St Brendan's Sixth Form College

Since April 2020, Marian Curran (40s), previously vice principal. Raised and state educated in west London where future ambitions were a toss-up between education and interior design. The former won ‘because education opens doors’, though her bright

Unusually (and uniquely, compared to the local vicinity’s FE college and 12 school sixth forms) students are admitted to the college itself rather than onto specific courses, which are only confirmed post-GCSE via interview and discussion (although

Majority to university (60 per cent in 2022, of whom 15 per cent went to Russell Group – a percentage that increases every year). Three to Oxbridge in 2021 and six medics and vets in 2022. Wide range of courses – law, psychology and criminology are

In 2022, 58 per cent distinction or distinction* at level 3 BTEC and applied general courses.

College provides two main pathways for post-16 study. Level 2 involves GCSE retakes for those who failed English and maths at school, which students can top up with relevant BTEC courses, eg health and social care for those considering a career in

Open-plan learning support area is both welcoming and spacious, with private study rooms for the one-to-ones or small group provision on offer. Students – of whom 20 per cent are on the SEN register – can pop in with or without appointments. College

Plenty of clubs and societies – creative writing, film club, college mag, chess, biomed group, DofE, student ambassadors, debating, interfaith, language club, sports leadership, Pride and authors of colour, to name a few. And if they don’t have what

For students keen to escape schooliness, the absence of compulsory sport can feel heaven sent. ‘But there’s loads of sport if you want it,’ point out students. Whether yoga, dance, team sports or just using the fitness gym, all agree the

Everyone we spoke to said the pastoral support stands out. ‘My son is not the most confident but if he’s having a bit of a wobble he knows exactly who to go to.’ ‘I was worried about him going to a brand new place especially after Covid which knocked

Huge catchment area from Bristol, south Gloucestershire, Bath and north-east Somerset, north Somerset and Wiltshire. Several students said they catch two or three buses (the college’s or public transport), some travelling up to two hours each way.

A wonderful stepping stone from school to uni or world of work. Whether you’re a high flyer or need to salvage something from disappointing GCSEs, the college provides a grown-up atmosphere that’s robustly backed up with high level support. Fabulous