Cirencester College
Cirencester College is a publicly funded UK sixth form college in Gloucestershire delivering post-16 education (A-levels, T-levels, vocational), adult learning, and apprenticeships — including the UK's first archaeology apprenticeship standard — funded primarily through the Education and Skills Funding Agency.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded-
- HeadquartersCirencester, United Kingdom
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Cirencester College does
Cirencester College is a publicly funded sixth form college located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, England, operating from a single campus at Stroud Road (GL7 1XA) with 318 employees. It delivers post-16 education to school leavers aged 16-19 through A-levels (over 30 subjects), T-levels with a mandatory minimum 315-hour industry placement, Level 3 vocational courses, GCSE resits, and a Foundation Year for T-level preparation. The college also runs adult education, leisure, and apprenticeship programmes, including what is positioned as the UK's first archaeology apprenticeship standard. Specialist support offerings include the Vets, Medics and Dentists Programme, Football Academy, Duke of Edinburgh Awards, and a Programme of Excellence.
The college's underlying technology consists of a WordPress-based Applicant Portal for admissions, a ParentZone portal with two-factor authentication for guardians, a Student CCO portal secured by Microsoft multi-factor authentication, and Wisepay for cashless payments. Auxiliary integrations include accessiBe for WCAG 2.1 accessibility compliance, Vimeo and YouTube for video content delivery, and Sage for accounting instruction. The college holds Cyber Essentials and CyberFirst credentials for cybersecurity posture.
The revenue model is dominated by government funding via the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) for 16-19 full-time study and apprenticeship programmes. No tuition fees are charged to eligible 16-19 students; ancillary revenue is generated through adult education fees, small course material charges, apprenticeship co-funding with employers, and ancillary facility services. Distribution is direct to consumers via the college website, an Applicant Portal, school liaison programmes, open days, and active social media presence on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. The customer base spans individual learners (primary 16-19 segment), adult learners, and a network of regional employers participating in apprenticeship and T-level placements.
Cirencester College firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Cirencester College
- Legal name
- Cirencester College
- Website
- https://cirencester.ac.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- Cirencester College is a publicly funded UK sixth form college in Gloucestershire delivering post-16 education (A-levels, T-levels, vocational), adult learning, and apprenticeships — including the UK's first archaeology apprenticeship standard — funded primarily through the Education and Skills Funding Agency.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Cirencester College industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Further Education
- NAICS
- Junior Colleges (6112), Junior Colleges (61121), Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Transfer/University-Parallel Community Colleges (EDAHADAF)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- University/College Continuing Education (Extension) Programs (EDAAAEAA)
Keywords
Where Cirencester College is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Cirencester
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Cirencester College business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Government-Funded Education (16-19): Full-time education for students aged 16-19 is government funded through the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA). Students do not pay tuition fees for eligible courses including A-levels, T-levels, and Level 3 vocational qualifications.
- Adult Education Courses: Adult education and leisure courses may charge fees. The college publishes a Fee Income Policy for adult education. Some adult courses fall under 'Pound Plus and Community Learning Fee Policy' for subsidized learning.
- Apprenticeship Programs: Apprenticeship programs where employers and training providers collaborate. Students earn while learning with employer partners. College serves as the training provider receiving government apprenticeship funding.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | 16-19 Full-time Courses (A-levels, T-levels, Vocational) |
| Unit Pricing | Multi-year contract | Adult Education and Leisure Courses |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels9 records
Cirencester College product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Cirencester College is a UK sixth form college delivering post-16 education including A-levels across 30+ subjects, T-levels with mandatory 315-hour industry placements, Level 3 vocational courses, GCSE resits, and a Foundation Year for T-level preparation. The college also runs Adult Education courses and Apprenticeship programmes (including the UK's first Archaeology apprenticeship standard), delivered on campus in Cirencester, Gloucestershire.
Product overview
Cirencester College is a specialist sixth form provider offering a comprehensive portfolio of post-16 educational programmes. The core offering consists of A-levels (30+ subjects), T-levels (technical qualifications with industry placements), Level 3 Vocational courses, GCSE resits, and a Foundation Year for T-level preparation. The college also provides Adult Education, Apprenticeships (including the UK's first Archaeology apprenticeship), Football Academy, and Duke of Edinburgh Awards. Student support services include academic tutoring, pastoral care, financial support, and specialist programmes for aspiring medics/vets. The college operates the Sundial Theatre for performances and events.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Sundial Theatre: On-site theatre venue operated by Cirencester College for performances and events
Products and services
- A-levels Traditional two-year pre-university qualifications offered in over 30 subjects including Sciences, Humanities, Business, Arts, and Languages. Assessed primarily through end-of-course examinations; for school leavers aged 16-19.
- T-levels Technical qualifications equivalent to 3 A-levels combining classroom learning with mandatory industry placements of minimum 315 hours. Includes pathways in Business, Marketing, Accounting, Engineering, Health, Animal Care, and Digital.
- Level 3 Vocational Courses Occupational qualifications at the same level as A-levels providing practical skills for specific career paths with less emphasis on examinations.
- GCSE Courses Level 2 qualifications in core subjects for students needing to improve their GCSE grades before progressing to Level 3 courses.
- Foundation Year for T-level One-year preparation programme helping students develop skills and confidence needed to progress onto T-level qualifications.
- Adult Education Courses Further education programmes for adults aged 19+ including vocational qualifications, professional development, and basic skills courses. Fee-based with some subsidized options under the Pound Plus and Community Learning Fee Policy.
- Apprenticeships Work-based learning programmes combining on-the-job training with study. Includes standards in Archaeology (first UK provider), Business Support, Early Years, Digital and IT, Marketing, and Teaching and Learning.
Quantifiable outcome
- 100% of T-level students complete minimum 315-hour industry placement
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Cirencester College
Customer profileNamed customers12 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Cirencester College technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration8 records
Feature4 records
Cirencester College partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
21 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- St James's Place Wealth ManagementcoreThree students secured apprenticeship positions in Accounting, Finance, and Internal Audit with pathway to ACCA Level 7 qualification. One student (Joseph) won Apprentice of the Year 2026. Partnership provides 14 apprenticeship places for 2026 cohort.
- Stroud District CouncilcoreWon Best Employer Contribution to College Apprenticeships 2026. Supports apprentices in Business Administration, Customer Service, ICT, Software Development, and PR and Communications. Seven apprentices achieved qualifications with seven more currently on programme since 2022.
- PublicacoreWon Best Employer Contribution to College Apprenticeships 2025 for 'grow your own' initiative. 10 apprentices achieved qualifications with four currently on programme.
- Gloucestershire County CouncilcoreApprenticeship employer in Digital Support. Expanded T-level Health student placements to seven students in Adult Social Care Respite Service. Partnership includes work placement team visiting placements.
- Cirencester Friendly SocietyminorBusiness Administration apprenticeship employer with opportunities across Distribution, marketing, and adviser services teams.
- Howard Tenens LogisticsminorEvents Assistant apprenticeship employer. Supports National Lorry Week and corporate events. Two apprentices (Tilly and Ollie) profiled.
- First Military RecruitmentminorCustomer Service Practitioner apprenticeship employer. Apprentice Tristen profiled for gaining hands-on practical experience.
- YMCA CheltenhamminorBusiness Administration apprenticeship employer in nonprofit sector. Apprentice Erin profiled for widening perspective and learning new skills.
- Total DS SolutionsminorDigital and IT Apprentice award winner. Apprentice Raid commended for consistently positive attitude and eagerness to learn.
- Lodge ServiceminorAccountancy apprenticeship employer. Apprentice Sam won Cirencester College Apprentice of the Year 2025 for dedication and discipline.
- PicPRminorJunior Content Producer apprenticeship employer. Apprentice Freya manages nine clients, monitoring PR coverage, creating social media content, and coordinating with clients.
- Beard ConstructionminorFull-time employment offered to T-level Design, Surveying and Planning graduate Caio after completing industry placement. Demonstrates industry placement to employment pathway.
- ThalesminorDegree apprenticeship employer in Project Management. Graduate Lawrence completed T-level Business Management and Administration (distinction) in 2024.
- Cambrian Civil EngineeringminorConstruction firm building Animal Centre extension including aviaries, open-top enclosure, mammal enclosures with climbing zones, and isolation unit. Due for completion April 2025.
- Zoological FabricationsminorSpecialist zoo enclosure fabricator developing Animal Centre mini-zoo facilities for T-level Animal Care and Management students.
- National TrustcoreArchaeology apprenticeship employer partner. One of 10+ archaeology sector organizations collaborating with college. Students tour sites including Avebury, Stonehenge, and West Kennet.
- Cotswold ArchaeologycoreArchaeology apprenticeship employer. First UK provider in archaeology apprenticeships with 11 apprentices achieving qualifications and 15 currently on programme.
- Albion ArchaeologycoreArchaeology apprenticeship employer. Eleanor profiled as current apprentice. Annual Wessex trips include site visits to Avebury, Stonehenge, and Wiltshire Museum.
- MAP ArchaeologycoreArchaeology apprenticeship employer. Apprentice Caitlyn described Wessex trip as 'life changing' and 'heartbeat of our education'.
- Golden Valley Development / Skills HubminorGolden Valley Skills Hub (Ben Edginton Thomas) provides talks on digital and cyber opportunities linked to development opposite GCHQ. Expected to create 12,000 jobs over next decade in Cheltenham cyber hub.
- Gloucestershire Careers HubminorJake Richings outlines practical routes into cyber sector including apprenticeships, T-levels, and specialist digital programmes.
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Cirencester College competitors and assessment
Company assessmentRegional players
- Oxfordshire Adult Learning (part of Activate Learning): Adult-focused FE provision operating in Oxfordshire, one of Cirencester College's stated catchment regions. Provides adult education and leisure courses that overlap with Cirencester College's adult education portfolio.
Direct peers
- Gloucestershire College: Largest FE college in Gloucestershire, offers A-levels, T-levels, vocational courses, apprenticeships, and adult education across multiple campuses in Cheltenham and Gloucester. Most direct geographic competitor for Cirencester College's catchment.
- Weston College: Larger FE college in Weston-super-Mare offering A-levels, T-levels, vocational courses, apprenticeships, and adult education. Comparable program portfolio with broader geographic reach in the South West.
- New College Swindon: FE college in Swindon offering A-levels, T-levels, vocational qualifications, apprenticeships, and adult education. Comparable in size and program mix to Cirencester College and operates in adjacent Wiltshire catchment.
- Hartpury College: Specialist land-based FE and HE college in Gloucestershire, very close geographic peer. Offers A-levels, vocational courses, and specialist animal management/agriculture pathways that overlap Cirencester College's niche Animal Care T-level.
- Bath College: FE college in Bath offering post-16 programs including A-levels, T-levels, vocational qualifications, apprenticeships, and adult learning. Comparable program portfolio and student demographic to Cirencester College.
- South Gloucestershire and Stroud College (SGS College): FE college operating across South Gloucestershire and Stroud with similar A-level, T-level, vocational, and apprenticeship offerings. Overlaps Cirencester College's catchment in the Stroud area and competes for the same 16-19 cohort.
- Wiltshire College & University Centre: FE college with multiple campuses in Wiltshire offering A-levels, T-levels, vocational courses, apprenticeships, and higher education. Operates within the Wiltshire catchment that Cirencester College also serves.
Broad incumbents
- City of Bristol College: Larger FE college in Bristol with broader program portfolio across multiple campuses, including A-levels, T-levels, apprenticeships, and higher education. Larger scale and broader geographic reach than Cirencester College but operates as a more generalist FE institution.
- Activate Learning (formerly Reading College): Multi-college FE group operating several colleges including Reading College and Banbury and Bicester College. Offers A-levels, T-levels, vocational courses, apprenticeships, and adult education across multiple sites. Comparable in mission and program mix though at greater scale.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks3 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Cirencester College social profiles
Digital presenceCirencester College compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Cirencester College financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Cirencester College leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Cirencester College funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Cirencester 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 Cirencester College
What does Cirencester College do?
Cirencester College is a UK sixth form college delivering post-16 education including A-levels across 30+ subjects, T-levels with mandatory 315-hour industry placements, Level 3 vocational courses, GCSE resits, and a Foundation Year for T-level preparation. The college also runs Adult Education courses and Apprenticeship programmes (including the UK's first Archaeology apprenticeship standard), delivered on campus in Cirencester, Gloucestershire.
Is Cirencester College a public or private company?
Cirencester College is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Cirencester College founded?
Cirencester College was founded in -1. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is Cirencester College based?
Cirencester College is headquartered in Cirencester, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Cirencester College make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Government-Funded Education (16-19) is the primary driver. The others are adult Education Courses and apprenticeship Programs.
Who are Cirencester College's main competitors?
Oxfordshire Adult Learning (part of Activate Learning) is listed as a regional player. Direct peers are Gloucestershire College, Weston College, New College Swindon, Hartpury College, Bath College, South Gloucestershire and Stroud College (SGS College) and Wiltshire College & University Centre. Broad incumbents are City of Bristol College and Activate Learning (formerly Reading College).
Does Cirencester College have an API?
No public API is recorded for Cirencester College.
What industry is Cirencester College in?
Cirencester College's product category is Further Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAHADAF, Transfer/University-Parallel Community Colleges, with a secondary code of EDAAAEAA, University/College Continuing Education (Extension) Programs. Its NAICS code is 6112 and its SIC code is 8200.