry requirements vary by course. A-level programmes typically require GCSEs at grade 5 or above in relevant subjects, though students can combine A-levels with GCSE resits where needed. T-levels and vocational courses have their own requirements detailed in course information. Apprenticeship entry depends on employer requirements and vacancies.

Open days run throughout the year at each campus, providing opportunities to explore facilities, meet tutors, and ask questions. Higher education open events are listed through UCAS. The colleges also maintain active school liaison programmes, visiting local schools to introduce options to Year 11 students.

Adult learners can enrol for courses starting in January, February, or September, with flexible provision across community venues as well as main campuses.

The Ofsted inspection rated Behaviour and Attitudes and Personal Development as Good. Students across the group benefit from structured support systems including dedicated learner support teams, careers guidance, and health and wellbeing services.

Financial support is available through bursaries for students facing economic barriers. Additional Learning Support provides tailored assistance for students with SEND, ensuring accessibility across programmes. The college emphasises support for care-experienced students as part of its inclusive ethos.

Tutorial systems provide regular contact with academic and pastoral staff. The 2022 inspection noted that leaders have established an effective culture of high expectations and positive behaviour, creating environments where students can focus on their studies.

Specialist Facilities

The college group has invested heavily in industry-standard facilities. Trafford College's Altrincham campus houses the Aspire Restaurant and Bar, an award-winning student-run establishment that has received AA College Rose recognition. Seating 65 guests, it serves lunch on Thursdays and Fridays and dinner on Thursday evenings during term time, with dishes prepared by Hospitality and Culinary Arts students.

The Enhance Salon and Spa spans two floors, featuring hair salons, treatment rooms, sauna and spa facilities. Students regularly win medals at WorldSkills UK competitions, demonstrating the calibre of training. The Strive Fitness Suite provides sports and leisure facilities.

Creative arts students access dedicated studios including photography darkrooms, ceramics facilities, and the Peter Barkworth Theatre at Stockport College. Digital provision includes Mac suites, green screen studios, and emerging technology including VR and AI equipment in the Innovate Hub (CAVE).

Technical and Trade Training

The ACS Gas certification centre and AM2 Electrical training facilities provide industry-recognised qualifications for construction and engineering students. The Green Skills Hub addresses growing demand for sustainability-focused careers. The Airport Academy prepares students for aviation and travel industry roles. A Skills Shop based at the Trafford Centre offers retail training in a live commercial environment.

Enrichment

Enrichment activities complement academic programmes, though specific clubs and societies vary by campus. Work experience placements connect students with local and regional employers, while the college's community partnership initiatives engage students in broader civic activities.

Each campus operates independently with its own facilities and timetables. Trafford College Altrincham is located at Manchester Road West, Timperley, Altrincham WA14 5PQ. Stockport College, Cheadle College, and Marple Sixth Form College serve their respective communities in the Stockport borough.

Term dates for 2025-26 are published on individual college websites. The standard academic year runs from September to July, with adult courses offering additional January and February start dates.

Transport links vary by campus. Altrincham benefits from Metrolink tram connections and good bus services. Students should check individual campus information for parking availability and public transport options.

A-level performance below average. With 39% achieving A*-B grades against an England average of 47%, students seeking the highest A-level outcomes may find stronger provision elsewhere. The open-access model serves a different purpose than selective sixth forms.

Large, multi-site institution. Four colleges across two boroughs mean experiences vary significantly by campus. Students should visit their intended campus specifically, not assume consistency across the group.

Apprenticeship provision requires improvement. The 2022 Ofsted inspection identified this as the weakest area. Students considering apprenticeships should research current provision and ask about improvements made since the inspection.

Not a traditional sixth form experience. Students wanting the structure of a school sixth form may find the further education college environment too independent. The adult atmosphere suits some students brilliantly but requires self-motivation.

The Trafford and Stockport College Group offers breadth over selectivity. Its strength lies in providing accessible pathways for a diverse student body, from A-levels to T-levels, apprenticeships to university-level qualifications. The investment in specialist facilities, from restaurant and salon to gas and electrical training centres, demonstrates commitment to practical, career-focused education.

Best suited to students who want options beyond traditional academic routes, who value industry-standard facilities and employer connections, or who seek a more adult learning environment than school can provide. Students requiring intensive A-level preparation for highly competitive universities should consider whether the open-access model and below-average results align with their ambitions. For many across Trafford and Stockport, however, this group provides exactly the opportunities they need to unlock their potential.