The college specialises in educating years 12 and 13, where students can gain AS, A2 and BTEC qualifications.

Originally build with a capacity of 700 students, it eventually came to teach more than double that figure.

[4] In late 2008 planning permission was given for the college to build a new campus on Leek Road,[7] as part of a £1.5 billion regeneration project in North Staffordshire.

[8] The project was suspended in January 2009,[9] and concerns were made if sufficient funds could be found.

[10] The site was handed over to developers in March 2009,[11] just as an Ofsted report gave the college a 'satisfactory' grade.