News

Rising demand for places at St John Rigby College as application deadline approaches

Rising demand for places at St John Rigby College as application deadline approaches

Orrell St John Rigby College is encouraging all prospective students to submit their applications by February 2, as the college continues to see exceptional demand for September entry.

With a record attendance at recent course discussion evenings, and new appointments filling within hours, the college is experiencing one of its strongest years of interest to date.

The college staff have enjoyed meeting the new wave of Year 11 students who hope to secure a place at the Gathurst Road sixth form this summer.

A spokesperson said: “As a college proudly rooted in our community, we’re incredibly thankful for the increased interest and enthusiasm shown by local families.

“With so many young people choosing St John Rigby College as their next step, we want to ensure every student has the chance to secure their place.”

With over 95 per cent of students already accepting their offer, the college is emphasising the importance of submitting applications before the deadline to ensure all students can be considered for a place at this increasingly popular institution.

It says it continues to receive outstanding feedback from families, students and inspectors alike.

Donna, the parent of a current student, said:

“The college made her feel like she could achieve anything! It made her more confident to believe in herself and gave her great career advice.”

Will, a current student, reflected on his experience:

“It’s marvellous. I’ve got to dive into many different opportunities while here. The Honours Academy (Future Lawyers) and the Careers Academy have helped me open up as a person!”

Ella, a future student hoping to join in September, expressed her excitement: “It’s more like home and a community than other colleges. I love walking around here and I can’t wait for it to be my college!”

Ofsted has also recognised the strength of the College’s approach, noting:

“Support for students here is outstanding.”

St John Rigby College continues to shine as a leading provider of post‑16 education:

  • Award-winning and nationally recognised
  • Ofsted “Outstanding”
  • 98 per cent pass rate (Between 2023 and 2025)

The college says it remains committed to ensuring every young person in and around the community has the opportunity to thrive in a supportive, ambitious and inspiring environment.

To be invited to a course discussion, students must have completed their application.

Due to exceptional demand, the additional course discussion tickets released for January 29 are now fully booked.

The college has asked that all students and families rest assured that every applicant will have a course discussion, and additional dates will be announced soon to meet demand.

Apply before February 2 2026https://sjr.applicaa.com/0197f2a1-49d8-714d-aa68-67d1a4615daa?skip_modal=true

St John Rigby College looks forward to welcoming the next generation of learners into it’s outstanding community.

Student

More from the college

Get involved with...

Performing Arts

Zara
The continued support from both subject teachers and personal tutor.

Zara

Level 2 entry requirements

If you’re not quite ready to start on a Level 3 Technical course (T Levels) or a Vocational Level 3 course (BTEC) but want to begin on the path to your chosen career, the Transition Programme could be for you.  

Transition Programmes are tailored to prepare students to move onto Technical or Vocational Level 3 study. They will give you the opportunity to improve your English and Maths, your work readiness skills and introduce you to the technical skills and concepts that you will need for future study and employment. 

As part of the Transition Programme you will study a BTEC Level 2 Award in your chosen subject area as well as the BTEC Level 2 Extended Award in Work Skills. You will also have the opportunity to resit GCSE English and/or Maths if you have not yet achieved a grade 4. 

Entry criteria for Transition Programmes is four grade 3s including grade 3s in English Language and Maths GCSE.

Skip to content