Principal’s Update

Dear Parents, Students, Carers, and Friends,

As we begin the Autumn Term of 2025, I would like to extend a warm welcome to both our returning students and those who have just joined the Esher Sixth Form College community. This is always a special time of year, filled with fresh opportunities and the promise of new achievements, and I am delighted to share some important updates with you.

Outstanding Results – Congratulations to the Class of 2025

We are incredibly proud to celebrate the success of our Class of 2025. This summer, students achieved exceptional outcomes across both A Level and vocational courses:

• A Level (including Extended Project Qualification): with 60.6% of grades awarded A* to B, and 32.4% at A* or A and 98.5% pass rate,
• Vocational Courses: Outstanding results across all pathways, including 100% High Grades in both the National Subsidiary and Foundation Diplomas, and impressive outcomes across the National Diploma and Extended Certificate courses.

We are equally delighted that 91% of our students secured their first or insurance choice for university, while others have progressed onto apprenticeships and employment pathways.

I would like to congratulate all our students for their determination and resilience, and to thank their teachers and families for the support that made these achievements possible. These results are not only a credit to our students’ determination and resilience but also reflect the high-quality teaching and support available here at Esher Sixth Form College.

New Facilities for Students and Staff

This term, students and staff returned to find a brand-new building at the heart of the College. The new four-classroom block, located next to the Tower, provides outstanding facilities for Computer Science, IT, Philosophy, and Classical Civilisation, as well as additional office space, accessible toilets, and a modern meeting room.

A huge thank you goes to all colleagues involved in bringing this development to completion. The building will receive its official opening in October, when Monica Harding, MP for Esher and Walton, and Munira Wilson, MP for Twickenham, will join us to mark the occasion. We are confident this space will enhance teaching and learning for many years to come.

Celebrating Creativity – The Keith Blackwell Award

We were honoured to launch the Keith Blackwell Award for 2025, celebrating creativity and innovation in the arts. This award, established in memory of Keith Blackwell, Principal of Esher Sixth Form College from 1998–2010, recognises students who push boundaries in their creative work.

Congratulations to Olive Pugsley, who became the first recipient of the award. Olive achieved three A* grades in Fine Art, Fashion and Textiles, and English Literature, and is now continuing her artistic journey at Kingston University.

Wider Skills and Enrichment

The Summer term also saw the continuation of our Wider Skills Activities, an important feature of life at Esher. These short courses give students the chance to explore new interests, sharpen existing skills, and develop essential qualities such as teamwork, problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking—all of which are highly valued by universities and employers alike.

Whether through residential trips, creative workshops, volunteering, or specialist courses, Esher students have countless opportunities to enrich their studies and grow in confidence and independence.

Looking Ahead

As we move into the new academic year, I am reminded once again of the remarkable energy, inclusivity, and ambition of our community. Together, we will continue to uphold the values that define Esher: inclusivity, community, and empowerment.

I look forward to seeing all that our students will accomplish this year and wish everyone a successful, fulfilling, and enjoyable term.

If you are in year 11 and would like to join this vibrant and high-achieving community in 2026, please make sure your application is submitted before the deadline: Midday on Tuesday 30 September 2025 via the Online Applicant Portal.

Best regards,
Dan Hards
Principal