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The Student Experience

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The Student Experience

Queen Mary’s College is dedicated to providing every student with an exceptional educational journey that extends far beyond the classroom. QMC creates an environment where A Level and vocational students can thrive academically while developing the skills and confidence needed for their future careers.

a group of people sitting under a tree
QMC students on the Allen Lawn.

At the heart of our approach is a comprehensive curriculum that combines academic study with meaningful real-world experiences. Students benefit from expert teaching, modern facilities, and extensive support systems designed to help them succeed in their chosen pathways, whether that’s university, degree apprenticeships, or employment.

Our holistic approach means that alongside your core A Level and/or vocational courses, you’ll have access to specialised academic support, enriching super-curricular activities, and exciting extra-curricular opportunities. These experiences are carefully designed to challenge and inspire you, fostering both professional skills and personal growth.

The College continues to innovate and expand, creating meaningful opportunities that prepare students not just for exams, but for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in higher education and the workplace.

Our students’ top aspects of Queen Mary’s College are:

  • The friendly and inclusive atmosphere
  • Excellent teachers who are subject specialists
  • Top class facilities
  • Opportunities to achieve a wide range of qualifications
  • Fantastic pastoral support
  • The wide range of skills they developed to help them excel at university or in employment
  • Extra enrichment opportunities and trips
  • Extra support sessions and stretch and challenge
  • The impressive campus in a lovely ‘green’ environment
  • Convenient location; just a short walk from town
  • Our students receive 5 hours+ of teaching for each A level subject every week. That’s the equivalent of an additional 20 lessons per subject each year, when compared to other schools and colleges
  • In the majority of cases our students benefit from having the same teachers throughout their two year course
  • Each student is assigned a Personal Tutor who is also one of their subject teachers. Personal Tutors are on hand to help and advise on all aspects of College life. They conduct regular 1-1 meetings to discuss how students are doing and how they can improve.

Top-Class Facilities

Your learning environment matters, and QMC’s impressive campus provides the perfect setting for your academic journey. Following a £20 million investment, our spacious green campus sits close to Basingstoke town centre, offering the ideal balance of a vibrant study environment with easy access to public transport.

an aerial view of a college campus surrounded by trees
Queen Mary's Sixth Form College Campus in Basingstoke
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Our modern buildings create inspiring spaces where students can learn, collaborate, and socialise. From state-of-the-art science laboratories equipped with the latest technology to specialist facilities for esports, art, and music, every aspect of our campus has been designed with student success in mind.

The College boasts its own theatre for performing arts students, a comprehensive sports centre for fitness and recreation, and cutting-edge classrooms fitted with advanced technological equipment. These exceptional facilities give QMC students access to resources and opportunities that set us apart from other sixth form colleges in the region.

Excellent Teaching & Supportive Community

At Queen Mary’s College, our dedicated teaching staff consistently receive high praises from students, who regularly express our teachers as the standout feature of their college experience.

You’ll learn from passionate subject specialists who bring both expertise and genuine enthusiasm to every lesson. Our teachers don’t just deliver engaging lessons, they’re invested in your individual progress and committed to helping you reach your full potential.

We believe in adopting a consistent approach, which is why most students work with the same teachers throughout their two-year A Level or vocational programme. Your tutor will also be one of your subject teachers.

This continuity allows our staff to truly understand each student’s strengths, challenges, and aspirations, creating a personalised learning experience that drives academic success. Our approach fosters a supportive college community where students feel known, valued, and challenged to excel in their studies and beyond.

Students’ Union & Student Voice

Your opinion matters, and our active Students’ Union (SU) ensures every voice is heard. The SU is entirely student-led, representing the interests and concerns of our student body while organising engaging social events throughout the academic year such as Culture Day.

a group of people posing for a photo in front of a deck chair
QMC SU team 2025.

Our elected executive committee works hard to champion student views at every level of college decision-making. Two SU representatives serve as Student Governors, bringing student perspectives directly to formal governance meetings and ensuring your concerns reach senior leadership.

Student Voice meetings, held every half-term, provide an open forum where all students can share their thoughts, suggestions, and ideas about college life. Every suggestion is carefully considered by the college management team, creating genuine opportunities for positive change.

The SU office, located in the Student Link Box next to the library, serves as a hub for student support and guidance.

Whether you need advice about college life, want to get involved in student activities, or simply need someone to point you in the right direction, our SU team is always ready to help.

Preparing for Your Future Success

At Queen Mary’s College, we understand that your time here is an important stepping stone toward whatever comes next in your life, whether that’s university, a degree apprenticeship, or starting your career directly after college.

three people with rubbish in their hand
QMC first-year students picking litter for Social Action 2025.

As the world changes, QMC continuously adapts to help students leave here, future-ready. We’ve launched innovative initiatives designed to transform students into well-rounded individuals with valuable real-world experience and essential employability skills that impress university admissions teams and employers alike.

From The Social Action Project to our Work Experience Programme, these opportunities mean you’ll leave QMC not just with excellent academic qualifications, but with the practical experience and personal qualities needed to succeed in your chosen career path.

Click here to discover how QMC’s holistic approach to student development positions you for success in higher education, apprenticeships, and the competitive job market.

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