In a deprived Leicester community with students from highly disadvantaged backgrounds, this inner-city multicultural college of 1,500 pupils works hard to give them the same opportunities as children elsewhere. Against a backdrop of not meeting the needs of its learners through attainment and progress, it has faced low expectations. This has been turned around in the five years since the new Headteacher arrived. The playing field has been levelled so that achievement is not all about the starting point or intellect, and academic results for many have improved markedly.
As part of their six-year personal development journey, hundreds of students are able to experience activities their parents cannot provide, including trips to the London Eye, a Thames river cruise, and visits to Chatsworth House and the seaside.
Through its strong local community links, the college offers 100 free weekly hot meals for struggling families, and access to events and courses such as cycling, healthy eating, parenting classes, mental wellbeing, women into leadership and dealing with mental and drug abuse.
