Cheshire College South & West: The Region's Largest Post-16 Provider

With over £165 million invested in facilities across three campuses, Cheshire College South & West stands as the largest further education provider in the region. The college delivers A-levels alongside vocational courses, T Levels, and apprenticeships to more than 11,000 students annually. Formed in 2017 through the merger of South Cheshire College and West Cheshire College, this institution combines heritage stretching back to 1843 with modern infrastructure. The October 2024 Ofsted inspection awarded Good ratings across all areas, with the top grade of Strong for its contribution to skills. For students seeking a genuine alternative to traditional sixth form, with professional facilities and clear employment pathways, this college offers breadth that few institutions can match.

The college operates from three distinct campuses: Crewe, Ellesmere Port, and Chester. Each maintains its own character while sharing common standards. The Crewe Campus, the largest site, combines a 260-seat theatre, TV and radio studios, and a climbing wall alongside engineering and construction workshops. The Academy Restaurant offers students real commercial experience, while hair and beauty salons operate as functioning businesses.

Jasbir Dhesi OBE has led the college as Principal and Chief Executive Officer since its formation, bringing over 24 years of senior leadership experience. He received his OBE in June 2022 for services to education. His leadership team includes Deputy Principal Helen Nellist, a former Ofsted Inspector with over 25 years in further education, and Vice Principal Ruth Szolkowska, responsible for innovation, curriculum, and quality.

The atmosphere differs from a school sixth form. Students are treated as young adults, addressed by first name, and expected to manage their own time. The weekly Personal Development sessions cover practical life skills: money management, healthy relationships, and employability. This professional environment prepares students for work or university in ways that more sheltered settings cannot replicate.

The October 2024 Ofsted inspection noted that students and apprentices are highly motivated and eager to learn, demonstrating positive and professional behaviours. Inspectors praised the broad extracurricular opportunities available, highlighting initiatives such as the Scholars Programme that prepares students for Oxbridge applications.

A-level outcomes at Cheshire College place it in the lower tier of England providers, with an A-level ranking of 1,896th in England (FindMySchool ranking). In 2024, 15.2% of entries achieved grades A*-A, compared to the England average of 23.6%. At the broader A*-B measure, 32.9% reached this threshold against an England average of 47.2%.

These figures require context. Unlike selective sixth forms or independent schools, Cheshire College operates an open access model. Students require minimum GCSE grades of two at Grade 5 and three at Grade 4 including English and Maths to access A-levels. This inclusive approach means the intake spans a wider ability range than most traditional providers.

Progress measures tell a more nuanced story. The college achieved Good ratings for quality of education across all provision types in its October 2024 inspection. For students considering Cheshire College, the question is not whether top grades are achievable, but whether this environment suits their learning style.

A-level provision spans approximately 30 subjects, from traditional academic routes through Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics to creative disciplines including Art and Design, Drama and Theatre, and Media Studies. Languages include Spanish. The curriculum extends to subjects less commonly available at school sixth forms: Classical Civilisation, Philosophy and Ethics, Politics, and Geology.

Entry requirements vary by subject, with guidance interviews determining individual suitability. Class sizes are typically smaller than school settings. The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is available to all students, worth up to 28 UCAS points, with students selecting from dissertations, investigations, performances, or artefacts.

Teaching staff bring a mix of academic credentials and industry experience. The college's links with local employers mean curriculum content reflects current workplace requirements, particularly in technical subjects. T Levels, the new technical qualifications, run alongside A-levels, offering an alternative route to university or employment.

In 2024, 17% of the college's leavers progressed to university. Given the cohort size of 2,038 students, this represents approximately 350 students entering higher education. A further 8% continued into further education, while 9% started apprenticeships and 39% moved directly into employment.

For students with Oxbridge aspirations, the college provides structured support through its Scholars Programme. Seven students applied to Oxbridge in the measurement period, with one receiving an offer from Cambridge. The college ranks 364th in England for Cambridge applications and 287th for Oxford applications (FindMySchool ranking), demonstrating that such progression is possible from a further education setting.

The Scholars Programme requires eight GCSEs at grades 7-9 including English and Maths, plus an application and interview. Students gain access to an exclusive Oxbridge Room and receive coaching for competitive entrance exams. The college operates as a North West hub for OxNet, the Oxford University widening participation programme led by Pembroke College. A second partnership with Corpus Christi College provides Science Network events throughout the year, both on campus and in Oxford.

Students have progressed to the University of Cambridge for Modern and Medieval Languages, the University of Oxford for English and French, and to other competitive destinations including the University of Manchester, University of Bristol, and University College London.

Cheshire College operates rolling admissions with applications accepted throughout the year. The process is straightforward: find a course, submit an application, and attend a guidance interview. Acknowledgment arrives within 24 hours. Guidance interviews run monthly from October to August, scheduled within one month of application.

The guidance interview serves dual purposes: ensuring students choose the right course and confirming they meet entry requirements. For A-levels, the minimum requirement is two GCSEs at Grade 5 and three at Grade 4 including English Language and Maths, plus a satisfactory average GCSE point score. Individual subjects may have additional requirements determined at interview.

Enrolment takes place from 21 August onwards at your chosen campus. School leavers receive allocated time slots via email. The academic year runs from 1 September 2025 to 26 June 2026.

There is no catchment area. Students attend whichever campus offers their chosen course, though the college emphasises that programmes are delivered at a single campus with no requirement to travel between sites. Free transport is available for eligible school leavers living more than a mile from their campus.

Open Evenings provide the best opportunity to experience facilities and meet staff. Events typically run in October annually; check the college website for specific dates.

Every student on a 16-19 programme receives a Personal Development Tutor who meets them weekly through structured sessions and termly one-to-one meetings. These tutors handle pastoral concerns, monitor attendance, and provide first-line support.

The Wellbeing Centre offers confidential counselling services. External partnerships provide specialist support: sexual health advice through confidential clinics, and drugs and alcohol guidance through UK Addiction Treatment Centres. The Be Safe team handles safeguarding concerns, accessible through the student intranet.

Financial support exists through the 16-19 Bursary Fund. Students in defined vulnerable groups, including those in care, care leavers, or those receiving certain benefits, may receive up to £1,200 per year through the Enhanced Bursary. Discretionary bursaries support students facing specific financial barriers.

The Head of Learner Services leads a comprehensive team covering Additional Learning Support, Careers Service, Wellbeing Centre, Counselling Service, Student Centre, Learning Resource Centres, and Study Zones. This individual also serves as the college's Designated Lead for Safeguarding.

Sport

Four Sporting Academies allow students to combine academic study with elite-level training. The Airbus UK Broughton Football Academy provides pathways for both men's and women's football. The Netball Academy, Athletics Academy, and Boxing Academy each offer top-level coaching, individual programming, physiotherapy, strength and conditioning, sports psychology, and nutrition advice.

The Crewe Campus houses a multi-purpose sports hall, climbing wall, and fitness gym. Former academy students have secured prestigious scholarships at universities overseas, demonstrating genuine progression pathways.

Academic Enrichment

The Futures Programme provides three distinct pathways. The Scholars Programme targets Oxbridge and competitive course applicants. The Honours Programme serves students aiming for Russell Group universities or high-level employment, delivered through four five-week blocks covering academic skills, networking, and field experience across four specialisms: Aspiring Scientists, Aspiring Leaders, Aspiring Creators, and Aspiring Academics.

The Uni-Ready Programme prepares Year 2 students for results day, Clearing, budgeting, and university life through a three-week intensive in the summer term.

Creative Arts

The 260-seat theatre at Crewe hosts performances throughout the year. TV and radio studios with specialist equipment support Media Studies students. Art studios span disciplines from fine art through fashion and textiles to photography. The Chester Campus focuses on digital and creative arts with dedicated media suites.

STEM

Engineering and construction workshops at Crewe provide industry-standard equipment. The college's inspection report specifically highlighted skills bootcamps for engineering and rail, alongside new courses in hydrogen, smart metering, and low carbon energy. Science laboratories support the A-level sciences and related vocational programmes.

Term dates for 2025/26 run from 1 September 2025 to 26 June 2026. Each campus houses Learning Resource Centres providing quiet study areas, IT facilities, and specialist equipment.

The Crewe Campus is located at Dane Bank Avenue, Crewe, CW2 8AB. Ellesmere Port and Chester campuses serve their respective communities. The college offers free transport for eligible school leavers living more than one mile from their chosen campus.

The Starting Point Nursery at Crewe Campus provides childcare facilities, relevant for student parents.

Lower-tier A-level results. The college ranks in the bottom 40% of England providers for A-level grades. Students seeking environments where the majority achieve top grades should consider selective sixth forms or independent schools. However, for students who would struggle in highly pressured academic environments, this college may prove more suitable.

Large institution environment. With over 11,000 students across three sites, this is not an intimate setting. Students must be comfortable navigating a professional college environment rather than a pastoral school community. Some find this liberating; others prefer closer supervision.

Mixed cohort. A-level students study alongside vocational students, apprentices, and adult learners. This diversity enriches campus life but differs markedly from traditional sixth form settings where everyone follows similar academic pathways.

Travel between campuses. While courses are delivered at single campuses, enrichment activities and specialist facilities may require occasional travel. Students should confirm which campus hosts their chosen course before applying.

Cheshire College South & West delivers a genuine further education experience: professional facilities, industry links, and pathways ranging from apprenticeships to Oxbridge. The Good Ofsted rating with Strong contribution to skills confirms effective provision, while the Scholars Programme demonstrates that ambitious students can access elite university support.

Best suited to students who thrive in adult learning environments, those seeking vocational options alongside A-levels, or those who would benefit from the college's specialist facilities in areas like engineering, media, or performing arts. Students requiring intense academic pressure or small pastoral communities should look elsewhere. For the right student, particularly one who values independence and practical learning, this college provides opportunities that traditional sixth forms cannot match.