Yeovil College: Somerset's Tertiary Pioneer with Aerospace Specialism

South Somerset's tertiary college since 1974, Yeovil College serves around 5,000 learners across further education, apprenticeships, and degree-level programmes. Founded in 1887 as a Science and Arts college, the institution was among the first in England to combine A-levels and vocational education under one roof. Today, the college is undergoing a transformative £60 million campus redevelopment funded by the Department for Education, signalling significant investment in the region's skills infrastructure. Results at A-level sit below England averages, though the college reports a 100% pass rate in seven of the last eight years. The recent Ofsted inspection rated the college Requires Improvement overall, though education programmes for young people, adult learning, and apprenticeships were all judged Good.

Yeovil College occupies a main campus on Mudford Road alongside a dedicated Construction Skills Centre, with higher education delivered through the University Centre Yeovil in partnership with Bournemouth, West of England, and Gloucestershire universities. The atmosphere reflects the college's tertiary mission: students aged 16 to 99 study alongside each other, creating an environment distinct from traditional sixth form settings.

Mark Bolton has served as CEO and Principal since October 2019, having joined as Director of Employer Engagement in 2015. His background in creative industries and employer partnerships shapes the college's strategic direction towards workforce development. Bolton also serves on the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership Board, reinforcing the institution's regional economic role.

The campus is currently a construction site in the best sense. Ground was broken in October 2024 on the largest investment in the college's 137-year history. Over three to four years, BAM will deliver nearly 100 state-of-the-art classrooms across more than 10,000 square metres of new teaching space, a new Yeovil Institute of Sport, and a Technical Construction Centre. The overall campus footprint will grow from 18,000 to nearly 22,000 square metres.

The college's engineering facilities stand out nationally. A £10 million Leonardo Lynx Helicopter forms the centrepiece of the Engineering Centre, and Yeovil College is the only college in England with an autoclave for composites manufacturing. These specialist resources reflect the area's aerospace heritage; Leonardo Helicopters UK operates nearby and actively supports the college's workforce development mission.

A-level results sit below England averages. In the most recent data, 35.8% of A-level grades were A*-B, compared to the England average of 47.2%. The proportion achieving A*-A was 11.2%, against an England average of 23.6%. The college ranks 1,939th out of 2,649 institutions with A-level data in England, placing it in the bottom 27% nationally.

These figures require context. The Kingston Sixth Form Centre within Yeovil College serves a comprehensive intake rather than selecting by prior attainment. The college emphasises its 100% A-level pass rate achieved in seven of the last eight years, and reports that A*-A grades are 8% higher than pre-pandemic levels. Additionally, 86% of A-level students reportedly secured their first-choice university place, with destinations including Oxford, Bristol, Cardiff, and Exeter.

Progress measures matter more than raw grades for understanding educational value-add. While individual A-level progress data is not published in the same format as school Progress 8 scores, the Ofsted inspection rated education programmes for young people as Good, suggesting that students make expected progress from their starting points.

A-level students at Kingston Sixth Form study three subjects, with the Extended Project Qualification available as a fourth option. Entry requires at least five GCSEs at grades 9-5, with specific subjects sometimes requiring higher grades. Each A-level involves 4.5 to 6 hours of weekly instruction, supplemented by structured independent study periods.

The curriculum offers flexibility through facilitating subjects valued by Russell Group universities, including Biology, Chemistry, English Literature, Geography, History, Mathematics, and Physics. New additions from September 2025 include Physical Education and Spanish. A subject shuffle day approximately three weeks into the programme allows students to switch courses if their initial choices prove unsuitable.

Teaching quality varies by department. Ofsted found that most teachers have strong subject knowledge and high expectations, but noted inconsistency across provision. The Quality of Education was rated Requires Improvement overall, though this reflects the breadth of provision rather than A-levels specifically; education programmes for young people received a Good rating.

T-Level provision represents significant investment. The college has committed £4.5 million to facilities including a Health, Education and Science Centre, Advanced Manufacturing and Aerospace labs, Creative and Fabrication Labs, and Digital, Software and Cyber suites. T-Levels combine two years of full-time study with a minimum 315-hour industry placement. A T-Level Distinction* carries UCAS tariff equivalent to three A*s at A-level.

Among the 2024 cohort of 761 leavers, 12% progressed to university, 17% entered apprenticeships, and 45% moved directly into employment. These figures reflect the college's tertiary mission rather than indicating weak progression; many students pursue vocational pathways by design.

For A-level students specifically, the college reports that 86% secured their first-choice university. Destinations include Russell Group institutions such as Oxford, Bristol, Cardiff, and Exeter. The college also offers internal progression through the University Centre, where students can complete Foundation Degrees and Honours Degrees validated by partner universities.

One student secured a place at Cambridge in the measurement period, demonstrating that elite university destinations are achievable for those with strong performance. However, the cohort-wide data shows this is exceptional rather than typical.

The apprenticeship route is particularly strong. Over 95% of Yeovil College apprentices continue in employment or progress to positive destinations after completing their programmes. The college supports nearly 1,000 apprentices across 60 curriculum areas, partnering with employers including Leonardo Helicopters, Thales, BAE Systems, Honeywell Aerospace, and the National Health Service.

Yeovil College operates open admissions as a tertiary college serving its local area. There are no catchment restrictions, entrance examinations, or selection criteria beyond meeting minimum course requirements.

For A-levels, students need at least five GCSEs at grades 9-5, with specific subjects potentially requiring higher grades depending on the A-level chosen. The college recommends applying before the Year 11 Christmas break, noting that A-level places fill quickly.

Applications are made directly to the college rather than through local authority coordination. The application process includes an initial interview to discuss subject choices and ensure the programme matches the student's goals and prior attainment.

Open events run throughout the year. The next Open Event is scheduled for Wednesday 14th January 2026 from 5pm to 7:30pm, followed by events in March 2026. An Apprenticeship and Skills Fair takes place on 11th February 2026 with around 50 employers and universities attending. Prospective students can explore the campus, meet lecturers, and apply on the night.

New students attend an induction day before term begins, providing campus familiarisation, course introductions, and enrolment. Details are communicated by the iZone team around Easter.

The college provides comprehensive student support through multiple teams. The Student Support Team handles general academic and pastoral queries, while a dedicated Counselling Service addresses mental health and wellbeing needs. SEND provision supports students with additional needs, though the Ofsted inspection rated provision for learners with high needs as Inadequate, identifying this as requiring urgent improvement.

The college partners with Wisdom to provide a free online student assistance programme focused on wellbeing. Personal tutorials operate at both group and individual levels, covering study skills and personal development.

Behaviour and attitudes across the college were rated Good by Ofsted, as was personal development. Students engage positively with their studies, and the atmosphere is purposeful. The Careers Hub holds Gatsby 100 accreditation, providing structured careers guidance meeting all eight Gatsby benchmarks for good career guidance.

Sport

The Yeovil College Sports Academy provides opportunities for A-level students to combine academic study with athletic development. The new Yeovil Institute of Sport, part of the £60 million redevelopment, will deliver advanced training facilities including a gym, specialist training equipment, and versatile sports fields upon completion.

Enrichment

The YC Edge programme operates across five strands: Academic, Sport, Artistic and Cultural, Challenge, and Ambassador roles. Dedicated timetabled periods allow students to pursue interests beyond their main subjects. The Elevate programme specifically supports university and career progression.

Previous enrichment activities have included theatre visits, museum trips, and international excursions to Paris. Work experience opportunities are available to all A-level students, connecting classroom learning with professional contexts.

Industry Connections

The college's employer relationships provide enrichment through industry placement, guest lectures, and recruitment events. The annual Apprenticeship and Careers Fair brings together employers from aerospace, engineering, construction, health, and service sectors. Employers attending include Leonardo Helicopters, Thales, BAE Systems, Honeywell Aerospace, EDF Energy, and numerous regional businesses.

STEM

Engineering facilities are exceptional. The Leonardo Lynx Helicopter provides hands-on aerospace experience. The college's composites autoclave, unique among English colleges, enables students to work with industry-standard manufacturing processes. 3D printing facilities support both curriculum projects and external business commissions. The Computing and IT department is part of the prestigious Institute of Technology partnership, benefiting from significant investment in equipment and technology.

T-Level students access specialist facilities including the Health, Education and Science Centre and Advanced Manufacturing labs, connecting directly with employer requirements in growth sectors.

The college operates from 8:30am, with most lessons finishing by 5pm depending on the timetable. The campus is located on Mudford Road, Yeovil BA21 4DR, accessible by bus from Yeovil town centre and surrounding areas. Car parking is available on site.

The college does not provide residential boarding; all students are day students. There is no wraparound care provision as the institution serves post-16 students.

Requires Improvement rating. The March 2023 Ofsted inspection rated the college Requires Improvement overall, with Quality of Education and Leadership and Management both requiring improvement. While education programmes for young people were rated Good, families should review the full inspection report and monitor for progress in subsequent visits.

Below average A-level grades. A-level results place the college in the bottom third of providers in England by percentage achieving top grades. Students aiming for highly competitive university courses should discuss predicted grades and preparation support with subject teachers.

High needs provision rated Inadequate. Students with Education, Health and Care Plans should carefully evaluate whether the college can meet their specific requirements. The inspection identified significant weaknesses in this area requiring urgent remediation.

Campus disruption during redevelopment. The £60 million construction project will transform facilities by 2028 but involves three to four years of building work. Students enrolling now will experience construction activity throughout their studies, though the college is managing phased delivery to minimise disruption.

Yeovil College represents the tertiary college model at work: comprehensive post-16 provision serving an entire community rather than selecting by ability. The college's strengths lie in employer partnerships, apprenticeship delivery, and specialist engineering facilities rather than A-level grade outcomes. The £60 million campus investment demonstrates confidence in the institution's regional importance.

Best suited to students who want vocational or technical pathways, those seeking to combine A-levels with work experience, or learners who will benefit from the comprehensive rather than academically selective environment. Students requiring strong SEND support should investigate provision carefully given the Inadequate rating in this area. For families prioritising A-level grade outcomes above all else, selective sixth forms or high-performing school sixth forms may deliver better results, though Yeovil College offers pathways those institutions cannot match.