Hereford Sixth Form College Described as 'Centre of Excellence' in National Magazine
Posted on 12th October 2018
Students who regularly volunteer for litter picks in Churchill Gardens
What makes a good education? This is a very subjective topic. However, for many the best answer is “you know it, when you see it and experience it.”
Hereford Sixth Form College was delighted that its achievements were initially recognised by The Good Schools Guide but even more pleasing is the fact that it was one of only two state institutions selected in the latest Country Life magazine’s guide to the best national schools. The article declares, “parents in this rural county are considered extremely lucky to have such a centre of excellence”, further describing the College as having “an exhilarating, grown up, uni feel.”
Principal, Peter Cooper, explains the reasons for some of this success. “It’s about having a caring community with aspiration, pride and energy. We have a sixth form way, which encourages students to achieve their utmost, both within and beyond the classroom. High levels of qualification success are important but it is about broadening the mind, skills and experiences and learning that with rights come responsibilities. We place a real importance on being involved in our community life at the College, whether it’s the huge range of sports, music, drama, debates or more niche activities or whether it is helping our students to volunteer or work and give something back to society.”
Hereford Sixth Form College has consistently performed in the top bracket of achievement in both raw and value added terms and students across the ability range excel. “Some of our students do amazing things,” enthused Peter Cooper, “last year Greta Hampson travelled from Wigan for our Elite Athlete Programme, lodged in Hereford in the week and achieved A grades and Distinctions across the board whilst training to compete for Britain in the Synchronised Swimming 2018 European Championships. It says a lot for the quality of our College that students are prepared to go to these lengths to be here.”
Greta Hampson - Elite Athlete
However, all students make contributions in their own way. With a national focus on vocational education, the College is pioneering exciting careers in Engineering, Cyber Security and Media Production and recruitment is buoyant for these growth subjects, which will play a part in all our futures.
One of the new courses - Media Production
The Principal finished off saying, “these are exciting times to be a student with us. There are more opportunities out there than ever before and we will encourage and support our students to take them.”