When Beauchamp City Sixth Form opened in September 2020, it set out to address a striking gap: Leicester's young people were progressing to Russell Group universities at far lower rates than the national average. Four years on, the sixth form has redefined what is possible for state-funded sixth form education in the East Midlands. Located in the heart of Leicester's city centre, with easy access to the railway station and bus routes, the college serves nearly 1,000 students from across the region. In its first full Ofsted inspection in December 2023, it was rated Outstanding across all five inspection areas, a remarkable achievement for a newly established institution. A-level results consistently reflect this excellence: 35% of grades were A* or A, and 72% of students progress to university, with many securing places at Russell Group institutions including Imperial College, Warwick, and Exeter.
The college occupies a purpose-built site in the city's commercial quarter, designed specifically for sixth form education. The atmosphere is one of intellectual ambition without pretension. Walking through the corridors, students move with purposefulness. The study areas hum with quiet concentration; the teaching spaces echo with engaged discussion. When Ofsted inspectors visited in December 2023, they noted that students "immensely enjoy attending BCSF, as they are surrounded by like-minded peers who are all equally dedicated to their academic studies."
Ms Catherine Bartholomew serves as Principal, with Mr James McKenna as Executive Head. Bartholomew joined from a vice principal role at Beauchamp College, Oadby, bringing deep knowledge of the organisation's traditions and values. The leadership team includes Rebecca Marsh, who coordinates careers guidance and the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ); Ryan Pemberton, Vice Principal for pastoral care; and Dan, a mathematics specialist with three decades of experience. This combination of fresh energy and institutional experience defines the sixth form's character.
The college operates under the Lionheart Educational Trust, which has a long history of delivering academic excellence at A-level. This structure provides both autonomy and security. The principal's statement emphasises "powerful knowledge," drawing on the educational theory of Professor Michael Young at UCL's Institute of Education. This framework shapes curriculum design across all subjects, ensuring teaching goes beyond memorisation to develop deep understanding.
Beauchamp City achieved strong results in its latest full cohort. On A-level examinations, 35% of all grades awarded were A* or A, well above the England average. Across all qualifications undertaken, including Level 3 courses, 35% achieved A*-A status, with 84% achieving A*-C. The Department for Education's AAB measure (percentage of students achieving A*-A-B in at least three subjects) showed 28% meeting this threshold, demonstrating consistent high-standard performance across the board.
The college ranks 540th in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 25% nationally and 6th among Leicestershire sixth forms. This "national strong" positioning reflects solid performance above the England average. It is worth noting that this ranking reflects rigorous academic standards applied consistently across a traditional curriculum with facilitating subjects (mathematics, sciences, languages, history, geography, English literature) at its core.
Over 72% of the 2024 leavers cohort progressed to university, with 80% of all students going on to higher education or apprenticeships. A significant proportion enrolled in Russell Group universities. The college secured five Cambridge offers in the measurement period (from 22 applications, a 23% success rate), reflecting the strength of preparation for highly selective institutions. Beyond Oxbridge, students regularly secure places at Imperial College, Warwick, Exeter, and Edinburgh. Three per cent of leavers entered degree apprenticeships with leading employers, and 12% moved into direct employment.
The college was founded explicitly to widen access to top universities for Leicester students. The impact is measurable: students from all backgrounds now routinely secure places at the country's most selective institutions. Former students include Dr Drew Crawford, who studied at Cambridge before pursuing a PhD at York and postdoctoral research at Princeton, and later joining Microsoft Research before co-creating the Madingley Model at DeepMind; Dr Rhaana Starling, an Associate Professor of Astrophysics at the University of Leicester with a Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship; and Kayan Kotecha, who studied Medicine at UCL after achieving A*-A-B grades across his subjects.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
62.94%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
Teaching is rigorous and traditional in the best sense. Classes are structured around subject expertise, with specialists delivering content that builds from foundational concepts to sophisticated understanding. Inspectors noted that teachers "are very well-qualified, inspiring and expertly help students to make links in learning." The curriculum prioritises facilitating A-levels (mathematics, further mathematics, sciences, languages, history, and English literature) because these subjects open doors to competitive university courses. However, the breadth is genuine: over 30 A-level subjects are available, from Classical Civilisation to Further Maths to Psychology.
Assessment is purposeful and frequent. Teachers use ongoing feedback to identify gaps in understanding and adjust teaching accordingly. Students develop sustained written expression through essays, problem-solving through mathematics and sciences, and analytical skills across humanities and social sciences. The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is embedded in the Year 13 experience, allowing students to pursue independent research in an area of interest whilst maintaining focus on A-level examinations.
Teaching is supported by dedicated facilities. Purpose-built laboratories for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics allow practical work to complement theory. Six ICT-rich Computer Science classrooms enable hands-on programming and systems design. The Library and Learning Resource Area contains thousands of books, academic journals, and computers for independent research. For students struggling with mathematics or English, targeted support is provided by trained tutors.
The extracurricular offer is genuinely diverse and enriching, spanning academic, creative, sporting, and citizenship activities. This is the college's longest section because the breadth of opportunity here is both distinctive and substantial.
Students compete in national mathematics competitions. The Senior Maths Team Challenge regional final saw four students represent Beauchamp City against other East Midlands schools, finishing 11th out of 18; the team is already preparing for a stronger showing next year. The Senior Maths Challenge allows individual students to test themselves against peers nationally. The school participates in the British Mathematical Olympiads and the Senior Physics Challenge, pushing able mathematicians and physicists to their limits.
For languages, the Francophile Club encourages conversation and cultural engagement beyond the classroom curriculum. The Law Society hosts talks and debates on contemporary legal issues. The Economics Society explores current affairs through an economic lens. The Medical Society (MedSoc) brings together students interested in healthcare professions, with guest speakers from medicine, dentistry, and allied health careers.
The culture actively encourages student voice. Students have established their own societies, with staff providing oversight and support. The Amnesty International Society campaigns on human rights. The Afro-Caribbean Society celebrates culture and community. The Hindu Society was recently established and has already organised celebrations of Navratri. The Christian Conversations group offers a space for faith-based discussion. PRIDE provides support and community for LGBTQ+ students. The ISOC (Islamic Society) creates space for Muslim students to gather. KPOP celebrates Korean culture. The Unsolved Mysteries Club meets to discuss true crime and puzzles. The Oxbridge Society specifically prepares students for applying to Oxford and Cambridge, with guidance on personal statements and interview technique.
A Music Club provides informal space for musicians to collaborate. The college supports a chapel choir tradition inherited from Beauchamp College, allowing students to perform together and develop ensemble skills. Opportunities exist for students to participate in school productions, though the college emphasises that this is student-led rather than a formal theatre programme. Students speak enthusiastically about the creativity and camaraderie involved.
Beyond the named academic competitions, students access problem-solving through the Stock Market Simulator, where they make investment decisions and track outcomes, combining mathematics, economics, and strategy. The Ancient Greek Book Club combines language study with classical civilisation, deepening understanding of foundational Western thought. The Biology Research Club allows students to engage with scientific papers and conduct simple experiments beyond the A-level curriculum. These clubs attract a mix of skill levels: some students come to deepen expertise, others to explore new interests.
The college offers a wide range of sports reflecting student interest rather than traditional provision. Netball attracts female players; badminton and table tennis appeal to players of varying abilities; boxing and female boxing are popular. These activities provide fitness, teamwork, and personal discipline. The Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme is popular, with students working towards Bronze and Silver levels, involving expeditionary work and volunteering.
The school's "Beauchamp Baccalaureate" recognises students' contributions to the local community and to society at large. Year 12 students participate in a mandatory work experience week in the summer, typically lasting two weeks, with the school's partnerships securing placements across a range of industries. This is not tokenistic: nearly three-quarters of the year group secure meaningful placements involving genuine responsibility. Students have volunteered abroad, including trips to Peru and Tanzania, engaging in community projects beyond the UK.
The Competitive Courses Evening, held annually, brings together students interested in highly selective university programmes (medicine, law, engineering, etc.) with admissions tutors and current students. Sessions cover the application process, personal statements, and interview preparation. Guest speakers have included Luke Maw from the University of Oxford and representatives from Russell Group universities.
Educational trips complement classroom learning. Year 13 Geography students recently travelled to Iceland, visiting geothermal plants, famous waterfalls, and the Lava Centre, deepening understanding of physical geography and sustainable energy. Trips to Hunstanton and Austria have provided geological and physical education experiences. These ventures cost money and are optional, but the college facilitates access by sharing costs where needed.
The Student Leadership Team provides governance experience, with student ambassadors, leaders, and governors shaping school policy. Applications for these roles open at the end of Year 12. The school celebrates individual achievement through annual awards ceremonies recognising both academic and personal development.
Applications are made through the PS16 system before the January deadline. The college admits approximately 450-500 students each year across two cohorts (Year 12 entry from GCSE and Year 13 entry from external sources). Entry requirements are clear: students must hold at least six GCSEs at grade 5 or above, including grade 5 in English Language or Literature and Mathematics. For some subjects, higher GCSE grades may be required (e.g., Maths A-level typically requires GCSE grade 7 or above).
The application process is straightforward: candidates complete the PS16 form online and provide contact details for their current school. BCSF verifies predicted grades directly with the school, avoiding the need for a separate registration fee. The college operates a non-selective admissions policy, though it does consider subject-specific entry requirements to ensure students can access the content. Places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis within those meeting the entry criteria.
Information for prospective students is available through open days (typically held in October-November annually, though specific dates should be confirmed on the school website), a digital prospectus, and virtual facility tours. The principal and vice principal regularly engage with prospective students and parents to explain the curriculum and expectations.
The college operates a traditional academic timetable: lessons typically begin at 9am and end at 3:30pm, with a lunch break and small breaks throughout the day. The 16 to 19 Bursary Fund is available for students experiencing financial hardship, supporting access to transport, uniforms, study materials, or other costs that might otherwise create barriers to study. Applications are processed during the autumn term.
Located five minutes' walk from Leicester Railway Station with onsite parking and access to multiple bus routes, transport is straightforward for students commuting from across Leicestershire. The city-centre location provides advantages: access to universities, museums, and cultural venues for enrichment; proximity to employment opportunities for work experience placements; and connection to wider professional communities.
The college places genuine emphasis on student wellbeing alongside academic achievement. A dedicated student support facility provides pastoral care to all students. Tutoring groups of approximately 10 students meet daily with a tutor, creating consistent points of contact and pastoral oversight. A counsellor is available to students needing additional emotional support. For students with special educational needs or disabilities, a dedicated resource base provides assessment and tailored support. Inspectors noted that "leaders and staff ensure students are very well prepared for their futures, providing a wealth of support and experiences, so students develop the academic, social and life skills they need to be successful."
Behaviour expectations are high but reasonable. Students are required to wear lanyards at all times (a safeguarding measure) and to swipe in when accessing the building (ensuring attendance tracking). The culture is one of mutual respect and shared purpose: students largely self-regulate because they are engaged in learning that matters to them.
Competition for places remains intense. The college attracts applications from across Leicester and Leicestershire, reflecting its reputation. While the admissions policy is non-selective, meeting the entry requirements does not guarantee a place; applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, and popular subjects or cohorts may fill quickly. Families should apply early in the cycle (before January deadline) to maximise chances.
The environment is academically demanding. This college suits students who thrive on intellectual challenge and are motivated by peer ambition. For students who prefer a less intensive academic environment, or who are uncomfortable with consistent expectation and assessment, this may feel pressured. The college's strength is also its potential drawback: it is a place for students who genuinely love learning, not for those seeking a social experience with academics as an afterthought.
Breadth comes with choice. With over 30 A-level subjects available, students have genuine freedom to follow interests. However, guidance is clear about facilitating subjects and competitive university requirements. Students choosing unusual or non-facilitating combinations should discuss with teachers how this affects university options, rather than assuming any combination is equally valuable for their intended path.
Beauchamp City Sixth Form demonstrates that a state-funded sixth form can deliver teaching, results, and character development comparable to the best independent schools. In just four years, it has become a genuine choice for ambitious families across the region. The Outstanding Ofsted rating, the consistent A-level results, and the progression to Russell Group universities are measurable indicators of quality. But the real strength lies in the culture: students are surrounded by peers who share their values; teaching is passionate and expert; and staff genuinely want to help each individual flourish.
Best suited to students who are academically able and intellectually curious, who want to access Russell Group universities or competitive apprenticeships, and who thrive in an environment where ambition is the norm. For these students, Beauchamp City is transformational. The main drawback is accessing a place, given competition, but for families who secure entry, the education is exceptional value.
Yes. The college was rated Outstanding by Ofsted in December 2023 across all five inspection areas, making it one of the highest-performing sixth forms in the Midlands. A-level results consistently show 35% of grades at A* or A, and over 70% of leavers progress to university, with many attending Russell Group institutions. In 2024, five students secured places at Cambridge.
Students must hold at least six GCSEs at grade 5 or above, including grade 5 in English Language or Literature and Mathematics. Some subjects have higher entry requirements; for example, A-level Further Maths typically requires grade 7 or above at GCSE Maths. Applications are made through PS16 before the January deadline.
The college offers over 30 A-level subjects, with emphasis on facilitating subjects (Mathematics, Sciences, Languages, History, Geography, English Literature) that keep options open for competitive universities. Teaching is traditional, rigorous, and focused on deep understanding rather than surface learning. All students complete the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) in Year 13, allowing independent research.
Over 80% of students progress to higher education, with a significant proportion attending Russell Group universities including Imperial College, Warwick, Exeter, and Edinburgh. Five students secured Cambridge places in the most recent measurement period. The college was founded specifically to widen access to top universities for Leicester students.
Beyond A-level studies, students can participate in netball, badminton, table tennis, boxing, Duke of Edinburgh Awards, and student-led societies including Amnesty International, Hindu Society, PRIDE, Law Society, and Economics Society. The Ancient Greek Book Club, Biology Research Club, and Stock Market Simulator provide academic enrichment. Field trips to Iceland and other destinations complement classroom learning.
Applications are made online through the PS16 system. The deadline is typically the end of January. Once you submit your form, provide details of your current school, and BCSF will verify your predicted grades directly with them. There is no separate registration fee. Open days are typically held in October-November; check the school website for specific dates.
The college was established specifically to increase the proportion of Leicester students progressing to Russell Group and Oxbridge universities. It combines traditional academic rigor with a fresh, inclusive approach that welcomes students from all backgrounds. The staff are expert, the facilities are modern, the pastoral support is genuine, and the culture is one of shared ambition without elitism.
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.
