Bolton Sixth Form College
Bolton Sixth Form College is a publicly funded Further Education college in Bolton, UK, delivering A Level, BTEC, and mixed programmes to approximately 1,700-1,750 students aged 16-19. It is ESFA-funded, Ofsted-rated Good, and supplements its core curriculum with specialist enrichment academies and employer partnerships.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1982
- HeadquartersBolton, United Kingdom
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Bolton Sixth Form College does
Bolton Sixth Form College (operating as The Sixth Form Bolton) is a publicly funded Further Education institution in Bolton, North West England, founded in 1982. It is the only specialist Sixth Form in Bolton town and the largest provider of academic studies in the borough, enrolling approximately 1,700-1,750 students aged 16-19 on a single town-centre campus on Deane Road. The college offers A Level programmes, BTEC Extended Diplomas, and mixed combinations, with roughly 50/50 weighting between academic and vocational pathways and approximately 95% of students studying at Level 3. Academic results are strong: a 97-98% A Level pass rate, 99.5% higher-grade BTEC pass rate, and 97% progression to university, apprenticeships, or employment. The college holds a Good Ofsted rating (October 2023) and a portfolio of external accreditations including the Quality in Careers Standard, matrix, and Gold status in the Carnegie Centre of Excellence FE Mental Health Award.
The college's product portfolio extends beyond core qualifications into a layer of enrichment academies, including the Honours Programme (preparation for Oxford, Cambridge, and Russell Group admissions), Policing Academy, Sports Academies, Theatre Academy, Science Academy, and a Future Honours Programme for Year 10-11 pupils at partner schools. A range of external partnerships with employers (Addleshaw Goddard, MBDA, SUEZ, ASDA, Octagon Theatre) and universities (Lancaster, Edge Hill, Salford, University of Greater Manchester) supports work-based live briefs, professional pathways, and progression. Technology infrastructure consists of Microsoft 365, Office 365, the eStream digital learning platform, an Apple Regional Training Centre designation, and student/parent-facing portals (B6 Connect). The college holds a PathFinder AI Certification but shows no evidence of proprietary AI product capability.
The business model is government-funded: revenue derives primarily from the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) on a per-student basis for 16-19 programmes, with additional income from adult education, apprenticeships, and partnership contributions. Education is free for eligible students aged 16-18; there are no tuition fees. Recruitment is direct-to-consumer via open events, virtual tours, prospectuses, partner school outreach, and an online applicant portal. The college operates a single-site model with no parent company, private equity backing, or public listing, governed by a board under Principal Stuart Merrills.
Bolton Sixth Form College firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Bolton Sixth Form College
- Legal name
- Bolton Sixth Form College
- Website
- https://bolton-sfc.ac.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1982
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Bolton Sixth Form College is a publicly funded Further Education college in Bolton, UK, delivering A Level, BTEC, and mixed programmes to approximately 1,700-1,750 students aged 16-19. It is ESFA-funded, Ofsted-rated Good, and supplements its core curriculum with specialist enrichment academies and employer partnerships.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Bolton Sixth Form College industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Further Education
- NAICS
- Junior Colleges (61121), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Technical and Trade Schools (6115)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Workforce Development & Continuing Education Divisions (Noncredit) (EDAHADAG)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Public Career & Technical Education (CTE) Centers & Programs (EDAJAAAJ)
Keywords
Where Bolton Sixth Form College is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Bolton
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Bolton Sixth Form College business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Government-Funded Education: The college receives funding from the Education Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) for educating students aged 16-19. Education is free for eligible students. Colleges may also receive funding for adult education and other programs.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels7 records
Bolton Sixth Form College product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Bolton Sixth Form College (The Sixth Form Bolton) is a specialist post-16 Further Education college delivering A Level academic programmes, BTEC Extended Diploma vocational qualifications, and mixed study programmes to approximately 1,700–1,750 students aged 16–19. The college supplements its core curriculum with enrichment offerings such as the Honours Programme, Sports Academies (including Cricket), Policing Academy, Theatre and Science Academies, the Professional Growth Programme, and the Apprenticeship Academy, supported by online portals and an Apple Regional Training Centre designation.
Product overview
The Sixth Form Bolton operates as a specialist Sixth Form college offering a unified educational programme focused exclusively on 16-19 year old students. The core offering consists of A Level academic qualifications and BTEC Extended Diploma vocational programmes, which students can combine in mixed programmes tailored to their aspirations. Supporting the academic curriculum are enrichment modules including the Honours Programme for students targeting elite universities, Sports Academies (including Cricket), the Policing Academy, Theatre Academy, and the Future Honours Programme for Year 10 students. The college also provides online platforms including Student Portal, Parent Portal, and B6 Connect for stakeholder communication.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- A Level Programmes
- BTEC Extended Diplomas
- Mixed Programmes
- Honours Programme
- Future Honours Programme
- Sports Academies
- Policing Academy
- B6 Academies (Theatre and Science)
- Professional Growth Programme
- Apprenticeship Academy
- GCSE English and Maths Resits
- A Level Textiles
- Three New Information Technology Courses
Quantifiable outcome
- 97-98% A Level pass rate
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Bolton Sixth Form College
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Bolton Sixth Form College technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration2 records
Feature4 records
Bolton Sixth Form College partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
24 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Addleshaw GoddardcoreAddleshaw Goddard runs a Law Society programme - a four-month multi-session programme designed to introduce second-year students to professionals within the legal sector. Students network with over 30 professionals, take part in work-based projects, visit Manchester Magistrates Court, and complete a mock trial led by a former barrister.
- Bolton MuseumminorStudents on Art, Craft and Design worked with Bolton Museum to design gift products inspired by its zoology collections. Selected designs were chosen for production and sale in the museum shop.
- Put Big Light On FestivalminorStudents on Fine Art, Design and Comms (UAL) (TV) explored creation of a large-scale light event. Their artwork informed a final design used as the festival's official thank you card.
- Lancashire SinfoniaminorPhotography students completed a professional brief with Lancashire Sinfonia, producing images for use across its website and promotional materials.
- ASDAcoreStudents on Politics and Religious Studies took part in the Build a Better Bolton challenge with ASDA and Bolton Council, creating campaigns to improve community cohesion and presenting research-led proposals.
- MBDAminorMaths and Further Maths students responded to a live MBDA brief focused on drone interception and national security, developing team-based solutions balancing design, cost and sustainability.
- The Octagon Theatre BoltoncoreDrama, Theatre Studies and Performing Arts students worked with The Octagon Theatre to design set concepts for a fictional production, creating scale models and pitching ideas to the theatre's creative team.
- SUEZminorA Level Science students tackled real-world challenges through a partnership with SUEZ, applying knowledge across Biology, Chemistry and Physics to develop analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Film Office at Bolton CouncilminorFilm Studies and Media Studies students worked with Film Office at Bolton Council to step into professional pre-production, carrying out location recces and creating media production assets.
- Bolton CouncilcorePE and Sport Science students were tasked by Bolton Council to investigate low levels of physical activity among young people and design an event to increase participation.
- University of Greater ManchesterminorHealth & Social Care students benefited from expert guest panel including lecturers from University of Greater Manchester representing various health and social care roles.
- University of SalfordminorHealth & Social Care students benefited from expert guest panel including lecturers from University of Salford representing various health and social care roles.
- WarburtonsminorWarburtons representatives delivered a workshop to widen students' understanding of the graduate labour market and how major employers recruit.
- Lancashire Cricket BoardcorePartnership with Bolton Cricket League supported by Lancashire Cricket Board for cricket academy and sports programmes.
- BBCminorFilm and Media students participated in BBC's Live Verify Tour at University of Lancashire, learning to question what they read, watch and hear with industry experts.
- Royal Bolton HospitalminorStudents became first sixth formers to visit the new Medical School at Royal Bolton Hospital, gaining insight into medical education.
- DeloitteminorStudent secured higher apprenticeship with Deloitte - one of the Big Four accounting firms and largest professional services network in the world.
- Edge Hill UniversityminorPGP (Professional Growth Programme) student group visited Edge Hill University for Insights into Teaching Day.
- Lancaster UniversitycoreYear 10 students celebrated graduation from Future Honours Programme at Lancaster University.
- AmazonminorStudent secured Amazon Degree Apprenticeship in Data Analytics.
- OfcomminorHamza Mahmood (alumni) secured Higher Level Apprenticeship with Ofcom after achieving Triple Distinction in Level 3 BTEC Information Technology.
- Eversheds SutherlandminorBrian Keen (alumni) joined as Apprentice Solicitor, progressed to Trainee Solicitor, then Associate at Hill Dickinson, now Solicitor at CG Professional.
- CapgeminiminorStudent secured Degree Apprenticeship in Business Management with Capgemini.
- The Agency BoltonminorStudent partnered with The Agency Bolton programme aimed at empowering young people to become creative leaders and changemakers in their communities.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Bolton Sixth Form College competitors and assessment
Company assessmentRegional players
- Wigan & Leigh College: General FE college serving Wigan and Leigh — overlapping North West catchment with broader post-16, adult, and apprenticeship provision rather than the specialist sixth form focus.
- Bolton College: General Further Education college in Bolton — same local catchment but broader FE remit including adult education, apprenticeships, and vocational training beyond Level 3.
Direct peers
- Xaverian Sixth Form College: Manchester-based Sixth Form College providing A Level and vocational programmes to 16-19 year olds — directly comparable specialist post-16 model.
- Carmel College: St Helens-based Roman Catholic Sixth Form College offering A Levels and BTECs to 16-19 students — comparable specialist post-16 institution in the North West.
- Aquinas College: Stockport-based Catholic Sixth Form College with A Level and BTEC programmes — directly comparable institution in Greater Manchester catchment.
- Winstanley College: Specialist Sixth Form College in Wigan, Greater Manchester — directly comparable 16-19 institution with A Level and BTEC focus, drawing from overlapping North West feeder schools.
- Sir John Deane's College: Specialist Sixth Form College in Northwich, Cheshire — same UK sixth form college model, similar Level 3 academic and vocational mix, direct competitor for North West post-16 students.
- Loreto Sixth Form College: Catholic Sixth Form College in Manchester offering A Levels and BTECs to 16-19 students — same institutional model and overlapping Greater Manchester catchment.
- Runshaw College: Large general FE and Sixth Form college in Leyland, Lancashire — comparable 16-19 academic and vocational provision with significant A Level and BTEC scale in the North West.
- Holy Cross College: Roman Catholic Sixth Form College in Bury, Greater Manchester — comparable specialist 16-19 institution in the same regional catchment.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks2 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Bolton Sixth Form College social profiles
Digital presenceBolton Sixth Form College compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
Bolton Sixth Form College financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Bolton Sixth Form College leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
Bolton Sixth Form College funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Bolton Sixth Form College M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Bolton Sixth Form College
What does Bolton Sixth Form College do?
Bolton Sixth Form College (The Sixth Form Bolton) is a specialist post-16 Further Education college delivering A Level academic programmes, BTEC Extended Diploma vocational qualifications, and mixed study programmes to approximately 1,700–1,750 students aged 16–19. The college supplements its core curriculum with enrichment offerings such as the Honours Programme, Sports Academies (including Cricket), Policing Academy, Theatre and Science Academies, the Professional Growth Programme, and the Apprenticeship Academy, supported by online portals and an Apple Regional Training Centre designation.
Is Bolton Sixth Form College a public or private company?
Bolton Sixth Form College is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was Bolton Sixth Form College founded?
Bolton Sixth Form College was founded in 1982. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Bolton Sixth Form College based?
Bolton Sixth Form College is headquartered in Bolton, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Bolton Sixth Form College make money?
One revenue line is on record: government-Funded Education.
Who are Bolton Sixth Form College's main competitors?
Regional players on record are Wigan & Leigh College and Bolton College. Direct peers are Xaverian Sixth Form College, Carmel College, Aquinas College, Winstanley College, Sir John Deane's College, Loreto Sixth Form College, Runshaw College and Holy Cross College.
Does Bolton Sixth Form College have an API?
No public API is recorded for Bolton Sixth Form College.
What industry is Bolton Sixth Form College in?
Bolton Sixth Form College's product category is Further Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAHADAG, Workforce Development & Continuing Education Divisions (Noncredit), with a secondary code of EDAJAAAJ, Public Career & Technical Education (CTE) Centers & Programs. Its NAICS code is 61121 and its SIC code is 8200.