Windsor Forest Colleges Group: Four Colleges, One Ambitious Future

Four distinct colleges united under one banner, serving communities across Berkshire and Surrey with everything from A-levels to apprenticeships, equine studies to engineering. Windsor Forest Colleges Group emerged from the 2017 merger of East Berkshire College and Strode's College, expanding further in 2022 when Berkshire College of Agriculture joined the family. The result is a sprawling educational enterprise spanning a 400-acre countryside campus in Maidenhead, a town-centre creative hub in Windsor, an academic sixth form in Egham, and a vocational powerhouse in Langley. With approximately 4,000 young people, 1,600 adult learners, and 650 apprentices, this is further education on an ambitious scale.

Each campus has carved out its own identity while benefiting from shared resources and expertise. At Strode's College in Egham, the atmosphere is decidedly academic. Students here pursue A-levels alongside BTECs and the newer T Levels, with many harbouring ambitions for Russell Group universities and Oxbridge. The founding story dates back to 1704, when Henry Strode's bequest established what would become one of the region's most respected sixth form colleges. Today, that 300-year heritage combines with modern facilities and an inclusive culture that encourages students to aim high.

Windsor College operates as the creative heart of the group. Situated in the town centre, it has established itself as a centre of excellence for visual merchandising and display. Students here study performing arts, media, and design alongside traditional academic subjects. The atmosphere blends artistic ambition with commercial awareness; this is where stage, screen, and design intersect with employability.

At Slough and Langley College, the focus shifts decisively towards preparation for the working world. Industry-trained experts teach in state-of-the-art workshops and simulation suites, delivering everything from engineering and construction to health and social care. The approach is unashamedly vocational, with work placements integral to the learning experience.

Then there is BCA, the Berkshire College of Agriculture, occupying a remarkable 400-acre campus on the edge of Maidenhead. Since 1949, this specialist institution has trained students in land-based industries. Today it houses a BIAZA-accredited zoo, an equestrian centre, sports pitches, and a motor vehicle electric and hybrid training centre. Students here work with animals, study horticulture, and prepare for careers in agriculture, animal management, and environmental conservation.

Gillian May serves as CEO and Group Principal, leading a structure that includes dedicated principals for each campus cluster. Karen Griffiths operates as Group Deputy Principal. The leadership team emphasises that each college maintains its distinct character while benefiting from being part of something larger.

The student body reflects the diversity of the communities served. Over 100 nationalities are represented across the group, with ages ranging from 14 to 90. This is not a homogeneous institution; rather, it functions as four educational ecosystems united by shared values of Excellence, Respect, Integrity, and Diversity.

A-level results sit below the England average, a reality that requires honest acknowledgment. In the most recent published data, 2.83% of entries achieved A* grades and 11.86% achieved A* or A combined, compared to an England average of 23.6% at A*/A. The proportion achieving A*-B stands at 33.46%, against an England average of 47.2%.

These figures place Windsor Forest Colleges Group in the bottom 40% of post-16 providers in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking). However, context matters considerably here. Unlike selective sixth form colleges that recruit high-attaining students, the group operates an inclusive admissions policy. Students arrive with varying prior attainment, and many combine A-levels with BTECs or vocational qualifications. The figures also aggregate results across multiple campuses with different specialisms.

At Strode's College specifically, outcomes appear stronger. The college reports a 98% A-level pass rate, with 55% of entries achieving A*-B grades and 76% achieving A*-C. These headline figures suggest that students at the academic sixth form campus perform above the group average.

The 2024 Ofsted inspection rated the quality of education as Good across all provision types. Inspectors noted that leaders have developed a relevant curriculum to meet these needs and praised the strong contribution to meeting skills needs. The group received a Strong judgement specifically for its skills provision, recognising effective employer engagement and curriculum development aligned to regional priorities.

University progression represents one pathway among several. According to government data, 27% of the 2023-24 cohort progressed to university. A further 8% continued into further education, 6% began apprenticeships, and 36% entered employment directly.

For students at Strode's and Windsor Colleges pursuing academic routes, destinations include prestigious institutions. In recent years, all six Oxbridge candidates from the colleges secured places. Three students were admitted to Cambridge to read Engineering, English, and Law respectively. Three others joined Oxford, studying English, English and Classics, and Law. This represents a 100% conversion rate for students in the A*spire programme who applied to Oxford and Cambridge.

Beyond Oxbridge, students progress to Russell Group universities including Warwick, Bath, Durham, York, Southampton, and Liverpool. Some have secured places at Ivy League institutions in the United States. The college emphasises that its A*spire programme prepares academically able students for competitive applications, including medicine and engineering.

For students on vocational pathways, destinations reflect the practical orientation of their courses. Apprenticeships with local employers, direct employment in technical fields, and progression to higher-level vocational qualifications all feature prominently. The Employer Placement Hub connects students with work experience opportunities that often lead to employment.

Teaching varies by campus and course type, reflecting the diversity of provision. At Strode's and Windsor, A-level teaching follows traditional academic structures with smaller class sizes designed to facilitate individual attention. Students benefit from expert subject specialists and personalised tutorial support.

At Slough, Langley, and BCA, the emphasis shifts to practical, industry-led instruction. Teachers bring professional experience from the sectors they teach. Students learn using current equipment and technologies, preparing them for specific employment contexts rather than general academic progression.

The 2024 Ofsted inspection identified areas for development alongside its positive findings. Inspectors recommended that teachers receive additional training to help students remember more of what they learn over time. This suggests room for improvement in knowledge retention and curriculum sequencing.

However, inspectors also praised the quality of work placements. Since the previous inspection, actions to improve students' access to high-quality and meaningful work placements have been highly effective. This represents a genuine strength, particularly for vocational students whose future employment depends on practical experience.

The group takes student support seriously. At Strode's and Windsor, every student has a personal tutor who monitors progress through group tutorials and individual meetings. The Learning Support team assists with literacy, numeracy, dyslexia, dyspraxia, time management, revision skills, and essay writing.

For students with high needs, dedicated provision exists particularly at BCA in Maidenhead. At the time of the 2024 inspection, 443 students were receiving high-needs funding. Ofsted rated provision for learners with high needs as Good, though recommended improvements to advice and guidance for next steps after college.

Safeguarding arrangements are effective. Leaders and managers follow safer recruitment practices and complete appropriate pre-employment checks on staff. The inspection found that students and apprentices have a very positive attitude and benefit from an inclusive and welcoming environment.

Mental health support features across all campuses. The colleges state that the physical and mental wellbeing of students is extremely important, providing various support services. Students are described as a name not a number at Strode's and Windsor Colleges.

Enrichment opportunities vary by campus but include several distinctive programmes. The A*spire Programme at Strode's and Windsor stretches academically gifted students through expert speaker events, staff-led theoretical discussions, and research presentations on topics ranging from Olympic Stadium architecture to computer science history and Brexit analysis. University academics deliver subject-specific sessions extending beyond A-level syllabi.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award operates across the group. Student Parliament meetings give students voice in college governance. Annual events include Fresher's Fair, Winter Fair, and Higher Education Evening. Students can serve as college ambassadors supporting open evenings and receive certificates recognising their volunteering hours.

Sport provision includes on-campus facilities at Strode's with sports fields and a fitness suite. The college holds TASS (Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme) accreditation, allowing talented athletes to combine academic study with elite performance support through a Sport England funded partnership.

At BCA, extracurricular activities connect naturally to the curriculum. Working with animals at the on-site zoo, caring for horses at the equestrian centre, and managing the land-based estate all provide enrichment opportunities that blur the line between learning and activity.

Performing and creative arts facilities support drama, music, and media activities, particularly at Windsor College with its creative focus. Art and design studios include photography darkrooms and specialist workshops.

Entry to Windsor Forest Colleges Group is open rather than selective. Students typically enrol following completion of secondary school at 16, though the group also accepts adult learners and younger students through specific programmes. At the time of inspection, 72 students aged 14-16 were enrolled part-time.

Applications are made directly to the college for the specific campus and course of interest. Prospective students should visit the campus they intend to attend, as the experience differs significantly between academic sixth form provision at Strode's and Windsor, vocational training at Slough and Langley, and specialist land-based education at BCA.

Open days run throughout the year at all campuses. The colleges recommend attending to meet tutors, see facilities, and talk to current students. Enrolment for September 2025 runs from 21-29 August, with students who have applied and been interviewed receiving booking invitations by mid-July.

Entry requirements vary by course. A-level programmes typically require specific GCSE grades in relevant subjects. Vocational courses may have more flexible entry requirements, focusing on aptitude and interest rather than prior attainment. Apprenticeship entry depends on finding an employer willing to support the training.

The colleges are open for drop-in advice Monday to Friday throughout the year. Weekly open enrolment sessions run during term time, with additional sessions in January and throughout summer. Contact the admissions team at admissions@windsor-forest.ac.uk or 01753 793288.

The group operates across four main sites. Langley College sits on Station Road in Slough, postcode SL3 8BY, accessible by train to Langley station. Windsor College occupies a town-centre location. Strode's College is in Egham, Surrey. BCA spreads across its 400-acre campus in Maidenhead.

College hours vary by campus and programme. Langley and Windsor operate 8:30am to 7pm Monday to Thursday and 8:30am to 4pm on Fridays. Term dates for 2025-26 begin Wednesday 3 September 2025, with half terms in late October, mid-February, and late May. The academic year concludes Friday 3 July 2026.

Transport arrangements differ by campus. Langley benefits from rail connections. BCA operates dedicated transport given its rural location. Students should check specific arrangements for their intended campus.

Free Wi-Fi operates across all campuses. Students receive Totum cards providing over 350 discounts and can access discounted software through Software4Students.

Results below average. A-level outcomes sit in the bottom 40% of providers in England. While Strode's College reports stronger individual results, families seeking consistently high academic performance may wish to compare with more selective sixth form colleges.

Dispersed campuses. The four colleges operate as distinct institutions despite shared branding. Students must choose their campus based on course availability and cannot easily access facilities at other sites. The Egham, Windsor, Langley, and Maidenhead campuses serve different communities and offer different experiences.

Variable provision. The quality of experience depends heavily on which campus and course you choose. Academic A-level provision at Strode's differs fundamentally from vocational training at Langley or land-based education at BCA. Research the specific campus rather than relying on group-level information.

Apprenticeship completion. Ofsted identified ensuring all apprentices complete their training within planned time as an area for improvement. Families considering apprenticeship routes should discuss completion rates and support arrangements.

Windsor Forest Colleges Group represents an ambitious attempt to unite diverse further education provision under one organisational umbrella. For students seeking vocational training with genuine industry connections, particularly in construction, engineering, health and social care, or land-based industries, the group offers relevant pathways. BCA provides something genuinely distinctive with its 400-acre campus and specialist animal and equine provision.

For academically ambitious students, Strode's College within the group maintains a solid reputation, with Oxbridge success and Russell Group progression for those in the A*spire programme. However, overall A-level results sit below average, making careful consideration essential.

Best suited to students clear about their intended pathway who can match that ambition to the right campus. A future veterinary nurse might thrive at BCA. An aspiring engineer would benefit from Langley's workshops. A student aiming for Oxford would find support through Strode's A*spire programme. The diversity that makes this group unwieldy also means there is likely something here for most students in the region, provided they choose the right door to enter.