A-Levels return to St Austell as Cornwall College expands

Deciding what comes after GCSEs usually means one big question for families in St Austell: how far will my child have to travel for it? That question just got a bit easier to answer.

A new sixth-form choice for the town

Cornwall College has confirmed a new A-Level offer at its St Austell campus, with applications now open for the first cohort. Those students will begin their studies in September 2027, bringing academic sixth-form qualifications back to the heart of the town after years without a local option.

Anneka Wass, Assistant Principal for A-Levels at Cornwall College, said the college wants young people to feel they have a genuine choice on their doorstep. “We want students to feel that they have a genuine choice on their doorstep, somewhere they can study subjects they enjoy, aim high and build the confidence and skills they need for whatever comes next,” Anneka said. “We’re really looking forward to growing our A-Level community here in St Austell and welcoming the first cohort in 2027.”

Subjects on offer

The A-Level route is aimed at students who want an academic pathway after GCSEs, whether they already know what career they are aiming for or are keeping their options open for now.

Laetitia Mayne, Deputy Principal for GFE and Head of Cornwall College St Austell, said the college is proud to be building a new A-Level community in the town while keeping students connected to it. “With a broad range of subjects on offer, from Fine Art, Biology and Chemistry to Maths, English, Geography and Physics, there is a real breadth of choice for students to explore their interests, aim high and take their next steps close to home,” Laetitia added.

Backed by the local MP

The launch has also been welcomed by Noah Law, MP for St Austell and Newquay, who said it was fantastic to see A-Levels returning to the town and giving young people another way to continue their education close to home.

“Having strong educational opportunities in our communities matters, it gives my younger constituents a choice to study locally and build their futures here in Cornwall,” Noah said. “I’m delighted to see applications now open and wish all the students considering their next step every success.”

What it means for local families

For parents and Year 11 students working out what to do next, it adds another option to weigh up, one that doesn’t necessarily mean travelling further afield. Applications for A-Levels at Cornwall College St Austell are open now, with details on the college’s A-Level course page.

The first cohort is still more than a year away from starting. Whether they will be studying Fine Art, Physics, or something in between, is entirely up to them.