The earliest predecessor to the college was known as ScunthorpeTechnical High School on , run by Lindsey County Council Education Committee, based in Lincoln, although its Scunthorpe Divisional Executive was based on Wells Street. There were 500 boys and girls, and the headmaster was John R. Leggott BSc. It had a sixth form. The school focused on technical skills which were of help to Scunthorpe's steel industry, the main employer at the time and for many years afterwards.
Grammar school
The college was founded in 1958 as John Leggott Grammar School with 600 pupils aged 11–18.
The Sixth Form College was established in September 1968 due to a reorganisation of education in Scunthorpe. It is commonly known as JLC and now has more than 2000 students. In 1971 there were 500 sixth formers, and by 1973 it was run by the Borough of Scunthorpe Education Committee, in April 1974 run by the Scunthorpe Division of Humberside Education Committee, and in April 1996 by North Lincolnshire. On 30 November 2010 a number of students from the college participated in the nationwide 2010 UK student protests against the rise in University Tuition Fees. In 2010 John Leggott principal Nic Dakin retired from his role to represent the Scunthorpe constituency for the Labour Party. David Vasse succeeded him as principal in 2010, to be replaced in 2016 by new principal Leon Riley.
Performance
2014 Inspection Report officially released Friday 2 May 2014, with the college being judged as a Grade 2, promoting “a strong learning culture” and “success rates are now above high national average.” Over the last two years there has been a sustained improvement in students’ performance through “very effective mentoring” and “promotion of student leadership and participation in college, life is excellent,” within a “welcoming and inclusive environment.” “Many students obtain useful additional qualifications” and their futures’ are “well developed through careers and university advice and guidance.” With the notion that an “increasingly high proportion of students gain a place at university or progress to employment.” Additionally the college offers “a comprehensive programme of enrichment activities.” However, the report also claimed that "in a few areas managers lack a sufficiently clear and sharp understanding of the root cause of underperformance" and sometimes in lessons "there is insufficient focus on learning" where "the more able are not challenged to do exceptionally well". Data shows that JLC is now the 12th most successful Sixth Form College in the country at advanced level. Success rates measure performance in terms of completing and passing qualifications. The college has also been awarded science hub status, Ofsted reports show the “Recognition of local economic priorities has prompted the attainment of science-hub status.” The college was ranked at 13th in The Guardian's 2009 list of best Sixth form colleges. In 2010 students achieved a 98% pass rate at A-Level and 100% pass rate in BTEC courses. The college became a Beacon School in 2003 and has received a number of awards. In 2003 it received the Queen's Anniversary Prize for its science teaching. The college provides GCSE, AS/A Levels and BTEC qualifications in subjects including sciences, business, computing, English, mathematics, social sciences, humanities, social sciences, health and social care, performing arts, creative arts and media. David Linnell OBE was principal until the end of December 2006, when he left to take up a post at Cornwall College. He was replaced by Nic Dakin, former vice-principal and local Labour party leader, and leader of North Lincolnshire Council from 1997–2003. Nic Dakin was elected as Scunthorpe MP in May 2010 and new principal David Vasse was appointed from October 2010. The college provides over 85 courses, including A Levels and BTEC in a range of disciplines. More information can be found on the College Website www.leggott.ac.uk
