Nottingham College

Nottingham College is a giant of Further Education, formed in 2017 through the merger of New College Nottingham and Central College Nottingham. It operates as a multi-campus engine room for the city's skills and education, serving tens of thousands of students across sites that range from the ultra-modern to the historically significant. The flagship City Hub, a £58 million development near the train station, anchors a sprawling estate that includes the dedicated High Pavement Sixth Form centre and the Grade II listed Adams Building.

This is not a school in the traditional sense. It is a diverse, adult-facing environment where A-level students rub shoulders with apprentices, chefs in training, and engineers. While High Pavement offers a distinct sixth form culture, the broader college experience is defined by independence and vocational breadth.

The atmosphere varies entirely depending on which campus you enter. The City Hub, opened in 2021, feels corporate and forward-looking. Its glass-fronted atrium, performing arts theatre, and commercial training restaurant set a professional tone. Students here are treated more like trainees or employees than school pupils; there are no bells, and the expectation is self-regulation.

In contrast, the Adams Building in the Lace Market—a former textile factory—offers a creative, industrial aesthetic that suits its art and design focus. High Pavement, located next to Nottingham Trent University, retains the most traditional "sixth form" feel. It focuses purely on A-levels and operates with a more academic rhythm, though students still enjoy the freedom of a city-centre campus without the constraints of a school uniform.

Janet Smith joined as Principal and CEO in July 2022. Her leadership has focused on consolidating the post-merger identity and improving standards, work validated by the 2022 Ofsted inspection which graded the college Good. The college prides itself on being inclusive, accepting students from a vast array of backgrounds and prior attainment levels. This is a place of second chances and fresh starts as much as it is an elite pathway.

As a large Further Education college with a non-selective intake, Nottingham College's aggregate results reflect a commitment to widening participation rather than league table dominance.

In 2024, A-level performance sat in the national lower band. The college recorded 29% of grades at A*-B, compared to the England average of 47%. The proportion of top grades (A*) was 1.3%. These figures primarily reflect the cohort at the High Pavement Sixth Form centre. Ranked 2202nd in England and 32nd in Nottingham for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), the college serves a different function to the local selective schools. It provides an A-level pathway for students with a wide range of GCSE profiles, many of whom achieve strong value-added progress relative to their starting points.

Vocational results are central to the college's mission but are not captured in the standard A-level metrics. The college reports high pass rates across its BTEC and T Level provision, particularly in areas like Construction, Hospitality, and Digital Media, where industry-standard facilities boost engagement.

The scale of the college allows for genuine specialisation. At High Pavement, A-level teaching is delivered by subject specialists who teach only that age group and qualification. There is no distraction from younger years. The approach is lecture and seminar-based, designed to bridge the gap to university.

Across the vocational campuses, teaching is hands-on. The college invests heavily in simulating real work environments. Engineering students work on industry-standard lathes at the Basford campus; catering students cook for paying customers in the Adams Restaurant; performing arts students run lighting and sound rigs in a professional theatre.

The curriculum is vast. Beyond the standard 30+ A-levels, the college offers T Levels, apprenticeships, and vocational diplomas from Entry Level to Higher Education. This breadth means students can switch pathways if an academic route proves unsuitable, retaining their place within the institution.

The sheer size of the cohort means destinations are diverse. In 2024, 16% of leavers progressed to university. While lower than a traditional school sixth form, this figure must be viewed in the context of the college's huge vocational enrolment.

Graduates from High Pavement progress to a wide range of universities. Local connections are strong, with significant numbers moving on to Nottingham Trent University and the University of Nottingham.

Employment is a major outcome. 34% of leavers entered employment directly, a figure that underscores the college's role in the local economy. The college has forged partnerships with major local employers, including Boots and vast construction firms, facilitating apprenticeship transitions. 8% of leavers moved into apprenticeships.

Admission is non-selective for the college as a whole, but specific courses have strict entry requirements.

Applications are made directly via the college website. For A-levels at High Pavement, the standard requirement is five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Maths. Specific subjects, particularly Sciences and Maths, require higher grades (often grade 6).

Vocational courses have tiered entry points. A student missing the grades for a Level 3 course (equivalent to A-levels) can start at Level 2 and work their way up. This tiered system is a key strength for students who may have struggled in a traditional school setting.

Demand is high for the new T Level courses and popular trades like plumbing and electrical installation. Early application is recommended, typically between October and January for the following September.

The transition from a small school to a college of 20,000+ students can be daunting. The college manages this through a structure of Achievement Coaches (ACs). Every full-time student is assigned an AC who monitors attendance, progress, and wellbeing.

Support for Additional Learning Needs (ALN) is extensive. The college has specialist teams for dyslexia, autism, and sensory impairments. For students with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), the college creates bespoke support packages, often involving learning support assistants in practical sessions.

However, the pastoral touch is lighter than in school. Attendance is monitored, but parents are less involved in the day-to-day. Students are expected to take responsibility for their own time and conduct.

Extracurricular life is less structured than in a boarding or private school but is rich in specific areas. The Students' Union is active and student-led, organising societies and social events across campuses.

Sport is a pillar at the High Pavement and Basford campuses. The college runs academies for men's and women's football, basketball, and rugby, often competing at a national level. These academies allow elite athletes to combine training with their studies.

Departmental enrichment is strong. Catering students compete in national culinary challenges; media students work on live briefs for local businesses; construction students enter the SkillBuild competitions.

This is a state-funded institution. There are no tuition fees for UK residents aged 16 to 18.

While tuition is free, the college provides extensive financial support for other costs. The Student Support Fund helps eligible families (typically those with a household income below £35,000) with transport, meals, and equipment. A Vulnerable Student Bursary of up to £1,200 per year is available for students in care or living independently.

The college is spread across the city. The City Hub, Adams, and High Pavement campuses are all within walking distance of Nottingham Station and the tram network, making them accessible from across the county. Basford is accessible via the tram (Basford stop).

There is no uniform. Students wear their own clothes, with industry-appropriate PPE required for workshops and kitchens.

Wraparound care is not relevant for this age group, but the college facilities, including libraries and study zones, are typically open from 8:30am to 5:00pm.

Independence is mandatory. There are no bells and no playground supervision. Students who lack self-motivation can sometimes drift in such a large environment. The college suits those ready to manage their own schedule.

Campus separation. A student studying Art at Adams will rarely see a student studying Science at High Pavement. The "college community" is fragmented across sites. Students identify more with their campus or course than the institution as a whole.

City centre location. Being in the heart of Nottingham offers freedom and great transport links, but also the distractions of the city. Parents of younger students (16-year-olds) should consider whether their child is ready for an open campus environment.

Nottingham College is a powerhouse of opportunity that serves its city with serious purpose. It is not an exam factory; its results reflect an inclusive intake rather than selective filtering. For A-level students, High Pavement offers a mature, university-style stepping stone. For vocational students, the facilities at the City Hub and Basford are state-of-the-art. Best suited to independent learners ready to leave the "school" mentality behind and focus on a specific career or subject passion. The main challenge is navigating the scale of the place; students must be ready to speak up if they need support.