Riverside College Halton: Outstanding Further Education in the Heart of Cheshire

Two campuses, one mission: transforming lives through education. Riverside College Halton combines the academically focused Cronton Sixth Form College with the vocationally oriented Kingsway Campus, creating a comprehensive post-16 offer that serves students across Halton and the wider Liverpool City Region. The college earned its second consecutive Outstanding rating from Ofsted in April 2024, making it the only further education college in the North West to achieve this distinction under the current Education Inspection Framework. With over £20 million invested in state-of-the-art facilities and a 99.6% A-level pass rate, this is a college that delivers on its promise of excellence.

The two campuses serve distinct but complementary purposes. Cronton Sixth Form College, situated on Cronton Lane in the north of Widnes, provides the traditional academic route with over 30 A-level subjects. The Kingsway Campus, closer to Widnes town centre, houses the vocational and apprenticeship provision, from construction trades to health and social care.

Mary Murphy OBE has led the college since 2013, having joined in 2009 and worked her way to Principal and Chief Executive. Her recognition in the King's Birthday Honours List 2025 for services to further education reflects a leadership style that has transformed the institution. Murphy left school at 16 to study and has spent her career championing the power of education to change lives. That ethos permeates the college.

The 2024 Ofsted inspection rated the college Outstanding across seven categories: Quality of Education, Behaviour and Attitudes, Personal Development, Leadership and Management, Education Programmes for Young People, Adult Learning Programmes, and Apprenticeships. Only Provision for Learners with High Needs received a Good rating. Inspectors concluded that the college makes a strong contribution to meeting skills needs.

The atmosphere differs between sites. Cronton Sixth Form feels purposeful, with students moving between modern facilities that include the Cronton Playhouse, dance studios, and media suites. The IDEA Centre houses industry-standard engineering workshops. A new Health and Wellbeing Centre opened recently, featuring a sports hall, gym, simulated hospital training environment, and a 3D virtual immersion room. The college has continued its investment trajectory with a £6 million development in green technology and computing facilities, including gaming PCs for students on digital courses who compete in the British ESports Championships.

Kingsway Campus serves a different cohort but with equal ambition. The £3.6 million Construction Centre offers training in plumbing, carpentry, joinery, brickwork, painting and decorating, and construction management. Vita Hair and Beauty Salons operate as working commercial environments where students gain practical experience. Scholars Restaurant serves meals prepared by students training alongside Michelin Star chefs.

A-level results at Cronton Sixth Form demonstrate consistent strength. In 2024, the college achieved a 99.6% pass rate with 100% pass rates in 35 individual subjects. The Class of 2025 maintained this trajectory, with 84% achieving high grades.

According to FindMySchool's proprietary rankings based on official data, Riverside College Halton ranks 1,319th in England for A-level outcomes, placing it in the middle 35% of schools and colleges in England (25th to 60th percentile). The A*-B grade rate of 48.2% sits marginally above the England average of 47.2%. Nearly 5% of grades were A*, with 12.8% at A grade, giving a combined A*/A rate of 17.5% compared to the England average of 23.6%.

Vocational results tell a complementary story. The college recorded a 99% pass rate across vocational courses and a 100% T-level pass rate. These qualifications provide alternative pathways into employment and higher education, with the same rigour and expectation applied across all provision types.

The college was designated a CISCO, Adobe, and Microsoft Academy, providing industry-recognised certification alongside academic qualifications. Students on computing courses access brand-new facilities as part of the recent £6 million investment.

The curriculum offers genuine breadth. At Cronton Sixth Form, students choose from over 30 A-level subjects spanning sciences, humanities, languages, and creative arts. Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and Further Mathematics sit alongside English Literature, History, Geography, Psychology, and Sociology. Languages include French and Spanish. Creative options cover Fine Art, Graphic Communication, Photography, Textiles, Film Studies, Media Studies, Dance, Drama and Theatre, and Music.

Entry requirements for the A-level programme specify a minimum of three grade 5s and two grade 4s at GCSE, including English Language and Mathematics at grade 5. Individual subjects carry their own criteria, with some requiring higher grades.

Students typically choose three A-level subjects over two years. They may substitute one Level 3 Extended Certificate alongside two A-levels for a combined programme. This flexibility allows students to maintain breadth while pursuing specialist interests.

The vocational offer at Kingsway is equally extensive. Course areas include Business and Retail, Catering and Hospitality, Computing and Digital Technologies, Construction, Plumbing and Electrical Services, Early Years and Education, Engineering and Motor Vehicle, Foundation Studies, Hair, Beauty, Nails and Media Makeup, and Health, Social Care and Nursing.

Teaching staff bring industry experience alongside pedagogical expertise. The inspection noted high expectations and expert teaching across both sites. Workshops and training spaces mirror real workplace environments, with students benefiting from live commercial operations and employer partnerships.

In 2024, 34% of the college's 1,746 leavers progressed to university. A further 9% started apprenticeships, 29% entered employment directly, and 5% continued in further education.

Students from Cronton Sixth Form have secured places at some of the top universities in the country, including the University of Oxford and Russell Group institutions. In 2025, four students were awarded scholarships to study in the United States. Thirty-five students applied to Oxbridge in the measurement period, with one securing a place at Cambridge.

The ACE Team (Advice, Careers and Employability) raises aspirations and supports students to maximise their potential. Led by Katie Peacock, the team ensures students successfully transition to further or higher education, employment, training, or apprenticeships. The team's ethos focuses on opening doors that students might not have considered.

Higher education courses are offered in partnership with Staffordshire University, providing local degree-level study for students who prefer to stay close to home. Access to Higher Education courses provide a route back into university study for adults without traditional qualifications.

The apprenticeship pathway connects directly to employment. The college works with over 700 employers across the Liverpool City Region, including Halton Housing and Warrington and Halton NHS Trust. The apprenticeship success rate stands at 78%, with 99% of employer partners confirming that training has delivered positive business benefits.

Applications for September 2026 entry are open. The process begins online through the college website, after which the admissions team contacts applicants about next steps.

Choosing the right course depends on qualifications held or expected by September and future ambitions. The dedicated Admissions Team provides advice and guidance to help students navigate options, reachable on 0151 257 2053.

For A-levels at Cronton Sixth Form, students need three grade 5s and two grade 4s at GCSE, including English Language and Mathematics at grade 5. Subject-specific requirements may be higher. Vocational courses have varying entry criteria depending on level and specialism.

Open evenings provide opportunities to explore courses, apprenticeships, and facilities. The college recommends attending these events to experience the campuses firsthand and speak with tutors. Dates are published on the college website, with events typically running in autumn and winter.

The college draws students from a wide geographical area. Twenty-one dedicated bus services operate at the start and end of the college day, serving Widnes, Runcorn, St Helens, Rainhill, Warrington, Stockton Heath, Knowsley, Halewood, Huyton, Liverpool, Helsby, and Frodsham. Free bus passes are available through the student support team.

The college places students at the centre of everything it does. An experienced health and wellbeing team supports students facing personal difficulties or obstacles during their studies.

Mental health support includes access to counselling and a range of resources. The SafeSpace reporting system allows students to raise concerns about issues at college, at home, or in their community. Designated safeguarding leads ensure vulnerable students receive appropriate support.

The Programme Management Team assists with mental health and wellbeing, financial support, college bursaries, and transportation options. Students can access 24/7 crisis support through external services including the Samaritans and Papyrus.

For students with disabilities or additional needs, the college has strong provision with teachers and support staff trained to ensure all students thrive. The Provision for Learners with High Needs was rated Good by Ofsted, with specific Foundation Studies pathways designed for learners with learning difficulties, disabilities, or those requiring supported transition.

Financial support includes a £500 bursary available for certain courses, linked to student attendance, punctuality, and achievement. The admissions team can advise on eligibility and additional support options.

Enrichment activities extend learning beyond qualifications. Students can join sports teams for rugby, football, netball, and basketball. Creative options include the Creative Writing Club, Debating Society, and College Productions. The Medical and Science Society and Robotics Club cater to STEM interests.

The college hosts an enrichment fair twice per year where students sign up for activities. The Well Fit Programme helps students stay active through various sports and activities. Over 200 trips and visits run each year, providing opportunities to travel, experience different cultures, and develop personally.

Centres of Excellence provide elite pathways for exceptional talent. Students can audition for the Centre of Excellence in Performing Arts for industry-standard productions. Athletes competing at high levels can apply for the Centre of Sporting Excellence.

The STEM Centre of Excellence offers local and national competitions, projects, and specialist clubs. Students on computing courses can participate in the British ESports Championships using the college's gaming facilities.

The Cronton Playhouse hosts student and professional productions, giving performing arts students experience of working in a real theatre environment. Dance studios, media suites, and recording facilities support creative development.

The college operates across two main sites. Cronton Sixth Form College is located on Cronton Lane, Widnes. The Kingsway Campus sits on Kingsway, Widnes, WA8 7QQ. A third site, the Kingsway Centre, supports additional provision.

Transport links are strong. Twenty-one dedicated bus routes serve the college from across Halton and the wider region. Free bus passes are available for eligible students. The Admissions Team on 0151 257 2053 can advise on transport options.

The academic year follows a standard pattern. Christmas closure runs from 22 December 2025 to 2 January 2026. February half term falls on 16 to 20 February 2026. Easter holidays run from 30 March to 10 April 2026. May half term is 25 to 29 May 2026. Staff development days and bank holidays see the college closed; students should check the published calendar.

General enquiries can be directed to 0151 257 2800 or info@riversidecollege.ac.uk.

Two-campus model. A-level students attend Cronton Sixth Form while vocational students are based at Kingsway. The campuses have different characters and locations. Prospective students should visit both to understand where their programme sits.

Mid-table A-level rankings. While the Outstanding Ofsted rating reflects overall quality, the A-level grade distribution places the college in the middle band for England. Students aiming for the most competitive university courses should consider whether the support structures match their ambitions.

Scale and diversity. With over 1,700 leavers annually and provision spanning ages 16 to 99, this is a large and diverse institution. Students seeking a small, intimate sixth form environment may find the scale overwhelming. Others will thrive in the variety and opportunity it presents.

Vocational excellence requires commitment. The industry-standard facilities and employer partnerships deliver genuine skills. Students need to engage fully with practical learning, work placements, and commercial environments to benefit.

Riverside College Halton offers something increasingly rare: comprehensive post-16 provision that takes vocational education as seriously as academic study. The Outstanding Ofsted rating confirms what the facilities, results, and employer partnerships suggest; this is a college delivering on its mission. Students progress to Russell Group universities, prestigious apprenticeships, and direct employment with equal support.

Best suited to students who want choice. Whether the goal is Cambridge or a career in construction, A-levels or T-levels, the routes exist and the support follows. The college serves its community well, with transport links extending its reach across Halton and the Liverpool City Region. Families comparing local options can use the FindMySchool Comparison Tool to view results side-by-side.

For students clear on their pathway, the specialist facilities and employer connections create advantages. For those still deciding, the breadth means options remain open. The challenge lies not in securing a place but in making the most of what the college provides.