When Salisbury sixth form provision disappeared a decade ago, hundreds of young people each year found themselves travelling far beyond the city to study at neighbouring colleges and schools. In 2014, Salisbury Sixth Form College (S6C) arrived to change that, opening in temporary accommodation before moving into its purpose-built campus on Tollgate Road in May 2016. Today, the college fills a genuine local need and has earned its reputation for inclusive post-16 education where students with diverse academic starting points are pushed to achieve their best. Ben Hillier, Head of College, has led the institution since 2020. With 396 students spanning ages 16 to 19, S6C offers A-levels and vocational qualifications across a broad curriculum. The college was rated Good by Ofsted in 2017, with inspectors noting that governors and college leaders had "successfully created an ethos of tolerance, respect and high aspirations for learners." The 2024 cohort achieved a progress score of +0.22, above the national average, and 99% of students graduated with Level 3 qualifications. The college ranks 1,826th in England for A-level performance (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the bottom 40% nationally, reflecting the inclusive intake rather than limiting what students achieve once they arrive.
The modern, purpose-designed building immediately signals that this college was built for post-16 education, not repurposed from an earlier structure. Glass-fronted spaces, light corridors, and contemporary finishes create an atmosphere that feels both professional and welcoming. Students describe arriving as nervous at first, but quickly becoming comfortable as the tutorial system and house-based communities integrate them into college life.
The ethos at S6C rests on genuine inclusivity. Unlike selective sixth forms elsewhere, the college admits students across a wide range of prior attainment. In 2024, incoming students had average GCSE grades ranging from mostly 8/9 through to mostly 3. Some students were required to retake GCSE English or Mathematics during Year 12, yet the college's philosophy is to refuse to limit ambitions based on that starting point. Students are challenged to exceed expectations. Teachers consistently report that the biggest surprise for new students is not the difficulty but the expectation that everyone will aim high and push themselves further.
The college location is practical. A short walk from Salisbury city centre, where major bus routes converge, and close to the railway station, S6C is accessible to commuters from across Wiltshire and beyond. This openness reflects the college's founding mission: to retain young people who would otherwise leave the county to study elsewhere.
The leadership team has worked deliberately to create something distinctive. The college is part of Magna Learning Partnership, a multi-academy trust, which provides governance and operational oversight. Within that structure, S6C maintains its own identity and autonomy around curriculum and student experience.
In 2024, S6C students achieved varied results across their A-level cohort. 20% achieved A*, and a further 11% achieved A, placing 31% at the A*-A tier. Looking across the full picture, 41% of students achieved grades A*-B, compared to the national average of 47%. The proportion achieving top grades reflects the college's inclusive starting point: students arrive with mixed prior attainment, and while some arrive as high achievers, others are working significantly harder to reach university entry thresholds.
What stands out in the data is not the top-end grades but the consistency of progression. The college's progress score of +0.22 means that students made above-average progress from their starting points. This is particularly notable for students with SEND, whose progress outperformed non-SEND cohorts at the college. Students required to resit GCSE English or Mathematics regularly passed at higher grades than the minimum requirement, demonstrating that the college environment enables genuine improvement rather than simply pushing students through to pass thresholds.
The destinations data tells a powerful story of how S6C students move beyond Salisbury. In 2024, 73 students secured university places, attending eight different Russell Group universities on courses spanning Law, Psychology, Software Engineering, History, Environmental Sustainability, English Literature, and Nursing. Beyond Russell Group, popular destinations included Bath Spa, Bournemouth, Bristol, University of the West of England, College of Esports, Portsmouth, Southampton, and Winchester. Other valued courses included Midwifery, Film, Geography, Esports, Marketing, Primary Education, and Sociology.
Beyond university, the college does not lose sight of alternative pathways. Students have secured apprenticeships with major employers including the RAF and South Western Railway. Those entering employment gained positions in retail management, hospitality, Wiltshire Council, the British Armed Forces, legal practices, medical practices, and specialist education providers. The college's approach ensures every leaver has a defined next step.
S6C openly specialises in students with varied abilities. The college offers both traditional A-levels and vocational qualifications (BTECs and Cambridge Technicals) on equal standing. Students are encouraged to mix and match: some study three A-levels, others take two A-levels and a BTEC, others pursue vocational pathways entirely. This flexibility removes barriers that might otherwise cause students to feel locked into a particular track. The college also offers the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) alongside main courses. Students completing the EPQ continue to excel, with most achieving A*/A in that qualification alongside their main studies.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
40.83%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
S6C positions itself as a specialist post-16 provider. All teaching staff are trained educators focused on 16-19 transition and progression. The college recognises that the jump from GCSE to A-level work is substantial: Year 12 students receive dedicated study skills teaching designed to scaffold that transition. Year 13 work pushes that independence further, with an explicit focus on destination readiness and the specific skills needed for university, employment, or apprenticeships.
The modern facilities support this approach. Purpose-designed science laboratories allow specialist practicals that would be difficult in secondary school settings. The Achievement and Progress Centre offers quiet study spaces where independent learners can focus without the social dynamics of shared teaching areas. A fitness suite supports students combining sport with academic study. These environments signal to students that learning here looks different from secondary school, and the college takes seriously the work of helping them make that shift.
Class sizes average around 15-20 students, larger than some independent sixth forms but considerably smaller than some state secondary school sixth forms. This balance allows staff to provide meaningful feedback while maintaining cost-effectiveness for a state institution.
The college's enrichment offer is genuinely broad, built deliberately to support the "character curriculum" that runs alongside academic work. The breadth reflects both student demand and college investment in recognising that post-16 education extends well beyond examinations.
Sports academies launched in 2023 have rapidly become competitive fixtures. The Rugby Academy, Football Academy, and Netball Academy blend Year 12 and Year 13 students together, creating genuine development pathways. These are not casual participation arrangements; students train under professional coaches and compete against established teams. Recent victories include a Continental National Cup win against King Edward VI School, with the rugby academy coach noting that beating an established private school "proved how successful the team has been in developing their skills in such a short amount of time." Beyond academies, students participate in football, badminton, gym and fitness options, and other physical activities. The college's fitness suite provides on-site facilities, while the multi-use games area hosts matches and training sessions. This physical activity infrastructure removes a common barrier for young people studying post-16 who might otherwise abandon sport because their school's facilities are limited.
Music Club operates regularly, drawing students interested in different genres and ensemble work. Drama has a particular presence on campus. A fully equipped theatre hosts productions annually, including the college's major performance. Students involved in drama range from performers to technical crew managing lighting, sound, and set design. The college stages productions with a professional finish. Beyond formal drama productions, National Poetry Week generates performances, signalling that creative expression extends beyond drama courses. Some students engage with music at GCSE or A-level, while others use performing arts and music as enrichment alongside different subject combinations.
The college's core identity includes "enthusiasm for modern technology and its integration into all aspects of college life." This manifests in specialist clubs. STEM Club operates as a dedicated enrichment space. Robotics draws students interested in engineering. Esports and gaming clubs have attracted significant participation, including an Esports Tournament structured in partnership with the British Esports Association. Video Games Society operates as a distinct space for those interested in gaming culture separately from competitive esports. These computing and technology-focussed activities are particularly notable given the college's emphasis on modern facilities: cloud-based document storage, wifi throughout, and on-site computers for specialist subjects mean that digital learning infrastructure is embedded rather than bolted on.
Student Voice operates through the Student Union, which organises college-wide events and represents student interests in governance. Volunteering programmes are available and actively promoted. Young Activists Club offers students interested in social and political engagement a structured outlet. Amnesty International has previously attracted students keen to engage with human rights work. Environmental Club recognises growing student interest in sustainability. Christian Community caters to faith-based students. LGBT+ Society operates as a dedicated space for LGBTQ+ students, signalling institutional commitment to inclusion. These clubs are not performative; they feature in college newsletters and are genuinely available for participation.
Debate Club attracts students interested in formal argumentation and public speaking. Film Club operates as a film appreciation group. Book Club draws readers who want structured discussion. Enterprise Club offers those interested in business and entrepreneurship dedicated space. Brain Day (likely a quiz or knowledge competition) engages academically competitive students. Baking Club brings together students around a shared interest. Knitting Club reflects diverse hobbies beyond academic focus. Meditation offers mindfulness practice. Duke of Edinburgh Award at Gold level provides a recognised achievement framework for students balancing multiple commitments. Guest speakers have ranged from politicians to entrepreneurs and "renowned experts," bringing real-world perspectives into college life.
The college's recent trips give a flavour of ambition and reach: New York City, Nepal, St Ives, London art galleries and museums, EGX Birmingham and London (video games expo), the British Library, Jurassic Coast geography trips, the British Film Institute, and Oxford University college tours. These experiences are explicitly positioned as part of the character curriculum, not bolt-on extras. Financial barriers are reduced: eligible students can request bursary support for trips and materials.
S6C has no formal catchment boundary. The college is open to applications from across Wiltshire and surrounding areas. Admissions are non-selective based on academic prior attainment, meaning any student with GCSE qualifications can apply regardless of grades. This openness reflects the founding mission: to serve the city and wider region.
Demand has grown year-on-year. On the college's tenth anniversary in 2024, applications reached an all-time high. The college is now at capacity with 396 students. While there is no formal academic selection, oversubscription is managed through an admissions policy. Parents should check the college website for specific prioritisation criteria.
Application is straightforward. The college runs open events (typically in October and November) where potential students can visit, meet staff, and tour facilities. Online applications open in November for entry in September. The timeline is consistent with state post-16 admissions nationwide.
The college operates 09:00 to 15:00 on standard teaching days. There is no wraparound care (breakfast or after-school provision), as these students are aged 16-19 and typically independent travellers. The college cafe serves hot and cold food at lunch and break times. Students are expected to bring their own laptops or tablets (Bring Your Own Device scheme); the college has computers available for specialist subjects and offers laptop support for eligible bursary students.
Location is a practical advantage. A short walk to Salisbury city centre provides access to multiple bus routes. The railway station is easily accessible for commuters from across the county. There is no government-funded transport for post-16 students; families arrange their own transport or apply directly to Wiltshire Council for bus pass support. Parking is limited on site but available in nearby city-centre car parks.
The college emphasises that it is a "continuation of the good experience" from secondary school, not a sudden shift to university-style independence. This manifests through several structured supports.
Tutorial groups are small, typically 6-8 students with a dedicated tutor who provides academic oversight and pastoral check-ins. These relationships form the backbone of support. Tutors meet regularly with their groups and know individual students well.
Mental health support is formalised. The college page lists mental health resources explicitly and has trained staff available. Concerns raised by students are handled "well," according to external evaluation, with no tolerance for bullying or disciplinary issues ignored. The Student Union and pastoral team work together to create a supportive environment.
Life skills are embedded in the tutorial programme and character curriculum. Students discuss topics beyond academics, including preparation for adult life, financial literacy, and wellbeing.
Students with SEND needs are supported through the SENDCo (Nicky Miller) and integrated support arrangements. Progress of SEND students outperformed non-SEND cohorts in 2024, showing that personalised support is working.
Grades do not determine potential here, but arrival preparation matters. S6C explicitly does not use prior GCSE attainment to limit student ambition. However, students arriving with lower grades do need to be ready for intensive support. Study skills programmes and small-group work help, but the college is not a remedial centre; it is a mainstream post-16 provider. Families should honestly assess whether their young person is ready for that independent learning demand.
The college is not selective, which is its strength and creates a mixed peer group. For families wanting a school with an obvious academic hierarchy and visible tier system, S6C may feel unstructured. For families valuing genuine inclusion where top achievers sit alongside students resitting GCSEs, the college models something genuinely inclusive.
No on-site nursery or wraparound care. This is a post-16 only institution for independent learners aged 16-19. There is no breakfast club, after-school provision, or holiday care. Students are expected to manage their own transport and timings.
The college is at capacity. Recent growth in applications means admission is no longer a straightforward acceptance for all qualified applicants. Families should check the current admissions policy and apply early.
Salisbury Sixth Form College has succeeded in its founding mission: it provides accessible, inclusive post-16 education within Wiltshire, stopping the flow of capable young people to distant colleges. The 2024 results show that this inclusive model works. Students with mixed prior attainment progress above the national average and move into strong universities and employment. The college's facilities, enrichment, and pastoral structures are genuinely good. Sports academies, drama, music, STEM clubs, and volunteering opportunities are not tokenistic but embedded and well-used. Leadership is stable and ambitious.
The college is best suited to students who are ready to take responsibility for their learning, who value genuine inclusion over academic selection, and who thrive when challenged to exceed their own expectations rather than chase league table rankings. It suits families seeking strong pastoral care, good facilities, and a college culture that works hard to remove barriers to access. For students able to travel independently or whose families can arrange transport, the practical accessibility is genuine. The college is not best suited to students who need heavy scaffolding or remedial support, or families seeking a selective environment where students are ranked visibly against peers.
Yes. Rated Good by Ofsted in both 2017 and 2022, the college demonstrates consistent quality across inspection cycles. The 2024 cohort achieved a progress score of +0.22, above the national average. 99% of students graduated with Level 3 qualifications. Seventy-three students secured university places, including multiple Russell Group entries. The college's inclusive approach shows that mixed-attainment intake does not limit outcomes; instead, careful teaching and high expectations help students exceed their own potential.
In 2024, 41% of A-level grades were A*-B, compared to the national average of 47%. The gap reflects the college's inclusive intake rather than teaching quality; students arrive across a range of prior attainment from high GCSE grades to low. The key metric is progress: the college's +0.22 progress score shows students make above-average advancement from their starting points. Students required to resit GCSE English or Mathematics often pass at higher grades than the minimum threshold.
Yes. The college has no academic selection criteria. Students with any GCSE results can apply. Some students arrive at S6C having achieved only low grades at GCSE; others arrive with straight 8s and 9s. The college's philosophy is that prior attainment should not limit ambition or opportunity. Admissions are managed through a policy that prioritises fairness rather than academic cream-skimming. If oversubscribed, check the college website for specific criteria.
The college offers rugby, football, and netball academies (professional coaching and competitive fixtures), plus badminton, gym, fitness, and general participation sports. Drama, music, STEM, robotics, esports and gaming, volunteering, debate, film, book club, photography, environmental club, young activists, Christian community, LGBT+ society, Duke of Edinburgh Gold, knitting, yoga, meditation, enterprise club, and psychology club are among the enrichment options. New clubs can be created by students. The college's enrichment page and weekly updates detail all active options.
In 2024, students secured places at eight different Russell Group universities across diverse courses including Law, Psychology, Software Engineering, History, Environmental Sustainability, English Literature, and Nursing. Beyond Russell Group, popular destinations included Bath Spa, Bournemouth, Bristol, University of the West of England, Portsmouth, Southampton, and Winchester. The college does not publish a single "list" but instead helps every student find a university suited to their course choice and aspirations.
Very accessible. The college is a short walk from Salisbury city centre (where major bus routes converge) and close to the railway station. These locations suit students commuting from across Wiltshire and neighbouring areas. However, there is no government-funded transport for post-16 students. Families must arrange private transport or apply directly to Wiltshire Council for bus pass support. Parking on site is limited but available in nearby city-centre car parks.
Yes, both equally. The college offers A-levels, BTECs, and Cambridge Technicals, and students can study any combination (three A-levels, two A-levels plus a BTEC, vocational pathways only, etc.). The college also offers the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) alongside main courses. This mix-and-match approach recognises that not all post-16 learners follow an A-level path, and vocational qualifications carry equal value for university entry and employment.
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