Carmel College opened in September 1987 on the site of Mount Carmel Girls’ School following the reorganisation of the local high schools. Back then, there were around 400 students enrolled at the college. As well as offering A Levels and vocational courses, a small number of students with moderate learning difficulties followed a Skills for Life course in the college’s bespoke Foundation Learning department which was, and still is, a unique and very important part of the college.

Thirty years later and, as well as offering over 50 courses including a wide range of A Levels, BTECs and Foundation courses, you can also study for a degree at Carmel and there are now almost 2000  students! As well as links with several universities, Carmel has international links too – with a school in France for 25 years and for the last 3 years with a school in China. Alongside their studies, students are encouraged to take part in a range of enrichment activities and the opportunity to learn Mandarin is one of many options available.

To accommodate the increase in students over three decades, Carmel has continually expanded and improved its facilities and the original Mount Carmel buildings have been replaced. Most recently, three new buildings were added which house the arts, humanities, sciences as well as Student Services at a cost of £23M.

Student achievement at the college has grown quickly since 1987. Exam results have been consistently outstanding due to the progress students make, not only academically, but personally. During their time at Carmel, students are supported not only by their Subject Tutors, but through the Pastoral, Study Support and Careers Teams enabling them to leave college with all the skills they need to be successful in the future.

Principal Mike Hill commented, “I feel extremely privileged to become only the third Principal to lead such a fantastic college. From day one, Carmel College has delivered an outstanding sixth-form education to thousands of students from across St Helens and the wider region. We will continue to serve the community for hopefully another thirty years and enable even more young people to fulfil their dreams.”