When students walk through the college gates at drop-off, students immediately sense the purposeful atmosphere that characterises Hills Road. Students move between the Colin Greenhalgh Building (housing English, history, and modern languages), the Rob Wilkinson Building (physics, chemistry, and computer science), and the newer Linda Sinclair Building (mathematics and PE) with quiet confidence. The 10-acre campus itself has been carefully developed over decades, with the Sports and Tennis Centre (opened 1995) and the striking new Study Centre (2023) reflecting both the college's heritage and its commitment to forward-thinking facilities. Principal Jo Trump has led Hills Road since 2017, following a successful tenure as Deputy Principal from 2009. Her background in the sixth form sector spans thirty years and multiple colleges; she champions education as far more than just qualifications. Under her leadership, Hills Road achieved Outstanding in the most recent Ofsted inspection in 2025.
The college admits approximately 2,700 full-time A-level students annually, drawn primarily from the Cambridge Area Partnership (CAP) of secondary schools, though applications come from a wide area. Entry is based on GCSE grades and an Admissions Score calculated from predicted grades; there is no entrance examination. This accessibility model means the college draws from state-educated students across the region rather than selective intake, yet results consistently rival those of many independent schools. The college is entirely free to attend, being state-funded, though students must cover costs for uniform, transport, and optional activities like music lessons and enrichment trips.
Hills Road feels like a place where intellectual curiosity is genuinely valued. The college operates from 8:00am to 5:00pm, with students free to leave campus during free periods once they are accustomed to time management. This is a college treating students as young adults. The campus gardens provide quiet spaces for reflection, while The Hub and The Cafe buzz with social activity during breaks and lunchtimes. The recently completed Study Centre, an award-winning sustainable building with solar panels and air source heat pumps, reinforces the message that the college invests in student spaces designed thoughtfully: it includes low-sensory areas for students with additional needs, silent study zones, and collaborative workspaces. This is not a building designed to simply squeeze more students in; it was built with neurodiverse learners at its heart.
The college atmosphere is ambitious without being pressured. Teachers are described by Ofsted inspectors as specialist subject experts skilled in questioning and assessment, and students report that staff are genuinely passionate about their subjects. Peers are equally important to the culture. In 2014, Tatler Magazine named Hills Road among the "creme de la creme" of state schools in England, yet the college resists any sense of elitism. Students come from all backgrounds; diversity is actively celebrated through the Environment Society, LGBTQIA+ Society, K-Pop Dance Society, and annual Culture Fest, which showcases student talent across music, dance, drama, and visual arts. The college was the first in its region to receive the AcSEED award (2018) for emotional wellbeing and mental health support; counsellors Jane and Gitte are available for confidential sessions, and a dedicated Wellbeing team supports students navigating stress or anxiety.
In January 2025, Ofsted once again awarded Hills Road Outstanding across all key areas of inspection, recognising the consistently high quality and standards achieved by the entire college community. The A-level results from summer 2025 demonstrate why this rating was merited. Across 1,424 students, 75% of grades achieved were A*-B, with 99% achieving A*-E. These figures place the college well above England averages. The A* percentage stands at 17%, the A percentage at 32%, and the combined A*-B percentage at 77%. In comparison, the England average for A*-B is 47%, meaning Hills Road students are achieving dramatically higher proportions of top grades. When measured against its peers, the college ranks 258th in England among sixth form colleges (FindMySchool ranking), placing it securely in the top 10% and above 90% of institutions nationwide.
The college offers 36 A-level subjects, an unusually broad curriculum for a dedicated sixth form college. This means students can pursue unusual combinations: Latin with Physics, History of Art with Further Maths, or Russian with Biology. The breadth attracts highly motivated learners of varied interests. Science subjects remain particularly strong, with dedicated laboratory facilities and specialist equipment. Mathematics is offered at standard and Further Maths level; in fact, students voluntarily attend additional STEP preparation sessions (the entrance exam for Cambridge mathematics), reflecting the serious mathematical culture embedded in the college. The Extended Project Qualification is mandatory for all Year 12 students; this gives every pupil the chance to pursue independent research into a topic of their choice, developing university-level skills in the process.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
77.15%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
The curriculum at Hills Road is structured around academic rigour balanced with independent learning skills. Teachers employ varied pedagogies including seminar-style discussion, practical laboratory work, and competitive academic activities. The college values intellectual curiosity and expects students to engage deeply with their subjects. What distinguishes teaching here is the genuine expertise of staff combined with their commitment to each student's individual progress. Ofsted found teachers skilled in using questioning and formative assessment to deepen learning rather than simply deliver content. Students report that the pace is challenging but fair; staff are available during dedicated drop-in sessions and lunchtimes for academic support.
The college operates the Future Ready Programme, a core tutorial system designed to develop students not just academically but personally and socially. Every student is allocated a Progress and Support Tutor who works with them throughout their two years, supporting transitions, discussing university choices, and providing pastoral oversight. This personalised attention at scale—supporting 2,700 students through dedicated tutoring—reflects careful thought about how sixth form colleges can replicate the pastoral relationships of smaller schools. Additionally, the library is staffed by knowledgeable librarians, and the Learning Resources Centre provides digital and physical materials. Study Skills support is particularly strong, with specialist staff trained to work with students who have dyslexia, autism, or other learning differences; thoughtful accommodations and adapted technologies ensure students with complex needs achieve as highly as their peers.
Hills Road's leaver destinations reflect its exceptional academic calibre. In 2025, 74 students secured places at Oxford and Cambridge combined (38 to Oxford, 31 to Cambridge), a remarkable figure that places Hills Road among the nation's leading state sixth form colleges for Oxbridge access. This represents approximately 5% of leavers, far exceeding the England average. Beyond Oxbridge, approximately 93% of Year 13 leavers progress to higher education, with the vast majority securing their first-choice university. According to 2024 leaver data, 62% of students progressed to university, with another 25% entering employment and 2% beginning apprenticeships.
The university destinations are highly competitive and prestigious. Russell Group universities feature prominently in leavers' destinations, reflecting the college's track record in preparing students for selective courses. Medical school is particularly popular; the MedSoc (Medical Society) offers structured support including speaker events with clinicians and academics, mock interview sessions, BMAT essay practice with feedback, and organised dissection practicals at Cambridge University's Physiology Department. Similarly, the Veterinary Society (VetSoc) and Law Society support students pursuing these demanding fields. Beyond medicine, leavers progress to courses in mathematics, engineering, sciences, humanities, and social sciences at universities across the Russell Group. The college's Careers team works closely with all students from Year 12 onwards to refine university choices, prepare applications, and practice interviews.
Total Offers
69
Offer Success Rate: 24.9%
Cambridge
32
Offers
Oxford
37
Offers
This is the college's defining strength. With over 100 clubs, societies, and teams available, the extracurricular offering is genuinely one of the most comprehensive in the sixth form sector. Beyond formal sports and societies, all Year 12 students undertake approximately 20 hours of Enrichment activity as a core part of their curriculum, choosing from over 70 options across Active, Creative, Languages, Music, and Thinking categories. This breadth ensures that every student finds activities that inspire them.
Hills Road's sports programme is ambitious and inclusive. The college holds the Association of Colleges 'Clifford Dixon' Trophy for 2022-23, awarded to the best sports college in the East Anglia region; students amassed the greatest number of competition points in the region. The Sports and Tennis Centre, refurbished recently, offers a newly updated gym, nine-acre playing fields at Luard Road, and excellent tennis and other court facilities. Competitive sports teams include rugby, hockey, netball, rowing, cricket, tennis, badminton, basketball, volleyball, and 5-a-side football. Rowing is particularly notable; the Rowing Club benefits from proximity to the River Cam and competes seriously at regional level. Enrichment includes recreational offerings: yoga, social basketball, social volleyball, dodgeball, and racquet sports, ensuring sport is accessible to all. Students such as Emily Bolt (England U17s Roller Hockey Team, Euro 2024 semi-finalist) and others have represented their country at youth level while studying at Hills Road.
The Robinson Theatre, a dedicated performance space equipped with the latest lighting and sound technology, serves as the hub for drama here. Students perform in major Christmas productions that have featured works including "The Addams Family," "Made in Dagenham," "Legally Blonde," "Sister Act," "Sweeney Todd," and "West Side Story." These are significant productions involving orchestras, complex technical work, and multiple cast sizes; they develop theatrical skills and offer a genuine performance experience. Technical theatre is available as an enrichment activity, allowing students to work behind the scenes. The college also has two dance studios with sprung floors and mirrors, supporting both recreational and competitive dance. Productions are open to all students regardless of prior experience, and many discover a passion for drama through participation.
Music is genuinely central to Hills Road. The Wind Orchestra consists of approximately 60 instrumentalists playing woodwind, brass, and percussion, performing a sophisticated repertoire at major college concerts. The Symphony Orchestra attracts serious musicians; musicians have access to multiple practice spaces ranging from individual rooms for soloists to large rehearsal spaces for ensemble work. The College Choir sings repertoire from Mozart to contemporary pop ("from Mozart to Toto," as student Charlie describes it) and performs in major college concerts. Additional ensembles include the Jazz Orchestra and Folk Roots group, catering to diverse musical interests. Music Tech Enrichment introduces students to digital music production and recording technology. Students can undertake specialist music tuition; the college employs highly qualified instrumental and singing teachers. The new Study Centre features dedicated music practice areas, ensuring facilities meet demand.
Subject societies extend learning beyond the classroom. These include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Computing, Economics, Business, History of Art, Classics, and Modern Languages societies. These are not passive lecture halls; students hear from industry professionals, Hills Road alumni now studying at university, and academic speakers who discuss career pathways and specialist topics. The Robotics Society engages in hands-on engineering; students have competed in national robotics competitions. The Astronomy Society appeals to science enthusiasts more broadly. First Aid training is available as enrichment, providing practical life skills. The Psychology Society attracts students exploring mental health and human behaviour. Photography enrichment includes chemical photography techniques, blending art and science.
The college hosts extraordinary cultural diversity. Regular societies include the Afro-Caribbean Society, Arab Society, East Asian Society, Hindu, Sikh & Jain Society (HSJS), Islamic Society, South Asian Society, Christian Union, and Ukrainian Society. Gender and sexuality are respected; the LGBTQIA+ Society is well-established and active. F1 Society appeals to motorsports enthusiasts. K-Pop Dance Society reflects students' creative interests. Board Games Society, Crochet Club, Dungeons & Dragons Society, and Middle Earth Society cater to niche hobbies. The Debating Society is highly active; students compete in formal debates and develop oratory skills. The Philosophy Society, Maths Society, History Society, and Psychology Society extend academic learning through discussion. If a niche interest is missing, students are actively encouraged to start their own group; the college supports student-led initiatives generously.
Every Year 12 student must devise and complete an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) on a topic of their choice. This independent research project develops university-level academic skills, critical thinking, and time management. Projects range across subjects: one student created Pokemon terrariums, while others have pursued research in literature, science, history, and social sciences. Some EPQ topics transform into lifelong interests.
Term 3 of Year 12 shifts toward community engagement. Eco Week focuses on sustainability; the HR4.5K Fun Run kicks off this week, combining fundraising with environmental awareness. Students participate in activities promoting ecological responsibility. Social Action Week challenges all Year 12 students to select charities of their choice and collectively raise funds and awareness; students organise events, volunteer, and develop civic responsibility. Recent Culture Fest celebrations showcased music, dance, drama, and visual art performed and created by students, reflecting the creative energy across the college.
Hills Road is non-selective in the traditional sense, using an Admissions Score rather than entrance examinations. Applications are made through the MyChoice16 platform between September and January (for September entry). The Admissions Score is calculated from predicted GCSE grades and submitted by the application deadline of 13 January. Individual A-level subjects have specific entry requirements: most require a GCSE grade 6 in the subject or a related area, though creative subjects (Drama, Dance, Art, Music) offer alternative routes for students without formal GCSE qualification. An online Admissions Score calculator is available on the college website to help applicants calculate their likely standing.
Admissions prioritises students from the Cambridge Area Partnership schools (CAP), which includes the main secondary schools feeding into Hills Road from which most UK sixth form candidates are drawn. Students from CAP schools who apply and meet subject qualifications will generally receive offers. Students from outside the CAP catchment can apply, though they may face slightly lower priority; the college notes they try to invite as many CAP students as possible to initial meetings. The college openly welcomes late applications and post-GCSE applications. Enrolment occurs after GCSE results day (August) in a two-stage online process. Applications are assessed against published admissions policy criteria, which emphasise welcoming students of all backgrounds irrespective of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexuality, or disability.
The college is genuinely committed to student wellbeing as a core value, not an afterthought. Every student has a Progress and Support Tutor dedicated to their pastoral care throughout their two years. The Wellbeing team includes professionally trained counsellors (Jane and Gitte) offering confidential sessions lasting up to 50 minutes; a typical course of counselling runs for six weeks. Student Services team provide immediate support for unwell or troubled students, coordinate attendance monitoring, and contact home if concerns arise. The Study Skills team provides specialised support for students with SEND, including those with autism, dyslexia, ADHD, or anxiety disorders. The new Study Centre includes an entire floor specifically designed for low-sensory comfort, offering quiet study space for neurodiverse learners.
Beyond individual support, the college runs the Future Ready Programme, integrating personal development throughout Year 12. Students develop resilience, communication, leadership, and proactivity through structured tutorial sessions and community projects. The Student Council, elected annually, gives students genuine agency in college decisions; the Council is divided into executive officers holding specific roles (Chair, Charities, Communications, Environment, Mental Health, Personal Relationships, and more), creating authentic student voice and leadership development. Mental health is destigmatised; the college actively promotes conversations about emotional wellbeing.
The college operates Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm. Students study A-levels full-time; the standard timetable occupies mornings and early afternoons, with free periods allocated for independent study and options to leave campus. No student parking is available; Blue Badge holders with disabilities can apply for designated parking. The college is approximately 10 minutes' walk from Cambridge railway station, with frequent bus services connecting to Cambridge city centre (20 minutes by bus) and surrounding villages. Many students use subsidised bus transport coordinated through Cambridgeshire County Council; bursary students may receive financial support for transport. The college is accessible from the A1309 (Long Road), approximately 1.5 miles south of Cambridge city centre.
Catering is provided: The Cafe and The Hub serve hot and cold food during breaks and lunchtimes, with options for all dietary requirements. The library provides study spaces, digital resources, and physical book stock. Accessibility is taken seriously; the college has lifts, accessible toilets, and level-access doors to main entrances. Full accessibility guidance is available via the AccessAble website.
Academic pace is demanding. Hills Road attracts highly motivated learners, and the pace of teaching reflects this. Students arriving from secondary school where they were top of the class will find themselves among peers of equal ability. This adjustment is healthy but requires maturity and strong work ethic. Those struggling academically should raise concerns early with tutors; support is available, but students must be proactive.
Competition for places remains fierce. With strong results and good facilities, the college is oversubscribed. Students from CAP schools applying with strong predicted grades will generally secure offers, but those from outside the catchment or with borderline scores may face challenges. Starting investigations into Hills Road by Year 11 is advisable.
Enrichment is core, not optional. Year 12 students must commit approximately 20 hours to enrichment activities as part of their curriculum. Whilst these are valuable experiences, they add to workload. Students should approach enrichment seriously, selecting activities that genuinely interest them rather than just those that "look good."
You will develop genuine academic independence. This is not a school in which staff hold your hand. The college treats students as young adults, expecting you to manage your time, seek help when needed, and take responsibility for your learning. For some, this freedom is liberating; others may find it challenging initially. The college provides support (tutors, Study Skills, counsellors), but you must be willing to access it.
Hills Road Sixth Form College is among the finest state sixth form colleges in England. It combines consistently outstanding academic results (75% A*-B at A-level, 258th rank in England, top 10%) with an extraordinary breadth of opportunity in sport, music, drama, and societies. The campus is attractive, well-maintained, and thoughtfully designed with student wellbeing central to planning. Leadership is stable and visionary, under a Principal with deep experience in sixth form education. Teachers are specialists in their fields, passionate about their subjects, and genuinely committed to individual student progress. The college is entirely free to attend, opening elite-level sixth form education to all students regardless of family income.
Best suited to ambitious students ready for independence, who thrive on challenge, value intellectual curiosity, and want to join a genuine community of like-minded peers. If you are in the Cambridge Area Partnership and achieved strong GCSEs, you should apply; offers will likely follow. If from outside the catchment, apply still, but recognise that competition may be tighter. The main limiting factor is securing a place; once you're in, the educational experience is exceptional.
Yes, exceptionally so. It was rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2025 across all inspection areas. A-level results are among England's best: 75% of grades achieved were A*-B in 2025, well above England average. The college ranks 258th in England for A-level performance (FindMySchool ranking), placing it securely in the top 10%. Approximately 74 students secured Oxbridge places in 2025, and around 93% of leavers progress to higher education. The college has been rated Outstanding by Ofsted consistently for over 20 years.
Applications are made through MyChoice16 between September and January (application deadline 13 January for September entry). You complete an online form, and your school submits your predicted GCSE grades and a school reference. You calculate your Admissions Score using the online calculator based on predicted grades. Each A-level has minimum GCSE entry requirements, usually GCSE grade 6 in the subject or equivalent; creative subjects offer flexible entry. Offers are released in spring; post-GCSE applications can be made from results day (August) onwards.
Hills Road is state-funded, so tuition is entirely free for UK students. You do not pay registration or deposit fees. However, you are responsible for other costs: school uniform, transport, music lessons (if chosen), and optional enrichment trips. A bursary fund is available for students from lower-income families; financial support can cover transport and other costs if you meet criteria.
There is no entrance examination. Entry is based on your Admissions Score (calculated from predicted GCSE grades) and subject-specific GCSE requirements. Most A-level subjects require GCSE grade 6 or above in that subject or a closely related subject. Creative subjects (Drama, Dance, Art, Music) have flexible entry allowing students without formal GCSEs to apply. Details are published on the college website for each subject.
All Year 12 students undertake approximately 20 hours of enrichment as a core curriculum element. You choose from over 70 activities across music (College Choir, Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Orchestra), drama (Robinson Theatre productions), sports (rugby, rowing, tennis, badminton, and recreational options), academic societies (Biology, Maths, Physics, etc.), cultural groups (Afro-Caribbean Society, LGBTQIA+ Society, etc.), and thinking activities (Debating, Philosophy, First Aid). You also complete the Extended Project Qualification, independent research on a topic of your choice. If something is missing, you can start your own club. This breadth ensures every student finds activities that inspire them beyond academic study.
Exceptionally well. Approximately 93% of leavers progress to higher education, with the vast majority securing first-choice universities. The college has particularly strong outcomes for competitive courses: 74 students secured Oxbridge places in 2025, and MedSoc students frequently access medical school. The Future Ready Programme develops university-level skills including essay writing, time management, and independent research. Specialist societies support progression planning. Teachers are expert in their fields and skilled at deepening learning to university standard. The Extended Project Qualification develops independent research skills directly applicable to undergraduate study.
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