Top tips for choosing a Sixth Form

When you’re looking for the right Sixth Form for your child, it can be difficult to be sure that you are making the right decision for your child. After all, they haven’t yet completed a full term in Year 11 and it still feels like a long time until GCSEs. 

We asked Josh Carter, Head of Sixth Form at The King’s School Chester for his advice on finding the Sixth Form that will suit your child best and he started by telling us that now really is the best time to start making that all-important decision. 

He said: “It may still feel a little early but now really is the time to start thinking about Sixth Form for next year.

“It’s absolutely imperative to visit any school or college you are considering and I always recommend to students that they come and spend a day with us on a Taster Day to get a feel for life as a Sixth Former at King’s, and to experience our brand new Sixth Form Centre for themselves.

“Applications to join Sixth Form at King’s will be accepted until the end of November, and many other schools and colleges have similar timelines, so it’s a good idea to visit your shortlist now and get a good idea of what you and your child want from a Sixth Form.”

Here is Mr Carter’s guide to finding the right Sixth Form for you: 

Should I stay or should I go?

This is the first question that they should be asking. There are as many pros and cons to staying in their current school as there are to moving.

One of the best things your child can do is talk to students who have made that move.

Mr Carter said: “Every year, a number of students join King’s in year 12 and their success stories speak for themselves.”

One of those students is Thea who moved to King’s Sixth Form from her secondary school. Thea has thrived in Sixth Form at King’s and has recently submitted her application to study History and Politics at Oxford.

She said: “It wasn’t an easy decision to leave as many of my friends were staying at my old school but I wanted to keep my options open and decided to visit other schools and colleges to see what they had to offer.

“King’s went to top of my list initially because I knew I’d be able to study the combination of subjects I wanted. I was also really impressed with the academic results and university destinations and those were important factors for me.”

Check out the facilities

Excellent teaching facilities – modern classrooms, fully-equipped labs, bright and spacious art studios – are important but the social side of Sixth Form life is important too.

Mr Carter continued: “Our new Sixth Form Centre is fabulous and it has been wonderful to see students making the most of it every day. 

“The main common room has more than doubled in size, we have added a Sixth Form dining area where students eat lunch, and there is even a very popular coffee and milkshake machine!

“The space is light and airy with lots of social space, the study rooms provide quiet work spaces and we have five brand new Sixth Form classrooms that are used exclusively for A Level teaching.”

As well as the teaching and communal areas, think about what other facilities your child will benefit from. For example, King’s Sixth Formers have access to the the gym and swimming pool in the Sports Centre, a new library with private study pods, collaborative workspaces and, of course, academic journals, books and online material, as well as a full-time librarian. We also have dedicated Sixth Form parking for students.

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What’s the goal?

Some students know exactly what they want to do after school, but most don’t. A good Sixth Form will give them the right support and information to make that decision, and then help them achieve it.

Mr Carter again: “Certain courses are highly competitive and it takes more than top A Level results to get in.

“Our staff have years of experience when it comes to advising and supporting students with their university applications. This year, 86% of students secured a place at their first-choice university to study courses as varied as Medicine, Law, Modern Languages, Geography, Music and Fine Art.”

Mr Carter’s advice? “Look at the stats and ask the questions that are relevant to your child. For example, “Where have former students gone on to study? How many Medicine applicants are offered places each year? Do students ever go on to a conservatoire or art school? How does the school support students with additional entrance exams?”

It’s not all academic

Mr Carter stresses the importance and value of a good co-curricular programme: “The students who fully involve themselves in the extensive co-curricular programme here at King’s are invariably our highest achievers.

“We also understand the need for students to balance their academic studies. Wednesday afternoons are set aside for sport which, as well as offering an outlet from the academic, also give students an opportunity to form friendships outside of the classroom.

“In addition, our Friday afternoon enrichment programme is a great opportunity for students to widen their horizons, learn new skills, or volunteer with local organisations.”

Thea has also relished the opportunity to develop her leadership skills through her role as a prefect. 

She said: “I am the History prefect which means that I help to run the weekly History Club. It’s one of the school’s most popular lunchtime clubs and I really enjoy sharing my passion for History with pupils from all year groups. I also like encouraging the younger pupils to share their interests in the club, and it means that I often learn new things too!”

Mr Carter again: “Co-curricular involvement, leadership opportunities, teamwork and collaboration are all essential for any well-rounded, ambitious student, and they are much sought after by universities.

“Choose a Sixth Form that offers these opportunities and then encourage your child to take advantage of them.”

Try it on for size

The best way to know if a Sixth Form is right for your child is to visit. 

We encourage families to come and see us on a normal school day and welcome prospective parents and students to take a private tour at any time that is convenient to them. 

Taster days are also very popular and they give prospective students a chance to experience a whole day with us, which is exactly what Thea did.

She explained: “I had a taster day early on and immediately felt really comfortable at King’s.

“I was really impressed with the facilities and the teachers but more than anything, I really enjoyed spending time with the other students. It just felt like a positive, supportive environment and I knew it would suit me.”         

How to apply

Book now to attend our Sixth Form Options Evening on Thursday, 14 November – Sixth Form Options Evening – Register Now – The King’s School Chester

To arrange a private tour or Taster Day, please contact the Admissions Manager on 01244 689553 or by email at admissions@kingschester.co.uk 

King’s Sixth Form is accepting applications until 25 November and prospective students can apply online now. Interviews will be held on Thursday, 5 December. 

For more information about the application process, including available bursaries and dates for our Sixth Form interviews, please see our website.