Nearly nine decades after its founding as Farnborough Grammar School in 1936, this college occupies a sprawling campus that has undergone a remarkable transformation. The most visible symbol of that investment came in 2000 when Prince Edward opened the Prospect Theatre, a striking 300-seat performing arts centre that immediately became the architectural heart of the institution. The college now enrolls approximately 3,915 students aged 16 to 19, drawing almost entirely from Surrey, Hampshire, and Berkshire.
Academic results place it firmly among the strongest sixth form colleges in the country. In 2024, 65% of A-level grades fell in the A*-B range, with 35% achieving A* or A. These figures sit above the England average of 47% for A*-B grades, indicating strong performance relative to the wider sixth form sector. The college ranks 507th in England for A-level outcomes, positioning it in the top 25% of sixth form colleges nationally (FindMySchool data). Locally, it ranks third among Farnborough's sixth form institutions.
The September 2021 Ofsted inspection awarded Outstanding across all seven assessment categories, a distinction that remains rare. Zoe Smallman has served as Principal since August 2023, bringing to the role a Cambridge mathematics degree and experience in the 16-19 sector across the south east and north west.
The college's physical campus tells a story of sustained investment. The Victorian red-brick origins have been layered with modern structures: the John Guy Building (2010, named in honour of a former principal and housing physics, computing, arts and photographic departments) achieved a BREEAM Excellent rating; the Dame Kelly Holmes Sports Centre (2007) honours the two-time Olympic champion who opened it; and the Simon Jarvis lecture theatre (2018, part of the Ranson building complex) provides a contemporary focal point for large-scale learning events. Three cafeterias (Café Direct, TimeOut, and Shades) serve the sprawling community, and two large playing fields support both curricular and recreational sport.
Students describe the college as a place where effort is valued and mutual respect is the norm. The Ofsted report noted that students "rightly value the very high levels of mutual respect that exist throughout the college community" and that they feel "confident in seeking help and support from both teachers and peers if needed." The tone is distinctly adult-focused; the college treats students as young people preparing for independence rather than school pupils. Personal Tutors form the pastoral backbone, meeting with students weekly to discuss academic progress, wellbeing, and future planning.
The college is part of The Prospect Trust, a multi-academy trust that took it on in September 2017. This structure has allowed investment in buildings and curriculum innovation whilst preserving the college's distinct identity. The leadership team is strong and stable. Emma Hobbs (Assistant Principal, Partnerships and Progression) holds a Masters in Woven Textiles from UCA and has been teaching in post-16 education since 2000. Matt Smith (Assistant Principal, Pastoral) trained at Brighton University and has been at the college since 2000, now serving as Designated Safeguarding Lead. Simon Reigh (Assistant Principal, Quality) holds an MA in Religion, Culture and Society and has been responsible for quality assurance since 2015.
In 2024, the college achieved a 99% pass rate at A-level (grades A*-E), demonstrating that almost every student who sits the examinations completes the qualification. The grade distribution is strong: 35% of entries reached A* or A, 23% achieved A (grades 8-9 equivalence), and 30% secured B (grade 7 equivalence). Combined, 65% of grades fell in the A*-B range, above the England average. This consistency across cohorts indicates systematic teaching quality rather than one-year anomalies.
Vocational results (BTEC and other Level 3 qualifications) were equally impressive: 94% of students achieved Distinction* or Distinction, the highest grades available. This signals that the college supports mixed programmes effectively, with students combining A-levels and vocational qualifications without compromising performance in either.
Contextually, the college ranks 507th in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 25% of schools in England (top 25% of sixth form colleges). This is a particularly impressive metric because it reflects not just absolute grades but value-added progress from GCSE entry points.
The college offers nearly 60 A-level titles across the academic, creative, and applied domains. The largest cohorts study Psychology and Mathematics, suggesting substantial demand for sciences and social sciences. Entry requirements are clear: students typically need grade 5s or above across GCSEs for A-level pathways, and grade 4s for vocational routes. The college looks at GCSE profiles individually, recognising that a student strong in English but less so in maths may still succeed in humanities or languages.
Specialist tutors support students with ambitions to study at competitive universities, including medical, veterinary, dentistry, drama and music colleges, and art courses. The college maintains partnerships with UCA, the University of Winchester, and works with UCAS to guide sixth form students through university application processes. Interview practice, mock exams, and specialist support for medical students and Oxbridge applicants are embedded in the enrichment programme and tutorial structure.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
64.63%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
In the recent cycle, 88 students applied to Oxford and Cambridge. Of these, 21 received offers (a 24% offer rate), and 19 ultimately secured places (a 91% acceptance rate once offered). This places the college at 51st nationally for Oxbridge achievement (FindMySchool data). Cambridge attracted 30 applications, with 12 students securing places; Oxford attracted 58 applications, with 7 students succeeding.
These numbers reflect a school culture where ambitious university applications are supported systematically. The college's "Aspire Programme" begins in Year 12 and extends through the full two-year course, with targeted support for students aiming at elite destinations. The Moving On Day (held annually in July) brings together 190 seminars and 136 exhibition stands, featuring university academics, apprenticeship providers, and professionals from industry, business, law, aviation, and the arts.
In the 2023-24 cohort (the most recent with available destination data), 56% of leavers progressed to university, 6% began apprenticeships, 28% entered employment, and 1% continued in further education. For a college drawing from mixed academic backgrounds, this represents strong progression into higher education, particularly given that not all students aspire to university routes.
The college offers students genuine choice. Those heading to university receive support from tutors and specialist careers staff. Those pursuing apprenticeships work with the Training, Employment and Apprenticeship Fair (held during National Apprenticeship Week), where employers including BAE Systems, Cisco, GSK, and QinetiQ recruit directly. Those aiming for direct employment are supported through careers guidance and placement partnerships.
The Ofsted inspection found that teachers and managers "design the order in which they teach topics very carefully so that students can develop essential knowledge quickly." In A-level English, for instance, new students build on their GCSE text analysis skills, learning about persuasive language and deepening grammatical knowledge before encountering more complex content. In health and social care, students study verbal and non-verbal communication and their impact on relationships, preparing them directly for work experience in care settings.
Teaching is characterised by high subject expertise and careful scaffolding. In A-level graphics, students begin with line drawing, which allows them later to manipulate images and text digitally with ease. In A-level media, students develop high-level skills in image and sound manipulation. In A-level sociology and English, students debate and argue respectfully and productively. Teachers model essay writing carefully and check understanding frequently, identifying and closing knowledge gaps quickly.
Feedback is precise and timely. Rather than generic praise, teachers tell students exactly what they've done well and specifically what needs improvement. This structured approach, combined with high expectations, means students progress rapidly through complex conceptual material.
The college identifies students who need extra help quickly and supports them extremely well. For students with high needs or EHCP provision, specialist tutors and the Study Support Team ensure full participation in learning. As students grow in confidence and independence, support is sensitively reduced. The college offers small-group support, one-to-one help, and in-class support tailored to individual needs.
Transition arrangements are comprehensive. In the summer term prior to enrolment, students with EHCP or autism spectrum condition diagnoses are invited into college multiple times to familiarise themselves with the environment. Getting Ready Day (June), Enrolment (August), and Induction (September) provide further opportunities to settle in.
The college employs cycle-by-cycle review of progress, monitoring whether all students are making sufficient headway. This systematic approach ensures that students with identified needs stay on track.
The Prospect Theatre, with its 300 seats and dedicated teaching suites for music, dance, and drama, enables ambitious productions. The college's signature enrichment offering is the biannual Opera Project, a full-scale operatic production staged entirely by students. Past productions have included Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro (2006) and Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel (2008). Students perform in various venues including local churches, Guildford Cathedral, and the Wind Tunnels project in Farnborough.
The college runs a structured musical enrichment programme including choral projects, pop, rock, and jazz concerts, chamber recitals, and small ensemble performances. Students can join performance groups, develop instrumental or vocal skills, or study music formally through A-level Music.
The Prospect Theatre Company runs workshops in performing arts, whilst Flexi-Crew provides technical opportunities for students to develop behind-the-scenes skills in stage management, sound, lighting, costumes, props, and scenery. These teams support the large-scale productions and smaller student-led performances throughout the year.
The college is serious about sport, with elite pathways and recreational participation both valued. Men's Rugby is hugely popular and competes in the AoC Regional Leagues, U18 Natwest Vase, Hampshire Schools U18 County Cup, and ECRFU Cup. The Sevens programme enters the AoC Cup, Hampshire Sevens, and Rosslyn Park National Sevens competition. Three dedicated sessions per week are timetabled into the college calendar, with skill development, tactical principles, video analysis, and strength and conditioning all embedded.
Women's Rugby, Women's and Men's Volleyball, Women's Elite Netball, and both elite and performance football teams follow similar structural approaches, with dedicated timetabled sessions, competitive fixtures, and strength conditioning. Women's Elite Netball competes in AoC Sport League and Cup Competitions, Hampshire College league, and National SistersnSport.
Hockey sees three dedicated sessions a week, competing in AoC Sport Mixed Regional League, AoC Sport Regionals, and Men's, Women's, and Mixed AoC Sport Cup competitions. Women's Football competes in the Surrey colleges league and AoC Sport Regional Cup, with pathways to semi-professional and scholarship opportunities abroad. Men's Elite Football fields 1st and 2nd teams competing in Hampshire colleges league, ESFA Super League, Hampshire league cup, AoC Sport National Cup, and AoC Sport Regional 5-a-side.
Tennis is run in partnership with the recently refurbished Aldershot Tennis Centre, with high-level coaching in LTA National Senior Students competitions. Badminton competes in Hampshire inter-college league and AoC competitions. Cricket competes in AoC Sport cricket league and Hampshire Cup, with winter participation in AoC Sport indoor tournaments.
The college boasts two sports halls, a fitness gym, a dance studio, three football pitches, a rugby pitch, a cricket square with indoor nets, and a full-size floodlit astroturf. The Ofsted report noted that students "participate with enthusiasm in the college's musical productions and numerous sports teams and performance groups."
The college offers over 60 clubs and societies, the vast majority run by students for students. The enrichment page highlights the eSports Society, Medical Society, Gender Sexuality Association, and Debating Society as examples of the range available. If a desired club does not exist, students can launch their own. Most clubs meet during lunchtime, once weekly, though some specialise groups (such as the Medical Society) may offer additional sessions.
The Student Association committee, overseen by a Lead Tutor, coordinates clubs and provides leadership and team-work experience. The Student Association President sits on the college's Governing Body and the Governors' Estates Committee, giving students genuine voice in institutional decisions.
Beyond clubs, the college runs the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme (open to all students). Moving On Day, mentioned above, exposes Year 12 students to 190 seminars and 136 exhibition stands featuring universities, employers, and professionals. The Prospects Diploma, part of the tutorial programme, guides students through personal development and future planning.
The college runs volunteer placements and community service opportunities. A dedicated Volunteering page outlines engagement with external organisations and charities. Specific partnerships include the Ghana Link (partnership with Presbyterian Secondary Technical School, Aburi, Ghana) and exchange programmes with the German town of Oberursel, where students studying German can participate in annual exchanges.
Maths Admissions Test support (MATS) is offered as part of enrichment, supporting students aiming for mathematical sciences at competitive universities. The college recognises that 60+ enrichment options allow every student to explore interests, develop new skills, and build a well-rounded profile for university and employment applications.
The college is open to students aged 16 to 19. Entry for A-level pathways typically requires GCSE grade 5s or above across the student's intended subjects; vocational entry requires grade 4s or above. The minimum GCSE English Language grade of 4 is essential, as it significantly restricts Level 3 options without it.
Applications are made online. For September 2026 entry, the on-time deadline was 4:00 pm on 20 October 2025. Applications made after this date are considered late and placed into a reserve pool, with interviews and offers not guaranteed if oversubscribed. The college recommends students apply to multiple institutions to keep options open.
Interviews take place between November 2025 and March 2026. Prospective students are advised to check their email for interview invitations and track their application progress using the online application portal.
Admissions are coordinated directly by the college rather than through local authority coordinated schemes. Families can contact the Admissions team at admissions@farnborough.ac.uk for support with applications.
The college timetable runs broadly from morning to afternoon, with classes and learning sessions scheduled across the day. Wednesday afternoons are typically dedicated to sports competitions and enrichment activities. The college operates a parent portal for real-time access to attendance, progress, and communication.
Transport links are strong. Three train stations lie within walking distance: Farnborough Main (approximately 15 minutes), Farnborough North (approximately 15 minutes), and Frimley (approximately 20 minutes). The college is approximately a 10-minute drive from Junction 4 on the M3. Three main bus stops are within a short walk, and dedicated cycle lanes run from the college into the town centre and surrounding areas.
The college operates three catering facilities (Café Direct, TimeOut, and Shades) offering a range of meal options at competitive prices. An on-site college shop on the ground floor of the Bagnall building stocks stationery, art supplies, and essentials at competitive prices.
Competitive admissions: With applications in excess of available places, entry is competitive. The college recommends that prospective students apply to multiple post-16 institutions and take interviews seriously, as late applications may not be processed if oversubscribed.
Large cohort size: The college enrols approximately 3,915 students. Whilst this scale enables diverse provision (60 clubs, nearly 60 A-level subjects, multiple sports teams), some students prefer smaller, more intimate college environments. The college's Personal Tutor system aims to offset this by assigning each student a dedicated member of staff, but class sizes and campus scale may feel overwhelming to some.
Wide catchment: Students travel from across Surrey, Hampshire, and Berkshire, meaning some commutes are significant (20-40 minutes). Families should verify travel feasibility before applying.
Course withdrawal: The college reserves the right to withdraw courses if recruitment numbers are not viable. Whilst this is a standard practice across sixth form colleges, students should be aware that their ideal subject combination may not run if insufficient numbers register.
The Sixth Form College Farnborough is among the strongest state-funded post-16 institutions in the south east. The combination of outstanding academic results (top 25% nationally for A-level outcomes), Outstanding Ofsted judgement across all areas, ambitious university preparation (19 Oxbridge places, strong Russell Group progression), and a vast enrichment offer (60 clubs, elite sports teams, biannual opera productions) makes it exceptionally attractive to high-achieving students.
The college has invested substantially in facilities (over £15 million in campus development), teaching quality (strong leadership and professional development), and student support (Personal Tutors, specialist university guidance, study support teams). The institutional ethos values both academic ambition and personal development, treating students as young adults preparing for independence.
Best suited to students aged 16-19 who thrive in large, academically selective environments and wish to pursue A-levels or vocational Level 3 qualifications. Families should be prepared for a competitive admissions process and verify transport feasibility given the college's wide geographical catchment. For those who gain entry, the education offered is exceptional and represents outstanding value for a state-funded post-16 provider.
Yes. The college was rated Outstanding by Ofsted in September 2021 across all seven assessment areas. A-level results consistently sit in the top 25% nationally, with 65% of grades in the A*-B range (2024). Nineteen students secured Oxbridge places in the recent cycle, and the college ranks 507th in England for A-level outcomes. The college enrolls approximately 3,915 students and maintains over 60 clubs and enrichment activities.
Entry requires a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above. For A-level, students typically need grade 5s or above across their GCSE subjects, with subject-specific requirements varying (e.g., grade 6 in GCSE sciences for A-level Physics). For vocational Level 3 courses, grade 4s across GCSEs are usually sufficient. GCSE English Language at grade 4 is essential, as it significantly restricts course options without it.
The college is competitive to enter. On-time application deadlines are typically in October for September entry. Late applications are placed in a reserve pool and may not receive interviews if oversubscribed. The college strongly recommends students apply to multiple sixth form colleges and that they apply early to ensure consideration.
The college offers men's and women's rugby, volleyball, badminton, tennis, hockey, netball, football, and cricket at competitive levels, with multiple teams and pathways. The college also offers recreational sports opportunities and works in partnership with external clubs (e.g., Aldershot Tennis Centre for tennis coaching). Facilities include two sports halls, a fitness gym, a dance studio, three football pitches, a rugby pitch, a cricket square with indoor nets, and a floodlit astroturf.
In the 2023-24 cohort, 56% progressed to university, 28% entered employment, 6% began apprenticeships, and 1% continued in further education. The college provides specialist support for medical, veterinary, and dentistry students, as well as guidance for Oxbridge applicants. Careers staff and personal tutors support all students in making informed choices about their next steps, whether university, apprenticeships, or employment.
Yes. The Prospect Theatre (300-seat venue opened by Prince Edward in 2000) hosts the biannual Opera Project, a full-scale student-led operatic production. The college offers choral, pop, rock, and jazz performance opportunities, chamber recitals, and small ensemble performances. The Prospect Theatre Company runs performing arts workshops, and Flexi-Crew provides technical opportunities in stage management, sound, lighting, costumes, props, and scenery. Students can study A-level Music or join enrichment activities regardless of their academic subjects.
The college sends students to leading universities including Russell Group institutions and specialist colleges. In the recent cycle, 19 students secured Oxbridge places (12 to Cambridge, 7 to Oxford). The college ranks 51st nationally for Oxbridge achievement. Specialist tutors support applications to drama colleges, music colleges, art courses, and medical/veterinary/dentistry programmes. The Moving On Day (July) attracts university representatives from a range of institutions.
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