Last reviewed: January 2026 · Rankings and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
One of the largest colleges in London, Barnet and Southgate College (BSC) serves over 13,000 students across three main campuses and smaller satellite centres. This is not a traditional school sixth form but a vast Further Education engine designed to plug students directly into the workforce or university.
While A-levels are offered at the High Barnet campus, the college's true weight lies in its vocational muscle. From the £14 million construction centre at Colindale to the sports academies at Southgate, the environment mimics industry rather than school. Students here are treated as adults; they call staff by their first names, manage their own time, and train on equipment that matches professional standards.
Mr Neil Coker, Principal and CEO since August 2020, has steered the college through a period of consolidation, focusing on aligning the curriculum with local employment needs. The college was rated Good by Ofsted in its most recent inspection (November 2024), with inspectors praising the "calm and orderly environment" and the industry expertise of the staff.
The college atmosphere varies dramatically depending on where you stand. It operates as a federation of distinct specialist centres rather than a single monolithic institution. Students usually stick to their specific campus, meaning the "feel" of the college is defined by their chosen subject.
Located in a leafy suburb, this campus feels the most academic. It houses the A-level department, Art & Design, and Business. The architecture is a bold mix of the historic and the modern; the site integrates a renovated Grade II listed building with contemporary glass-fronted blocks. It sits close to the High Street, giving students a collegiate, semi-urban independence.
This is the gritty, high-tech heart of the college's trade provision. Opened in 2016 specifically to address skills shortages in London, it is less a school and more a construction site and salon combined. It houses the Construction Technology Centre and the Wella Centre of Excellence for Hair and Beauty. The atmosphere here is purposeful and practical; students wear safety boots or salon tunics rather than school uniforms.
The Southgate campus is the hub for Sports, Engineering, and Science. It has a busy, energetic feel, dominated by the constant movement of sports academy students and the technical hum of the electrical workshops. It is also home to the Centre of Excellence for Learning Disabilities (LLDD), which is highly regarded locally for its dedicated facilities and supportive ethos.
Families should understand that BSC is primarily a vocational institution. While it offers an A-level pathway, the data reflects a non-selective, inclusive intake rather than that of a high-pressure sixth form.
In the 2025 dataset, the college’s A-level performance sits in the national lower band. Around 20% of grades were A*-B, and the college ranks 2,431st out of 2,549 in England for A-level academic outcomes (FindMySchool ranking).
These figures indicate that for purely academic high-flyers, BSC may not be the primary choice unless they are seeking a specific mix of subjects or a restart in a new environment. However, the college provides a vital pathway for students who may not have thrived in a school setting, allowing them to gain qualifications to progress.
The picture is different in vocational qualifications, where the college excels. Although headline data for BTECs and T-Levels is not presented in the same league table format, Ofsted (2024) notes that "learners develop the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in their chosen careers." Success rates in practical courses like plumbing, electrical installation, and beauty therapy are robust, with many students progressing directly to skilled employment.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
21.33%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
The teaching model here is built on industry experience. In vocational subjects, lecturers are often dual professionals who have worked, or continue to work, in their trade. A plumbing student isn't just taught theory; they are taught how to handle a difficult client and fix a boiler under time pressure.
The curriculum is tiered to allow entry at any level. A student can start on a Level 1 bricklaying course and progress through to a Level 3 qualification or a Higher National Diploma (HND). This "ladder of opportunity" is a key strength, preventing the cliff-edge exits often seen in schools.
The destinations picture highlights the college’s dual role as a route to both university and the workplace, with progression routes varying by course area and level.
For students pursuing higher education, the college provides support through the UCAS process. Russell Group and Oxbridge progression should be checked against the college’s latest published destinations information, especially for families comparing selective sixth form routes.
The 25% employment figure—significantly higher than many school sixth forms—reflects the college's strong links with employers. Many students on vocational courses secure jobs with the companies where they completed their work placements. The apprenticeship provision is also substantial, allowing students to earn while they learn in sectors ranging from dental nursing to digital marketing.
Total Offers
1
Offer Success Rate: 50%
Cambridge
1
Offers
Oxford
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Offers
Admission to Barnet and Southgate College is a direct process, separate from the local authority school application system.
Applications are made online via the college website. There is no strict deadline, but popular courses (particularly Construction and Electrical Installation) fill up quickly. Families are advised to apply by the Easter of Year 11 to guarantee an interview.
Unlike selective sixth forms, BSC offers a place for almost every learner, provided they choose the right level:
The interview is less of a test and more of a guidance session. Tutors check that the applicant has chosen the right level and subject. For creative arts, a portfolio is required; for sports academies, a trial is necessary.
Moving from a small school to a college of 13,000 students can be a shock. BSC manages this through a tutorial system. Every full-time student is assigned a Personal Tutor who monitors attendance, progress, and wellbeing.
The college has a dedicated Safeguarding and Wellbeing team across all campuses. They offer drop-in sessions for mental health support, financial advice, and sexual health guidance.
However, parents should be aware that the level of supervision is lower than in a school. There are no bells, students can leave campus during free periods, and attendance is monitored electronically rather than by a teacher at the door. Students are expected to take responsibility for their own engagement.
Extracurricular life at BSC is dominated by its impressive sports provision. The college has carved out a niche as a hub for elite sports training combined with academic study.
This is the jewel in the college's sporting crown. The partnership with Boreham Wood Football Club allows students to train and play at a semi-professional level while completing their BTEC or A-level studies. The PASE (Programme for Academic and Sporting Excellence) Academy is one of the largest and most successful of its kind in the UK, frequently producing players who progress to professional leagues or scholarships in the USA.
The college also runs a football development programme in association with Tottenham Hotspur, linking academy-standard coaching with full-time study.
Run in partnership with local clubs, offering high-level coaching.
Provides elite coaching alongside study.
Competitive teams that participate in Association of Colleges (AoC) leagues.
Beyond sport, the enrichment programme includes the Student Union, which organises freshers' fairs, cultural events, and charity fundraisers. Skills competitions are also a major focus; students regularly compete in regional and national "WorldSkills" heats in areas like hairdressing and carpentry.
Transport
A short walk from High Barnet tube station (Northern Line).
Adjacent to Southgate tube station (Piccadilly Line).
Close to Colindale tube station (Northern Line).
Served by Edmonton Green overground and bus station.
College Day The timetable is flexible. Unlike school, students do not attend 9am-3:30pm every day. They attend only for their scheduled lessons and tutorials. A typical full-time student might be on campus three or four days a week, or have half-days. This flexibility allows many students to hold part-time jobs.
Scale and Anonymity: With thousands of students, it is possible to drift if not self-motivated. The college suits independent learners who are ready to manage their own time. Students who need constant chasing to hand in homework may find the freedom difficult to handle.
Multi-Site Logistics: Students must check carefully where their course is delivered. You cannot study Construction at High Barnet or A-levels at Colindale. The campuses are miles apart, so where you live matters.
A-Level Context: The A-level provision is smaller and less high-performing than local grammar schools or specialist sixth form colleges. It is best suited to students who want to combine A-levels with a different environment, rather than those seeking a "hothouse" academic atmosphere.
Vocational Excellence: For students certain of their career path—whether in plumbing, beauty, or childcare—the facilities and industry links here are superior to almost any school sixth form.
Barnet and Southgate College is a powerhouse of vocational training that serves its community with purpose. It is not an academic factory, nor does it pretend to be. Instead, it is a launchpad for careers, offering industry-standard facilities that schools simply cannot match. Best suited to students who are ready to leave the "school" mentality behind and start training for the real world, particularly in trades, sports, and service industries. The main challenge is the requirement for self-discipline; for those who have it, the opportunities are vast.
Yes. The college was rated Good by Ofsted in its most recent inspection (November 2024). Inspectors highlighted the strong industry expertise of staff, the calm environment, and the positive behaviour of students.
Requirements vary by level. Level 3 courses (A-levels/BTECs) typically require five GCSEs at grade 4 or above. Level 2 and Level 1 courses have lower requirements, making the college accessible to almost all learners regardless of their GCSE results.
Yes, but primarily at the Wood Street (High Barnet) campus. The college offers a range of A-level subjects, though the cohort is smaller than for vocational courses. In the 2025 dataset, A-level performance remains in the national lower band.
Generally, no. Students wear their own clothes. However, specific courses have strict uniform requirements for health and safety or professional standards—for example, safety boots and high-vis jackets for Construction, tunics for Beauty Therapy, and kit for Sports Academies.
Yes. The college runs the highly successful PASE Academy in partnership with Boreham Wood FC and a development programme with Tottenham Hotspur. This allows students to train and play competitively alongside their academic studies.
This is a state-funded college. For UK residents aged 16 to 18, there are no tuition fees. Students may need to pay for specific kit or trips. Adult learners (19+) may be liable for fees depending on the course and their circumstances.
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