Top tips for choosing a Sixth Form

Six weeks into Year 11 might feel a little early to start thinking about Sixth Form but, as Josh Carter, Head of Sixth Form at The King’s School explains, this half-term is the perfect time to start thinking about post-GCSE options.  

He said: “It may still feel a little early but applications for King’s Sixth Form will close at the end of November, and many other schools and colleges have also begun their admissions processes. 

“Applying before the deadline means that we will always be able to accommodate your child’s A Level choices and, importantly, when the exam period begins next Spring, you’ll be glad that their Sixth Form place is sorted and they can channel all of their energy into revision.”

To help you make the right choice for the next step in your child’s education, we asked Mr Carter for his top tips, and the questions you should be asking, when looking for the right Sixth Form.

Should I stay or should I go?

This is the first question that they should be asking. There are 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 Sophie who moved to King’s Sixth Form from her secondary school. Having achieved three A*s in her A Levels this summer, Sophie has recently started a Psychology degree at Newcastle University.

She said: “It wasn’t an easy decision as most 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.

“As a rower with a local club, I also knew that King’s has a great reputation for rowing and it was definitely a bonus that I would be able to row on Wednesday afternoons in my games sessions.”

 

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: “The Sixth Form Centre is a fantastically welcoming and friendly place, and the common room has always been at the centre of that.

“We are therefore really excited that the students who join us in 2023 will enjoy a fully refurbished and extended Sixth Form Centre, complete with larger common room, separate dining area and a brand new lecture theatre.

“In addition, five brand new Sixth Form classrooms on the second floor will be 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, and there is dedicated Sixth Form parking for students.

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.

“At King’s, staff have years of experience when it comes to advising and supporting students with their university applications and we are proud that for the last three years, 80% of our students have secured a place on their first-choice university course.”

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?”

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.”

Sophie took advantage of the numerous opportunities as soon as she joined the school, continuing with her rowing and completing a lifeguard qualification through the Enrichment programme.

She said: “A highlight of my time at King’s was rowing at Henley, something I could never even have imagined before I joined.

“In my final year, I was delighted to be chosen as Lead Prefect for Gladstone House, which gave me great leadership experience.”  

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. 

At King’s, we welcome any prospective parents and students to visit us at a time that is convenient to them.

It’s useful for the whole family to see the school and sixth form on a normal school day but one of the best things a prospective student can do is spend a whole day with us, which is exactly what Sophie 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

To arrange a visit or a 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 30 November and prospective students can apply online now. 

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