Shooters Hill Sixth Form College Review 2026: An Inclusive Launchpad

Perched on one of the highest points in London, Shooters Hill Sixth Form College (SHC) occupies a site with a long educational history. The former grammar school buildings now house a strictly inclusive sixth form college that prioritises breadth of opportunity over selective elitism. While the red-brick facade suggests tradition, the interior reveals a modern, diverse institution serving approximately 1,500 students from Greenwich and beyond.

This is not an academic hothouse. The college positions itself as a bridge between school and the adult world, offering a vast array of vocational BTECs, T-Levels, and entry-level courses alongside a smaller A-level programme. Inclusion is the defining characteristic here. The college is widely recognised for its substantial provision for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), integrating young people with complex needs into the fabric of daily college life.

Mr Geoff Osborne, the Principal, leads with a philosophy that education is about the destination, not just the grades. The atmosphere is distinct from a school sixth form; students wear their own clothes, call staff by their first names, and manage their own time. It feels like a further education environment but retains the pastoral safety net of a smaller institution.

The campus is a mix of the old and the functional. The 1920s main building provides a sense of permanence, while newer additions house specialist facilities for art, media, and sport. At drop-off, the mix of students is striking. You will see students discussing A-level Politics alongside those heading to construction workshops or the dedicated Independent Living Skills centre.

There is a palpable sense of community, but it is a noisy, energetic one. The college is busy. Corridors buzz with students moving between the main site and the sports facilities. Relationships between staff and students are relaxed and based on mutual respect rather than authoritarian discipline. The staff body is diverse, mirroring the local community, which helps students feel represented and understood.

The college values, centred on Respect and Responsibility, are evident in how the diverse cohort interacts. The focus is heavily on employability. Walls are lined not just with university prospectuses but with information on apprenticeships, local employer partnerships, and success stories of alumni in trade and industry.

A-level results at Shooters Hill reflect its inclusive, non-selective intake. In 2024, 13.6% of A-level grades were A*-B, compared to the England average of 47.2%. The proportion of top grades (A*-A) was 3.4%.

Ranked 2496th in England and 12th in Greenwich for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), the college sits in the lower 40% of schools in England for academic attainment. These figures place the college in the bottom 40% of schools and colleges in England for raw A-level grades.

However, viewing SHC solely through the lens of A-level statistics misses the institution's primary function. A significant portion of the student body studies vocational qualifications, BTECs, and T-Levels, where success rates are historically stronger and value-added scores often tell a more positive story of progress from low starting points. The college excels in moving students from Level 1 and 2 courses onto Level 3 qualifications.

Teaching here is designed to scaffold students who may have struggled in traditional secondary settings. Lessons are often practical and interactive. In vocational subjects, staff bring industry experience into the classroom. The construction and engineering workshops are busy, noisy, and productive environments where theory is immediately applied to practice.

For A-level students, class sizes can be smaller than in large school sixth forms, allowing for personalised attention. However, the pace is determined by the mixed-ability nature of the groups. Teachers are skilled at differentiation, but highly academic students may find they need to drive their own extension work.

The curriculum is exceptionally broad. Alongside standard subjects, students can study Creative Media, Health and Social Care, and Public Services. The college has embraced T-Levels, offering these new qualifications with substantial industry placements.

Destinations data highlights the vocational focus of the college. In 2024, 14% of leavers progressed to university. While this is lower than the national average, it reflects the fact that many students choose direct entry into employment or apprenticeships.

Employment outcomes are a key strength. 24% of the 2024 cohort moved directly into employment, a figure significantly higher than many academic sixth forms. A further 8% continued into Further Education, and 4% secured apprenticeships.

For those pursuing higher education, popular destinations include the University of Greenwich, London South Bank University, and Ravensbourne University London. The college provides support for UCAS applications, but the "Oxbridge conveyor belt" culture found in selective sixth forms is absent here. The focus is on finding the right course for the career, whether that is a degree in Nursing, a foundation course in Art, or a Higher National Diploma.

Admission to Shooters Hill is non-selective for most courses, though specific GCSE grades are required for Level 3 and A-level pathways. For A-levels, students typically need five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Maths, with grade 6 often required for specific subjects like Maths or Science.

Applications are made directly to the college, typically opening in October for the following September. The deadline is usually in late March, but the college operates a flexible approach and often accepts late applications if spaces remain.

Prospective students are interviewed. This is not a test of academic potential but a guidance discussion to ensure they are enrolled on the right level of course. The college is oversubscribed for certain vocational courses, particularly in Construction and Health and Social Care, so early application is advised.

This is a flagship strength of the college. Shooters Hill has a dedicated and highly regarded provision for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. The college holds the 'Project Search' licence, a transition-to-work programme for young people with learning disabilities, run in partnership with the local NHS trust and Greenwich Council.

The Independent Living Skills (ILS) department supports students with moderate to severe learning difficulties. These students run a coffee shop on site, gaining real-world handling of money and customer service skills. The integration of SEN students into the wider college life is genuine; they are not hidden away in a separate unit but share social spaces and the canteen.

Therapies, including speech and language support, are integrated into the college day. For families of young people with complex needs, SHC offers a rare combination of specialist support within a mainstream further education setting.

Pastoral care is structured around a tutorial system. Every student has a personal tutor who monitors attendance and progress. Given the independence of the college environment, this safety net is crucial.

The college employs dedicated student welfare officers and counsellors. They are experienced in dealing with the challenges facing young Londoners, from housing issues to mental health concerns. The atmosphere is supportive. Students describe the college as a "second chance" environment where they feel treated as adults.

Extracurricular life is active, though different from a school setting. Sport is a major pillar. The college has excellent facilities including a swimming pool, a large sports hall, and a gym. Competitive teams field squads in football, basketball, and netball, competing in local college leagues.

The Creative Arts department is another hub of activity. Art and photography students exhibit their work annually, and media students have access to industry-standard editing suites.

Trips and visits are linked closely to the curriculum. Health and Social Care students visit care settings; Public Services students train with the Army reserves; Art students visit London galleries. The focus is on enrichment that enhances employability and cultural capital.

This is a state-funded sixth form college, and there are no tuition fees for students aged 16-19 who are UK residents.

Financial support is available for eligible students through the 16-19 Bursary Fund. This can help with the costs of travel, food, books, and equipment. Families on low incomes or receiving specific benefits are encouraged to apply for this support during enrolment.

The college is located on Red Lion Lane, well-served by bus routes from Woolwich, Blackheath, and Welling. The nearest rail stations are Woolwich Arsenal and Welling, both a short bus ride away.

The college day typically runs from 9:00am to 4:00pm, but students only attend when they have timetabled lessons or tutorials. This requires students to manage their free time effectively, a skill the college actively helps them develop.

Security is taken seriously. ID lanyards must be worn at all times, and entry is via secure gates. This provides a safe environment in a busy part of London.

Academic profile. Families seeking a high-pressure academic environment with a track record of Russell Group entry may find the pace here different. The A-level results are statistically below national averages. Success here is often measured in value-added progress rather than raw A* grades.

Mixed environment. The college caters to students aged 16-19 from a wide variety of backgrounds and with a wide range of needs. Students need to be comfortable in a diverse, busy, and inclusive community. It is not a sheltered extension of a private school or a quiet grammar school.

Independence required. Unlike a school sixth form, students are not supervised every minute of the day. They have free periods and can leave the site. Students who struggle with self-motivation or who need constant supervision may find this freedom challenging.

Shooters Hill Sixth Form College is a vital community asset that champions inclusion and opportunity. It is not an exam factory. Instead, it offers a nurturing, diverse, and practical environment where students of all abilities can find a pathway to employment or further study. Best suited to students who want a fresh start in a grown-up environment, those pursuing vocational careers, and young people who will thrive in a genuinely inclusive setting. The main challenge is the requirement for self-discipline in an environment that treats you like an adult.