Situated partly on the historic site of the world’s first purpose-built motor racing circuit, Brooklands College balances a distinguished engineering heritage with a thoroughly modern vocational curriculum. This is not a standard sixth form college. It is a Further Education (FE) institution split across two campuses, the leafy, historic Weybridge site and the more urban Ashford campus, serving over 1,600 students.
While academic A-levels are technically part of the landscape, the college’s heart beats for technical and professional training. From motorsport engineering workshops that sit yards from the original 1907 race track to industry-standard hair salons, the focus is squarely on employability.
The Weybridge campus offers one of the most distinctive settings in state education. The college grounds include the Grade II listed Brooklands House (the Mansion), built in 1860, which provides a grand, if slightly incongruous, backdrop to the modern glass-and-steel technology blocks nearby. The surrounding woodland and the proximity to the Brooklands Museum create a unique sense of place, particularly for engineering students who are literally walking in the footsteps of aviation and motorsport pioneers.
In contrast, the Ashford campus is compact, functional, and embedded in the town centre, focusing primarily on construction and hair and beauty. The atmosphere across both sites is distinct from a school; students call staff by their first names and manage their own time between lessons.
Christine Ricketts, the Principal and CEO, leads with a clear focus on "careers not courses". The culture is practical and adult. You will not find school bells or uniforms here. Instead, you see students in chef whites, engineering overalls, or media lanyards moving between workshops.
It is important to view Brooklands College’s data through the lens of its vocational mission. The college is not an academic A-level factory.
In the most recent A-level performance tables, the college ranks 2,618th in England. This performance sits in the national lower band (bottom 40%), reflecting the fact that A-levels represent a tiny fraction of the provision here. The 0% metrics for high grades in the supplied data indicate that the academic cohort is either extremely small or data has been suppressed due to low entry numbers.
However, judging Brooklands by A-levels misses the point. The college excels in BTECs, T-Levels, and vocational diplomas, particularly in engineering, media, and service industries, though these results do not appear in standard academic league tables.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
—
% of students achieving grades A*-B
Teaching relies heavily on industry experience. In the engineering department, tutors often come directly from the automotive or aerospace sectors, bringing real-world standards into the classroom. The curriculum is designed to replicate the workplace.
The facilities reinforce this approach. At Weybridge, the motorsport workshops are equipped with real vehicles and diagnostic tools. The 'Brooks' restaurant is a fully functioning commercial training restaurant open to the public, where catering students learn under pressure. The media department boasts a multi-camera TV studio and radio editing suites.
The recent introduction of T-Levels (technical qualifications equivalent to three A-levels) has further solidified the college's direction, offering 45-day industry placements as part of the course.
The destination data tells a clear story of vocational progression. In the reported cohort (2024 leavers), 45% of students moved directly into employment, a figure significantly higher than the average for school sixth forms.
10% secured apprenticeships, often with local engineering firms or construction companies, leveraging the college’s strong employer links. 5% progressed to university, typically for specialised degrees such as Automotive Engineering, Media Production, or Forensic Science rather than traditional academic subjects.
Admission to Brooklands is less about previous grades, though specific courses have hurdles, and more about aptitude and interest. Applications are made directly to the college, usually from October of Year 11.
Unlike school sixth forms, there is no hard deadline, but popular courses like Motorsport Engineering and Electrical Installation fill up quickly. Early application (by January) is recommended to secure an interview.
Entry requirements vary by level. Level 3 courses (including T-Levels) typically require five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Maths. However, the college is inclusive, offering Level 1 and 2 pathways for students who need to build their grades or skills before advancing.
Transitioning from school to a large college can be a shock, and Brooklands has a pastoral structure to manage this. Every full-time student is assigned a Personal Tutor who monitors attendance and progress.
The college has a dedicated Safeguarding and Wellbeing team. Because the student body is diverse, ranging from 16-year-old school leavers to adults retraining, the support services are broad, covering mental health, financial bursary advice, and careers guidance.
Extracurricular life is tied closely to the subjects studied. Engineering students have opportunities to get involved with 'Formula 24' electric car racing, competing at circuits like Goodwood. Media students run the college radio station and produce content for live briefs.
Catering students regularly host themed evenings and gala dinners at the Brooks Restaurant, gaining event management experience. Trips are frequent and vocational, from the Salon International exhibition for hairdressing students to construction site visits for bricklayers.
The college operates a shuttle bus service from local train stations (Weybridge and Ashford) to the campuses, essential for Weybridge which is a significant walk from the station.
The college day typically runs between 9:00am and 4:30pm, but students only attend for their timetabled lessons, which may not be every day. A student ID card is required for entry to all buildings.
Not an A-level specialist. Families seeking a traditional academic sixth form experience with high volumes of university entry to Russell Group institutions should look elsewhere. This is a technical college.
Split sites. Students must ensure they apply for the correct campus. Engineering and Media are at Weybridge; Construction and Hair & Beauty usually sit at Ashford (though provision can change). The two sites are miles apart.
Adult environment. The college treats students as adults. Attendance is monitored, but there is no "school gate" holding them in. Students must have the maturity to manage their own free time and study periods.
Brooklands College is a specialist engine for the local economy, particularly strong in engineering, construction, and service industries. It is best suited to students who know what they want to do and are ready to trade the classroom for the workshop. For the budding Formula 1 mechanic or professional chef, the facilities and heritage offer an inspiring launchpad; for the undecided academic, a school sixth form may be a safer bet.
Official assessments highlight the college's strong vocational provision. Ofsted rated the college Good in 2023, praising the development of practical skills and the positive culture. The college is particularly well-regarded for its engineering and catering facilities.
Requirements depend on the course level. Level 3 courses (A-level equivalent) generally ask for 4 or 5 GCSEs at grade 9-4, including English and Maths. Level 1 and 2 courses have lower requirements, making the college accessible to a wide range of learners.
The college focuses primarily on vocational qualifications like BTECs and T-Levels. While some academic pathways exist, the cohort is very small, and performance sits in the national lower band for A-level outcomes. Most students attend for professional training.
Applications are submitted directly through the college website. There is no strict deadline, but popular courses fill up by spring. Interviews are usually held within a few weeks of application to ensure the course level is right for the student.
Yes. The college provides a shuttle bus service for students from Weybridge and Ashford train stations during term time. There is also student parking available on the Weybridge campus for those who drive.
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