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 have high expecations of our students and deliver outstanding lessons, with additional support when required. All students recieve career advice, and one to one UCAS support, plus have access to a rich character programme which aims to develop well rounded individuals ready for their next pathway.

Our Oxbridge and Russell Group mentoring programme (which launched in 2018) has been a great success, and we have placed students at these top universities (2019 -2022). Those who enrol into our sixth form are automatically enrolled onto these programmes if they are eligible, and meet the entry requirements of these institutions. We are proud of the destinations our students move onto, which range from universities, to local apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships. 

Culture

We are proud to be NOA, and each 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 24 external applications for September 2024.

Our students understand the core values within our academy and have high aspirations for themselves. Our sixth form students respect the community, themselves and have ambition to achieve the best results. Through determination, they achieve the results they need for their next pathway.

Respect

Ambition

Determination

We have high expecations of our students and high standards to promote positive outcomes:

• 19 hours a week additional study time allocated to timetables for students to practise and apply their learning
• A culture of independent learning, facilitated by their classroom teachers and sixth form leaders
• Regular communication home to discuss attendance, progress and wellbeing through open dialogue with teachers
• Regular feedback which students are required to action to ensure they are improving their outcomes
• Regular folder checks, learning walks and student voice to ensure we are providing the best opportunities for our students to be successful
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Tutor

Students have a dedicated tutor who is the first point of contact for any concerns around:

• Attendance
• Wellbeing
• Progress

Tutors are Key Stage 5 teachers and deliver a tailored PSHE tutor programme, which prepares students for life beyond sixth form. Topics cover relationships, current affairs, finances, careers and health and wellbeing, in addition to extended tutor mornings which include external speakers every term.

Tutor runs Monday - Friday and assemblies are delivered by the sixth form team. 

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 and 3 students accepted in 2022.

We are currently working with five applicants for 2025 entry and hope to continue the success of the programme. It is led by the Head of Sixth Form, 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.