Record numbers of GCSE students apply to Stockton Sixth Form College as new courses launch for 2026
Record numbers of GCSE students have applied to study at Stockton Sixth Form College in September, where courses range from Aviation Operations (BTEC) to T Levels in Engineering and Adult Nursing, in addition to traditional A Levels.
For the North East, where post-16 participation remains significantly below the national average in some communities, this is truly fantastic news.
Brand-new T Level programmes and expanded A-Level offering
At least 1,625 Year 10 pupils from Stockton secondary schools are due to attend the college for special ‘taster days’ between now and July 8, where they can enjoy a flight simulator experience and learn about the college’s full range of courses.
New courses for 2026 include AAQs in Early Childhood Development and Mental Health: Individuals and Society, as well as A Level Spanish, which returns due to popular demand.
Along with the Year 10 pupils’ taster days, a further preview day for Year 11 students, which students can book onto online, is also being held at the college on July 10.
Mike Mackin, Head of Centre at Stockton Sixth Form College, part of the Atomix Educational Trust, said: “We are really looking forward to inviting Year 10 students to our taster days, during which they will experience the dedicated flight deck learning environment and flight simulators we have within our Aviation Operations suite.
“Students will also have the chance to learn about our brand-new T Level programmes and our expanded A-Level offering, which now features Politics and Environmental Science, due to student demand.”
Carefully designed to help students make informed decisions
Mike said: “At Stockton Sixth Form College, we have a fantastic mix of academic and vocational qualifications on offer and students can choose to study in a way which reflects their wide-ranging interests and abilities.
“You might have a student on our Aviation Operations BTEC course also choosing to study an A-Level in Spanish, for example.
“We would encourage any student, whether in Year 10 or Year 11 thinking about their next steps to take a look at what we have to offer – and if you’re in Year 11, come and meet us during our preview day.”
The Year 11 Preview Day at Stockton Sixth Form College is one of the most significant events on its calendar, providing applicants with the opportunity to experience life at Stockton Sixth Form College first-hand.
Students spend the day immersed in three subjects of their choosing, taking part in engaging classroom experiences, meeting teachers and current students, and discovering the opportunities available to them beyond school.
The day has been carefully designed to help students make informed decisions about their future, while experiencing the unique atmosphere that makes Stockton Sixth Form College such a special place to study.
Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, said: ““Seeing record numbers of young people choosing Stockton Sixth Form College is hugely encouraging, particularly in the North East where post-16 participation still lags behind the national average in some communities.
“It shows what can be achieved when schools and colleges offer genuinely ambitious, high-quality academic and vocational pathways that reflect the needs and aspirations of our young people.”