Welcome to Sandbach College
Welcome from the College Leaders
Here at Sandbach College, everything we do is underpinned by our three core pillars: Academics, Community and Enrichment. Together, these shape the unique Sandbach College experience and ensure our students leave us with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to achieve their goals and make a positive difference in the world.
At Sandbach College, we are proud of our excellent record of academic achievement. Our students achieve outstanding results that open doors to the very best opportunities. Many of our students go on to study at university, many attending Russell Group institutions including Oxford and Cambridge. A growing number of students take up higher level and degree apprenticeships or enter the workplace with confidence and ambition.
Our college is a welcoming and inclusive place where every student feels valued. With a diverse student body drawn from many different backgrounds, we celebrate individuality while building a strong sense of belonging. Alongside this, we provide a comprehensive support network, including dedicated careers guidance, UCAS support, and outstanding pastoral care to ensure every student is equipped to succeed both academically and personally.
We believe education is about more than just results. Our students benefit from a wide range of enrichment opportunities that allow them to thrive. Whether this be joining our Stoke City or TASS sports programmes, training as a Peer Mentor or Academic Tutor, contributing to our College Sun student newspaper, competing in the F1 in Schools programme, learning practical life skills such as cooking on a budget, or even picking up a new language like Italian, there is something for everyone. We are equally proud of our vibrant student-led societies, including our popular Film Club, which reflects the creativity and enthusiasm of our community.
We are also passionate about preparing the leaders of the future. Students at Sandbach College have access to a wide variety of leadership opportunities, from joining our formal leadership team and supporting younger students in lower school, to taking on the role of subject ambassador or playing an active part in our Student Union (SCSU). The Student Union not only works to improve the college experience for all, but also organises a range of events that bring our community together and showcase the strength of student voice.
We warmly invite you to explore our website and discover what makes Sandbach College such a special place to learn and grow.
Mr A Ford (Head of College) and Mr Abbotson (Director of Sixth Form)
Mr A Ford, Head of College
Mr R Abbotson, Director of Sixth Form
Reasons to choose Sandbach College
Outstanding academic achievement
Students at Sandbach College achieve excellent results and outcomes, consistently making progress well above national averages and achieving high grades; our levels of achievement and attainment are as high as any sixth form in our local authority, including specialist colleges. Our results are equally stellar in traditional A levels as in vocational and technical courses. Our College is an aspirational and high-achieving one.
Small classes and personalised support
Class sizes are smaller than in main school and are typically in between 6-20 students. For our more popular subjects we will often create two classes so that group sizes are effective. College classes are designed to allow for small group discussion and plenty of individual support from your teacher.
A welcoming and supportive community
We are a relatively small College which means that students and staff get to know one another well. All students will be part of a form with a dedicated tutor that will get to know your strengths and aspirations and support you in achieving your goals. Whether you are joining us from our Main School or from elsewhere, you will quickly become part of a vibrant community of students and teachers.
"Students in the sixth form are supportive of each other in lessons. They work together, with their student union representatives, to ensure a calm and productive atmosphere in their study areas." - OFSTED Report Dec 22
An adult environment
You’ll have greater freedoms in College alongside greater responsibilities. You will have a different dress code, non-contact time where you will study independently and times where you are free to leave site if you wish. College students are given greater freedoms to manage their own time but you will need to work very hard to achieve success. There is also the opportunity to get involved with our Student Union (SCSU) and to make your voice heard.
A great learning environment
We are very proud to have a new and modern College building separate from the main School. The College Learning Hub is the heart of this environment and is a spacious, quiet place to work with computers and printing facilities available. College students also have their own cafeteria, serving hot meals and snacks.
"Pupils and students in the sixth form are proud of their school. They told inspectors that they are happy and that they can be themselves. They said that everyone is accepted and welcomed." - OSTED Report Dec 22
The right courses for you
We offer a fantastic range of courses including A levels, BTECs and project-based qualifications.
This means that we can support you in putting together a bespoke programme of study which is suited to your individual strengths and skills. There is detailed information on individual courses available on this website and all applicants have the opportunity to attend a college interview where a senior member of staff will help you choose the right courses.
Wider learning
Alongside your qualifications there are a range of opportunities for wider learning. All students complete our Life choices programme that includes preparation for adult life and careers guidance. During form time we have a College Mindset programme to give you the tools and strategies to maximise your progress. We also have a Wider World Programme where you will learn about current affairs, other cultures and issues of global importance.
"It is a strength of the school that leaders provide a wide range of opportunities for pupils and students to develop as active citizens, with a strong understanding of society and moral viewpoints." - OFSTED Report Dec 22
A wide range of enrichment and leadership opportunities
We are very proud of the range of opportunities for students to extend their learning and enjoy new experiences outside lessons. We are particularly proud of the Sandbach College Student Union (SCSU) who represent the student body, lead College initiatives and campaign for changes in College.
We have a formal leadership team across years 12 and 13 who work alongside the Main School house teams and College leaders to help us realise our visions and values.
During Wednesday afternoons we have a huge range of enrichment opportunities that all students take part in. Examples include: Cooking on a Budget, the Anna Freud Peer Mentor training programme, F1 in schools, Stoke City Football Programme, Rugby, Art and Photography Club and student-led clubs such as Film Club and the College Sun News Team.
We have an excellent range of clubs and societies including music ensembles, a senior science society, Sandbach College Elite Academic Programme and the CAUC electric car team.
Achieve your aspirations
Sandbach College provides a full programme of support to help you move on to the next stage in your education or your career. Our students continue to a wide variety of destinations, including medical, veterinary and dentistry courses, world-class universities including Oxford and Cambridge as well as higher level apprenticeships and employment. We will guide you through every step of the university and employment application process and help you make the right choices for your future.
Explore
