John Leggott Sixth Form College

One of the country's pioneering sixth form colleges, John Leggott has been inspiring education since 1968 when it became only the second dedicated post-16 institution in England. Serving over 1,600 students from across North Lincolnshire and beyond, the college occupies a substantial campus in Scunthorpe's Old Brumby area, drawing young people from as far as Grimsby, Hull, Doncaster, and Lincoln. The most recent Ofsted inspection in November 2023 confirmed a Good rating across all areas for young people's provision, recognising that students enjoy learning in focused and disciplined environments. For families seeking state-funded post-16 education with genuine breadth, strong pastoral support, and pathways to Russell Group universities, JLC represents the primary option in this part of Lincolnshire.

The campus tells the story of a college that has grown substantially from its 1968 origins. Named after John R. Leggott, a respected local headmaster who led the Scunthorpe Technical High School until his sudden death in 1957, the institution carries forward his educational vision into the twenty-first century. The buildings have been modernised and extended over decades, creating spaces that balance practical functionality with contemporary learning needs.

The Core serves as the central hub of college life, featuring an impressive 180-degree immersive screen used for lessons, live music sessions, talks, and seminars. This technological investment signals the college's commitment to modern teaching approaches. Nearby, The Hub provides a bright and spacious reading room where students study, read, and socialise. A quiet study space at the back offers refuge for concentrated work, while the chess club regularly occupies this area during free periods.

Leon Riley serves as Principal and CEO, bringing experience in strategic planning and curriculum development to a college that continues to expand its reach. Under his leadership, John Leggott Wolds is set to open in September 2026 as a new sixth form provision at Caistor Yarborough Academy, extending the college's outstanding post-16 education into the heart of the Lincolnshire Wolds.

Students here come from diverse backgrounds and a wide geographic area, connected by an extensive transport network covering Scunthorpe, Gainsborough, Grimsby, Goole, Barton, Cleethorpes, Doncaster, Snaith, Thorne, the Isle of Axholme, and Brigg. This creates a student body that is genuinely regional rather than narrowly local, with young people choosing JLC specifically rather than simply attending their nearest provider.

Results at John Leggott reflect solid performance for a genuinely comprehensive sixth form college. At A-level, the college ranks 1,510th in England (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile). Locally, however, this translates to first position in Scunthorpe for A-level outcomes, making JLC the strongest academic option in the immediate area.

In 2024, 45% of A-level grades achieved were at A*-B, with 16% at A*-A. The college reports that 80% of Level 3 learners achieved grades between A*-C or equivalent, enabling many to secure places at leading universities. The 99% overall A-level pass rate demonstrates that students who enter the college with appropriate prior attainment are supported to completion.

These figures should be understood in context. Unlike selective sixth forms or independent schools that cream off high achievers, JLC operates as an open-access institution welcoming students across the ability range. The college runs significant Level 2 provision alongside A-levels, with 99 students pursuing vocational qualifications at this level during the last inspection. Progress from starting points matters more than raw grades in assessing a college serving such a diverse intake.

At the time of the November 2023 inspection, 1,525 students aged 16-19 were enrolled in full-time study. Of these, 693 pursued purely A-level qualifications, 473 combined A-levels with vocational courses, and 413 followed entirely vocational programmes. This balance shows a college meeting multiple needs rather than focusing exclusively on the academic pathway.

Teaching follows structured approaches that create what Ofsted described as focused and disciplined learning environments. Teachers develop students' English and mathematical skills within the context of their subject areas, whether vocational or academic, reinforcing core competencies alongside specialist knowledge.

The curriculum spans over 85 courses, including A-levels, BTECs, and T-levels. Sciences remain strong with biology, chemistry, and physics all available, while health-related pathways feature prominently through Health and Social Care programmes and the T-level in Health. Creative and analytical interests are served through English Literature, Business Studies, Graphics, and Fashion and Textiles.

Class sizes allow for individual attention, and the college's support infrastructure ensures that students who struggle academically receive intervention. Study workshops, one-to-one tutoring, and tailored learning plans are available for those who need additional help to stay on track.

In the 2023/24 cohort of 805 leavers, 43% progressed to university, while 8% entered apprenticeships and 26% moved directly into employment. These diverse pathways reflect both student choice and the genuine breadth of opportunities the college prepares young people for.

The academic rigour is evidenced by the elite university pipeline. Twenty-six students applied to Oxbridge in the measurement period, with three receiving offers and one student accepting a place at Cambridge. In 2025, the college celebrated Filip Dolejan securing his place to study Physics at Oxford after achieving A* grades in Mathematics, Chemistry, and Biology. The Aspire Programme, which supports students aiming for the most competitive university places and courses, achieved a 100% success rate for Oxford applicants who progressed through the full interview process.

Beyond Oxbridge, many graduates secure places at Russell Group universities including the University of Sheffield and the University of York. International students have historically achieved particularly strong outcomes, with 80% progressing to research-intensive Russell Group institutions. The college also prepares students for competitive degree apprenticeships, including highly sought-after programmes with employers like Rolls-Royce.

For students not pursuing higher education, careers support ensures alternative pathways are equally well-planned. Every student can access direct careers and progression support from pre-entry through to on-programme advice, career planning, and both UCAS and non-UCAS application guidance. Careers appointments are available at any point during the college journey.

John Leggott operates as an open-access sixth form college, welcoming students without a selective admissions process. Applications are made directly to the college through its online system, followed by an interview where students discuss their goals and course preferences. Successful applicants receive conditional offers based on GCSE requirements, which become unconditional once entry criteria are met.

Applications for September 2026 entry are now open. The college accepts students who will be aged 16-18 at the start of the academic year. While no specific deadline was published at the time of writing, prospective students should apply early to secure places on competitive courses and to allow time for interview and induction processes.

Entry requirements vary by course type. A-level programmes typically require specific GCSE grades in relevant subjects, while vocational pathways may have different criteria. The admissions interview provides an opportunity to discuss appropriate course combinations based on individual prior attainment and future aspirations.

Open events run throughout the academic year, providing opportunities to tour the campus and speak with current students and staff. For those unable to attend scheduled events, private tours can be arranged during college hours, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm during term time.

Support structures at JLC recognise that post-16 education brings new challenges alongside new freedoms. All staff members are committed to supporting students with health and wellbeing, but a dedicated wellbeing team provides specialist help for those facing mental, emotional, or physical health difficulties. This team works closely with students, teaching staff, and pastoral colleagues to ensure problems are addressed before they derail progress.

The Learning Support Team consists of dedicated teachers and Learning Support Assistants who provide essential pastoral and academic support to students with additional needs. Over recent years, the team has supported students with dyslexia, dyspraxia, those on the autistic spectrum, and hearing or visually impaired students. This enables students with additional needs to access the full curriculum while participating in wider college activities.

Ofsted's 2023 inspection rated provision for learners with high needs as Good, noting that students on specialist provision progress to other courses at the college or the supported internship programme. Most students on the supported internship programme progress to destinations that enhance the quality of their adult life, though inspectors noted that too few progress to sustained, permanent employment, an area for continued development.

Financial concerns should not prevent students from studying at JLC. The college maintains bursaries and trust funds to support those facing financial hardship, and the John Leggott College Student Fund exists specifically to ensure no student is unable to complete their education due to financial restrictions. The fund also occasionally supports enrichment activities that enhance educational experience beyond the standard curriculum.

Sport

Sports facilities at John Leggott are extensive and designed to support competitive athletes, casual players, and those simply wanting to stay active. The campus features a 3G pitch, sports hall, fitness suite, multi-use games area, and fields for football and rugby. A dedicated sports academy offers opportunities for students to compete at high levels or simply play for enjoyment.

The college has partnered with Scunthorpe United Football Club and 780 Coaching to create United In Partnership, an elite football pathway for talented young athletes. This programme allows students with high-level football ability to train alongside their studies without impacting academic progress. John Leggott holds TASS accreditation, the national recognition for supporting student athletes through the Dual Career Pathway. This helps talented young people across North Lincolnshire combine academic success with sporting excellence.

Enrichment

The Enrichment Programme is updated annually to reflect emerging trends and student feedback, ensuring relevance and variety. Two strands exist: extracurricular enrichment focusing on hobbies, societies, and creative outlets, and Upskill enrichment designed to support personal growth and career development.

Activities include sports clubs, creative arts workshops, volunteering opportunities, leadership training, and STEM challenges. Many are run by students for students, with enthusiastic staff support. Named societies include the Uke Jam music group, the long-standing chess club, and student-initiated groups such as a biology society that has organised trips to Paris.

Students participate in at least one enrichment activity complementing their academic courses, building skills and experiences to support future progression. Whether aiming for university, apprenticeships, or employment, enrichment options are tailored to enhance personal development, teamwork, leadership, and practical abilities. Students also contribute positively to the community through charity fundraising initiatives.

The college day runs from 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday during term time. Both breakfast and lunch are available on campus, with two dining options offering good food and spaces to relax between lessons. Students can also enjoy barista-made drinks from the on-site Costa Coffee at exclusive discounted rates.

Transport links are comprehensive. The college serves students from across a wide region, with bus routes covering Scunthorpe, Gainsborough, Grimsby, Goole, Barton, Cleethorpes, Doncaster, Snaith, Thorne, the Isle of Axholme, Brigg, and areas in between. For those driving, on-site parking is available. The West Common Lane campus sits in Old Brumby, accessible from the town centre and surrounding areas.

Open access means mixed prior attainment. Unlike selective sixth forms, JLC welcomes students across the ability range. High achievers will find peers and pathways to stretch them, including the Aspire Programme for competitive university applicants. However, the overall cohort is academically broader than at grammar schools or selective independents.

Adult learning provision requires improvement. The November 2023 Ofsted inspection identified adult learning programmes as requiring improvement, with too many adult students not retained and too many not achieving their qualifications. This does not affect the 16-19 provision, which was rated Good across all areas, but families should be aware the rating relates specifically to young people.

Employment outcomes for high needs students. While provision for learners with high needs was rated Good, inspectors noted that too few students on supported internship programmes progress to sustained, permanent employment. Families of students with additional needs should discuss destination outcomes during the admissions process.

Regional travel times. Students travel from across North Lincolnshire and neighbouring areas. While transport networks are extensive, those from distant locations should factor in journey times when considering course loads and enrichment participation.

John Leggott Sixth Form College delivers genuine breadth in a regional setting where alternatives are limited. The combination of academic and vocational pathways, strong pastoral support, and modern facilities creates an environment where students from varied backgrounds can find their route forward. The Aspire Programme demonstrates that high achievers can reach Oxbridge and Russell Group destinations, while vocational routes and supported internships provide meaningful alternatives for those with different ambitions or needs.

Best suited to students from across North Lincolnshire and surrounding areas who want post-16 education combining academic choice with extracurricular opportunity. The college works well for those seeking a fresh start after Year 11, whether aiming for university, apprenticeships, or direct employment. For families within the college's transport network seeking state-funded sixth form provision, JLC represents the strongest local option, as its first-place ranking in Scunthorpe confirms.