Winstanley College Nominated for Educate North FE & HE College of the Year
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Winstanley College is delighted to announce that we have been shortlisted for the Educate North FE & HE College of the Year Award. This prestigious recognition celebrates the very best colleges across the North of England.
A Year of Exceptional Achievement
The nomination reflects a truly remarkable year for Winstanley College. In January, Ofsted graded the College Outstanding in all areas, describing Winstanley as “one big community” where students feel welcomed, supported and proud to belong.
Our dedication to mental health and wellbeing was also acknowledged nationally, with the College being shortlisted at the 2025 Educate North Awards for Mental Health and Wellbeing. This follows our achievement of the ACSEED Award, recognising our comprehensive support model that includes universal mental health provision, targeted pastoral care, in‑house counselling and specialist support.
Championing Inclusivity, Diversity and Student Voice
Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity continues to be a central priority. With 18.7% of students from ethnically diverse backgrounds, our student societies play a key role in shaping provision and policy. Their insight, combined with staff training and strategic guidance from the EDI Steering Group, ensures that our College community remains open, inclusive and student-led.
Leading the Way in STEM and Digital Futures
Winstanley’s STEM excellence was further recognised in 2025 with the achievement of STEM Assured Status and the prestigious CyberFirst Gold Award, positioning the College as a leading centre for cyber education and digital skills across the region.
Enrichment, Personal Development and Aspirational Success
Our Excellence, Support and Inspiration (ESI) programme plays a vital role in building ambition, confidence and employability skills. In the last year alone, students completed an impressive 379,971 hours of enrichment across academic, cultural and skills‑based activities.
Outstanding Academic Results
We are incredibly proud of our students’ academic achievements. In 2025:
- The average A‑level grade was B
- 65.1% of grades were A*–B
- Vocational courses achieved a 100% pass rate
- Students with Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities achieved an average grade B, with 70% at A*–B or D*–D
These results place Winstanley College sixth nationally in the Sunday Times league tables and above both regional and national averages.
Exceptional Progression to Universities and Careers
Winstanley students continue to secure outstanding destinations. In 2025:
- 15 students progressed to Oxford or Cambridge
- Over 250 students progressed to Russell Group universities
- 939 students progressed to Higher Education overall
- There was significant growth in Higher and Advanced Apprenticeships through partnerships with GCHQ, the NHS, Sellafield, Siemens and more
- The College was named runners-up for Skills and Employability at the 2025 SFCA Awards
A Growing and Thriving College Community
Demand for places at Winstanley continues to rise, with 1,160 students joining us in 2025 – an increase of 200 since 2019. Growth in bursary students, Free School Meal eligibility, EAL learners and LLDD provision highlights our commitment to widening participation and ensuring young people across the region have access to high-quality education.
We remain proud partners of Wigan Local Authority and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, contributing to the Local Skills Improvement Plan and launching new qualifications such as the Creative & Design Media, Broadcast and Production T-level.
Looking Ahead
These achievements would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of our students, staff and wider College community. Their passion, resilience and commitment continue to shape the outstanding opportunities available at Winstanley College.
Our mission remains clear: to achieve academic excellence in a supportive and inspiring learning community. We look forward to welcoming our new students in August and to continuing to build a college where every learner can thrive.
