Launceston College Ranked First in Cornwall for A Level Progress

Launceston College has been ranked number one in Cornwall for student A Level progress for the second year running, according to newly released data from the Department for Education.

The figures, published this month following the ratification of Summer 2025 A Level marks, also place the college 10th in the whole of England for post-16 progress.

Well Above Average Progress Score

Launceston College, which is part of Athena Learning Trust, achieved a progress score of 0.76. The Department for Education describes this as well above average.

The score measures how much progress students who studied A Levels at the college made between the end of Year 11 and completing their A Level studies, compared to similar students across England.

Progress scores are calculated by comparing the A Level results of students at the college with those of students nationally who started with similar results at the end of Year 11.

A New Chapter as Launceston Sixth

The college recently relaunched its post-16 offer under a new name. Years 12 and 13 are now known as Launceston Sixth, with the slogan: Exceptional Teaching Exceptional Experience.

Launceston Sixth provides both academic and pastoral support. Students are treated as adults and have access to private study facilities exclusively for Years 12 and 13. Staff support students to work independently and develop the self-motivation needed for the workplace.

Principal Responds

Matthew Thompson, Principal at Launceston College, said:

“We are absolutely delighted to be ranked number one in Cornwall for A Level progress for the second consecutive year and to be placed 10th in the whole of England. Our progress score reflects the exceptional dedication of our staff and the hard work, resilience and ambition of our students. We are incredibly proud of them and grateful to our families and the wider Athena Learning Trust community for their continued support. I also want to say a big thank you to all the parents who support their sixth form children to succeed at school through regular attendance, completion of homework and encouraging positive attitudes and behaviours towards themselves and others.”

Camborne Academy Also Recognised

Camborne Science and International Academy, also part of Athena Learning Trust, has been ranked third in Cornwall for A Level performance and was awarded an above average progress score.

Full rankings of sixth forms and colleges in the county can be viewed here.

Ofsted Rating and Trust Vision

Launceston College is rated Good by Ofsted for Quality of education, Behaviour and attitudes, Personal development, Leadership and management and Sixth form provision.

Ofsted inspectors noted that all pupils, including those with SEND, follow a broad and ambitious curriculum and learn new knowledge in a logical order. They highlighted that students in the sixth form study qualifications that are well matched to their future aspirations and that the work they complete is suitably demanding. Pupils attending the specially resourced provision follow a curriculum that meets their needs and capabilities.

Athena Learning Trust says it believes in the power of education to transform lives and shape a brighter future. Its values are centred on “Dream Big, Take Responsibility, and Be Kind”, encouraging students to aim high, take ownership of their learning and treat others with respect and compassion.