When Arthur C. Clarke attended Huish's predecessor grammar school, he discovered a place that nurtured intellectual curiosity and creative ambition. That legacy remains. Today, Richard Huish College stands as one of England's highest-performing sixth form colleges, serving approximately 2,200 students across a sprawling 8-hectare campus in Taunton, Somerset. Founded in its current incarnation in 1981, the college has grown exponentially from 660 full-time students, building a reputation for rigorous academics alongside genuine pastoral care. What distinguishes Huish from most state sixth form colleges is its rare boarding provision. Oak House, opened in 2017, offers 53 en-suite bedrooms and serves students from across the UK and internationally, creating a residential community similar to independent boarding schools but at state sector cost. Results place the college squarely in the top tier nationally: 57% of A-level students achieved A*-B grades in 2024, well above the 47% England average, with a 99% pass rate across all A-level entries. Eight students secured Oxbridge places in 2024. Destination data shows 37% progress to university, 39% to employment, 7% to apprenticeships, and 2% to further education — reflecting the college's diverse curriculum pathways and strong graduate outcomes.
The college occupies what was formerly an arboretum, and this heritage shapes the physical environment distinctly. Vast mature trees blanket the 8-hectare site, of which 70% remains sports fields and open space. Building names — Willow, Hawthorn, Beech, Maple, Cedar, Juniper, Sycamore, Redwood, Oak — reflect this arboreal legacy and create a sense of place quite different from typical urban sixth form colleges. The overall atmosphere strikes a balance between serious academic purpose and genuine community. Students move between lessons with clear focus; libraries and study areas are quietly purposeful rather than quiet by enforcement. The Willow Café and newer Redwood Suite provide bright, contemporary social spaces where students gather between lessons, while staff presence feels supportive rather than surveillance-based.
Emma Fielding has led the college since January 2024, bringing a background as an educational researcher at Cambridge and a career spanning History and Sociology teaching at secondary level. She took over from John Abbott, who transitioned to Chief Executive Officer of the newly-formed Richard Huish Trust. The college's pastoral culture emphasises partnership between staff and students. Multiple sources consistently highlight that relationships between teachers and learners are genuinely respectful, not hierarchical or distant. This extends to the boarding environment: Oak House is staffed 24 hours daily with live-in and part-time house parents, creating continuity of care that approximates university halls of residence rather than traditional boarding house structure. A notable detail captures this tone: the boarding accommodation includes a "therapy hamster," suggesting an approach to pastoral support that acknowledges both practical and emotional dimensions of student life.
Richard Huish College ranks 759th in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it solidly within the middle tier nationally. However, this ranking obscures the genuinely strong results achieved. In summer 2024, 57% of A-level entries achieved grades A*-B, comparing favourably against the England average of 47%. The pass rate — 99% achieving grade C or above — is exemplary. Of the cohort, 81% achieved A*-C grades overall, indicating consistent strength across the range rather than narrow peaks of excellence. Examination performance shows depth: 74 students achieved three or more A*/A grades, and the college produced some nationally-ranked candidates. Vocational Extended Diploma students performed similarly strongly, with 82% achieving at least one Distinction grade, and 15% reaching the top Distinction* classification.
The college offers over 45 A-level subjects, an unusually broad range for a sixth form college. Alongside traditional sciences, humanities, and languages, students can study Classical Civilisation, Classical Greek, Archaeology, Dance, Economics, Environmental Science, Geology, Government and Politics, Law, Photography, Psychology, Sociology, and Statistics. This breadth reflects deliberate curriculum design to serve diverse interests and university aspirations.
Of the 2024 leaver cohort (949 students), 37% progressed to university, a figure that reflects the college's diversified pathways — many students enter apprenticeships (7%), employment (39%), or further education (2%) rather than pursuing degree-level study immediately. For those seeking higher education, pathways are impressive. Popular university destinations include Bristol, Cardiff, Exeter, Bath, and Southampton, reflecting the college's regional strength and the South West's density of prestigious universities.
Oxbridge success is particularly noteworthy. In 2024, eight students secured Oxbridge places: three to Cambridge and five to Oxford. Individual successes illustrate breadth: Chloe Fry read Medicine at Cambridge; Henry Nicholas secured Mathematics at Warwick; Ella Pal studied History and Politics at Oxford; Lauren Hill read Earth Science at Oxford. The college operates an "Enhancing Excellence" programme providing dedicated Oxbridge support and progression guidance, recognising the specific demands of competitive university applications. The college also places students successfully into medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science annually — in 2024, ten students secured medical places across a range of universities.
Beyond Oxbridge, leavers regularly secure places at Imperial College London, UCL, Edinburgh, Durham, Bristol, and Warwick, indicating the calibre of teaching and student attainment. The college is particularly proud of its "value-added" performance: Higher Education Statistics Agency data shows that proportionally more Huish leavers achieve first-class and upper-second-class honours degrees compared to the state, sixth form college, and independent sectors as a whole. This suggests strong student development during the two-year programme.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
57.06%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
The curriculum philosophy emphasises academic rigour combined with accessible teaching. All teachers are graduates, with 99% holding formal teaching qualifications — a staffing standard that exceeds many independent schools. Subject expertise is evident; staff use professional independence to enrich the curriculum beyond examination content. Assessment of teaching quality by external bodies highlights that leaders monitor courses effectively and address underperformance swiftly. A culture of high aspirations and respectful working relationships underpins classroom practice.
The Arthur C. Clarke Learning Centre, named after the celebrated alumnus, anchors independent study. Opened in its current form in 2003 and refurbished since, the centre provides static computer workstations, laptops for loan, a library with physical texts and DVDs, dedicated quiet study zones, a "silent zone" for examination-standard focus, and classroom facilities. Equipment including cameras and laptops can be borrowed, supporting project-based and practical learning. This resource-rich approach signals that independent learning is scaffolded, not assumed.
The college's extracurricular landscape is notably extensive and strategically developed. Rather than a scattered collection of optional activities, enrichment sits at the heart of student experience. The formalised "EnRICH" programme structures opportunities into themed streams: Academic and Medical Careers, Community and Charity, Music, Performing Arts, Societies, Sport, and Student Voice. All students engage in at least one EnRICH activity; many pursue multiple interests simultaneously. This design ensures breadth without requiring students to self-navigate.
The Aspen Music Centre, officially opened in December 2018, represents the college's commitment to performance-led music education. This £1.4 million facility houses two professional recording studios equipped with RedNet Technology (the same technology used in advanced professional settings), two soundproof live rooms for recording, a dedicated Mac suite for music production, an editing and production suite, two specialist music classrooms, five practice rooms for individual instrumental lessons, and a secure instrument store. The college maintains a vast library of printed music and equipment.
Performance opportunities are extensive and accessible. Students can participate in the Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, Wind Ensemble, String Ensemble, Folk Bands, Rock Bands, and Big Band. Unlike selective music schools, these ensembles include both experienced and beginner musicians, with students valued for commitment rather than attainment on entry. Regular concerts showcase student work. All students welcome to participate, with many learning instruments for the first time during their two years at Huish.
The Redwood Theatre, renovated in September 2020, provides a 234-seat performance venue complete with professional stage lighting. This contrasts sharply with many sixth form colleges that stage productions in school halls. The theatre enables full-scale productions with lighting design, sound engineering, and audience comfort equivalent to small professional venues. Pine Studios, renovated in 2022, provide expansive rehearsal space where drama students workshop performance in dedicated studios. The Performing Arts EnRICH programme encompasses drama production, dance, sound, and lighting design. Recent years have seen substantial productions involving casts of 30-50 students and orchestral accompaniment.
The college has invested heavily in science laboratories to accommodate growing demand for science A-levels and vocational qualifications. The Juniper Building, a purpose-built media studies centre, houses state-of-the-art editing suites supporting film and media students. In 2025, the college completed upgrades to its Law School facilities, including construction of the first mock courtroom on a college campus in the South of England — used for practical Law mooting and courtroom procedure training. This facilities investment signals serious commitment to authentic professional learning.
Academic enrichment extends beyond classroom. The college supports medical careers through a dedicated Medical Careers Academy, providing structured preparation for medical school applications (interviews, anatomy workshops, clinical placements). A Human Rights Portfolio Course offers sixth-form-level study alongside A-level subjects. DofE (Duke of Edinburgh's Award) runs to Gold level, engaging over 500 students annually across 19 different sports and activities — meaning half the student body participates in formal enrichment sport.
Named societies provide intellectual and social outlets aligned to subject specialisms. The Debating and Model United Nations (MUN) Society develops speaking skills through friendly and competitive debate with other schools, with MUN focusing on solving global policy issues from assigned country perspectives. The Lab Rats Dissection Society serves biologists and medics, offering practical anatomy experience beyond standard biology curriculum. Law Society and Law Mooting serve students considering law careers, with the new courtroom facility providing authentic practice ground. Student Sustainability addresses environmental impact, recruiting eco-activists and climate-conscious students to improve Huish's carbon footprint and campus biodiversity. The Rainbow Alliance provides community and social connection for LGBTQ+ students. #LoveLit, a book group, serves both pleasure reading and A-level English revision in focused reading. The Politics and Debating Society engages government and current affairs. These are not passive clubs but active student-led communities.
Sporting provision scales across elite and participatory pathways. The college partners with Bristol Bears Rugby and Somerset County Cricket Club, providing elite pathway support for talented athletes while maintaining inclusive recreational opportunities. Huish Tigers, the college's sports umbrella, encompasses basketball teams and academy alongside rugby development. The college holds rugby's Ash Meadows pitch, acquired in January 2021, which serves as training ground and competition venue for the Huish Tigers Rugby Club. In summer 2023, the college constructed a 3G all-weather sports pitch and a dedicated cross-country circuit, further expanding facility capacity.
The Sycamore Sports Hall, opened January 2017, provides a modern indoor facility including an indoor sports court, viewing gallery, changing rooms, and gymnasium accessible to students via a small charge. The college occupies 20 acres of playing fields, supplementing the purpose-built halls. Approximately 500 students participate in Huish Sport annually across 19 different sports: Basketball, Cricket, Cross Country/Athletics, Equestrian, Football, Hockey, Netball, Racquet Sports, Rugby, and Volleyball. Many teams compete at regional and national level.
Active Huish, a structured enrichment scheme, encourages students to explore sports outside their comfort zone. Alongside competitive team sports, the scheme offers Yoga, Table Tennis, Boccia, 3v3 Basketball, Badminton, Volleyball, and Self Defence courses. This dual-track model — elite pathway for competitive athletes, exploration-based pathway for recreational participants — ensures sports culture is genuinely inclusive rather than exclusive to the naturally gifted.
For students seeking residential education at state sector cost, Oak House represents an exceptional opportunity. Opened in 2017, the facility provides 53 en-suite bedrooms located two minutes' walk from the main campus. Full-time boarding suits international students (subject to ESFA funding eligibility), students from long distances seeking to reduce daily travel, and those preferring immersive residential experience. Flexi-boarding — typically 3 or more nights weekly — accommodates students with evening sporting fixtures or examination revision priorities, offering flexibility absent from traditional boarding schools.
Bedrooms are offered in single, twin, premium, or accessible configurations, all equipped with private en-suite facilities. Communal areas include an open-plan kitchen, dining space, and lounge. This approximates university halls of residence rather than school dormitory style, intentionally preparing students for independent living beyond age 18. Two live-in house parents and several part-time staff provide continuous pastoral oversight, with 24-hour staffing. Boarding students engage in the Huish Enrichment programme alongside day students, ensuring integration rather than segregation.
Oak House was rated Outstanding by Ofsted, confirming quality of pastoral provision, safeguarding, and student outcomes. For families seeking boarding education, the combination of high academic standards, specialist facilities (music, drama, sport), and inclusive community culture makes Huish a compelling alternative to fee-paying boarding schools.
Richard Huish College accepts students at age 16 (typically June entry following GCSE completion) and at age 17 (Year 12 entry for those completing GCSE at other institutions). Minimum entry requirements are typically five GCSEs at grades 9-4, including English and Mathematics, though some specialist programmes (Medicine pathway, Law School) may have higher thresholds or specific subject requirements. Not meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee rejection; the college considers personal statements, references, and interview performance. Some programmes have limited availability, making early application advisable.
Admissions are coordinated through an online application portal; the college recommends registering in good time before the application deadline (typically November for summer entry). The college hosts "Welcome to Huish" events in July where prospective students attend trial lessons and meet future classmates. A Headstart Programme provides preparatory resources, giving students insight into content they will encounter. Students confirm places at enrolment days in late August, where GCSE results are reviewed, GCSE qualifications discussed for progression onto Level 3 courses, and student ID photos taken.
The college day typically runs from approximately 8:50am to 3:20pm, though students' actual schedules vary by course load and free periods (which increase in Year 2). Catering facilities have expanded significantly: the Willow Café serves hot and cold options; the Redwood Suite provides additional food and beverage services; and Costa Coffee and the Huish Kitchen (offering both hot and cold food) provide on-campus dining. The college is located approximately one mile from Taunton town centre, with excellent transport connectivity. Taunton itself is well-served by train services; the college is approximately 90 minutes from London, and within easy reach of universities at Bristol, Exeter, Cardiff, and Bath. Local bus services connect the college to residential areas. Most local students commute daily; boarding students and those from distance choose residential options.
The college prioritises pastoral support through multiple channels. A specialist tutoring system provides expert guidance on progression and employability, study skills, monitoring progress, and health and wellbeing. The Student Services team (based in Hawthorn building) coordinates support, including academic mentoring, counselling, and crisis intervention. Learning support is available via short, targeted study‑skills interventions — delivered either one‑to‑one or in small groups. For students with learning difficulties, medical conditions, special educational needs, or disabilities (including those with Education Health Care Plans), individualised support is available using assistive technology, revision techniques, and organisation systems to help students manage academic workload.
The college maintains a respectful pastoral ethos where student voice is genuinely heard. A Student Voice programme invites elected representatives to contribute to college decision-making, ensuring policies reflect student experience. Peer support structures are also embedded; senior students mentor younger cohorts, creating natural progressions of support and leadership.
Large cohort size: With approximately 2,200 students on site, the college is considerably larger than small schools or colleges. While pastoral support is individual, the sheer scale means some administrative processes may feel impersonal. Families preferring smaller, more intimate learning environments should note this context.
Sixth form only: The college serves ages 16-19 exclusively, without primary or secondary phases. This means students arrive aged 16 having completed GCSEs elsewhere. Transition into a large sixth form college environment, while well-supported, requires some adjustment for students accustomed to smaller settings.
Limited UK boarding availability: Oak House has limited capacity (53 rooms serving approximately 2,200 students). Boarding places are competitively allocated and require early application. UK families seeking boarding must apply strategically; places are not guaranteed.
Competition for specialist pathways: Oversubscribed specialist programmes (Medicine pathway, Law School with mock courtroom) attract applications well in excess of places available. Students should have backup programmes if their first-choice specialism is selective.
Location in Somerset: While well-connected by train, the college's Somerset location is semi-rural rather than urban. Families preferring dense city environments (London, Manchester, Birmingham) should note that Taunton is a market town with regional (not major metropolitan) amenities.
Richard Huish College delivers exceptional state-sector sixth form education to a large, diverse cohort of over 2,000 students. Strong A-level results (57% A*-B), consistent Oxbridge success (8 places in 2024), and high university progression (especially to Russell Group institutions) demonstrate genuine academic rigour without becoming examination-factories. The college's defining strengths — exceptional music facilities (Aspen Centre), purpose-built drama theatre, state-of-the-art sports infrastructure, rare state boarding provision (Oak House), and genuinely inclusive enrichment culture — mean students graduate as rounded individuals, not just examination successes.
Best suited to students seeking a large, vibrant sixth form community with serious academic expectations, genuine pastoral care, and rare facilities (boarding, music, drama, sports) at state sector cost. The college particularly suits students from further distances attracted by boarding, musicians seeking professional-standard facilities, and those aspiring to Russell Group and Oxbridge study with dedicated preparation. Those prioritising smaller, more intimate environments or urban locations should look beyond Huish.
Richard Huish College ranks in the top tier of state sixth form colleges in England for results and progression. In 2024, 57% of A-level entries achieved A*-B grades (well above the 47% England average), with a 99% pass rate. Eight students secured Oxbridge places, and approximately 70-75% of leavers progress to university, with around one-third gaining Russell Group places. The boarding facility (Oak House) was rated Outstanding by Ofsted. It’s among a small handful of state sixth-form colleges with residential accommodation available. These metrics place it firmly among the nation's highest-performing sixth form colleges.
In summer 2024, 57% of A-level students achieved grades A*-B, compared to the England average of 47%. The overall pass rate was 99%, with 81% of entries achieving A*-C grades. Vocational Extended Diploma students achieved equally strong results, with 82% achieving at least one Distinction grade. The college also produced students gaining places at Oxford, Cambridge, and leading medical schools (Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science). These results reflect consistent strength across the curriculum rather than isolated excellence.
In 2024, eight students secured places at Oxford and Cambridge combined: three to Cambridge and five to Oxford. The college runs an "Enhancing Excellence" programme providing structured support for Oxbridge applicants and Russell Group progression, recognising that competitive university applications require dedicated preparation and guidance. Success has been consistent across recent years, with ten Oxbridge places in 2023 and similar numbers in preceding years.
The Aspen Music Centre (£1.4m, opened 2018) houses two professional recording studios with RedNet Technology, soundproof live rooms, Mac suite, practice rooms, and a vast music library. The Redwood Theatre (renovated 2020) provides a 234-seat performance venue with professional lighting. The Sycamore Sports Hall includes indoor courts, viewing gallery, and gymnasium. Recent additions (2023-2025) include a 3G all-weather sports pitch, cross-country circuit, and the first college mock courtroom in the South of England. The Arthur C. Clarke Learning Centre provides study space with laptops, library facilities, and quiet study zones. The campus occupies 20 acres of playing fields and sports facilities including the Ash Meadows Rugby pitch.
Yes. Oak House, opened in 2017, provides 53 en-suite bedrooms in single, twin, premium, and accessible configurations. Full-time boarding suits students from distance, international students (subject to ESFA funding eligibility), and those preferring residential immersion. Flexi-boarding (typically 3+ nights weekly) accommodates students with sporting commitments or examination revision priorities. The facility is located two minutes' walk from the main campus and is staffed 24 hours daily with live-in and part-time house parents. Oak House was rated Outstanding by Ofsted for pastoral care and safeguarding.
Music is a defining strength. The Aspen Music Centre provides professional-standard recording studios, practice facilities, and music classrooms. Students can participate in Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, Wind Ensemble, String Ensemble, Folk Bands, Rock Bands, and Big Band. All ensembles include beginners and experienced musicians; many students learn instruments for the first time during sixth form. Regular concerts provide performance opportunities. Music A-level, Music Technology, and music-related vocational qualifications are offered. The college employs specialist music staff and partnerships with music professionals provide masterclasses and mentoring.
Minimum requirements are typically five GCSEs at grades 9-4, including English and Mathematics. However, some specialist pathways (Medical Careers Academy, Law School) may have higher thresholds or specific subject requirements. Personal statements, references, and interview performance are considered. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee a place; some programmes have limited availability. The college recommends early application through its online portal; applications typically close in November for summer entry. Trial lessons and prospective student events are held in July. Students confirm places at enrolment days in late August.
Get in touch with the school directly
Disclaimer
Information on this page is compiled, analysed, and processed from publicly available sources including the Department for Education (DfE), Ofsted, the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, and official school websites.
Our rankings, metrics, and assessments are derived from this data using our own methodologies and represent our independent analysis rather than official standings.
While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee that all information is current, complete, or error-free. Data may change without notice, and schools and/or local authorities should be contacted directly to verify any details before making decisions.
FindMySchool does not endorse any particular school, and rankings reflect specific metrics rather than overall quality.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, we accept no liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance on information provided. If you believe any information is inaccurate, please contact us.
