Standing as a distinct landmark in Marton, The Blackpool Sixth Form College offers a dedicated bridge between school and university for students across the Fylde Coast. As a specialist sixth form college rather than a school attached to a secondary, it operates with a scale and maturity that feels distinct from Year 11. The campus serves approximately 2,000 students, creating an environment that is undeniably buzzier and more independent than a school sixth form.
The college has a long-established reputation in the area. Under the leadership of Principal Nicola Craven, the college continues to focus on its core mission: "Inspiring learning, developing character, building futures." The atmosphere balances the freedom of young adulthood with the structure required for academic success. Students do not wear uniform, calling staff by their first names is common in some departments, and the rhythm of the day feels closer to a university seminar than a school lesson.
The campus itself tells the story of significant investment. The college is not a single block but a collection of specialist zones. The "Frame" building, dedicated to visual arts, has the air of a working gallery, while the science laboratories in the dedicated science wing rival those found in undergraduate facilities. There is a palpable sense of purpose here; students are here because they have chosen to be, not because they have simply moved up a year.
The ethos is built around the "6Xtra" programme and a commitment to wider personal development. It is not an exam factory. There is a genuine effort to cultivate "employability" alongside grades, with the college explicitly targeting skills like resilience and communication. The student body is diverse, drawing from high schools across Blackpool, Poulton, Lytham, and beyond. This mix is a key part of the character; for many students, joining the college is their first opportunity to widen their social circle beyond their local postcode.
The college is the highest-ranked provider for A-level outcomes in Blackpool, holding the number one local ranking. In the national context, performance sits in line with the middle 35% of schools and colleges in England (national typical band).
In 2024, 42.7% of A-level grades were A*-B. While this is slightly below the England average of 47.2%, it represents a solid performance given the college's comprehensive intake and large cohort. The top grades are present, with 4.4% of entries achieving A*.
The college ranks 1,531st in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking). This ranking reflects a broad intake where students of varying starting points are supported to achieve. The college adds value not just to the high flyers but to students across the ability range, a critical metric for a large area college.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
42.65%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
The sheer scale of the college allows for a curriculum breadth that smaller sixth forms cannot match. Over 60 courses are available, ranging from traditional A-levels like Further Mathematics and English Literature to vocational BTECs and T Levels. This means students can build hybrid programmes that play to their specific strengths, mixing coursework-heavy subjects with examination-based ones.
Teaching is delivered by specialists. Unlike in a school setting, where a teacher might split their time between Year 7 geography and A-level, staff here focus exclusively on 16-19 education. This leads to deep expertise in the specifications. In departments like Performing Arts and Media, staff often have industry backgrounds, bringing professional standards into the classroom.
The "Fylde" building houses the distinct Excellence Programme, designed to stretch the most able. Here, teaching moves beyond the syllabus, introducing undergraduate-level concepts and critical thinking skills essential for competitive university entry.
The majority of students progress to higher education. In 2024, the college saw a steady stream of students securing places at universities across the UK.
For those aiming for the most competitive institutions, the college’s "Excellence Programme" provides structured support. In the 2024 cycle, 26 students applied to Oxford or Cambridge. Four received offers, and one student secured a final acceptance. This data highlights that while the pathway to Oxbridge exists, it is highly competitive.
The college has a strong track record with Russell Group universities, particularly those in the North West such as Manchester, Liverpool, and Lancaster. For students not pursuing university, the college has established links with local degree apprenticeships and employers in the engineering and digital sectors.
Total Offers
4
Offer Success Rate: 15.4%
Cambridge
4
Offers
Oxford
0
Offers
As a specialist post-16 provider, admissions are direct to the college. The process typically begins in the autumn of Year 11.
The general entry requirement for a Level 3 programme (A-levels/BTECs) is at least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language and/or Mathematics. However, specific subjects have higher thresholds. For example, A-level Mathematics typically requires a grade 6 or 7 at GCSE.
Demand is high, and the college is often the first choice for students from partner high schools. While the college is inclusive, courses do fill up, and early application is recommended to secure preferred subject combinations.
Moving from a school to a college of 2,000 students can be a culture shock. To manage this, the college employs a "Pastoral Mentor" system. Every student is assigned a mentor who acts as their first point of contact, monitoring attendance, progress, and wellbeing. This is distinct from academic subject tutors, ensuring that pastoral conversations are not solely focused on grades.
Wellbeing support is structured and accessible. The college has dedicated counselling services and safe spaces for students feeling overwhelmed. The atmosphere is generally supportive, with a focus on treating students as young adults. Staff are proactive in identifying students who might be struggling with the transition to independent study.
The "6Xtra" enrichment programme is a defining pillar of college life. It ensures that students leave with more than just qualification certificates.
The visual and performing arts provision is exceptional. The college hosts regular exhibitions in The Frame and full-scale productions in its own 300-seat theatre. The annual musical is a highlight, often involving a cast and crew of over 100 students.
The college runs various sports academies, including football, netball, and basketball. These teams compete in regional colleges' leagues. The on-site facilities include a sports hall and 3G pitches.
Students can join the Medical Society (MedSoc) for aspiring doctors, the Law Academy, or the STEM Academy. These groups offer guest lectures, work experience placements, and support with university aptitude tests (UCAT/LNAT).
The college is well-connected. Dedicated college bus services run from Fleetwood, Lytham, Kirkham, and wider rural areas, making it accessible even for those without direct public transport links. Parking on site is limited and largely reserved for staff and visitors; students are encouraged to use the extensive bus network.
The college day typically runs from 9:00am to 4:00pm, but students only attend when they have timetabled lessons, study periods, or pastoral sessions. This requires effective time management—a skill the college helps students to develop.
The "Hardy's" refectory and a dedicated coffee shop (Starbucks outlet) provide social hubs on campus.
Size and Scale: With around 2,000 students, the college is significantly larger than a school sixth form. Students who flourish here are those ready for that larger pond. Those who prefer a small, intimate setting where every teacher knows every student might find the scale initially daunting.
Independent Study: The college model relies on students managing their own "free" periods effectively. There are study zones and the library (The Core), but the onus is on the student to work without constant supervision.
Academic Variation: While the college is the top-ranked local provider, it is a broad-access institution. Classes will contain a mix of abilities. Students aiming for the very highest grades need to be self-driven and fully engage with the Excellence Programme to push themselves beyond the standard curriculum.
The Blackpool Sixth Form College offers a vibrant, mature, and resource-rich alternative to school sixth forms. It serves as a genuine stepping stone to university life, offering facilities and subject breadth that few schools can match. Best suited to students who are ready to outgrow the school gates and take ownership of their own learning in a specialist academic environment.
Yes. It is the highest-ranked provider for A-levels in Blackpool (Local Rank 1). Ofsted rated the college as Good in its most recent inspection (March 2025), and it maintains a strong reputation for student support and facilities.
Standard entry requires five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and/or Maths. Specific A-levels often require higher grades (e.g., grade 6 for Sciences or Maths). Vocational courses may have different criteria.
Yes. A network of dedicated college buses covers the Fylde Coast, including routes from Fleetwood, Lytham, Garstang, and Preston. Subsidised travel passes are available for eligible students.
The Excellence Programme provides specific support for high achievers, including mock interviews, entrance test preparation, and guidance on personal statements. In 2024, four students received offers from Cambridge.
A-levels are primarily examination-based and taken over two years. BTECs (and T Levels) are more vocational, often involving coursework and practical assessments. The college allows students to mix these qualifications in some cases.
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