Winstanley College ranked 6th in the country

We are thrilled to share the wonderful news of Winstanley College’s Class of 2025 results, which have placed the College amongst the very best in the country. We are ranked 6th nationally for the percentage of A-level grades achieved at A*-B. This is a remarkable achievement for our students, staff and parents/carers and one which we can all be immensely proud of.

The Times (August 2025) table of results demonstrates just how highly Winstanley stands in relation to other leading sixth form colleges across the country. The figures show:

• Woodhouse College A*-B 81.6% (726 students)
• Brighton Hove & Sussex Sixth Form A*-B 69.5% (1852 students)
• The Sixth Form Farnborough A*-B 68.9% (1744 students)
• Durham Sixth Form Centre A*-B 67.6% (647 students)
• Cardinal Newman College A*-B 66.3% (1443 students)
• Winstanley College A*-B 64.9% (1042 students)

These comparisons are made with other large, non-selective, state sixth form colleges with over 500 students, which makes our success all the more significant.

We are also celebrating outstanding achievements across vocational courses, with an average of 82% of grades at D*-D. To put this in perspective, Winstanley College is 2nd in the North West and the number 1 performing College in Greater Manchester and Merseyside. This is not only a measure of academic excellence but also a testament to the dedication, resilience and determination of our students who have worked tirelessly towards these outcomes.

Given the sheer size of our student body, with more than 1,000 young people completing their studies, these results place Winstanley in an exceptional position nationally. We are competing at the very top level with some of the most prestigious colleges in the country, whilst remaining true to our inclusive ethos and commitment to opportunity for all.

Simon Lett, Principal, commented: "These results are a wonderful achievement for our students, staff and parents/carers. To be recognised as one of the very best sixth form colleges in the country speaks volumes about the hard work and commitment of everyone in our community. Our young people should feel immensely proud of what they have achieved and confident about the exciting futures which now await them."

These results not only highlight outstanding academic performance but also open doors for the next stage of our students’ lives. Many of the Class of 2025 are progressing to competitive degree courses at leading universities, whilst others are embarking on exciting apprenticeships and employment opportunities. Their achievements demonstrate that Winstanley students succeed across a wide variety of pathways, well prepared for the challenges and opportunities which lie ahead.

This outstanding ranking confirms what we already know: Winstanley College offers an excellent education, shaped by dedicated staff and ambitious, hard-working students. Our Class of 2025 leave a wonderful legacy and set the bar high for future year groups.