RSFC Ranked as The Top-Performing College In Greater Manchester

Rochdale Sixth Form College has once again cemented its position as the number one college in Greater Manchester, outperforming all others in the region. Since its founding, the college has consistently ranked among the top three performing colleges nationwide in the Department for Education’s performance tables—an exceptional achievement that highlights its unwavering commitment to academic excellence.

The latest figures from the Department for Education confirm that Rochdale Sixth Form College is one of the highest-ranking institutions in the country for value-added performance. RSFC has been placed second nationally for A level progress, first for A level progress for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, and first for progress on vocational programmes. This metric measures the incredible progress students make from the moment they join the college, demonstrating the transformative impact of its outstanding teaching and support.

The Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ provider continues to set new records for student success. The college was founded in 2010 with a bold vision: to raise educational outcomes for young people in Rochdale. At that time, the local authority ranked in the bottom 10% nationally for value-added A-Level performance and in the bottom five for student progression to higher education. Today, Rochdale Sixth Form College has rewritten that narrative, with around 80% of its students progressing to university—including Oxbridge and prestigious institutions from the elite Sutton 30 group. These remarkable achievements highlight RSFC's dedication to providing high-quality education and support to all its students. The college's consistent performance at the highest level nationally underscores its role in transforming the educational landscape and enhancing the life chances of young people in the Rochdale area and beyond.

Principal, Karl Smith expressed pride in the college's accomplishments, stating, "We are thrilled with our students' outstanding progress and the recognition from the DfE. Our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment has been pivotal in achieving these results. We will continue to strive for excellence and make a positive impact on our students' futures."

This extraordinary success reflects the dedication of the staff, the ambition of the students, and the college’s commitment to providing an exceptional education. Rochdale Sixth Form College is not just a local success story—it is a national benchmark for academic achievement.

Rochdale Sixth Form College is the founding institution of the Altus Education Partnership.