I spent three happy years as vice principal (business services) at a very large and outstanding sixth form college. Sixth form colleges are good at what they do. They are focused, academically ambitious and typically well run, and they have a clarity of purpose that many organisations would envy. When I moved to City of Portsmouth College, a merged general FE college across four campuses, I thought I understood the sector I was joining. I was wrong, and I say that with real affection for both. Sixth form is not easy, and I want to be clear about that. Leaders there deal with tight funding, rising demand for student support and the constant pressure of results. But the curriculum model is relatively coherent. Most students are 16 to 18, most are on level 3 programmes, and most follow a familiar rhythm of A Levels or applied generals across a two-year cycle. Timetables, staffing models, estates and data systems can all be built around that shared shape. Become a member for unlimited access to FE Week Our members enjoy early access to exclusive content and in-depth articles before anyone else. Get expert journalism on FE and skills, experience fewer ads, and unlock a growing range of member benefits. subscribe If you have an account, please login. Sign in