Craven College

About Craven College

Craven College, a state-funded sixth form college in North Yorkshire, serves students aged 16 to 99 and its academic outcomes present a stark contrast to the local authority average. The college’s Progress 8 score, which measures how much progress students make between the end of secondary school and their A-levels, stands at -0.73. This is significantly below the North Yorkshire average of 0.07 for secondary schools, placing the college in the 'well below average' banding. The confidence interval for this score ranges from -1.1 to -0.37, meaning even the most optimistic estimate still falls short of the LA norm. With only 35 students in the cohort, the results are based on a small group, but the gap is clear. The average points per entry are 17.58, translating to a grade of D-, which is notably lower than what most local sixth forms achieve. For parents considering post-16 options, this data suggests that Craven College is not keeping pace with the academic progress seen across other schools in North Yorkshire.

The college’s A-level outcomes are modest, with a points-per-entry grade of D- and a value-added score that is statistically below average. This means that, on average, students leave with lower grades than their prior attainment would predict. There is no data available for the proportion of students achieving AAB or higher in at least two facilitating subjects, which is a common benchmark for academic rigour. Compared to the top-performing peers in the area, such as St Francis Xavier School with a ranking score of 1.01, or St Aidan’s and Ripon Grammar both at 0.72, Craven College’s -0.73 places it firmly at the lower end of the spectrum. The local authority has six outstanding-rated secondary schools out of 43 total, indicating a competitive landscape where Craven College’s results stand out for the wrong reasons. Parents should weigh these figures carefully, especially if their child is aiming for university entry with strong A-level grades.

On a practical level, Craven College offers a range of facilities including science labs, a sixth form centre, a sports hall, and a chapel, alongside clubs like the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Young Enterprise, and gardening. Sports provision is broad, with rowing, rugby, and cricket among the options. The college is mixed and non-religious, with Anita Lall as headteacher. Given the academic data, this college may suit students who are looking for a less academically intensive environment or who need additional support to reach their potential, though the value-added figures suggest that progress is not currently being maximised. The oversubscription picture is not provided, but the small cohort size implies it is not a heavily sought-after destination. Families prioritising strong A-level outcomes and university progression would likely find better alignment with the higher-performing schools in North Yorkshire.

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