John Leggott Award for Outstanding Vocational Progress

John Leggott College is celebrating a significant achievement after receiving a 2026 ALPS Certificate of Outstanding Progress, recognising its position within the top 25% when compared with BTEC outcomes in the 2025 Department for Education national dataset.

The recognition highlights the strength of the College's vocational results and provides an opportunity to celebrate the work taking place across its teaching and support teams.

For students choosing their post-16 education, strong vocational outcomes are an important consideration. They demonstrate the value of an education that combines academic development with practical learning, helping young people build the knowledge, skills and confidence they need for their next steps.

What is the ALPS Certificate of Outstanding Progress?

ALPS (A-level Performance System) is an educational performance analysis and benchmarking system used by schools and colleges to evaluate and understand their results.

The 2026 Certificate of Outstanding Progress recognises John Leggott College's position within the top 25% when compared with BTEC outcomes in the 2025 Department for Education national dataset. This means the College's vocational performance has been recognised as being among the strongest in the relevant national comparison.

For John Leggott College, this is an important achievement because it provides external recognition of the outcomes being achieved by students studying vocational qualifications. It also gives students, parents and prospective learners an additional indication of the standards being maintained across the College's vocational provision.

Why are strong BTEC results important?

BTECs provide an alternative route through sixth form education, combining subject knowledge with practical, applied learning. Unlike traditional A Levels, which are primarily assessed through examinations, many BTEC qualifications include coursework, assignments and practical assessments. This allows students to demonstrate their understanding and develop skills that can be applied in further study and employment.

At John Leggott College, vocational courses form an important part of the post-16 curriculum, giving students opportunities to explore their interests and develop expertise in their chosen subjects. Depending on their course, students may benefit from:

• Practical activities that bring classroom learning to life.

• Opportunities to develop industry relevant knowledge and skills.

• Assignments and projects that encourage independent working.

• Experiences that help them understand how their subject relates to future careers.

Strong vocational outcomes matter because they reflect the progress students are making through these qualifications and the opportunities that successful results can help create.

How does John Leggott College support students to achieve their potential?

Academic success is built over time. It involves more than individual lessons or examination results. Students need the right teaching, encouragement and support to help them make progress throughout their studies.

At John Leggott College, students are supported by subject specialists who understand their courses and the expectations of their qualifications. Teaching teams work to challenge students, develop their understanding and help them build the confidence to take greater responsibility for their learning.

Support also extends beyond the classroom. College life brings new expectations, greater independence and opportunities to develop personally as well as academically. Students can access guidance and support to help them manage their studies, overcome challenges and stay focused on their goals. This student-centred approach is an important part of creating an environment where young people feel supported to aim high and achieve their potential.

What post-16 options are available at John Leggott College?

Choosing the right qualifications after GCSEs is an important decision. Students have different interests, strengths and ambitions, so finding a course that matches their preferred way of learning and future plans is essential.

John Leggott College offers a range of post-16 pathways, including:

A Levels

A Levels provide an academic route, allowing students to study subjects in greater depth. They are a popular choice for learners considering university, although they can also support progression into employment and other further study.

BTECs and other vocational qualifications

Vocational courses combine subject knowledge with applied learning. They can be particularly suited to students who enjoy practical activities, projects and developing skills related to a particular industry.

T Levels

T Levels are technical qualifications designed with employers to help students develop the knowledge and skills needed for skilled employment. They include a substantial industry placement as part of the programme.

Students can explore the available courses and entry requirements through our courses page. 

Understanding the different post-16 options can help students make informed decisions about their future and choose a pathway that supports their ambitions.

How can vocational qualifications support future progression?

One of the advantages of vocational education is the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge that can be applied beyond the classroom. Successful completion of a BTEC can support progression into higher education, further training or employment, depending on the qualification and the requirements of the next step. Many universities accept relevant BTEC qualifications as part of their entry requirements, either on their own or alongside A Levels. Students should always check individual university and course requirements when planning their progression.

Vocational qualifications can also help students develop transferable skills that are valued by employers, including communication, organisation, problem-solving and independent working.

For students who already have an idea of the career they would like to pursue, a vocational pathway can provide a valuable opportunity to develop relevant knowledge and explore their chosen industry. For others, sixth form is a time to discover new interests and consider opportunities they may not previously have explored.

Why should parents consider academic outcomes when choosing a sixth form?

When comparing sixth forms and colleges, parents naturally want to understand how well students are supported and what opportunities will be available to them.

Exam results and national performance measures can provide useful information, but they are only one part of the picture.

It is also worth considering:

• The range of A Levels and vocational qualifications available.

• The quality of teaching and academic support.

• How students are guided through their studies and future progression.

• The wider college experience and opportunities available outside lessons.

National recognition such as the ALPS Certificate of Outstanding Progress provides an additional point of reference when considering a college's vocational performance. At John Leggott College, the achievement is a reflection of the collective work taking place across the College and the commitment to helping students make progress.

Celebrating the people behind the achievement

While the certificate recognises the College's position against national BTEC outcomes, the achievement belongs to the people who make that progress possible. Our students deserve recognition for the effort, determination and commitment they bring to their studies. Every assignment completed, challenge overcome and milestone reached contributes to their development.

Equally, the dedication of our teaching and support teams plays an important role. Behind successful outcomes are countless lessons, conversations, interventions and opportunities to help students move forward. The 2026 ALPS Certificate of Outstanding Progress is a fantastic achievement for the John Leggott College community. We are incredibly proud of our students and colleagues and look forward to seeing what they go on to achieve.