The Oakes College Cambridge

Application Deadline:  13th January 2026

The Oakes College Cambridge has a long tradition of teaching A-level and Applied courses in a supportive and community based environment.  The college embraces its role as a Sixth Form in the Anglian Learning Trust, providing continuity of high quality education, both for students who have progressed through Trust Schools and welcoming those who attended other Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire schools.

The Oakes College is all about people, ambitious students who are determined to achieve, committed professionals who love teaching and a dedicated pastoral support team.  We take pride in knowing each student as an individual and our ethos of "inspiring, Individual, Inclusive" is reflected in everything we do.

One of the things that makes our college special is our small class sizes, far lower than other centres in the area.  This means that you get to know your teachers really well.  Our students tell us this makes them feel fully supported and challenged to achieve their potential.

The breadth of expertise in our teaching staff allows us to offer a wide range of subjects and qualifications, to best suit each individual learner.  Our seminar style lessons and excellent facilities offer an experience more likened to university and the world of work than a school.  All of this adds up to a great learning experience.

The Oakes College is committed to ensuring all students are supported to achieve their academic potential and leave the college with the resilience, relationships and results required to be successful.  Students select bespoke study programmes to enable them to pursue their chosen future careers.  They also elect to take part in a diverse range of enrichment activities to accompany their academic studies.  All students are supported in lessons through exceptional teaching and learning pedagogy, delivered by specialist subject teachers In smaller than average class sizes, ensuring stretch, challenge and support where necessary.

• a comprehensive post-16 experience - students from a range of different start points and demographics, all thriving and achieving success
• excellent teaching and learning provision, leading to positive results through stretch, challenge and support where necessary, in smaller class sizes than other local providers (average is 14 in a group)
• exceptional pastoral care to ensure students feel safe and well
• a safe and inclusive community, where students feel they are known individuals and where they belong
• a confidence in our provision, as 100% of our students stated that they were happy at The Oakes College  and would recommend it to others 

Students travel to The Oakes College from a wide area, and sometimes cover long distances.  For many, this can be a significant difference from their experience at secondary school.

Bus - The college is served by the Stagecoach Citi1 bus route which stops directly outside the college and runs approximately every 15 minutes from the City centre, Addenbrookes and Railway Station.  Please visit the Stagecoach website for updates and further information including timetables: www.stagecoachbus.com

Some students may qualify for a concessionary bus pass.  Financial support is only available for students living in low income households who meet Cambridgeshire County Council’s qualifying criteria.  For further information please visit the Cambridgeshire County Council website: www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk. 

Train - Many of our students also travel in from Ely and other outlying areas by train.  There are various discounts and offers available.  Please check the relevant websites for details.

Walk and Cycle - Many local students walk or cycle.  Students who are eligible for a bus pass but who wish to cycle to college may currently apply for a grant of £40 per term to subsidise their costs.     

Car Parking  - The college has NO available parking for students, unless there is a medical need or disability.