Based in the heart of the market town, Grantham College blends the architectural heritage of Stonebridge House with the industrial reality of modern workshops. This is not a traditional sixth form but a Further Education college focused on employability, skills, and vocational mastery. Serving over 2,000 students, it acts as a bridge between school and the workforce, offering a mature environment where lanyards replace ties and workshops replace classrooms. The college was rated Good by Ofsted in 2023, marking a significant turnaround and validating its "careers-first" curriculum.
The campus is a patchwork of eras. The administrative heart beats in Stonebridge House, a Grade II listed building that gives the site a sense of permanence. Surrounding it are purpose-built blocks for engineering, arts, and construction. The atmosphere differs markedly from a school. Students call staff by their first names, manage their own free time, and move between industry-standard facilities rather than rows of desks.
Mr Paul Deane has served as Principal since 2013. His tenure has steered the college through challenging periods to its current stable footing. The culture is inclusive and practical. You are as likely to see students in high-vis jackets heading to bricklaying as you are to see media students filming on the lawn. It feels like a workplace in training, which is precisely the intention.
Families should view the published performance data through a vocational lens. The college's primary focus is not A-levels but Level 3 BTECs, T-Levels, and apprenticeships. While the college appears in A-level performance tables—ranking 2,590th in England—this data point reflects a tiny fraction of the cohort and does not capture the institution's true output.
The 2023 Ofsted inspection confirmed that the vast majority of students pass their qualifications. More importantly, they develop the practical behaviours employers demand. In vocational areas such as engineering and performing arts, students produce work of a professional standard. Progress in GCSE English and mathematics resits—a crucial function of any FE college—is steady, enabling students who missed out at school to gain these essential passports to employment.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
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% of students achieving grades A*-B
Teaching here is led by industry experts rather than career academics. In the salons, kitchens, and garages, staff draw on years of commercial experience to explain not just how to do a task, but why it matters to a paying customer. The curriculum includes T-Levels in areas like Education and Childcare, which combine classroom theory with substantial industry placements.
The approach is hands-on. Media students work in a dedicated studio with green-screen technology; animal care students manage a diverse range of species in the on-site centre. Support for students with high needs is a particular strength. Ofsted inspectors noted that these students receive "highly effective support" that integrates them fully into college life, allowing them to gain confidence alongside their qualifications.
The destination data reflects the college's vocational mission. In 2024, 16% of leavers progressed to university, often for specialised degrees in nursing, arts, or engineering. However, the dominant pathway is direct employment, with 35% of leavers moving straight into the workforce—a figure that speaks to the college's success in producing job-ready candidates.
A further 10% secured apprenticeships, continuing their earn-while-you-learn journey. The college's strong links with local employers, particularly in construction and engineering, facilitate these transitions. Students receive guidance from a dedicated careers team who organise fairs and industry talks throughout the year.
Entry is less about past academic glory and more about future potential. Applications are made directly to the college via the website, typically opening in October for the following September. There is no hard deadline, but popular courses like plumbing and electrical installation fill quickly.
Prospective students attend an interview—often more of a conversation about career goals than a test—to ensure they are on the right level of course. Entry requirements vary: Level 3 courses typically require five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, while Level 1 and 2 courses are accessible with fewer qualifications. The college is non-selective in the traditional sense, operating an open-access policy designed to give everyone a starting point.
The transition from school to college brings new freedoms, and the pastoral team works to ensure students handle them safely. Each student has a Progress Coach who monitors attendance and sets targets. The "Stay Safe" team is visible and accessible, dealing with issues ranging from mental health to housing concerns.
Support for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is robust. The Learning Development Centre provides a base for students needing additional help, and learning support assistants are deployed effectively in workshops and classrooms. The college has been recognised for its inclusive approach, creating a sanctuary for students who may have struggled in large secondary schools.
The jewel in the extracurricular crown is the Table Tennis Academy. As a Table Tennis England Performance Centre, it attracts elite players from across the country (and internationally) who combine full-time study with daily coaching. The facility is world-class, producing national champions and offering a pathway that rivals specialist sports schools.
For those not wielding a bat, the enrichment programme includes the Student Union, which organises freshers' fairs and charity events. Trips are course-specific and frequent: travel and tourism students might visit European destinations, while art students visit London galleries. The on-site commercial outlets—including a restaurant, salon, and travel agency—provide real-world environments where students serve the public.
As a state-funded Further Education college, tuition is free for UK residents aged 16 to 18 (under 19 on 31 August of the academic year). There are no fees for the vast majority of courses in this age bracket.
Costs may apply for specific equipment, trips, or uniforms (e.g., chef whites, safety boots, hairdressing kits).
State-funded school (families may still pay for uniforms, trips, and optional activities).
The college is situated on Stonebridge Road, a short walk from Grantham town centre and the bus station. Most students travel by public transport or walk. The college day typically runs from 9:00am to 4:15pm, though timetables vary by course; unlike school, students are only required on campus for their scheduled lessons and tutorials.
Grantham College plays a vital role in the local educational landscape. It is not an exam factory but a skills engine. For the academic high-flyer seeking three A*s, it is likely the wrong choice. However, for the student who learns by doing, who wants to treat education as the first stage of a career, or who is a budding table tennis professional, it offers a supportive, well-resourced, and genuine launchpad. Best suited to practical learners ready to trade the classroom for the workshop.
Yes. Grantham College was rated Good by Ofsted in March 2023. Inspectors praised the inclusive environment, the industry expertise of staff, and the strong support for students with high needs.
The college focuses primarily on vocational qualifications such as BTECs, T-Levels, and NVQs. While it has offered A-levels in the past, the current provision is heavily weighted towards technical and professional skills. Families seeking a full A-level curriculum should verify current course availability directly.
There is no uniform. Students wear their own clothes. However, for vocational courses like construction, hair and beauty, or catering, students must wear the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) or salon uniforms for health and safety reasons.
The Grantham College Table Tennis Academy is a specialist centre for elite players. It allows students to train daily with professional coaches while completing their academic or vocational studies. It is a Table Tennis England designated Performance Centre.
For UK students aged 16-18, tuition is free. There may be small costs for equipment, trips, or uniforms depending on the course. Students aged 19+ may need to pay fees, though loans and bursaries are often available.
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