North East Lincolnshire's only dedicated sixth form college earned the region's sole Outstanding Ofsted rating in May 2024, a recognition that capped years of steady improvement under focused leadership. Founded in 1990, Franklin serves more than 1,700 full-time students aged 16 to 18 from across Grimsby, Cleethorpes, and the surrounding Lincolnshire coast, with an additional cohort of adult learners taking advantage of evening and part-time provision. The college offers the widest range of A-level and vocational courses in the area, with over 70 programmes spanning everything from traditional academic subjects to T-Levels and specialist pathways in areas such as esports and football coaching. For students leaving Year 11 and seeking genuine choice in post-16 education, Franklin represents the clearest route to a university-style learning environment without the fees.
The Chelmsford Avenue campus sits in the Grange area of Grimsby, west of the town centre, occupying a site that has been progressively upgraded over three decades. Purpose-built facilities give the college a modern feel, distinct from the converted Victorian buildings that characterise many sixth form providers. The atmosphere is warm, friendly and inclusive, with high levels of respect evident between students and staff. This was noted explicitly by Ofsted inspectors, who praised the college for creating an environment where students feel supported to take intellectual risks.
Wendy Ellis became Principal and CEO following Peter Kennedy's retirement in 2024. Kennedy's tenure, which began in 2018, saw the college climb from Requires Improvement to Outstanding. He brought experience from Huddersfield New College, where he had played a significant role in achieving an Outstanding judgement. His contribution was recognised with an MBE for services to further education in North East Lincolnshire. Ellis continues the trajectory, inheriting an institution now recognised as a national leader in sixth form education.
The college's values are encapsulated in the acronym ASPIRE: Aspirational, Supportive, Persistent, Inclusive, Respectful, and Even and Consistent. These are not merely displayed on corridor walls but embedded in the tutorial system, behaviour expectations, and the way staff engage with students. The vision is straightforward: to provide the best possible life chances for the community and enable every student to achieve more than they thought possible.
What distinguishes Franklin from local school sixth forms is its genuine independence from secondary school structures. Students arrive from a range of feeder schools across the region, creating a fresh peer group unburdened by established social hierarchies. For those who found secondary school challenging, this reset can be transformative.
A-level results at Franklin sit below the England average, with 13.1% of grades at A* or A compared to an England average of 23.6%, and 39.7% at A*-B against an England benchmark of 47.2%. The college ranks 1,788th in England for A-level outcomes, placing it in the lower 40% of providers (FindMySchool ranking). However, context matters considerably. Franklin serves a comprehensive intake from an area of significant deprivation, where many students arrive with lower GCSE starting points than peers at selective or metropolitan colleges.
What the headline grades do not reveal is the value the college adds. Franklin tops the regional performance tables for 16-19 progress, meaning students leave with better results than their GCSE grades predicted. This is the metric that matters most for students deciding between Franklin and alternatives. The college achieves exceptional progress with a cohort that is less academically select than those at many competitors.
The 2024 A-level results continued this pattern. Principal Peter Kennedy noted that even more students than usual secured their first-choice university places, a reflection not just of grades achieved but of the guidance and support in crafting realistic but ambitious applications. The 2023 pass rate stood at 98% for A-levels and 99% for vocational qualifications.
Vocational routes are equally strong. BTEC and CTEC qualifications feature prominently, and the college was an early adopter of T-Levels, the new technical qualifications designed to provide an alternative to A-levels with significant employer placements built in. This breadth means students can combine A-levels with vocational options, creating genuinely personalised programmes.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
39.68%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
Teaching follows structures appropriate to a post-16 environment. Class sizes are smaller than school sixth forms, typically between 15 and 20, and teaching staff are subject specialists who often bring industry or university experience alongside their pedagogical qualifications. The 2024 Ofsted report rated quality of education as Outstanding, noting that adult learners experienced a rich range of learning and training activities, a judgement that extends to the main 16-18 provision.
The curriculum spans traditional academic subjects, from Biology to Economics, alongside creative disciplines such as Film Studies, Performing Arts, and a suite of art and design options supported by state-of-the-art Mac Suites equipped with the latest iMacs and Adobe Creative Suite software. Science, mathematics and engineering subjects benefit from dedicated laboratories and technical support.
Independent study is woven into the weekly timetable, reflecting the reality of A-level learning, which demands substantial self-directed work. The Bridge, a brand-new university-style learning centre, provides flexible spaces for individual and collaborative study, with quiet zones for focused revision and open areas for group work. High-end computers and laptop access are available throughout the campus, ensuring students without home equipment face no disadvantage.
The enrichment programme extends learning beyond the syllabus. Guest speakers, foreign study visits, and college performances in music and drama create opportunities for intellectual and cultural exploration. Recent years have seen the college host events for World Health Month and the Day of European Languages, broadening horizons for students whose travel experience may be limited.
In 2024, 42% of Franklin leavers progressed to university, with a further 10% starting apprenticeships and 26% moving directly into employment. These figures reflect the diverse ambitions of the student body, many of whom prioritise routes into work or technical training over traditional higher education.
For those targeting the most competitive universities, the college's High Flyers programme provides dedicated preparation. Students attending the annual High Flyers event hear from current Franklin students who have secured places at Oxbridge and Russell Group universities, as well as from those who have gained admission to medical schools. Coaching is available for entrance examinations including STEP, MAT, and TMUA, and mock interviews help students refine their presentation.
Oxbridge success remains modest in absolute terms, as might be expected given the intake profile. In the reporting period, 17 students applied to Oxford or Cambridge, with one securing a place at Cambridge. This represents a conversion rate that, while below typical averages, demonstrates that Franklin students can compete at the highest level when properly prepared.
The Aspiring Future Medics programme supports students aiming for medicine, veterinary science, and dentistry. Dedicated workshops, guest speakers from the healthcare professions, and mock interview sessions address the specific demands of these competitive applications. For many students from non-professional backgrounds, this structured support opens doors that might otherwise remain closed.
Beyond the elite destinations, students progress to universities across England, including popular choices in the North and Midlands. The emphasis on first-choice acceptances means students are guided toward realistic targets, reducing the disappointment of clearing and ensuring strong matches between student and institution.
Franklin operates open admissions for students progressing from Year 11, with entry requirements determined by course level rather than competitive selection. Students achieving predominantly Grade 4s or above in their GCSEs can access Level 3 programmes, which include A-levels, Level 3 BTECs and CTECs, and T-Levels. Those with lower grades are offered Level 2 courses, with clear progression routes to Level 3 in subsequent years.
Subject-specific requirements apply to certain A-levels. Students wishing to study Mathematics A-level typically need a Grade 6 or higher at GCSE, while sciences often require Grade 5 or above. The college publishes detailed entry requirements for each course, and the Admissions Team works individually with applicants to construct appropriate study programmes.
Applications for September 2026 entry open in early October 2025. The college advises applying by mid-March to guarantee first-choice courses. After application, students attend an interview where they discuss their GCSE predictions, attendance record, and career aspirations. Bringing evidence of current school performance is expected.
Taster Day precedes enrolment, providing an insight into college life and the style of teaching. Bridging work is assigned, which students complete over the summer and bring to their enrolment appointment after collecting GCSE results. This approach ensures students arrive with realistic expectations and a foundation for their chosen subjects.
Open Events run throughout the academic year, with the most recent advertised for February 2026. These provide opportunities to explore facilities, meet teaching staff, and speak with current students. Parents and carers are welcome and encouraged to attend.
The Admissions Team can be contacted at admissions@franklin.ac.uk or by telephone on 01472 875 004.
Student support at Franklin is structured to address both academic and personal needs. The college operates a tutorial system where each student has a designated tutor who monitors progress, attendance, and general wellbeing. Tutorials provide a regular touchpoint for discussing concerns before they escalate.
The Learning Support team works with students who have additional needs, including physical disabilities and learning difficulties. Staff receive specialist training, and the college has experience accommodating a wide range of requirements. For students with Education, Health and Care Plans, appropriate adjustments are made across teaching and assessment.
Financial pressures affect many families in the region. The Student Financial Support Fund provides assistance with costs such as transport, equipment, and course materials. This practical support removes barriers that might otherwise prevent students from fully engaging with their studies.
Mental health provision has expanded in recent years, reflecting trends in student anxiety and wellbeing concerns. While specific details of counselling services are not published, the Ofsted Outstanding judgement in personal development indicates robust systems are in place.
Behaviour is calm and purposeful. The college's expectations are clear, and the ASPIRE values provide a framework for mutual respect. Students are treated as young adults, with corresponding responsibilities for their own conduct and learning.
Franklin's extracurricular offer reflects its position as a specialist sixth form provider. Facilities include a free-to-use gym open throughout the week, a dedicated esports suite for gaming enthusiasts, and performance spaces for drama, dance, and music. The Covered Courtyard and Quad serve as social hubs, hosting events and performances throughout the year.
The Talented Athlete Support Scheme assists regional and national level sports competitors in balancing educational and sporting commitments. Scheduling flexibility and staff understanding allow elite athletes to maintain training regimes while pursuing qualifications.
The partnership with Grimsby Town Football Club deserves particular attention. The GTFC Shadow Scholarship provides a football development pathway alongside full-time education, resembling a youth team apprenticeship without the requirement to sign professional forms. Scholars train three times weekly and compete against other professional clubs' shadow U19 teams in the EFL Community Education Football Alliance (CEFA). A Girls' Shadow Scholarship launched for the 2024/25 season, extending this opportunity to female students for the first time.
Sports teams compete in fixtures across the region, providing competitive opportunities beyond elite programmes.
The Art and Media departments occupy studios equipped with industry-standard technology. A £1 million art block opened in 2007, providing dedicated space for art, photography, and design subjects. The Mac Suites support digital creativity with the latest Adobe software and technical assistance from experienced staff.
Performing Arts students have access to dedicated studio and theatre spaces. College performances in music and drama feature regularly, and students have opportunities to take part regardless of whether they study performing arts formally.
The Career Academy programme links education with business and industry through four focused academies: Law, STEM, Health, and Business. These programmes raise achievements, aspirations, and employability skills through employer engagement, project work, and professional skills development.
The STEM Academy connects students with local and regional employers, providing insight into engineering, technology, and scientific careers. For students from the region, where energy and manufacturing sectors remain significant employers, these links create pathways into industries that might otherwise seem inaccessible.
The enrichment programme offers activities ranging from foreign study visits to visiting speakers and cultural events. The Grimsby Town FUTSAL Programme provides a further sporting option, while the Career Academies in Logistics and Law give structured professional development for students targeting specific sectors.
The 360-degree immersive environment allows students to visualise future careers and university experiences, a particularly valuable tool for those who may be first-generation higher education applicants.
The college day runs from 9:00am, with lessons timetabled across the week and independent study periods built into individual schedules. Exact finish times depend on timetabling, but the standard day concludes by mid-afternoon.
Transport links serve the campus from across North East Lincolnshire and surrounding areas. The Chelmsford Avenue location is accessible from Grimsby town centre, with bus services connecting to Cleethorpes and coastal villages. Students from more distant locations may qualify for support through the Student Financial Support Fund.
On-site catering includes The Buzz, serving hot food and drinks, and Frankies, which features Costa Coffee. The Covered Courtyard and Quad provide outdoor social space when weather permits.
The library offers fiction and non-fiction books alongside DVDs and study materials. Print and digital resources support coursework and independent research.
Results in context. A-level grades at Franklin sit below England averages. Families should understand that this reflects the comprehensive intake from an area of relative deprivation, not the quality of teaching. Progress measures, which compare outcomes to starting points, show the college adds significant value.
Not a school sixth form. Franklin operates as an independent institution rather than an extension of secondary school. Students must manage their own time, attend independently, and take responsibility for their learning. Those who thrived with close supervision may need to adjust.
Distance from home. The college draws students from a wide catchment. Travel times from coastal villages or outlying areas can be substantial, adding to the length of the day. Public transport links are adequate but not frequent outside peak hours.
Limited Oxbridge pipeline. While the High Flyers programme provides support, the college does not have the critical mass of Oxbridge applicants found at selective schools or metropolitan sixth forms. Students with Oxbridge ambitions should engage early and be prepared for largely individual preparation.
Franklin College delivers comprehensive post-16 education for students across North East Lincolnshire and beyond, with the only Outstanding Ofsted rating in the region confirming its position as the area's leading sixth form provider. The combination of over 70 courses, specialist programmes from football scholarships to medical preparation, and a genuine commitment to student progress makes this a strong choice for any student seeking to move beyond their secondary school for post-16 study.
Best suited to students ready for increased independence who want the social and academic reset that a dedicated sixth form college provides. The wide course range accommodates both traditional academic pathways and vocational routes, with staff experienced in supporting students to achieve beyond their GCSE predictions. For families prioritising progress over raw grades, Franklin represents exceptional value.
The main challenge is not admission but making the most of the opportunities available. Students who engage with the enrichment programme, take advantage of support services, and commit to independent study will find Franklin provides genuine pathways to university, apprenticeships, and employment.
Franklin College achieved an Outstanding Ofsted rating in May 2024, with the highest grade in all categories including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership. It is the only sixth form provider in North East Lincolnshire with this rating. The college tops regional tables for student progress, meaning students leave with better grades than their GCSE starting points predicted.
Entry requirements vary by course level. Level 3 programmes, including A-levels and Level 3 BTECs, typically require predominantly Grade 4s or above at GCSE. Individual A-level subjects may have higher requirements; Mathematics usually requires Grade 6, while sciences often need Grade 5. Level 2 courses accept students with lower grades, with progression routes to Level 3.
The High Flyers programme supports students targeting Oxbridge and Russell Group universities. This includes coaching for entrance examinations such as STEP, MAT, and TMUA, mock interview practice, and events where current students share their experiences of competitive applications.
Franklin partners with Grimsby Town Football Club to offer Shadow Scholarships, where students train three times weekly and compete in the EFL Community Education Football Alliance while studying for qualifications. A Girls' Shadow Scholarship launched in 2024/25. The Talented Athlete Support Scheme helps regional and national competitors balance sport and study.
Applications open in early October for September entry the following year. Apply online through the college website. Applicants attend an interview to discuss GCSE predictions, attendance, and career aspirations. Taster Day and bridging work follow before enrolment in late August after GCSE results are released.
Key facilities include The Bridge (a university-style learning centre), Mac Suites with the latest Apple computers and Adobe software, dedicated performing arts studios, an esports suite, a free gym, and social spaces including The Buzz and Frankies (Costa Coffee). A £1 million art block opened in 2007.
Get in touch with the school directly
Disclaimer
Information on this page is compiled, analysed, and processed from publicly available sources including the Department for Education (DfE), Ofsted, the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, and official school websites.
Our rankings, metrics, and assessments are derived from this data using our own methodologies and represent our independent analysis rather than official standings.
While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee that all information is current, complete, or error-free. Data may change without notice, and schools and/or local authorities should be contacted directly to verify any details before making decisions.
FindMySchool does not endorse any particular school, and rankings reflect specific metrics rather than overall quality.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, we accept no liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance on information provided. If you believe any information is inaccurate, please contact us.
