Admissions
We are delighted that you are interested in applying to our Sixth Form. Our admissions procedure is shown below but, before applying, we strongly recommend that you attend our Open Evening or contact us for an informal visit.
Our admissions process is as follows;
- Complete the online application form.
- You will be invited for a short, informal interview to discuss subject choices and your general aptitude for Level 3 study.
We also require a satisfactory recent report from your current school.
Able, Gifted and Talented Students
Our most gifted students become part of our Russell Group. They have access to a bespoke programme designed to enhance their entry into the most competitive courses at the most prestigious universities. This includes the opportunity to complete an Extended Project Qualification, which is an extended piece of individual work based upon personal research that the best universities look favourably upon.
Beyond the Sixth Form
Approximately 75% of our students choose to go to university after leaving us, with the remainder electing to begin a career. A real strength of our Sixth Form is the support students have when making decisions over their future.
All Y13 students have an hour each week timetabled with their personal tutor to research their future options and then receive support with their UCAS application or job search. We also have close links with apprenticeship providers and careers officers for those not wishing to attend university.
Next Step Evening
Click the link below to download our presentation about life beyond our sixth form, applying for university and student finance. Our last presentation was in 2019 having been forced to postpone later events due to Covid-19, but much of the information remains relevant:
2019 Next Steps Evening
Enrichment
Success after leaving Sixth Form involves more than just good exam grades. We encourage and support students to become involved in a wide range of activities to help them become the well-rounded individuals universities and employers want.
Recent opportunities have included;
- Duke of Edinburgh Scheme
- Football and netball teams
- Debating groups
- Study skills days
- Becoming ‘teaching assistants’ in main school
- Individual work placements
- Many visits including to Oxford University, physics students to CERN, Wimbledon and media students to Florida
- Essay writing competitions
Examination Results
Please see this page for information about examination results in the sixth form.
Financial Support
We are able to offer financial support to some students each year from a limited sum of money allocated to us by the government. In priority order we offer;
Compulsory Bursaries of £1200
These bursaries are available to students who are:
- in care
- care leavers
- receiving Income Support, or Universal Credit because they are financially supporting themselves or financially supporting themselves and someone who is dependent on them and living with them such as a child or partner
- receiving Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payments in their own right as well as Employment and Support Allowance or Universal Credit in their own right
Discretionary Bursaries of up to £800
These bursaries are available for students receiving Free School Meals.
Other Discretionary Bursaries
These bursaries are available for students who are suffering from financial hardship that is affecting their education, for example help with difficult financial circumstances, transport costs or school trips. Applications for these bursaries can be made by letter and must be supported by evidence of financial hardship.
Please note that all bursary payments can only be made by BACS transfer into the students own bank accounts. Payments are made weekly and are subject to students fulfilling the terms of their learning agreement.
Pastoral Support
All students have a personal tutor who mentors them and supports their progress. They see their personal tutor each day in Year 12 and also have a tutorial period with them each week in Year 13. Should any pastoral issues arise students can be further supported by their Head Of Year or through referral to a suitable outside agency.
The Sixth Form Day
Morning form period begins at 8.40am and lessons finish at 2.50pm. If students have no timetabled lessons then they are free to sign out.
| Registration | 8.40am - 8.55am |
| Period 1 | 8.55am - 9.45am |
| Period 2 | 9.45am - 10.35am |
| Break | 10.35am - 10.50am |
| Period 3 | 10.50am - 11.40am |
| Period 4 | 11:40am - 12.30 pm |
| Period 5 | 12.30pm - 2.00pm (including 30 minute Lunch break) |
| Period 6 | 2.00pm - 2.50pm |
School will close at 2.10 pm on Wednesdays to facilitate opportunities for staff training and development activities. Some subjects have ‘Period 7’ lessons which run from 3pm until 3:45pm.
Sixth Form Dress Code
Sixth form students are expected to behave as young adults, focusing on personal development and the learning process so are therefore expected to dress in an appropriate manner.
We believe that clear expectations and consistently high standards are essential to success. It is important that our students take pride in their appearance and are aware of the impression that appearance makes as role models within the school and amongst the wider community.
One of our key aims is to prepare students for progression into their chosen career or profession and, in order to support this aim and further strengthen the ethos of study in the sixth form, a smart workplace dress code is in place.
As sixth form students, we wish to give you some freedom in your choice of dress; however, if you do not adhere to our dress code then you will face sanctions that can include removal from lessons or being asked to return home to change. Please use the guidance table below when planning your dress (although this does not cover all eventualities).
The Director of Sixth Form will be the ultimate arbiter in all matters relating to dress and appearance.
| Acceptable | Not acceptable |
|---|---|
| Smart blouse/shirt/top Smart polo shirt/t-shirt/jumper | Crop-top, Bardot top All sportswear (unless you study L3 Sports) |
| Smart trousers, chinos, skirt or dress Leggings with a longer top | Jeans (under no circumstances) / denim Shorts Leggings without a long top |
| Smart shoes Boots (need to be below knee length) Smart trainers/pumps | Ugg-style boots Walking boots |
| One discreet nose-stud | Caps or hats |
For clarification the following is not allowed:
- Leather, P.U., denim (skirts or jeans), play-suits, camouflage, shorts.
- Ripped clothing, offensive slogans, sportswear, bare shoulders or midriff
- Any piercing other than ears and discreet nose stud
- Outdoor coat or jacket should not be worn whilst inside the school building/in class
- Extremes of fashion in hairstyle, make up or dress
It is a safeguarding requirement for all sixth form students to visibly wear their student ID badges on site. This is essential as sixth form students do not wear a school uniform and need to be recognisable in the main school to students and staff.
Please note that you must follow the dress code whilst in sixth form. You should not change into any sports or dance dress until you have that lesson.
Student Finance
Please find below a link to a Martin Lewis programme which may be a useful reminder regarding all things connected with student finance. There is also a section on the UCAS website which covers frequently asked questions. The application process for student finance will open in the spring and I will let you know when you can start to apply and the relevant deadlines.
Tuition Fund Statement
The EFSA 16-19 Tuition Fund Statement can be read here.