Formed in August 2023, South Hampshire College Group (SHCG) represents a significant reshaping of further education in the region. By bringing together three established institutions—Fareham College, Eastleigh College, and City College Southampton—the group has created a technical education powerhouse serving thousands of students.
This is not a traditional sixth form offering a quiet continuation of school. It is a vast, multi-campus career engine designed to feed the region's industries. With a clear focus on T Levels, apprenticeships, and vocational training, it suits students who are ready to trade the classroom for the workshop, the salon, or the laboratory.
The atmosphere shifts distinctly depending on which of the three main campuses you visit, though a professional, workplace-focused ethos unites them.
The Bishopsfield Road campus (formerly Fareham College) feels modern and purposeful, having benefited from significant investment. It sets the tone for the group with a business-like environment where students—treated very much as young adults—move between high-spec workshops and study zones.
The Southampton campus (formerly City College) is undergoing a renaissance. Historically the most challenged of the trio, it is now benefiting from the group's leadership DNA. It sits in the heart of the city, offering a gritty, real-world vibe that appeals to students who want to be part of the urban economy.
Eastleigh adds a community-focused dimension, long regarded for its inclusive atmosphere and strong trade links. Across all sites, the "school" feel is gone. There are no bells, students call staff by first names, and lanyards are worn like corporate ID. The culture is one of preparation for work; expectations around attendance and punctuality mirror industry standards rather than school rules.
Mr Andrew Kaye, the CEO, formerly led Fareham College to its Outstanding status. His leadership style is strategic and ambitious, focused on aligning curriculum with the needs of local employers—from marine engineering on the Solent to construction across the county.
Note: As a specialist Further Education provider, SHCG focuses on BTECs, T Levels, and technical qualifications rather than A-levels. Consequently, standard A-level metrics do not apply.
The group’s strength lies in its vocational outcomes. While A-level league tables show zeros (reflecting the lack of A-level entries), this is by design, not failure. The college is a technical specialist.
Performance in technical qualifications is historically strong. The introduction of T Levels—the technical equivalent of three A-levels—has been a major success here. The college was one of the early adopters of these rigorous qualifications, and pass rates in areas like Education, Digital Production, and Construction are consistently high.
The college ranks 2,595th in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), a figure that simply confirms this is not an A-level provider. Parents and students should instead look at the destination data, which tells the real success story of this institution.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
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% of students achieving grades A*-B
Teaching here is delivered by "dual professionals"—staff who are qualified teachers but also experienced industry practitioners. In a standard school, a physics teacher teaches mechanics; here, a former civil engineer teaches it. This brings a different texture to lessons, rich with industry anecdotes and real-world application.
The curriculum is built around career pathways. The Centres of Excellence are the jewels in the crown. The Civil Engineering Training Centre (CETC) and the Centre of Excellence in Engineering, Manufacturing and Advanced Skills Training (CEMAST) at Lee-on-the-Solent offer facilities that rival commercial sites. Students do not just learn theory; they lay actual track, machine precision parts, and work on marine engines.
For students on the Southampton campus, the focus is on creative arts, marine technology, and hospitality, with the Aspire Restaurant providing a live training ground.
The destination data paints a clear picture of the college’s mission. Unlike school sixth forms where university is the default, SHCG produces a diverse range of outcomes focused on employability.
In 2024, 42% of leavers moved directly into employment, a figure significantly higher than the norm for school sixth forms. This reflects the college's success in producing work-ready graduates for local industries.
Apprenticeships are a major exit route, with 15% of students securing these earn-while-you-learn roles. This is nearly triple the rate seen in many academic sixth forms, highlighting the college’s strong employer networks.
University remains a popular path for Level 3 students, with 17% progressing to higher education. While this is lower than a grammar school, it represents a specific cohort moving into focused degrees like Nursing, Engineering, and Computer Science, often at universities with technical strengths such as Portsmouth or Solent.
Admission is non-selective academically for most Level 1 and 2 courses, ensuring accessibility for all learners. However, Level 3 courses (T Levels and Extended Diplomas) have strict GCSE entry requirements, typically requiring five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Mathematics.
Applications are made directly to the college via the website. The process is efficient: application, interview (often informal and focused on career goals), and offer.
Demand varies by course. The engineering and civil engineering courses at CEMAST and CETC are heavily oversubscribed due to their reputation and the lucrative career paths they open. Early application for these streams—ideally by Christmas of Year 11—is strongly advised.
Moving from a small school to a college group of thousands can be a shock. The college mitigates this through a "Success Coach" model. Students are assigned a coach who monitors attendance, progress, and wellbeing.
This is not the same as a form tutor. The relationship is more akin to a line manager and mentor. They track progress against target grades and intervene if a student drifts. Support for Additional Learning Needs (ALN) is robust, particularly at the Eastleigh and Fareham campuses, which have long experience supporting neurodiverse students in vocational settings.
Safeguarding is managed effectively across the open campuses, though parents should note that students have far more freedom than in school. They are free to come and go when not in lessons.
Extracurricular life here is less about debating societies and more about professional enrichment. The "clubs" are often industry-linked.
Students enter WorldSkills competitions, often with great success. Catering students run commercial services in the college restaurants. Performing Arts students at the Southampton campus stage public productions in professional-grade theatres.
The gym facilities at the Bishopsfield campus are excellent and used by students for both fitness and sports science training. However, traditional team sports fixtures are less central to life here than at a boarding school or large sixth form college; the focus is squarely on career skills.
The group operates across multiple sites. Students must check carefully where their specific course is delivered.
The main hub for many technical courses.
Dedicated engineering/manufacturing site.
Civil engineering.
General vocational and trades.
Marine, arts, and hospitality.
Travel links are generally good. The Bishopsfield campus is a short walk from Fareham train station. The college runs bespoke bus routes for areas not well-served by public transport.
Vocational purity. This is a specialist environment. There are no A-levels mixed in. If a student wants to keep their options open with History and Biology while doing a bit of Business, this is not the place. It requires a commitment to a specific sector.
Travel logistics. With specialist centres spread across the Solent region, students may find their course is not at the nearest campus. A student in Southampton wanting Civil Engineering will need to travel to Fareham.
Adult environment. The freedom here is absolute. No bells, no uniforms, and nobody checking you stay on site during free periods. Students who struggle with self-regulation or who need the structure of a school day may find the transition difficult.
South Hampshire College Group is the engine room of the Solent's economy. It lacks the ivy-clad romance of a traditional sixth form, but it offers something arguably more valuable: a direct, high-quality line of sight to a career. For the aspiring engineer, chef, or nurse who is finished with academic generalism, it is an outstanding launchpad. Best suited to focused students ready to be treated as professionals.
Yes. The college was rated Good by Ofsted in April 2025. Inspectors highlighted the strong industry links and the successful merger of the three colleges. The specialist facilities in engineering and civil engineering are particularly highly regarded.
No. South Hampshire College Group specialises in professional and technical qualifications, including T Levels, BTECs, and apprenticeships. It does not offer a traditional A-level programme.
Entry requirements vary by level. Level 3 courses (T Levels/Extended Diplomas) typically require five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including Maths and English. Level 1 and 2 courses have lower requirements, making the college accessible to most learners.
No. For UK residents aged 16 to 19, tuition is free, as SHCG is a state-funded Further Education college. Students may need to pay for specific kit or equipment related to their trade (e.g., chef whites or safety boots).
Applications are made directly through the college website. There is no hard deadline, but popular courses (especially Engineering and Construction) fill up quickly, so applying in the Autumn term of Year 11 is recommended.
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