Ashton Sixth Form College was established in 1980 following a reorganisation of secondary education in the borough of Tameside. It became a 16 to 19 academy in February 2019. The college offers a range of provision for 16- to 19-year-old students who follow a full-time study programme, as well as adult and higher education provision. At the time of the inspection, 2,279 students were studying on education programmes for young people and 99 were studying adult learning programmes. Twelve students have high needs. All 16- to 19-year-old students study A levels, a full vocational programme, a mixed A-level and vocational pathway or a T level. All students who have high needs study on level 3 courses. A further 17 students at level 2 follow a vocational programme alongside GCSE English and/or mathematics. Most adult learners study access to higher education (HE) or supporting teaching and learning courses.