WQE and Regent College Group: Leicester's Largest Sixth Form with a Historic Pedigree

In the shadow of the University of Leicester, where Sir David Attenborough once walked to school from College House, WQE and Regent College Group has evolved into one of England's largest sixth form colleges. The 2018 merger of Wyggeston and Queen Elizabeth I College with Regent College created an institution serving approximately 3,750 students across two adjacent campuses. Thirty-nine students applied to Oxbridge in the latest reporting period, with five securing places. The college holds Good ratings across all Ofsted categories following its April 2024 inspection, and ranks in the top 5% of 317 colleges nationally for positive progression outcomes.

The University Road Campus sits on a 22-acre site that once housed Wyggeston Grammar School for Boys, where David and Richard Attenborough studied during the 1930s. Their father Frederick served as Principal of University College Leicester, and the boys had merely a short walk to school each morning. This heritage lends an academic gravity to an institution that has reinvented itself for modern post-16 education. The Regent Road Campus, a short walk away, accommodates around 1,250 students in a complementary setting.

Students describe the atmosphere as welcoming, inclusive, and studious. With over 3,500 young people moving between lectures, independent study, and social spaces, the college operates more like a small university than a school. This transition from school routines to greater independence is precisely the point; the college explicitly prepares students for higher education through its structure and expectations.

Paul Wilson has led the merged institution since March 2018, becoming the eighth principal in the college's history. His career spans three decades in education, including a Vice Principal role at King Edward VI Sixth Form College. He has completed both the National Professional Qualification for Headship and Oxford University's Said Business School Further Education Strategic Leaders programme, and chaired the Tertiary Federation Leicester from 2013 to 2020. Under his leadership, the college plans to expand to around 3,800 students by 2026.

Staff loyalty is striking. Many teachers have spent the greater part of their careers at WQE and remain enthusiastic about their subjects. This stability translates into deep expertise and established teaching approaches that students value. The April 2024 Ofsted inspection noted that teachers have good subject and teaching expertise, using this to plan well-structured, ambitious and challenging courses.

A-level results tell a story of consistent competence rather than spectacular peaks. In 2024, 97.8% of students achieved a pass grade, with 74.3% securing A*-C grades. Vocational qualifications performed similarly, with 81% achieving high grades. The 2025 results continued this pattern, with a 97.6% pass rate and 73.7% at A*-C.

The college ranks 1,859th in England for A-level outcomes and 14th in Leicester (FindMySchool ranking), placing it below the England average. With 14.6% of entries at A*/A grades compared to the England average of 23.6%, and 35.9% at A*-B against the England average of 47.2%, these figures sit within the lower band of performance. However, raw grades do not capture the full picture for a large, non-selective institution serving a diverse Leicester population.

Progress measures matter here. The college welcomes students across the ability range, and its size means statistical averages encompass a wide spread of achievement. Sixteen students earned the highest A* and Distinction* grades across three or more courses in 2024, while 97 achieved a full set of at least A grades or equivalent across their programme.

More than 40 A-level subjects are offered, including less common options such as Electronics, Ancient History, and Fashion and Textiles. The combination of Physics, Mathematics, and Electronics is particularly distinctive; WQE is the only sixth form college in the area offering this engineering pathway.

The curriculum at WQE prioritises breadth and structure. Teachers explain topics clearly and verify student understanding through well-crafted resources and frequent practice opportunities. Most students experience demanding teaching which they value.

A-level subjects span sciences, humanities, languages, creative arts, and social sciences. The full roster includes Accounting, Ancient History, Art Craft and Design, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Computer Science, Drama and Theatre, Economics, Electronics, English Language, English Literature, English Language and Literature, Fashion and Textiles, Film Studies, Fine Art, French, Further Maths, Geography, German, Graphic Communication, History, Law, Mathematics, Media Studies, Music, Photography, Physical Education, Physics, Politics, Product Design, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology, and Spanish.

This range allows students to construct programmes that match their interests and university ambitions. Level 3 vocational qualifications complement the A-level offering for those preferring applied learning. The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides additional stretch for high achievers. ESOL progression support serves students for whom English is an additional language.

The March 2022 Ofsted inspection identified an area for improvement: some vocational students lacked sufficiently challenging instruction, limiting their conceptual development. The college has since addressed this through focused curriculum development, though parents of vocational students should enquire about specific provision in their chosen subjects.

In 2024, 54% of leavers progressed to university from a cohort of 1,789 students. This represents approximately 966 students entering higher education in a single year, a significant contribution to Leicester's graduate pipeline.

The Oxbridge pipeline demonstrates that high achievement is possible here, even if it requires particular initiative. Thirty-nine students applied to Oxford and Cambridge in the latest reporting period, with seven receiving offers and five ultimately accepting places. Oxford proved especially successful, with all four offer holders taking up places. The college ranks 196th in England for combined Oxbridge acceptances (FindMySchool ranking), a creditable position for a large state institution.

By results morning 2024, 269 students had already confirmed places at Sutton 30 universities, an increase of over 50 from the previous year. Specific destinations reveal the range of ambition: 57 students secured Law places, 59 Accountancy, 55 Engineering, 31 Economics or Banking or Actuarial Sciences, 16 Medicine or Pharmacy, 19 Biomedical Sciences, and 30 Nursing, Midwifery, or Paramedic Sciences.

The High Achievers programme supports students targeting selective universities through a structured two-year enrichment initiative. Part One runs from January to May in Year 1, combining directed activities, independent research, and group discussion. Students develop critical thinking skills through engagement with diverse thinkers and practitioners, participate in skills workshops covering reading, writing, and critical discourse, and visit cultural institutions like the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge. The programme also facilitates connections with former WQE students who went on to selective universities, including Oxbridge, providing mentorship and insight into the application process.

Part Two operates from September to December in Year 2, focusing on personal statements, admissions assessments, and interview preparation. A High Achievers Summer Package provides super-curricular materials for students to develop intellectually during the break.

Beyond university, 5% of leavers entered apprenticeships, 20% moved directly into employment, and 3% continued in further education. This distribution reflects the diverse aspirations of a large, comprehensive cohort.

WQE operates an open admissions policy for Year 12 entry, welcoming students from across Leicester and Leicestershire. There are no entrance examinations or selection by ability.

Applications for September 2026 entry are made through the PS16 portal, managed by most Leicester city schools. Students from schools outside the PS16 system can apply directly through the same portal. The priority deadline is 31 January 2026; applications received after this date are considered in order of receipt where capacity exists.

Entry requirements focus on GCSE performance. English Language at grade 4 or above is required for most A-level subjects. Students with grade 3 or below can consult Enrolment Advisors about alternative pathways. Specific subjects have additional requirements detailed in course listings; sciences generally require grade 6 in relevant GCSEs, while Mathematics A-level requires grade 6 in Higher Level GCSE Mathematics.

The application process is straightforward for most students. Those meeting GCSE criteria with positive school references typically receive automatic offers without interview, proceeding directly to Offer Holders Events. The college pays particular attention to attendance, punctuality, attitude to learning, and potential for further study. Where further exploration is needed, guidance meetings are arranged in person or virtually.

Key dates for 2026 entry include the Offer Holders Event on 17-18 March, the Welcome Event for Level 3 students on 23 June, and Enrolment on 20 August following GCSE results release.

Students report feeling safe at WQE. The college provides practical tools for managing personal safety, including a mobile app for immediate help and access to out-of-hours support services. Safeguarding arrangements are effective; the 2024 Ofsted inspection confirmed that managers have made significant improvements to systems for monitoring and managing safeguarding concerns since the 2018 merger. Policies and procedures are clear, comprehensive and useful.

The Personal Progress Mentor system provides academic and pastoral oversight. Each student has a dedicated point of contact for progress reviews, concerns, and guidance. The Student Services office at each campus handles welfare queries, society memberships, and general support. Financial support is available for students facing economic barriers.

Wellbeing services include counselling access and support for students with specific learning needs. The Careers Service ensures all students access education, advice, and guidance tailored to their individual needs, whether targeting university, apprenticeships, or employment. The college's size means that students who struggle with the independence expected at sixth form may need proactive support; the infrastructure exists, but students must engage with it.

Societies and Student Leadership

Student societies offer communities of interest beyond academic subjects. Currently active societies include Business and Economics Society, Christian Society, Dungeons and Dragons Society, Philosophy Society, and Rocketry Society. Past years have seen Chess Society, Crochet Society, Debating Society, Islamic Society, MediSTEM Society, Motorsport Society, and Taylor Swift Society, which may be re-established with student interest.

Second-year students can lead existing societies or create their own. The Student Executive, a student-led body, organises events, advocates for peers, and collaborates with staff on college improvements. Leadership positions such as president provide practical experience in communication, organisation, and decision-making.

Cultural and Community

Cultural events enrich college life. Annual highlights include Culture Day, which celebrates diverse heritages through student-led stalls, performances, and international cuisine during lunch periods. Music groups and ensembles encourage creative expression. The Islamic Society, South Asian Society, and LGBTQ+ Society promote inclusivity and cultural awareness, helping students build lasting connections and explore shared interests beyond academics.

Super-curricular Activities

For students targeting competitive universities or degree apprenticeships, specialist staff have compiled resources to support engagement with super-curricular activities. These materials help students explore academic interests beyond the syllabus, strengthening university applications and developing genuine intellectual curiosity. Standing out from the crowd requires demonstrating commitment beyond examination preparation, and WQE provides the framework for this.

Facilities

The college has extensive study and learning resource facilities across both campuses. Traditional and inspiring library spaces sit alongside modern IT study centres and multiple supervised study rooms. Fitness suites provide exercise options. Creative spaces support arts and media work. Social and dining facilities give students places to relax between study sessions.

Modernised science laboratories are equipped for practical experiments in A-level Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. The infrastructure supports the academic curriculum across all subject areas.

The college operates from two campuses. University Road Campus (LE1 7RJ) is the larger site, accommodating around 2,500 students. Regent Road Campus (LE1 7LW) accommodates approximately 1,250 students. Both adjoin the main University of Leicester campus, with free shuttle buses running continuously between sites.

Standard term dates follow Leicester City Council patterns. The college provides specific dates on its website.

Open Day for 2026 entry takes place on Saturday 1 November, with activities at both campuses. Visitors can meet current students, gain their perspective on college life, view facilities, and seek advice about opportunities available. Limited accessible parking is available on-site for Blue Badge holders only. Other visitors can use the University of Leicester multi-storey car park at a reduced cost of £2.50. Tours can be arranged for prospective students unable to attend Open Day. A virtual tour is also available online for those who cannot visit in person.

Non-selective intake brings grade spread. With A*/A grades at 14.6% against the England average of 23.6%, students seeking the highest grades will need to be self-motivated. The college provides support through the High Achievers programme, but achievement at the top end requires individual drive.

Size means navigating a large institution. With 3,750 students and 370 staff across two campuses, WQE feels more like a university than a school. Students who thrive here are typically those comfortable with independence. Those needing closer supervision may find the transition challenging.

Vocational provision requires scrutiny. The 2022 Ofsted inspection identified that some vocational students lacked sufficiently challenging instruction. Work experience and employer links for vocational pathways were flagged as areas requiring strengthening. Parents considering vocational routes should enquire specifically about teaching quality and employer connections in their chosen subjects.

Competition for popular subjects. Some A-level subjects become oversubscribed. Students may need flexibility in their course choices, particularly if applying after the priority deadline.

WQE and Regent College Group offers Leicester families a substantial sixth form experience with genuine breadth. More than 40 A-level subjects, strong university progression, and an Oxbridge pipeline for the most ambitious students combine with the freedoms of a large, inclusive institution. Results sit below England averages, but the top 5% national ranking for positive progression matters more than headline percentages. Five Oxbridge places from a non-selective intake demonstrates academic reach.

Best suited to students ready for independence who want choice and opportunity without entrance hurdles. Those needing a more structured environment or seeking the highest proportion of top grades may find other options more appropriate. For Leicester's academically ambitious students from all backgrounds, WQE remains the leading state sixth form choice.