College History – Recent Years, 1989–Present

Richard Taunton Sixth Form College today, Hill Lane

1989

The two colleges merged, taking the name Taunton's College but deciding to refurbish and occupy the Hill Lane site.
 

1993

Taunton's College moved into its present premises in Hill Lane after extensive alterations and additions to the existing building. The Department of Education and Science took over control and the College became a Further Education Corporation.
 

1994

Taunton's College begins to offer Adult and Community Education during the evenings and at weekends as well as providing daytime education for students aged 16+.
 

2002

Taunton's College funding is channelled by central Government through the newly created Hampshire and Isle of Wight Learning & Skills Council. The College provides daytime education to over 1100 students aged 16+, as well as 1000+ students through its part-time provision.

 

The new Academy of Sport opened, combining academic studies with major sport specialities.
 

2004

Buildings were extended to provide more classroom facilities. Around 1200 students aged 16-19 enrol each year for full time courses.
 

2012

The college was renamed Richard Taunton Sixth Form College.
 

2014

A New Music Block is added.
 

2015

A new Independent Learning Centre is opened.
 

2017

The College became a founding member of the Lighthouse Learning Trust; a multi-academy trust, created in partnership with St Vincent College in Gosport. This strategic move, which was two years in the planning, was a conscious decision made by both academy leadership teams and governors to protect and enhance the quality of teaching and offer a broad ranging curriculum. The Trust is a single legal entity with a dedicated executive team and board of trustees, which is accountable for the governance and performance of both academies.