The Henley College Review 2026: Independence and Pathways

Located in the riverside town of Henley-on-Thames, The Henley College offers a bridge between school and university life. Formed in 1987 from the merger of King James I Grammar School and a technical college, it occupies two campuses—Deanfield and Rotherfield—separated by a short walk. It serves as a major hub for students from Oxfordshire, Berkshire, and Buckinghamshire, offering a distinct alternative to school-based sixth forms. The atmosphere is notably more adult; there are no bells, no uniforms, and students call staff by their first names.

The college feels less like a school and more like a university campus. Students move freely between the Rotherfield site, with its historic buildings and rolling lawns, and the more modern Deanfield site near the town centre. This physical separation forces a degree of independence; students must manage their time and movement between lectures.

Mr Simon Spearman has served as Principal since September 2024, bringing experience from sixth form leadership in London. His tenure has focused on balancing the college's inclusive ethos with academic rigour. The environment is diverse and busy, with over 2,000 students on roll. It lacks the intimate, cocooned feel of a small school sixth form, trading it for a bustling, real-world maturity. The culture is inclusive, welcoming a mix of high-fliers aiming for elite universities and students pursuing vocational excellence.

A-level performance reflects the college's broad, non-selective intake. In 2024, 30.13% of A-level grades were A*-B, compared to the England average of 47.2%. Ranked 2,108th in England and 2nd in Henley-on-Thames for A-level outcomes, performance sits in the national lower band (bottom 40%).

However, raw grades tell only part of the story. The college frequently adds value to students who might not thrive in a high-pressure grammar school environment, particularly through its strong vocational outcomes.

The curriculum is vast. Unlike school sixth forms restricted to academic subjects, Henley offers over 60 courses including A-levels, BTECs, and the new T Levels. This breadth is a defining strength. A student can combine A-level Business with a BTEC in Engineering, or pursue a purely vocational pathway in Health and Social Care.

Teaching styles are tertiary rather than scholastic. Students are expected to take ownership of their learning. Support is available, but it is not spoon-fed. The college has invested significantly in facilities, including the Cuthbert Suite for digital skills and upgraded science laboratories.

The college acts as a launchpad for diverse futures. In 2024, 34% of leavers progressed to university. While A-level averages are modest, the top end achieves highly. The college facilitates a dedicated "High Flyers" programme for aspiring medics and Oxbridge candidates. In the most recent cycle, 14 students applied to Oxford or Cambridge, with 5 receiving offers—an impressive conversion rate that speaks to targeted support for the most able.

Employment is a significant destination, with 38% of leavers moving directly into work, reflecting the strong vocational focus. Apprenticeship progression stands at 6%.

As a state-funded Sixth Form College, entry is open to students aged 16-19. Applications are made directly to the college, typically opening in October for the following September. While the college is inclusive, specific courses have grade requirements; for example, A-level Mathematics requires a higher grade in GCSE Maths than a BTEC pathway might.

There is no hard deadline, but the college encourages applications by the February half-term to guarantee the best choice of courses. Students are invited to an interview, which is more of a course-counselling session to ensure they are on the right pathway.

Every student is assigned a Personal Tutor, who acts as the first point of contact for academic and personal concerns. The 'Tutorial' system is central to college life, covering career planning, wellbeing, and citizenship.

Given the college's size and open campus nature, the safeguarding team is proactive. A counselling service is available on-site. The atmosphere requires students to be reasonably self-sufficient; those who struggle to ask for help may find the environment large, though the support systems are robust for those who engage with them.

Extracurricular life is dominated by the Elite Sports Programme, which rivals many independent schools. The college has prestigious partnerships, including a long-standing link with Ealing Trailfinders for rugby and Leander Club for rowing, producing numerous international athletes.

For non-athletes, the enrichment programme is varied. Students can join the Debating Society, the heavily subscribed Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, or creative arts clubs. The college’s location allows for unique opportunities, such as the Environmental Science group utilising the Thames for fieldwork.

The college day typically runs from 9.00am to 4.15pm, though students only attend when they have timetabled lessons. An extensive network of college buses brings students from Reading, High Wycombe, Maidenhead, and surrounding villages.

Campus split. The walk between Deanfield and Rotherfield takes about 10-15 minutes. While this offers fresh air and independence, it can be tiresome in wet winter months.

Self-discipline required. There is no one to chase students to lessons in the same way as at school. Students who lack self-motivation can sometimes drift; the freedom is a privilege that must be managed.

Mixed ability cohort. Parents looking for a "hothouse" academic environment may find the mixed-ability classes different from a grammar school. The benefit is a grounded, real-world social mix, but the academic pace varies by subject.

The Henley College offers a refreshing halfway house between school and university. It suits students ready to shed the constraints of a school uniform and take responsibility for their own future. While A-level statistics are average, the elite sports provision and vocational pathways are exceptional. Best suited to independent-minded teenagers who want a broader curriculum and a more adult environment than a school sixth form can provide.