Transition to Sixth Form

All Upper Fifth pupils will take the Futurewise Profiling Assessment in September and October, which is designed to explore skills and aptitudes that relate to future higher education and career aspirations.

The assessment is followed by one-to-one meetings with a Careers Advisor; these meetings are geared to consider and develop careers ideas, to explore future work experience arrangements and taster courses, while also suggesting possible future A Level choices.

Pupils and parents will be invited to attend the College's Introduction to Sixth Form Evening in November of their Upper Fifth year. This will involve a series of presentations from the Head of Sixth Form and others, and the opportunity for meetings with departments and teachers to discuss the nature of A level specifications and work styles in each subject. Department displays and activities will further exemplify the excitement of study at this level.

You can join us at the Sixth Form Open Morning on Saturday 16^th October and read more about entry procedures into the Sixth Form here.

The College assumes all Upper Fifth pupils will wish to transfer to the Sixth Form, unless formal notice is given. A term's notice is required, though wherever possible, we would encourage earlier discussions of alternative plans.

In February, the Head will make the offer of an unconditional Sixth Form place to each Upper Fifth Former on the basis of satisfactory mock exam results in January; those whose mock results are below the required level will be advised of the future requirements to be achieved if a place is to be confirmed.

Entry to the Sixth Form will normally be conditional on the achievement of:

• Minimum of either 7 grade 6 GCSEs or 3 grade 7s and 2 grade 6 GCSEs;
• At least a 6 grade in the GCSE (or related) subject for each A Level;
• A good disciplinary and attendance record.

Guidance on A Level choices will be given at the Introduction to Sixth Form Evening, through tutor groups and Houses, and from the Head of Sixth Form to small groups.  You can read about the wide range of A Level subjects offered here. 

Individual queries will be dealt with on an ad hoc basis by the tutor, House staff or members of the Sixth Form team.

All Upper Fifth Formers are advised to consider future university and career aspirations when deciding on A Level subjects, and are encouraged to discuss their plans with the Higher Education & Careers Department.