Welcome to Sixth Form

We are proud of the journey our sixth form has taken since opening in September 2008. Having been part of the sixth form team since 2012, first as Head of Year 12 and then KS5 Curriculum Coordinator before being appointed as Head of Sixth Form, I have seen how the sixth form has continued to evolve into a quality first provider for our local community. 

Our sixth form promotes our values and ethos through our inclusivity, high expectations and excellent pastoral care. We pride ourselves on our enrichment and super curricular opportunities which promote high aspirations and our community ethos through volunteering and leadership opportunities. Students receive one to one support from our experienced Key Stage 5 sixth form team who provide guidance on pathways, careers, and wellbeing. All students receive good quality first teaching from subject specialists who are passionate about their courses.

Since taking on the leadership of NOA sixth form in 2018, we have had great success with the launch of our Oxbridge mentoring programme which has seen students accepted into Oxford or Cambridge each year. However, we do also understand that university is not for everyone and have excellent links with local apprenticeship providers with our students securing positions at the end of Year 13. 

Culture

This year over 120 students are enrolled on full time Year 12 and Year 13 courses. Despite the steady increase in student numbers, class sizes are relatively small (15 students on average), and this is central to our commitment to a relentless focus on high quality student learning. We welcome students from neighbouring schools and are delighted to be first choice for students from local providers; this year we welcome 10 external students to our school.

Another integral part of the Sixth Form ethos is the understanding that all young people have different skills, abilities and aspirations; with this in mind, whilst one of our clear goals is securing our students places at the UK’s top universities, we also work hard to support and develop those who are pursuing more vocational pathways and careers. Last year, 32 of our Year 13 students gained places on university courses, while another 25 successfully progressed into full time employment or apprenticeships. All of these students benefitted from our career support programme which offers a range of services including training and guidance from our full time UCAS Co-ordinator, one to one career guidance with our Business, Enterprise and Careers Development Co-ordinator, access to our well established academic mentoring programme and participation in the nationally recognised Career Academy scheme.

We have high expectations of our students and look to develop their independent learning skills whilst also supporting their mental well-being through a tailored pastoral care system. We have a small and inclusive Sixth Form which allows us to support students and parents with students’ transition into further education. In both our curriculum and the support we give our students around their learning, our main concern has been, and always will be, to create a stimulating, supportive and challenging environment giving young people the opportunity to pursue qualifications, skills and life changing experiences.

Tutor

Both year groups have a designated tutor who will support them pastorally and academically throughout their time at NOA. The tutor programme is designed to develop students’ skills and provide opportunity for learning about the world around them. We encourage debating, discussion and reflection through workshops which are led by tutors and the sixth form team. Students meet with their tutor and have a one-to-one meeting every term to discuss progress, attendance and welfare. It is expected that students engage with the tutor programme to ensure they get the best out of their experience in Sixth Form.

Oxbridge

We successfully launched our Oxbridge mentoring programme in 2018 which prepares students who meet the criteria for Oxford or Cambridge. In 2018 we secured one interview; in 2019 we secured three interviews and three offers, with all students getting accepted (Veterinary Medicine, Chemistry and English Literature); in 2021 one student secured their place to study History at Oxford. 

We are currently working with five applicants for 2022 entry and hope to continue the success of the programme. It is led by the Head of Sixth Form and the UCAS Coordinator, plus external support from Oxbridge admissions and Surbiton High School. Our students complete interview preparation, admission testing and get one to one support with their personal statement plus join debates and discussions in a group environment.