Head of Biology

The College is situated just outside Esher, in attractive grounds in Thames Ditton, and is well served by public transport. Thames Ditton rail station is two minutes’ walk away and Esher rail station about 12 minutes. Both provide a direct link to central London. The core business of the College is the full-time education of 16–18-year-old students, all of whom study level 3 courses. Within this context, the College has an inclusive, open access approach, recruiting students from over 115 different schools in North Surrey and the London boroughs, with a college roll of approximately 2050 students.  The result is a rich and diverse student population. Applicants from the three most local postcodes, from schools without sixth forms in a defined geographical area and from siblings of current and former students all have guaranteed status. Incidentally, of all application categories, siblings consistently give us the highest conversion of applicant to enrolment. Those who know us best are most likely to come. All other applicants have open status and places are allocated by ballot.

The College has a strong reputation in the area and is highly over-subscribed, with applications closing nine months before enrolment begins. The College’s popularity is principally based on academic achievement and successful progression, as well as a more mature and informal learning environment which lays the foundations for future success. Despite modest entry requirements, it has an established track-record in delivering impressive examination results. As a result, the College was judged ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted for all areas when recently inspected in September 2022. It is most pleasing that the report reflects the College that we all know well and is a fair reward for all the hard work that our staff have invested into the College and its community over the many years. Esher Sixth Form College is committed to:

• Creating a culture of high expectations and outstanding achievement for 16–19-year-olds.
• Delivering high quality teaching and learning, tailored to individual learning needs.
• Developing a broad range of skills and experiences to ensure students fulfil their potential and progress to further study or employment.
• Promoting inclusivity, tolerance, and respect for others within a supportive and caring College community which values diversity.
• Making a positive contribution to the wider community.

The estate has benefited from significant investment over the last ten years or so and the result is a campus fit for the 21st century, with modern, specialist buildings and facilities. A new Study Centre and a Performing Arts block were opened for the start of the 2022/23 academic year and four temporary classrooms to help manage the College response to the increase in student contact time.

Performance

Our Summer 2023 exam results demonstrate that our students made excellent progress during their two years at  the College.  All our headline A level Grades Profiles are above national benchmarks, with our High-Grade A* to B rate being 58.8%, which is 5.3% above the national benchmark. We are equally proud of our consistently strong value added.  ALPSs, an independent national assessor of value-added performance, have placed us in the top 25% nationally for A level value added.

Due to the wide range of BTECs qualifications, it is more of a challenge to provide a BTEC headline, but in short, our two-year courses achieved excellent outcomes, with over 70% of our students on sub-diploma, foundation diploma and diploma, achieving high grades.

Beyond the Academic

Most teaching staff are personal tutors in a ‘horizontal’ year group structure. We have strong support processes to monitor student progress and to provide careful guidance to individual students when needed. The students run a very effective Student Union which organises many events, some purely social, many raising funds for charity. We have our own registered charity to support Aids orphans in Africa. We have a team of staff who are trained counsellors and who provide an expert level of advice for students with personal problems, as well as two College Nurses. We also have a learning support team which assists students who need extra help in improving their learning skills and supporting those with particular learning needs.

Facilities and Accommodation

The College’s facilities and accommodation are some of the best available in the area, the product of a long-term Property Strategy. There are specialist facilities for all subjects, with IT access and projectors in every room, two large Learning Resource Centres, Study Centre extensive computer access, a Theatre, Drama Studio and a College café for students to relax in. We have a large Sports Hall, where staff and students have free access to an on-site gym. We are also fortunate in having a large, landscaped campus, with tennis courts and playing fields.

Staffing

The College currently employs approximately 200 staff, with an approximate 2:1 split between teaching and support functions, mostly on permanent contracts. Relationships across the staffing structure are exceptionally good, being supportive and friendly, with encouragement given to colleagues to contribute to a variety of local, regional and national initiatives.

Travel

The College is located in Thames Ditton, with Hampton Court Palace and the River Thames close by, and within easy access of the A3 and the M25. Thames Ditton train station is only a 2 minute walk from Esher Sixth Form College.

www.esher.ac.uk