Aquinas College is one of the largest Catholic sixth form colleges in the country. The college has about 1,850 full time 16-19 year old students with about 118 full time equivalent (FTE) teaching staff and 55 FTE support staff. The college has grown to this size from modest beginnings. In 1980 it was opened in the premises of a former high school to provide sixth form education to Stockport=s expected 200 Catholic 16-18 year-old students. The college now draws students from its four Catholic partner schools (three in Stockport and one in Buxton, 18 miles away) and from many other schools in Stockport and neighbouring areas. It has become one of the most over-subscribed colleges in the country, receiving applications from up to twice as many students as there are places available. The admissions policy gives priority to Catholic students, others from Catholic schools, and to siblings. Beyond that it works on a strictly first come first served basis. Having received unsought national publicity in recent years for overnight queues, the ‘first come, first served’ policy has been has been managed through a telephone queueing system since 2006. We have refused to become academically selective, welcoming all students for whom we have space and suitable courses. This is fully in keeping with the colleges ethos and the importance we place on personal relationships. We believe that it is these aspects of the college which keep its reputation high, rather than our success in league tables and against national criteria. Nevertheless, and in spite of our comprehensive intake policy, the college has always been amongst the highest rated colleges in the country ever since the league tables were first introduced. The college was inspected by Ofsted in October 2008 and was judged outstanding in its overall effectiveness, its leadership and management, and the quality of its provision. The inspectors also commented on the excellent individual support for stude