Havant and South Downs College: Hampshire's Multi-Campus Further Education Leader

Fifty years of further education provision across Hampshire, now unified under one institution. Havant and South Downs College (HSDC) brings together three campuses offering nearly 40 A-level subjects, extensive vocational pathways, T Levels, and apprenticeships. The Havant campus operates as an A Level Centre of Excellence, while South Downs in Waterlooville specialises in hands-on technical education. The 2024 Ofsted inspection confirmed the college as Good overall, with Outstanding provision for adult learning. With 7,500 students and strong employer partnerships through the South Coast Institute of Technology, HSDC serves both academic ambitions and career-focused pathways.

The college's identity has been shaped by merger and expansion. Both Havant and South Downs campuses opened in 1974, operating independently until 2017 when they combined. Alton College joined in 2019, creating a three-campus institution spanning Hampshire from the historic market town of Alton to the urban centre of Waterlooville.

Each campus has developed its own character. Havant, the former Havant Sixth Form College, maintains a focused academic atmosphere suited to A-level study. South Downs offers the bustle of vocational education, with students moving between engineering workshops, hair and beauty salons, and the 74 South restaurant run by catering students. Alton blends both traditions, offering over 30 A-levels alongside vocational programmes in a more compact setting.

Mike Gaston has led the college for over a decade, steering it through both mergers. His background combines fine art training at Goldsmiths College with business qualifications from Warwick Business School. He chairs the Hampshire Principals' Group and serves on the Skills Advisory Panel within the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership. Following recent financial pressures, Gaston announced his intention to retire in early 2026 following a transition period.

The college celebrates its heritage while adapting to contemporary needs. The 50th anniversary dinner in November 2024 brought together staff, students, governors, and business partners at the South Downs campus restaurant, with students cooking and serving the food.

A-level performance at HSDC sits in the bottom 40% of sixth form providers in England, ranking 1,772nd out of 2,649 institutions. In 2024, 37.4% of A-level grades achieved A*-B, compared to the England average of 47.2%. The proportion achieving the top grades of A*-A reached 14.9%, against an England average of 23.6%.

However, pass rates tell a more complete story. The college reports a 98% A-level pass rate historically, with strong performance in specific subjects. Modern foreign languages and further mathematics achieved particularly high results in recent years.

Vocational and technical courses maintain comparable pass rates. The 2023 cohort achieved 96% pass rates across A-levels, vocational, and technical qualifications combined.

Progress measures matter as much as raw attainment. The 2024 Ofsted inspection noted that students develop skills effectively and make good progress from their starting points. Adult learners, in particular, achieve exceptionally well, earning the Outstanding rating for that provision.

Teaching approaches vary by campus and programme. A-level students at Havant and Alton experience traditional academic instruction with small class sizes and dedicated subject specialists. The college emphasises analytical thinking, research capabilities, and independent study skills.

Vocational programmes at South Downs prioritise practical application. Industry-experienced lecturers connect classroom theory to workplace reality. Engineering students work with CNC machines, robotic arms, and 3D printers. Catering students serve real customers in the training restaurant. Hair and beauty students practise on clients in Salon 74.

The curriculum spans entry level through level 6 qualifications. Foundation programmes support students who need additional preparation. T Levels provide the newer technical pathway with substantial industry placements. Higher education courses, including HNC, HND, and foundation degrees, allow progression without leaving the college environment.

Partnerships with the University of Portsmouth and University of Chichester enable degree-level study on campus. The South Coast Institute of Technology, launched in 2023, adds specialist engineering and digital pathways backed by £2.6 million in facility upgrades.

In 2024, 29% of the 2,483 leavers progressed to university. A further 35% moved directly into employment, 9% continued to further education, and 6% began apprenticeships.

University destinations include Russell Group institutions. In the most recent cohort, 73 Havant students secured places at Russell Group universities, representing 23% of those pursuing higher education. Destinations included the University of Warwick, University of Exeter, and University College London.

Oxbridge success, while modest in absolute terms, demonstrates the college's capacity to support high-achieving students. Six students applied to Cambridge, with one receiving an offer and subsequently accepting a place to study Engineering. The Uni Connect programme, run in partnership with the Southern Universities Network, has helped two students reach Oxford and Cambridge in recent years.

For students not pursuing university, the apprenticeship network provides structured pathways. Partnerships with employers including IBM, QinetiQ, Leonardo, and the Royal Navy offer routes into technical careers. The South Coast Institute of Technology strengthens connections with maritime, engineering, and digital employers across the Solent region.

HSDC operates open admissions for post-16 students. There are no entrance examinations or competitive selection processes for A-level or vocational courses. Applications for September 2026 entry open in October 2025.

The process begins with an online application through the college website. Applicants receive a response within one month, followed by an interview to discuss course choices and ensure the selected programme matches their interests and abilities.

Entry requirements vary by programme. A-level courses typically require GCSE grades demonstrating academic readiness in relevant subjects. Vocational programmes have pathway-specific requirements, often starting from lower GCSE grades or allowing entry without formal qualifications at foundation level.

For higher education courses, applications proceed through UCAS for BA degrees, foundation degrees, and full-time HND programmes. Part-time HNC and HND courses, along with UAL qualifications, use a separate application process direct to the college.

Open events provide opportunities to explore the campuses before applying. For 2025-26, scheduled dates include Wednesday 1 October 2025 and Saturday 8 November 2025 at Havant; Tuesday 7 October 2025 and Saturday 8 November 2025 at South Downs; and Thursday 9 October 2025 and Saturday 18 October 2025 at Alton. The college recommends checking the website for specific dates, as schedules may change.

The college holds Disability Confident Employer status and Autism Ambassador accreditation, reflecting institutional commitment to supporting diverse needs. The 2024 Ofsted inspection rated provision for learners with high needs as Good.

The Alton campus houses an independence hub developed with Hampshire County Council for students with complex special educational needs. Facilities include a fully adapted kitchen, sensory garden, and sensory room.

Student support services operate across all three campuses. The Student Union provides representation and community building. Tutorial systems offer regular contact with personal tutors who monitor progress and wellbeing. Counselling and additional support services are available for students facing challenges.

Be Extraordinary Programme

The college's enrichment framework organises extracurricular opportunities into four strands. Be Active promotes physical wellbeing through team and individual sports, with fitness centres at Alton and South Downs campuses. Be Involved connects students with clubs and societies. Be Aspirational targets university-bound students with academic enrichment. Be Engaged develops employability and community involvement.

Clubs and Societies

MedSoc supports students aspiring to medicine, dentistry, or veterinary science, developing knowledge and confidence for competitive applications. The Creative Writing Club runs weekly lunchtime workshops for poetry, short stories, and non-fiction. Cinema Club offers relaxation with film screenings. The Student Union enables active participation in college governance across all three campuses.

Sport and Fitness

On-campus fitness centres at Alton and South Downs provide gym facilities. Sports teams compete in various disciplines. The Be Active programme aims to make physical activity accessible to all students regardless of prior experience.

Academic Enrichment

Be Aspirational offers dedicated support for students targeting Oxbridge and Russell Group universities. The programme includes partnerships with Oxford University and other institutions. It provides access to academically enriching activities, super-curricular reading, and application preparation.

Term dates follow the standard further education calendar, with three terms across the academic year. Each campus has its own contact details: Alton can be reached on 01420 592200, while Havant and South Downs share 023 9387 9999. General enquiries go to customerservices@hsdc.ac.uk.

Transport options vary by campus. South Downs in Waterlooville and Havant town centre are accessible by bus routes across the Portsmouth and Havant area. Alton benefits from its position on the railway line. Car parking is available at all three locations.

The campuses offer complementary facilities. All students can access resources across all three sites. Study spaces, libraries, and digital learning centres support academic work. Catering includes the 74 South restaurant at South Downs, along with cafes across the campuses.

Financial challenges. The college received a financial notice to improve from the Department for Education in 2024 due to serious cashflow pressures. Significant redundancies have been announced. While educational provision continues, families should be aware of ongoing restructuring.

A-level results context. Raw A-level outcomes sit below England averages. Students aiming for highly competitive university courses should consider whether the support and outcomes align with their ambitions. However, pass rates remain high and Russell Group progression occurs regularly.

Multi-campus model. With three sites across Hampshire, students may need to factor travel into their choices. A-levels concentrate at Havant and Alton; vocational programmes cluster at South Downs and Alton. The ten-minute drive between Havant and South Downs allows some flexibility, but course availability varies by location.

Leadership transition. The Principal's planned retirement in early 2026 will bring new leadership. This could mean continuity or change depending on the incoming leader's approach.

HSDC provides genuine breadth. Nearly 40 A-level subjects, extensive vocational pathways, T Levels, apprenticeships, and higher education courses create options for students across the ability range and career spectrum. The Outstanding rating for adult learning and Good ratings across other provision confirm baseline quality.

The college suits students who want alternatives to school sixth form, whether seeking a fresh start, vocational training, or the independence of a college environment. Those with very high academic ambitions should weigh the A-level results carefully, though the Oxbridge success and Russell Group progression demonstrate potential for motivated individuals.

Best suited to students across Hampshire seeking post-16 education with choice, whether academic or vocational. The three-campus model creates flexibility but requires planning. Families should explore specific courses at specific campuses rather than treating HSDC as a single entity. For students ready to take responsibility for their learning in an adult environment, the college delivers structured pathways and genuine support.