The College of Richard Collyer

The College of Richard Collyer in Horsham, ‘Collyer’s’, is one of the leading sixth form colleges in the country and the no.1 choice for A Levels in West Sussex. The College has an attractive campus, and classrooms are well resourced, with ambitious plans for growth in the coming years that have already started. There is a collegiate and professional ethos amongst staff and students within which excellent teaching and learning can flourish.

The College has a long history of commitment to education whilst also seeking to remain forward thinking. It was founded as a school nearly five hundred years ago under the terms of the will of a prominent member of the Mercers’ Company in the City of London. Ever since, the Mercers’ Company and the Parish of Horsham have been involved in its governance and are represented on the Governing Body. In 1976, Collyer’s became a sixth form college and remains a designated sixth form college and a full member of the Sixth Form Colleges’ Association and the Association of Colleges.

The College provides education for over 2,350 young people in the 16–19 age range. Around half of each year’s intake comes from the three partner 11–16 schools in Horsham: Forest, Millais and Tanbridge House. Many others come from a wide range of schools which are further afield, including the independent as well as the maintained sectors. Collyer’s has a very successful and consistent record in external examinations. In 2023, the A Level high grade rate (A*–B) was 61%. Results across our other course types, such as vocational, technical, transition and GCSE, are equally strong. Collyer’s also runs Adult Education and Skills courses in the evenings, with over 300 students studying a range of professional and recreational adult learning courses ranging from art to accounting.

Collyer’s is situated near the centre of Horsham, within easy reach of the town centre and railway station. We currently employ 112 teachers and 105 support staff, each with a mix of full-time and part-time posts. The College is organised for teaching into three Faculties; nearly all teachers also act as personal tutors for up to 24 students organised into six houses led by a Head of House. The majority of our students take A Level or vocational Level 3 courses and go on to further and higher study or employment. Intermediate Level courses, including BTEC Level 2 and GCSE, are also offered. A wide range of enrichment activities, Performing Arts, Sport and Recreation are recommended to provide a broad and balanced programme for students.

Support staff provide vital services for the effective running of the college in Administration, Finance, HR, Information and Learning Technology, Curriculum Support, Library, Catering and Premises.

The College is committed to continuing professional development for staff. Applications are welcomed regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, religion, belief or sexuality.

Collyer’s is a rewarding and stimulating place in which to work, with a strong identity and sense of community. We look forward to receiving your application if you would like to join us.

Dan Lodge

Principal