The college’s sixth form offering was revived in 2020 after closing in 2012.
The first year group after re-opening contained only 14 students, but about 50 have already registered for September this year.
‘This is a really exciting time and numbers are growing,’ said principal Alexa Yeoman.
‘A large proportion of our students choose to stay, but we do also have students from a range of other schools joining us as well.
‘We have had a 100% pass rate since we opened and a small, seminar-style of teaching.’
Blanchelande College offers sixth formers a wide range of subjects, including an A-level equivalent food qualification from the highly regarded Leiths Academy.
‘We offer 23 subjects, and we mould the timetable around students, so they will get their first choice options,’ said head of sixth form Madeleine Ellert.
‘The students get the support they require. Teachers are quite available and so students feel comfortable seeking that support.’
Mrs Yeoman said that Blanchelande College’s offer differed from what was available to sixth form students in the other grant-aided colleges.
‘It’s very unique, because of our 100% pass rate and the huge range of subjects, and being on this site sixth formers can park here and we’ve got 40 to 50 acres of land,’ she said.
‘We’re offering something different which meets the demands of what our students are asking for.
‘With the expansion, we’ll meet the needs and demands of the students and ensure we have the facilities and space for the numbers.’
Staff have identified a location on the site for additional sixth form facilities and will have further discussions with students and parents before announcing details.
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