Herefordshire, Ludlow and North Shropshire College: Five Campuses, Infinite Pathways

Spanning nearly 500 hectares of farmland, medieval townscapes, and modern urban centres, HLNSC represents one of the most geographically ambitious further education providers in England. Formed through successive mergers culminating in 2018, this college group serves students from 16 to 99 across five distinct campuses in Herefordshire and North Shropshire. The provision ranges from A-levels at Ludlow Sixth Form College, ranked in the top 3.5% of A-level providers in England, to the largest training forge in Europe at Holme Lacy. At 1,091 leavers in the most recent cohort, scale alone does not define this institution; what distinguishes HLNSC is its ability to offer both high-level academic study and specialist vocational training that cannot be found elsewhere.

Each of HLNSC's five campuses possesses a distinct personality shaped by its setting and specialism. Herefordshire College occupies Folly Lane in central Hereford, walking distance from the railway station and cathedral city centre. The campus has undergone recent refurbishment, housing specialist facilities for over twenty industry sectors alongside a Learning Resource Centre, professional training restaurant, and on-site nursery. North Shropshire College in Oswestry mirrors this urban, vocational focus with professional teaching kitchens, hair and beauty salons, science laboratories, and electrical workshops.

The land-based campuses tell a different story. Holme Lacy sits on a 257-hectare mixed organic farm seven miles south of Hereford, complete with a pedigree Hereford cattle herd and a large flock of Lleyn sheep. The campus houses the National School of Blacksmithing, founded in 1946 and relocated to purpose-built facilities in 2000, operating the largest training forge in Europe with 42 hearths in the blacksmithing bays alone. Alongside this heritage trades centre sits the Hereford School of Farriery, one of only three institutions in England delivering farriery apprenticeships.

Walford College, near Shrewsbury, occupies its own 220-hectare farm with arable, dairy, beef, and sheep operations. The equestrian centre features a 60m by 30m indoor arena and stabling for 32 horses, while the animal care centre holds over 80 species including meerkats, kookaburras, alpacas, and birds of prey. On-site residential accommodation makes this the only college in the region offering a timetable suited to students from remote rural communities facing long daily journeys.

Ludlow Sixth Form College occupies a contrasting setting in the heart of what poet John Betjeman called the loveliest town in England. Students learn in buildings dating from the Middle Ages to the 21st century, all within the historic market town. The academic atmosphere here differs markedly from the practical, industry-focused ethos of the other campuses.

David Williams serves as Principal and CEO, leading an institution that emerged from the 2018 merger between Herefordshire and Ludlow College and North Shropshire College. The college group also incorporates County Training and the Gateway Adult Education Centre, extending reach further into the regional skills economy.

At A-level, Ludlow Sixth Form College has established a distinctive reputation. The college ranks in the top 3.5% of A-level providers nationally, currently positioned 10th out of 290 sixth form colleges in league table measures. It offers all the facilitating subjects favoured by Russell Group universities and reports a 98% success rate.

The data from the wider HLNSC group tells a more complex story reflecting the diversity of its provision. At A-level, 5.1% of entries achieved A* grades and 9.9% achieved A grades. The proportion achieving A*-B grades stands at 41.2%, compared to an England average of 47.2%. This places the overall A-level provision at rank 1,616 in England, in the lower 40% of providers.

This apparent discrepancy between Ludlow's standalone reputation and the group-wide figures reflects the statistical challenge of combining data from a specialist sixth form college with technical and vocational programmes across multiple sites. Parents considering A-levels specifically should focus on Ludlow's individual track record.

The college employs what Ofsted described as highly qualified industry experts who ensure the curriculum is up to date and linked well to industry areas. This industry connection is most visible in specialist provision. At Holme Lacy, the Farriery course was cited as an example of best practice in the 2022 inspection. Over 300 farriery and blacksmithing trainees attend annually, drawn from across the UK, Commonwealth, USA, and Europe.

At Ludlow, the teaching model emphasises small group learning with high levels of personal support. The college offers a broad choice of A-levels including subjects in sciences, humanities, languages, arts, and sport. Class sizes remain smaller than at larger sixth form colleges, enabling more individual attention.

The Hereford campus houses professional training facilities including commercial-standard kitchens supporting the publicly accessible Cider Orchard Restaurant, providing realistic work experience for hospitality students. North Shropshire College follows a similar model with its training restaurant and salons.

The most recent cohort data shows 1,091 leavers, with destinations reflecting the college's broad mission. 10% progressed to university, with 6% continuing in further education. 12% entered apprenticeships, while 48% moved directly into employment.

At Ludlow Sixth Form College specifically, many students progress to Russell Group and other highly ranked universities. The college's position as a top 10 A-level provider ensures university admissions tutors recognise its academic credibility. One student secured a Cambridge place from the most recent reporting period.

The employment-focused outcomes reflect the vocational strength of provision at other campuses. Students completing farriery apprenticeships join the Register of Qualified Farriers and enter a profession with strong demand. Agriculture, animal care, and land-based studies graduates find employment across the regional farming economy. Motor vehicle, construction, and engineering students benefit from partnerships with local employers who helped design apprenticeship standards.

HLNSC operates rolling admissions for most programmes, with students applying directly to the college rather than through centralised systems. Open events run throughout the year at all five campuses, typically in autumn and spring, providing opportunities to tour facilities and discuss course options with teaching staff.

For Ludlow Sixth Form College, entry typically requires at least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, with higher requirements for specific A-level subjects. Students should expect grade 6 or above in subjects they wish to study at A-level. Applications for September entry open from autumn the previous year.

For vocational courses and apprenticeships, requirements vary by level. Entry-level and Level 1 programmes accept students without formal qualifications, while Level 3 programmes typically require Level 2 passes or equivalent GCSEs. Apprenticeship entry depends on securing an employer placement alongside the college training programme.

The farriery apprenticeship is particularly competitive. A preparatory Level 2 course in forgework and horse care exists specifically to prepare candidates for entry to the specialist Level 3 programme.

The 2022 Ofsted inspection rated Behaviour and Attitudes as Outstanding, the only category to achieve the highest grade. Inspectors noted that students demonstrate high levels of motivation and that attitudes and behaviour in lessons and around campuses were described as exemplary.

Learners and apprentices feel welcome, safe and secure at all college sites. The inspection found that learners with high needs enjoy their learning, feel safe and respected, and develop their confidence over time.

Support services include a Learning Resource Centre at Hereford providing study space and resources. Accessibility features across all buildings include lifts, wide corridors, automatic doors, and hearing loops in reception areas and designated classrooms. Careers advice services support students in planning progression routes.

The inspection identified provision for learners with high needs as the area requiring improvement, noting that leaders and teachers do not support learners with high needs to develop their wider targets and goals listed in their education, health and care plans quickly enough. The college has been working to address this feedback since the inspection.

The range of extracurricular activity reflects the diversity of the campuses. Ludlow Sixth Form College students can access sports teams, with the netball team achieving promotion in consecutive seasons and entering the West Midlands Netball League. The college has produced notable athletes including Oliver Morgan, a former student who broke the British 100m backstroke record and qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

At the land-based campuses, enrichment takes practical forms. Walford's equestrian centre hosts shows, workshops, and events. The animal care centre provides experience with exotic species rarely encountered in standard college settings. Holme Lacy offers exposure to heritage crafts, with the National School of Blacksmithing maintaining traditions dating back to its 1946 founding.

NHS partnerships have enabled innovative community engagement, with the college developing specialist English language programmes using mobile teaching facilities to support healthcare staff development. These strategic collaborations reflect the college's integration with regional skills priorities.

Each campus operates distinct schedules suited to its student population. For 2025-26, the Spring term runs from 6 January to 27 March 2026, with half-term commencing 16 February. The Summer term runs from 13 April to 26 June for full-time students and 3 July for part-time provision, with half-term commencing 25 May.

Hereford College sits within walking distance of Hereford railway station and the city centre. Walford College offers on-site residential accommodation for students facing long rural journeys. Transport arrangements vary by campus, with students typically making their own travel arrangements.

The Hereford campus includes an on-site nursery for students and staff with childcare responsibilities. The Cider Orchard Restaurant is open to the public, providing dining options beyond standard canteen facilities.

Geographic spread. With five campuses spanning two counties, HLNSC is not a single institution in the traditional sense. The academic culture at Ludlow differs markedly from the vocational focus at Hereford or the rural specialism at Holme Lacy. Parents should identify the specific campus and programme rather than considering the college group as a homogeneous entity.

A-level data complexity. The group-wide A-level statistics sit below England averages, but Ludlow Sixth Form College individually ranks among the top performers nationally. Those considering A-level study should research Ludlow's specific results rather than relying on aggregated figures.

High needs provision. The 2022 inspection identified support for learners with high needs as requiring improvement. Students with EHCPs should discuss specific support arrangements before enrolling to ensure their needs can be met appropriately.

Rural location challenges. While Walford offers residential accommodation, students at other land-based campuses may face significant daily travel from remote areas. Public transport links to Holme Lacy and Walford are limited.

HLNSC represents an unusual proposition in English further education, combining a nationally ranked academic sixth form with specialist land-based provision, heritage craft training, and urban vocational pathways. The Ofsted Good rating with Outstanding for Behaviour and Attitudes confirms solid foundations across the group. For students clear about their pathway, whether academic A-levels at Ludlow, farriery at Holme Lacy, or animal care at Walford, the college offers provision that may be difficult to match elsewhere in the region. Best suited to those who know what they want to study and can identify the right campus for their ambitions. The challenge is navigating a complex institution to find the programme that fits.