Scarborough Sixth Form College: Outstanding SEN Support and Strong Progress on the Yorkshire Coast

On the outskirts of Scarborough where the North Yorkshire coastline meets rolling countryside, Scarborough Sixth Form College provides post-16 education to around 1,000 students. The college stands out for its Outstanding-rated provision for learners with high needs and its consistent track record of student progress. With a 98.4% A-level pass rate in 2024 and a comprehensive range of A-levels, T Levels, BTECs, and Applied General qualifications, S6F offers genuine breadth. Notable alumni including folk musician Eliza Carthy and television presenter John Fendley demonstrate the varied paths students have taken from this coastal college.

The college occupies the former site of Scarborough Girls' High School on Sandybed Lane, a transformation that occurred during the educational reorganisation of the early 1970s. The spacious campus has evolved significantly since then, most notably with the 2012 opening of The Hub, a purpose-built study space that formed part of a £3 million refurbishment including modern library facilities. The Hub was opened by former students Howard Wilson and Toby Jepson, reflecting the college's commitment to maintaining connections with its alumni community.

Phil Rumsey serves as Principal, leading an institution that articulates its mission clearly: to inspire and educate students in a supportive, inclusive environment that enables them to fulfil their potential, enjoy successful careers, and lead happy lives. The college's values of Ambition, Support, Progress, Integrity, Respect, and Enjoyment are not merely aspirational statements but inform daily practice. The 2023 Ofsted inspection noted the positive culture and high expectations that result in strong student achievement.

The atmosphere balances academic focus with genuine warmth. Students describe an environment where they are known as individuals rather than numbers. At around 1,000 students, the college is large enough to offer substantial subject choice yet small enough for staff to track each student's progress carefully. The Student Union plays an active role in college life, and students are encouraged to propose new societies and initiatives. This sense of agency appears to contribute to the college's distinctive character.

The college serves as the main provider of level three education in the Scarborough area. This means it draws students from across the region, creating a diverse community united by the transition to adult learning. The move towards independence is supported rather than forced; students develop resilience through a combination of academic challenge and structured enrichment activities.

A-level results at Scarborough Sixth Form College sit in line with the middle 35% of schools in England, ranking 1,434th out of 2,649 institutions for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking based on official data). Within Scarborough, the college ranks 3rd for A-level performance.

In 2024, the college achieved a 98.4% A-level pass rate. Nearly half of students (47%) achieved grades A*, A, or B, with 77% securing grades A* to C. Fifteen students earned straight A*/A results across their subjects. The proportion of students achieving the highest grades (A* at 3.1%, A at 15.6%) contributes to an overall A*-B rate of 46.1%, marginally below the England average of 47.2%.

Vocational qualifications show particular strength. Applied General (BTEC) results in 2024 reached a 99.4% pass rate, while T Level results achieved a 100% pass rate. The introduction of T Levels in Business and Health alongside the established Education and Childcare pathway demonstrates the college's commitment to expanding career-focused options.

Progress measures tell an encouraging story. The college has historically been recognised as one of the strongest in England for student progress, with a 2001 Ofsted inspection ranking it 23rd among the UK's most successful colleges. While relative rankings fluctuate year to year, the college maintains its focus on value-added outcomes, ensuring students progress well from their GCSE starting points.

The March 2023 Ofsted inspection awarded Good ratings across all areas, with Quality of Education, Behaviour and Attitudes, Personal Development, and Leadership and Management all judged Good. This consistency has been maintained across four consecutive full inspections spanning more than a decade (2011, 2016, 2019, and 2023).

Teachers at Scarborough Sixth Form College demonstrate strong subject knowledge and set clear expectations. The 2023 Ofsted inspection highlighted that teachers skilfully develop students' creative skills, knowledge, and behaviours to help them produce work of an excellent standard. This quality of instruction spans both academic and vocational pathways.

The curriculum offers genuine flexibility. Students can mix and match courses to create study programmes tailored to their interests and career aspirations. The A-level offering covers traditional academic subjects, while BTECs and Applied General qualifications provide alternative routes for students who prefer coursework-based assessment or wish to focus on specific career sectors.

The Foundation Diploma in Art deserves particular mention. This post-A-level qualification enables students to gain essential groundwork before progressing to specialised Art university programmes. It represents one of several pathways available to students who wish to extend their time at the college beyond the standard two-year programme.

T Levels represent a significant recent addition to the curriculum. Following the success of the Education and Childcare T Level, the college now offers T Levels in Business and Health. These qualifications combine classroom learning with substantial industry placements, preparing students directly for employment or further study in technical fields.

Intervention and support structures are embedded throughout the curriculum. Staff timetable intervention sessions for students who need additional help, with content available online and support sessions running during lunchtime and after college hours. The 2023 Ofsted inspection noted that while student attendance was not consistently strong across all subject areas, these catch-up mechanisms help ensure students do not fall behind.

The college received an Outstanding rating for its provision for learners with high needs in the 2023 Ofsted inspection. This is the only area rated Outstanding across the entire inspection framework, marking it as a genuine strength that sets Scarborough Sixth Form College apart from many similar institutions.

Outstanding provision for high needs learners means that support structures extend beyond standard learning support. The college offers counselling services, wellbeing resources, and dedicated staff who understand how to adapt teaching and assessment to meet individual requirements. This recognition from Ofsted reflects years of developing expertise in inclusive education.

Families with students who have additional needs should consider this Outstanding rating as a significant factor when choosing between post-16 providers in the region. The college's inclusive approach aligns with its stated values of Support and Integrity, ensuring all students can access the curriculum and progress towards their goals.

In the 2023/24 cohort of 476 leavers, 42% progressed to university. A further 7% entered apprenticeships, while 30% moved directly into employment. These figures reflect the diverse aspirations of students at a college that serves a broad intake from across the Scarborough area.

Oxbridge applications demonstrate ambition among the highest-achieving students. In the most recent measurement period, 14 students applied to Oxford and Cambridge, with 4 receiving offers, an offer rate of 28.6%. One student ultimately accepted a place, a conversion rate that reflects the fierce competition at these institutions. The college ranks 336th in England for combined Oxbridge outcomes.

Oxford applications proved particularly successful, with 3 offers from 8 applications, a 37.5% offer rate. Cambridge awarded 1 offer from 6 applications. These figures indicate that students who aspire to the most selective universities receive appropriate preparation and support.

The majority of university-bound students progress to institutions beyond Oxbridge, with destinations including universities across England. The 42% progression rate to university should be viewed alongside the 7% apprenticeship rate and 30% employment rate, recognising that university is one of several valid post-18 pathways and that the college prepares students effectively for all destinations.

Entry to Scarborough Sixth Form College is open to students aged 16-19 who wish to study level two (GCSE) or level three (A-level, BTEC, T Level) qualifications. As the main provider of post-16 education in the Scarborough area, the college serves students from multiple feeder schools across the region.

The application process centres on an online form available through the college's dedicated portal at apply.s6f.org.uk. Every applicant participates in a 15-minute interview with a member of staff. This discussion covers predicted GCSE results, entry requirements for chosen courses, and future career or education goals. The interview also provides an opportunity for students and parents to ask questions and receive personalised guidance.

The preferred application deadline falls in late January each year, though the college accepts applications after this date. For September 2026 entry, applicants should check the college website for confirmed deadlines as these may vary slightly from previous years.

Open events provide the best opportunity to explore the campus and learn about course options. Events are scheduled for 13 November 2025 at 6pm and 3 February 2026 at 5pm. Booking through the college website is recommended as events can fill quickly.

Course-specific entry requirements apply. Students should discuss their GCSE predictions with college staff during the interview process to ensure they select appropriate courses. The college offers pathways at both level two and level three, meaning students who do not achieve the grades needed for A-levels can still access suitable qualifications.

The Outstanding rating for high needs provision reflects a broader commitment to student welfare that extends across the entire college population. Counselling services are available for students requiring emotional support, and wellbeing resources are integrated into college life.

Careers guidance features prominently in the support structure. Students receive advice on pathways, work experience opportunities, and university or apprenticeship applications. This guidance begins early in students' time at the college and continues through to their final destination decisions.

The Skills Toolkit programme develops employability alongside academic study. This ensures students leave the college not only with qualifications but with the practical capabilities employers seek. Work experience opportunities further enhance this preparation for life beyond education.

Parent engagement is supported through a dedicated portal providing information on financial support and other resources. Transport coordination services help students from across the Scarborough area access the college, addressing what could otherwise be a barrier to attendance for those in more rural locations.

The college monitors attendance carefully and has invested in additional staff focused on improving attendance further. While the 2023 Ofsted inspection noted that attendance was not consistently strong across all subject areas, the recognition of this challenge and commitment to addressing it demonstrates responsive leadership.

Sports Academies

The sports academies at Scarborough Sixth Form College represent one of its most distinctive features. Academies in Football, Rugby, Netball, Basketball, Golf, and Cricket are integrated into academic programmes, allowing students to develop as players in their chosen sport alongside their studies. Students receive specialist coaching, developmental advice, and participate in an extensive fixture programme against other colleges and institutions.

These academies appeal to students who wish to maintain serious sporting commitments without sacrificing academic progress. The structure recognises that sporting excellence requires dedicated training time that traditional school timetables cannot accommodate.

Performance Academy

Alongside sports, the college offers a Performance Academy for students with talents in music, drama, or other performance disciplines. This pathway reflects the creative heritage suggested by alumni such as Toby Jepson, the singer and songwriter who returned to open The Hub in 2012.

Enrichment Programme

The enrichment programme extends learning beyond qualifications. Social skills development, employability enhancement, and university application support all feature within this framework. Students develop resilience and independence through participation in activities that complement their academic studies.

Clubs and Societies

Student-led societies form a vibrant part of college life. Current offerings include the Medical Society (supporting students aspiring to healthcare careers), Debating Society, Board Game Society, Book Club, Film Society, Christian Union, College Choir, LGBTQ Network, Amnesty Society, and Biology Group. Students are actively encouraged to propose new societies, with support from teachers and the Student Union to establish them.

The Medical Society deserves particular attention for students considering medicine or healthcare degrees. This enrichment pathway helps aspiring medics build the experience and understanding required for competitive university applications.

The college day runs from 9am to 4pm. The campus is located at Sandybed Lane in the Weaponness area of Scarborough, postcode YO12 5LF. Contact details are 01723 365032 for telephone enquiries or enquiries@s6f.org.uk for email.

Transport services are coordinated through the college to help students from across North Yorkshire access the campus. Given the college's regional catchment, this support is essential for many students.

Exam and coursework deadlines occur throughout the academic year. The college requests that families do not book holidays during term time and emphasises that new students must be available during enrolment days.

Financial support information is available through the parent portal, recognising that the transition to post-16 education can involve costs for transport, equipment, and materials even at a state-funded institution.

Attendance patterns. The 2023 Ofsted inspection noted that student attendance was not consistently strong across all subject areas. While the college has implemented intervention strategies and employed additional staff to address this, families should be aware that this has been identified as an area for improvement. Students who struggle with self-motivation to attend may need additional support.

Regional catchment. As the main post-16 provider in the area, students travel from across Scarborough and surrounding communities. Journey times can be significant for those living further afield. While transport coordination services help, students should factor travel time into their daily routines when considering the college.

Independent learning expectations. The transition from Year 11 to sixth form requires a significant shift towards independent study. Students who have relied heavily on teacher direction at GCSE level will need to adapt to taking greater responsibility for their own learning. The college supports this transition but cannot provide the same level of daily structure as secondary school.

Course selection breadth. While the college offers a substantial range of subjects, some niche A-level options may not be available compared to larger urban sixth forms. Students with very specific subject combinations should verify availability before committing to an application.

Scarborough Sixth Form College provides solid post-16 education with genuine strengths in several areas. The Outstanding rating for learners with high needs sets it apart from comparable institutions and should be a significant draw for families where this provision matters. Strong vocational results complement respectable A-level outcomes, and the sports academies offer a distinctive pathway for athletes who wish to continue serious training alongside academic study.

Results sit in the middle band for England, which represents honest positioning for a college with a broad, non-selective intake. Progress from starting points has historically been a particular strength, and the college focuses on value-added rather than simply headline grades. This approach serves the Scarborough community well, meeting students where they are and moving them forward.

Best suited to students who want the independence of college life within a supportive framework, particularly those interested in sports academies, T Levels, or vocational qualifications alongside traditional A-levels. Also an excellent choice for students with high needs who will benefit from Outstanding-rated provision. Those seeking an intensely academic environment focused solely on the most competitive university destinations may wish to explore alternatives, but for the majority of Scarborough-area students, this college offers a well-rounded preparation for whatever comes next.