Cadbury Sixth Form College

What Cadbury Sixth Form College does

Cadbury Sixth Form College is a UK Further Education college founded in 1980 and named after the historic Cadbury chocolate company. It operates as part of The Sandwell Colleges group alongside Sandwell College and Central Saint Michael's Sixth Form, and is headquartered on a single campus at Downland Close, Kings Norton, Birmingham. Its primary mission is delivering post-16 academic and vocational qualifications to 16-19 year old students, supported by a smaller adult community learning offer.

The college's core product is a portfolio of over 50 courses spanning A Levels (academic two-year qualifications across subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Business Studies, Accounting, Photography, Politics, Italian, Religious Studies and 3D Design), T Levels (technical qualifications combining classroom learning with industry placements in marketing, construction, digital production and engineering), BTECs (vocational qualifications in Applied Law, Applied Psychology, Applied Science and Music Performance), and Access 2 A Level programmes for adult learners. Delivery is supported by modern physical facilities — state-of-the-art science laboratories, recording studios, digital production suites, 3D design workshops and photography darkrooms — plus a new £6.6 million STEM Centre opened in 2025-2026. Ancillary products include a High Achievers Programme for ambitious students, a Careers Information Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) service, and 'The MEGA Deal' providing free unlimited West Midlands bus travel for 16-18 students via a mobile app.

The business model is government-funded Further Education: per-student ESFA funding for 16-18 year olds makes tuition free for that cohort and represents the principal revenue stream, with secondary income from adult learner fees. The go-to-market is event- and community-led, combining open days, a Schools Liaison team operating across Birmingham, Solihull, Hall Green, Bordesley, Sutton Coldfield and Redditch, an online application portal (apply.cadbury.ac.uk) and a social media presence spanning Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok. Differentiation rests on over 40 years of specialist sixth form experience, the breadth of its course catalogue, employer and university partnerships (including HSBC, Deloitte, Bank of England, the University of Birmingham and others), and bundled student support services. A positive recent Ofsted inspection reinforces its quality standing within The Sandwell Colleges group.

Name

Cadbury Sixth Form College

Legal name

Cadbury Sixth Form College

Website

https://cadcol.ac.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1980

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Cadbury Sixth Form College is a UK Further Education college in Birmingham, part of The Sandwell Colleges group, delivering A Levels, T Levels, BTECs and Access courses to 16-19 year old students plus adult learners, funded principally by government per-student grants.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Further Education (Sixth Form College)

NAICS

Junior Colleges (6112), Technical and Trade Schools (6115), All Other Schools and Instruction (61169)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Workforce Development & Continuing Education Divisions (Noncredit) (EDAHADAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

University/College Continuing Education (Extension) Programs (EDAAAEAA), Youth-to-Adult Bridge & College Readiness (Noncredit) (EDAAAEAK)

Keywords

• Further education college
• Sixth form education
• A Level courses
• Vocational qualifications
• Post-16 education

Headquarters

HQ city

Birmingham

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Government-Funded Education: As a Further Education college, Cadbury Sixth Form College receives government funding for 16-18 year old students, making tuition free for this age group. Revenue is derived from educational funding agreements rather than direct tuition fees from students.
2. Adult Community Learning: The college offers adult education courses which may have associated fees for mature learners seeking continuing education and professional development opportunities.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Cadbury Sixth Form College delivers post-16 further education to 16-19 year olds across Birmingham and surrounding areas, offering over 50 courses spanning A Levels, T Levels, BTECs, and Access to A Level programmes. The college also provides adult community learning and enrichment programmes such as the High Achievers Programme, with free bus travel and dedicated careers guidance supplementing the academic and vocational curriculum.

Product overview

Cadbury Sixth Form College is a specialist further education institution providing a portfolio of academic and vocational courses for 16-19 year olds and adults. The core offering consists of four main course types: A Level Courses (academic two-year qualifications across over 50 subjects), T Level Courses (technical qualifications combining classroom learning with industry placements), BTEC Courses (vocational qualifications at various levels), and Access 2 A Level Courses (for adult learners). These are supplemented by enrichment and support programmes including the High Achievers Programme for ambitious students, the Careers Information Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) service, and The MEGA Deal (free bus travel package). The institution also offers Adult Community Learning. Specific course products include individual A Level subjects (Business Studies, Photography, Biology, Chemistry, Politics, Italian, Religious Studies, Accounting, 3D Design/Product Design), BTEC qualifications (Applied Law, Applied Psychology, Applied Science Diploma, Music Performance), T Level programmes (Marketing, Construction, Engineering), and vocational diplomas.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• A Level Courses Two-year advanced level academic qualifications across over 50 subjects, designed to prepare 16-19 year old students for progression to university or direct employment.
• T Level Courses Technical qualifications combining approximately 80% classroom learning with substantial industry placements, offering hands-on experience in sectors such as digital, construction, media, and marketing for 16-19 year olds.
• BTEC Courses Vocational BTEC qualifications at various levels providing practical skills development for specific career sectors, equivalent to one or more A Levels, for 16-19 year old students.
• Access 2 A Level Courses Level 2 courses designed to help students gain the qualifications needed to progress to A Level or equivalent studies, including vocational diplomas in areas such as Sports Industry Skills.
• Adult Community Learning Adult education programmes supporting learners across Birmingham to build skills and qualifications for career advancement or personal development.
• Business Studies A Level A Level covering business principles including marketing, operations, finance, human resources, globalisation, ethics, and environmental issues, with employer links to Forvis Mazars, Grant Thornton, HSBC, and Bank of England.
• Photography A Level A Level combining digital and analogue photography techniques including camera work, lighting, and editing, with access to digital studios, an infinity cove, and a full analogue darkroom; Adobe apps provided free for student home use.
• Biology A Level Two-year linear A Level covering six modules including cell structure, membranes, genetics, biodiversity, ecology, and biotechnology, with access to state-of-the-art science laboratories and datalogging equipment.
• Chemistry A Level Two-year linear A Level split into six modules covering foundations in chemistry, the periodic table, energy, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, and analytical techniques, delivered in state-of-the-art science labs.
• Politics A Level A Level covering UK and US political systems, including the UK constitution, Parliament, Prime Minister, US Constitution, Congress, Presidency, and political ideologies including Liberalism, Conservatism, Socialism, and Feminism.
• Italian A Level A Level developing accuracy in written and spoken Italian with understanding of Italian society, culture, and history, including study of an Italian film and novel.
• Religious Studies A Level A Level exploring Philosophy of Religion, Ethics, and Developments in Christian Thought, promoting independent critical thought and constructing arguments on profound questions about life and religious belief.
• Accounting A Level A Level covering financial and management accounting including double entry book-keeping, financial statements for sole traders and companies, budgeting, marginal costing, and capital investment appraisal.
• 3D Design / Product Design A Level A Level providing hands-on experience with materials and techniques in workshops, covering research, idea development, technical drawing, and 3D modelling using AutoCAD, Fusion 360, laser cutting, and 3D printing.
• Applied Law BTEC Level 3 BTEC exploring legal frameworks covering dispute solving in civil law, criminal law, legal system, applying the law, and aspects of family law, with court visits and links to the Crown Prosecution Service and Linklaters.
• Applied Psychology BTEC BTEC covering key psychological approaches including cognitive, social, learning, and biological, with focus on mental health applications, stress, addiction, and an optional Forensic Psychology unit.
• Applied Science (Diploma) BTEC BTEC Diploma equivalent to two A Levels covering Biology, Chemistry, and Physics with practical laboratory work, coursework, and external exams, preparing students for science and healthcare careers.
• Music Performance BTEC BTEC focused on music industry skills including live performance techniques, professional equipment setup, sound management, rehearsal strategies, and event organisation, delivered in fully equipped recording studios and performance spaces.
• Marketing T Level Two-year T Level with 80% classroom learning and 20% industry placement covering market research, branding, digital marketing, and campaign development, housed in the new £6.6 million STEM Centre.
• Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction T Level T Level focused on construction sector careers including surveying, civil engineering, building services design, and hazardous materials surveying, with industry placement component.
• Engineering AAQ Level 3 Extended Certificate equivalent to one A Level covering engineering principles, materials science, and practical skills with state-of-the-art equipment, 3D printers, CAD software, and electronic modelling tools.
• Sports Industry Skills (Leading Children's Sports Activities) Diploma Level 2 Diploma in Sports Industry Skills equipping students with leadership skills for working with children in sports environments, including planning and delivering sports activity sessions.

Quantifiable outcome

• High percentage of students progress to university or employment with aligned higher education training
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Midlands HurricanescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 April 2026Partnership between T Level Media students and local rugby league club Midlands Hurricanes. Students gain real-world experience producing social media content and promotional videos for the club throughout the season. The collaboration provides hands-on industry experience while supporting the club's digital presence with content for Instagram and TikTok.
• Forvis MazarscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmployer collaboration for Business Studies and Accounting courses. Provides guest speaker sessions, industry insights, and networking opportunities for students interested in finance and business careers.
• Grant ThorntoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmployer partnership for Business and Accounting courses offering professional insights, guest speakers, and career guidance for students pursuing finance careers.
• HSBCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBanking sector employer partnership providing industry expertise, workshops and career pathways for Business and Accounting students.
• Bank of EnglandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership includes workshops and guest speaker sessions for Business and Accounting students, providing insights into monetary policy and central banking.
• Cooper ParryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAccounting firm providing guest speaker sessions and industry insights for Accounting students.
• DeloittecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional services firm partner for Accounting courses offering career guidance and professional development insights.
• University of BirminghamcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partnership providing guest speakers, workshops and progression pathways for Business, Accounting and other courses.
• AutoTrader UKcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAlumnus Eniya Ali secured Level 6 digital UX degree apprenticeship with AutoTrader, demonstrating apprenticeship pathways for students. The company offers degree apprenticeships combining work and study.
• University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation TrustminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAlumnus Diazan Yafai works as Senior Financial Management Assistant, managing £110 million budget supporting oncology and radiotherapy teams. Represents apprenticeship and employment pathway for finance students.
• BarclayscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAlumnus Nicholas Wood progressed to Barclays after degree apprenticeship, now Assistant Vice President. Represents apprenticeship pathway for Business and Economics students.
• United By 2022 / Warwickshire Cricket ClubminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership through Warwickshire Cricket Club for Sports Industry Skills students, including a project celebrating student participation.
• Birmingham City Football Club AcademyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademy visit for Sports Industry Skills students to discuss employment prospects within elite sporting academies.
• Yorkshire Water / Tophill Low Nature ReserveminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnvironmental Science field trip partnership with Yorkshire Water introducing students to water pollution sampling, biodiversity methods and conservation techniques.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Sandwell College: Sister college within The Sandwell Colleges group offering further education including A Levels, T Levels, and BTECs to post-16 learners in the West Midlands. Operates as part of the same parent group and shares back-office, employer networks, and governance structures.
• Central Saint Michael's Sixth Form: Sibling sixth form within The Sandwell Colleges group delivering post-16 A Level and vocational programmes. Direct sister institution sharing the same parent, governance, and operating model as Cadbury Sixth Form College.
• Joseph Chamberlain Sixth Form College: Birmingham-based sixth form college offering A Levels and BTECs to 16-19 year olds. Direct competitor in the same Birmingham catchment offering a similar academic and vocational portfolio.
• King Edward VI College, Stourbridge: West Midlands specialist sixth form college offering A Levels and vocational courses to 16-19 year olds. Comparable specialist sixth form model with similar academic and applied curriculum focus.
• Hereford Sixth Form College: Specialist sixth form college offering A Levels and BTECs to post-16 students. Comparable dedicated sixth form college model targeting 16-19 year olds preparing for university or employment.
• South & City College Birmingham: Large Birmingham further education college offering vocational, technical, and A Level pathways to 16-19 and adult learners. Direct competitor for post-16 Birmingham students and employer partnerships.
• Reigate College: Specialist sixth form college in Surrey offering A Levels and a small portfolio of applied qualifications. Comparable specialist sixth form college model with strong academic outcomes and similar cohort focus.
• Greenhead College: Large specialist sixth form college in West Yorkshire offering A Levels and a limited vocational curriculum. Comparable dedicated sixth form model with strong academic track record and similar regional positioning.
• Nottingham College: Large general further education college offering A Levels, T Levels, BTECs, and adult learning. Comparable further education portfolio with technical and academic pathways for 16-19 and adult learners.

Regional players

• Solihull Sixth Form College: Specialist sixth form college located close to Birmingham in Solihull, offering A Level and vocational courses to 16-19 year olds. Geographic peer in the West Midlands sixth form landscape.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/cadburycollege
• Facebookfacebook.com/cadburycollege
• Instagraminstagram.com/cadburycollege
• TikToktiktok.com/@cadburycol
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cadbury-sixth-form-college

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Cadbury Sixth Form College