Wigston College Review 2026: Specialist Sixth Form in Leicestershire

Sharing a substantial campus with Wigston Academy, Wigston College operates as the dedicated sixth form centre for the Wigston Academies Trust. While it technically retains a 14-19 registration, in practice it serves as a specialist post-16 provider, offering a bridge between the structured environment of school and the independence of university or the workplace. The college positions itself not merely as an exam centre, but as a "young adult" environment where students are expected to take ownership of their learning.

Mr Michael Wilson serves as Headteacher, overseeing a provision that prides itself on inclusivity. Unlike highly selective sixth forms that skim only the academic elite, Wigston College maintains a broad entry policy, welcoming students from its partner academy and external applicants alike. This comprehensive ethos creates a diverse student body where future Oxbridge undergraduates study alongside those heading directly into local apprenticeships. The campus atmosphere reflects this variety, feeling less like a school extension and more like a focused further education environment, complete with dedicated study zones and social spaces distinct from the lower school.

The college occupies a distinct identity within the wider Trust campus. Students here wear business dress rather than uniform, a visual signal of the shift in status from pupil to student. This dress code is strictly enforced, setting a professional tone that permeates the college day. The atmosphere is purposeful yet noticeably more relaxed than a standard secondary school; the bells may still ring, but the relationship between staff and students shifts significantly towards partnership.

Facilities are extensive, benefiting from the scale of the multi-academy site. Students have access to specialist science laboratories, a dedicated theatre, and expansive sports grounds. The distinct Sixth Form Centre provides a hub for socialising and independent study, crucial for bridging the gap between guided GCSE lessons and the self-regulation required at A-level. The college promotes a culture of "freedom with responsibility," where students manage their own non-contact periods. This privilege can be a sharp learning curve for some, but one the pastoral team monitors closely.

The student body is predominantly drawn from the local Wigston and Leicester area, creating a grounded, community-focused feel. It is not an "ivory tower" institution; conversations in the common room are as likely to be about part-time jobs and driving tests as they are about UCAS statements. This grounding is a strength, fostering a lack of pretension that newcomers often find welcoming.

The college’s academic outcomes reflect its inclusive admissions policy. In 2024, the A-level performance sits in the "national lower" band, placing the college below the England average for top-grade attainment. This ranking must be viewed in the context of a comprehensive intake that includes students re-sitting GCSE English and Maths alongside those taking three or four A-levels.

Specifically, 33.2% of A-level entries achieved grades A*-B, compared to the England average of 47.2%. The proportion of top grades (A*-A) stood at roughly 7%. Ranked 2,147th in England and 1st in Wigston for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), the college serves a specific local function rather than chasing national league table positions.

However, raw grades tell only part of the story. The college supports a significant number of students through vocational qualifications (BTECs and Cambridge Technicals), which are often equivalent to A-levels but assessed differently. For many students here, success is measured by securing the specific grades needed for their next step, whether that is a specific university course or a higher apprenticeship, rather than accumulating A*s for their own sake.

The curriculum is broader than many school sixth forms, offering a mix of traditional A-levels and vocational courses. Teaching varies from the didactic to the collaborative, with staff leveraging their subject specialisms to push students beyond the syllabus. In subjects like Psychology, Sociology, and Criminology, often new to students at 16, teachers focus heavily on building foundational knowledge and study skills in the first term of Year 12.

Support for learning is structured. The college operates a "graduated response" to independence. Year 12 students start with more guided study sessions, earning greater freedom as they demonstrate they can manage their workload. Intervention is rapid for those who fall behind; "cause for concern" reports trigger immediate pastoral conversations, ensuring that the freedom of college life does not lead to academic drift.

The college also places emphasis on digital literacy, utilising online platforms for assignment submission and resource sharing, mimicking the workflows of modern universities and workplaces.

Destinations data highlights the college’s role as a launchpad for varied career paths. In 2024, 46% of leavers progressed to university. While this is lower than selective grammar schools, it represents a significant cohort of students accessing higher education, often the first in their families to do so.

The college successfully supports high-achieving students in competitive applications. The academic rigour is evidenced by the elite university pipeline, with one student securing a place at Cambridge in the most recent cycle.

Notably, the college has an exceptionally strong record for direct employment. In 2024, 31% of leavers moved directly into employment, a figure significantly higher than the national average for sixth form leavers. This reflects the college’s strong links with local employers and effective careers guidance that presents apprenticeships and work as valid, positive alternatives to university. 5% of students secured formal apprenticeships, ranging from engineering to business administration.

Entry into Year 12 is based on GCSE performance. The standard requirement is five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including English and Mathematics. However, specific A-level subjects often demand higher grades, typically a Grade 6 in the subject to be studied (e.g., Mathematics or Sciences).

For students who narrowly miss the English or Maths threshold, the college offers a pathway to retake these crucial qualifications alongside a reduced Level 3 programme. This flexibility is a key feature of its inclusive approach, offering a second chance that many independent or selective sixth forms do not.

External applicants are welcomed and integrated well. The application process typically involves an online application submitted in the autumn or spring of Year 11, followed by a guidance meeting to discuss subject choices and career aspirations.

Pastoral care at Wigston College is designed for young adults. The tutorial system is the backbone of this support. Every student is assigned a personal tutor who they see daily. These tutors monitor attendance and academic progress but also act as the first port of call for personal concerns.

The college recognises the pressures of the 16-19 phase. A dedicated Student Support team is available throughout the day, offering guidance on everything from financial support (via the 16-19 Bursary Fund) to emotional wellbeing. The college has invested in mental health first aid training for staff, acknowledging the rising anxiety levels seen nationally in this age group.

Safeguarding protocols remain robust, appropriate for a site that shares boundaries with a younger academy, but the approach with sixth formers is dialogue-based. Students are encouraged to seek help proactively, fostering the resilience needed for adulthood.

Life at Wigston College extends beyond the exam hall. The "enrichment" block on the timetable is protected time, allowing students to engage in activities that build character and CVs.

Sport is a major pillar. The college fields teams in football, netball, and rugby, often competing against other Leicestershire colleges. For those not interested in team sports, the fitness suite offers a space for personal training.

The Creative Arts are another strength. Students run the technical and performance aspects of college productions, gaining industry-relevant experience in lighting, sound, and stage management. The Wigston Academies Trust Orchestra and choir offer musicians a chance to perform at a high standard.

Student leadership is actively cultivated. The Student President and leadership team play a genuine role in college governance, meeting with senior leaders to discuss student feedback on facilities and teaching. This is not tokenistic; past committees have influenced changes to the dress code and common room facilities.

The college day typically runs from 8:45am to 3:05pm, though sixth formers may have free periods or twilight sessions depending on their timetable. The campus is located on Station Road in Wigston, easily accessible by local bus routes from Leicester city centre and surrounding villages. Parking for students is limited and generally discouraged to maintain good relations with local residents.

This is a state school with no tuition fees. Students from low-income households can apply for the 16-19 Bursary to assist with transport, food, and equipment costs.

National Lower Ranking: The college’s A-level performance sits in the "national lower" band, below the England average. Families seeking a "hothouse" academic environment with a guarantee of straight A*s may find the mixed-ability classes less intense than selective alternatives.

Large Campus Dynamic: Sharing a site with a secondary academy means the college is not a standalone adult environment. While the Sixth Form Centre is distinct, the proximity to younger pupils dictates certain rules (e.g., smoking/vaping bans, site security) that can feel restrictive to some 18-year-olds.

Independent Study Skills: The college model relies heavily on students managing their own time. Those who struggle with self-motivation can find the freedom of non-contact periods difficult to manage without the constant supervision found in Year 11.

Inclusive Intake: The broad entry criteria create a diverse peer group. Students here mix with peers heading to Oxford and peers heading to retail jobs. For many, this is a strength that prepares them for the real world; for others, it may lack the singular academic focus of a grammar school sixth form.

Wigston College serves its community with a grounded, supportive, and realistic approach to post-16 education. It does not pretend to be an elite academic factory; instead, it offers a robust, inclusive pathway for students of varying abilities to progress to the next stage of their lives. Best suited to local students who want a "fresh start" in a young adult environment without the commute to a large city college. The main challenge is self-discipline; the college offers the opportunities, but students must step up to take them.