Barnsley College: South Yorkshire's Premier Further Education Provider

A sprawling further education institution spread across eight campuses in the heart of South Yorkshire, Barnsley College combines vocational excellence with academic ambition. With approximately 900 students on A-level programmes and over 30 subjects available, this is the largest provider of post-16 education in the Barnsley area. The college was rated Good by Ofsted in March 2025, with Outstanding grades for behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and provision for learners with high needs. For families seeking a comprehensive post-16 education with strong vocational options alongside traditional A-levels, this college offers genuine breadth.

The college occupies multiple sites across Barnsley, each designed with specific educational purposes in mind. The main Old Mill Lane Campus sits close to the town centre, housing the dedicated sixth form provision alongside a range of vocational programmes. The atmosphere is purposeful rather than pressured, with students moving between modern facilities that would not look out of place in a contemporary workplace.

David Akeroyd serves as Principal and CEO, leading an executive team that includes Deputy CEO Gavin Batty and Vice-Principal Curriculum and Student Experience Hayley Allsopp. The leadership structure reflects the college's scale and complexity, with dedicated vice-principals overseeing partnerships, corporate services, and curriculum delivery.

What distinguishes Barnsley College from traditional sixth forms is its ethos of inclusivity combined with industry relevance. The March 2025 Ofsted inspection noted that staff have created a highly inclusive environment where everyone can thrive together. This is not lip service; the college has 384 learners with high needs, of whom 259 study on A-level and vocational courses rather than being separated into distinct provision.

The physical environment supports this inclusive culture. Teachers on foundation-level courses create calm and respectful learning spaces, many incorporating sensory and stimulating areas for learners with emotional difficulties. Staff set clear expectations, ensuring learning begins with checking that students are ready, respectful and safe.

At A-level, the college sits in the lower 40% of providers in England, ranking 1,721st out of 2,649 institutions for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking). In 2024, 41% of A-level grades achieved were A*-B, compared to the England average of 47.2%. The proportion of A* grades was 2.7%, with A grades at 11.6%.

These figures require context. Barnsley College operates with a genuinely comprehensive intake, welcoming students across the ability spectrum rather than selecting for academic aptitude. The entry requirements for A-levels are based on average GCSE point scores, with most courses requiring minimum grades in specific subjects, but the college explicitly positions itself as inclusive, offering pathways suited to learners of all abilities.

The college's combined A-level and GCSE ranking of 1,744th in England (FindMySchool composite measure) reflects this mixed picture. The GCSE data shows an Attainment 8 score of 6.5 and Progress 8 of -3.2, though these figures relate to the college's 14-16 provision rather than its core post-16 intake.

The largest A-level cohorts study biology, mathematics, psychology and sociology, with over 30 subjects available in total. New A-level subjects introduced for September 2025 include IT: Data Analytics and Health and Social Care, responding to regional employment needs.

Teaching at Barnsley College combines traditional A-level delivery with an approach informed by the college's broader vocational expertise. The SciTech Digital Innovation Hub exemplifies this philosophy, providing state-of-the-art facilities for students pursuing careers in digital industries.

The digital provision includes powerful high-specification PCs, network laboratories, and software development studios, alongside cutting-edge esports arenas equipped with industry-standard gaming consoles, high-end gaming computers, HADO AR technology, and shout-casting equipment. For students studying computing, games development, or digital media, the facilities rival those found in industry settings.

The STEM Centre accommodates engineering, electrical, and health sciences courses, with modern laboratory facilities and computer learning zones. Students studying Health, Science and Social Care Professions benefit from dedicated practical spaces.

Class sizes vary by course, but the college's scale allows for specialist teaching across all A-level subjects. The Sixth Form College operates as a distinct brand within the institution, occupying a purpose-built, modern campus in central Barnsley.

One notable strength is the college's commitment to staff development. Barnsley College is recognised as a world leader for the number of Microsoft Innovative Educator Experts among its staff, indicating genuine investment in teaching innovation. The college also achieved a 100% Distinction rate for its Teaching apprenticeship programme, demonstrating the quality of its own professional development provision.

In 2024, 26% of the college's leavers progressed to university, with 10% starting apprenticeships, 33% moving into employment, and 5% continuing in further education. The cohort of 2,542 students reflects the college's scale and the diversity of pathways its students pursue.

While Barnsley College is not primarily a university feeder institution, it does support students with competitive university ambitions. Over the measurement period, 15 students applied to Oxford and Cambridge, with one securing a Cambridge offer and acceptance. This single Oxbridge success places the college 1,830th in England for combined Oxbridge outcomes (FindMySchool ranking).

The college's University Centre, which opened a transformed Church Street campus in September 2025 following a £16 million investment, offers higher education pathways for students choosing to study locally. With tuition fees of £6,995 per year for full-time courses, this represents a cost-effective alternative to traditional universities.

For students pursuing employment or apprenticeships, the college's employer partnerships provide direct pathways. The institution operates employer-led academies and maintains commercial operations where students gain real workplace experience during their studies.

Barnsley College operates an open admissions policy for its further education programmes, with no catchment area restrictions. Applications are made through OnTrack for full-time and part-time courses, with Year 11 students from outside Barnsley potentially using their school's own portal such as Sheffield Progress or Wakefield Prospectus.

There is no fixed deadline for further education applications, though the college recommends applying early. Popular courses including Electrical Installation often fill quickly and operate waiting lists earlier in the cycle. Students are advised to have a backup choice ready.

For A-level entry, the college calculates an average GCSE point score by dividing the total grade score by the number of subjects studied. Specific A-level subjects may have additional requirements in relevant GCSEs. Diploma and BTEC qualifications are not counted towards the GCSE point score for A-level entry calculations.

All applicants are interviewed before being accepted onto a programme. This ensures the course aligns with individual skills, abilities and future goals. The college continues accepting applications up to August each year.

Students aged 16-18 do not pay course fees on most full-time study programmes. For those aged 19-23 who have never completed a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification, funding may be available for eligible courses.

The March 2025 Ofsted inspection awarded Outstanding grades for both behaviour and attitudes and personal development. This represents genuine strength in a college serving a diverse student population.

Learners and apprentices consistently demonstrate very high standards of behaviour. The inspection found that teachers on foundation-level courses create very calm and respectful environments for learners, many of whom have significant emotional difficulties.

The college's support services extend beyond pastoral care to include careers guidance, mental health resources, and safeguarding. The Project Search programme specifically supports students with additional needs in preparing for employment.

Staff have designed physical environments incorporating sensory and stimulating spaces, recognising that effective learning requires attention to emotional as well as cognitive needs. The emphasis on students being ready, respectful and safe before learning begins reflects a thoughtful approach to wellbeing.

Facilities

Barnsley College's multi-campus structure provides facilities that few single-site institutions could match.

The SciTech Digital Innovation Hub, originally opened by Sir Patrick Stewart in November 2004 and subsequently upgraded, houses cutting-edge technology for computing and digital courses. The esports arenas feature HADO AR technology and professional shout-casting equipment, preparing students for careers in the rapidly expanding gaming and streaming industries.

The Honeywell Sports Campus accommodates team and individual sports, with all sports courses delivered on campus alongside public services programmes. The Construction Centre, opened in September 2015, includes workshops, a construction project workshop, break-out areas for independent study, and IT-connected classrooms.

The Clean Energy Training Centre, described as first-of-its-kind, opened in January 2026. This represents the college's investment in green skills and sustainability, areas where it has achieved recognition including Triple Green Gown Awards success and status as the first institution to have a fully Carbon Literate Board of Governors.

The Electric Theatre on Falcon Street provides a dedicated performance venue for creative arts students.

STEM

The dedicated STEM Centre offers modern engineering and electrical workshops, laboratory facilities, and computer learning zones. Electrical engineering workshops provide practical environments for developing skills in electrical systems and technologies.

The college's strong Microsoft partnership extends to its STEM provision, with recognition as world leaders for Microsoft Innovative Educator Experts. Students have achieved success in WorldSkills UK competitions, reaching national finals across multiple disciplines.

Creative Arts and Performance

The Electric Theatre serves as a professional performance venue, giving drama and performing arts students experience of working in genuine theatre environments. Music recording studios, dance studios, and drama facilities at the main campus complement this provision.

Graphic Design and Media courses benefit from the SciTech facilities, with high-specification equipment for digital creative work.

Vocational Specialisms

The college operates commercial learning environments including a salon, cafe, and boutique, where students gain real workplace experience while serving the public. This integration of learning and commercial activity distinguishes Barnsley College from traditional academic institutions.

Hair salons, beauty therapy rooms, catering kitchens, and a simulated aircraft cabin provide realistic training environments across vocational programmes.

The college operates across eight sites in Barnsley, with the main Old Mill Lane Campus most accessible for students using public transport. The Seam, a council-run pay and display car park on County Way, serves the Old Mill Lane campus, Electric Theatre and SciTech Digital Innovation Hub.

For 2025-26, Year 12 induction day is Friday 29 August at 9am, with the new term starting Monday 1 September 2025. Enrolment begins from GCSE results day in August, with students sent personalised appointments for each subject area.

College term dates align with academic calendars, though the specific hours vary by course and campus. Students should confirm timetables during enrolment.

Contact information: course enquiries 01226 216 123, apprenticeships 01226 216 166, general enquiries 01226 216 216, email info@barnsley.ac.uk.

Not a traditional sixth form. Barnsley College is a large further education institution, not a small school-based sixth form. Students must be comfortable in a more adult environment with less supervision than secondary school. Some families prefer the structure of school-based provision.

Results below England average. A-level outcomes place the college in the lower 40% in England. Families prioritising academic league table position may prefer selective or higher-performing institutions. However, the college's inclusive intake means direct comparison with selective providers is problematic.

Multi-campus complexity. With eight sites across Barnsley, students may need to travel between locations depending on their subject choices. This requires greater independence than single-site institutions demand.

Vocational focus may not suit all. The college's strength lies partly in its vocational provision and employer links. Students seeking a purely academic environment may find the broader institutional culture differs from their expectations.

Barnsley College offers genuine breadth in a genuinely inclusive environment. The Outstanding grades for behaviour, personal development, and high needs provision reflect a college that takes seriously its responsibility to serve all learners, not just the academically strongest. Facilities are impressive, employer links are strong, and the range of pathways from A-levels through vocational courses to higher education provides flexibility that few institutions can match.

Best suited to students who want post-16 education in a professional, adult environment with clear employment focus. Those seeking the highest A-level outcomes or the traditional sixth form experience may prefer alternatives, but for students valuing breadth, inclusivity, and practical preparation for working life, Barnsley College delivers.