Welcome to Sixth Form | North Oxfordshire Academy

Welcome to North Oxfordshire Academy Sixth Form

We are proud to offer an inclusive and ambitious Sixth Form where students are supported to achieve their academic potential and prepare confidently for their next steps.

We combine high expectations with strong pastoral support, high-quality teaching and personalised guidance. Students benefit from careers education, support with university and apprenticeship applications, and opportunities to develop their character, independence and leadership.

Whether students are aiming for university, an apprenticeship or employment, our aim is to ensure that every student leaves North Oxfordshire Academy Sixth Form well prepared for their future.

Character and Culture

At North Oxfordshire Academy Sixth Form, character development sits alongside academic achievement. We want students to leave us as confident, ambitious, respectful and determined young adults who are prepared for their next steps.

Sixth Form students are encouraged to take an active role in academy life, develop their independence and make the most of opportunities beyond their academic courses. Through tutor time, enrichment, leadership opportunities, careers education and wider experiences, students are supported to develop the skills and qualities they will need for university, apprenticeships, employment and adult life.

Our NOA Character Values are:

Confidence, Ambition, Respect and Determination.

Confidence

Students develop confidence when they are given opportunities to take risks, lead and reflect on their successes.

How we develop it:

Encourage students to contribute to discussions and debates.
Provide leadership roles such as head team, teaching assistants, ambassadors and mentors
Support public speaking through presentations, assemblies and enrichment activities.
Celebrate effort and progress, not just attainment.
Offer one to one conversations that help students recognise their strengths.
Encourage participation in work experience, competitions and wider enrichment activities.

Ambition

Students develop ambition when they are encouraged to aspire beyond their current circumstances and pursue challenging goals.

How we develop it:

Set aspirational academic targets and regularly review progress.
Expose students to a wide range of university, apprenticeship and career pathways.
Invite speakers from industry and higher education.
Promote super-curricular learning beyond examination specifications.
Support students to apply for competitive programmes, scholarships and leadership opportunities.
Share examples of former students who have achieved success.

Respect

Students develop respect by learning to value themselves, others and the community around them.

How we develop it:

Establish clear expectations for behaviour, communication and conduct.
Foster an inclusive culture where diverse perspectives are welcomed.
Encourage active listening and constructive disagreement.
Promote community service and volunteering.
Model respectful relationships between staff and students.
Develop cultural awareness through enrichment, PSHE and tutorial programmes.

Determination

Students develop determination when they learn to persevere through challenge and view setbacks as opportunities for growth.

How we develop it:

Teach resilience and growth mindset strategies.
Set high expectations and provide support to meet them.
Encourage reflection following assessments and setbacks.
Recognise persistence and commitment alongside achievement.
Support students in balancing academic, personal and enrichment commitments.
Use coaching approaches that focus on problem-solving and next steps.

Character Tutor Programme and PSHE

PSHE

Sixth Form students follow a tailored PSHE programme that builds on their learning at Key Stage 4 and supports their preparation for adult life. Topics are delivered through dedicated PSHE sessions, assemblies and tutor activities, with provision adapted where appropriate to reflect the needs of our students.

Character Tutor Programme

Tutor time plays an important role in Sixth Form personal development. Through discussion, reading, debate and wider activities, students develop their confidence, communication skills, cultural awareness and understanding of the world around them.

The programme supports students' Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) development and promotes the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

Alongside the wider Sixth Form curriculum, enrichment and leadership opportunities, this helps students develop as confident, ambitious, respectful and determined young adults who are prepared for higher education, apprenticeships, employment and active citizenship.

Oxbridge

Students with the academic potential to apply to the University of Oxford or the University of Cambridge are supported through our dedicated Oxbridge mentoring programme.

Eligible students receive additional guidance to help them understand the application process and prepare for the academic demands of a competitive university application. Support is tailored to individual students and their chosen courses.

understand the application process and entry requirements
develop critical reading and academic discussion skills
prepare for university interviews
access support with admissions tests where required
receive guidance appropriate to their chosen course and university application

Sixth Form Results and Destinations

Find out more about our latest Sixth Form results, student destinations and official performance information on our Performance and Results page.