St Helens College

St Helens College is a further education college serving the borough of St Helens. In 2009/10 it had 2,193 full-time adult learners aged 16–18 plus another 585 part-time learners. It had 541 full-time adult learners (age 19+), plus another 3,215 part-time adult learners. The total number of enrolments in 2009/10, including 14-16, FE, foundation learning, entry to employment, adult learners, and apprenticeships was 11,408 benefit claimants.

The College provides a wide range of both further and higher education programmes, including qualifications for City and Guilds, National Diplomas, National Awards, National Certificates and NVQs; it also offers honours and foundation degrees validated through established partnerships with universities, including Central Lancashire, Edge Hill, Huddersfield, Liverpool John Moores, Salford and Sheffield Hallam.

There are a number of entry-level qualifications available. The college traces its foundation to 1896 when it was the town's Gamble Institute, created by philanthropic mayor Sir David Gamble to provide a home of education for the rising generations. After substantial growth and expansion, the institute became the town's Technical College in 1959 and merged with Newton College in 1986. The purpose-built Technology centre began construction the same year.

St Helens College is a member of the Collab Group of high performing schools. A report following a 2006 Ofsted inspection awarded the college a Grade 2 (good).