Student perspective

What can you expect day to day school life to be like?

Whilst our Sixth Form is set within a school, it feels quite different to lower school in many ways. Students typically study 3 subjects at Sixth Form with four hours per subject in lessons. Students are expected to complete much more independent work than at GCSE in order to support their depth of knowledge and mastery in their subject topics. 

Beyond these lessons, students have advisory every morning and assembly one morning a week so the day starts at 8.25am. The advisory sessions are a daily contact with their advisor who will teach the advisory programme as well as check in pastorally to ensure students are happy and supported. 

Students also have one period of PSHRE a week which covers statutory content around Personal, Social, Health and Relationships Education  and is taught by a dedicated team of specialists. The curriculum is designed using student voice to ensure students feel ownership of the lessons and we meet the needs of each specific cohort. 

A supportive working environment 

All students are allocated a minimum of four study periods a week, these are usually in the sixth form study area but where appropriate they may be with a subject specialist for more targeted intervention. These periods are an opportunity to work in a productive environment with space, resources and staff to support students achieving their set goals. 

When students start Year 12, they complete all their non-taught sessions as study periods at school as we assess their level of independent learning. By module 2, most students are then able to leave site and choose where they study beyond the allocated four study periods as both staff and families are in agreement the student is able to thrive with more independence. For students who require more structured time and support, we work with students and their families to ensure their timetable produces the best outcomes. 

We appreciate that students joining Sixth Form are transitioning from 25 periods of lessons taught by subject teachers to around 13-15 lessons. Our induction programme ensures students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to utilise this level of independence effectively. Our study area is staffed all day by our Student Support Manager with a working office culture where students can expect to work in a disruption free environment but also collaborate with peers for support on work and grab a drink from the kitchen in the study area. Our module 1 feedback from new year 12 reflects the success of this approach: 

"I love the study area, because I get to do independent work, and things that I would have to do at home, I manage to get done at school instead."

"What I enjoy most about my sixth form life is the sense of knowing what you are going to study, you become independent and train your brain into the study mode. The structure of sixth form allows me to manage my own time effectively, which has helped me become more organised and self-motivated."

"I have more freedom to take walks during breaks and to use my study periods and 'free' periods to study as I see fit"

Many students choose to use their 'free' non-contact time periods to volunteer, have a part time job, driving lessons or extra curricular activities and manage their independent study around this in their time at home. 

Whilst our school policy around mobile phones is 'on site, out of sight' Sixth Form students are allowed to utilise their phones and headphones in the Sixth Form study area only.

Farewell from Our Outgoing Head Students – Emily Walton & Isaac Barker 

As our Head Students for 2024/25, Emily Walton and Isaac Barker, complete their time with us, they’ve shared what makes our Sixth Form truly special. 

Both spoke about the strong sense of community, the supportive teachers, and the wide range of opportunities that help every student thrive. 

Emily reflected on how the Sixth Form encourages confidence and independence, while Isaac highlighted the close friendships and encouraging atmosphere that make it a place where everyone feels valued. Their leadership and positivity have left a lasting mark, and we wish them every success in their next chapter.

Emily has commenced her career in education with a role as a Teaching Assistant at Nexus School. 

Isaac has commenced his studies at the University of Bristol to study Physics with Study Abroad in a Modern Language.