A teenager’s sixth form (or Key Stage five) education is a very important time. These final two years of secondary schooling are optional, and are an opportunity for students aged 16 to 18 to make serious and important decisions about their future plans.
Normally sixth formers work on their preparation for qualifications such as A Level exams, although increasing numbers of schools and sixth form colleges are opting for alternative qualifications such as the International Baccalaureate and vocational subjects such as GNVQs. Teaching quality and facilities have a significant impact on the nature of qualifications that students receive, and these obviously will really play a part in students’ future plans. So it’s really important that parents and students think carefully about selecting a sixth form learning institution.
The Options
Most UK students either stay on at school to study for in a school’s sixth form, which may be split up into 'Lower Sixth' and 'Upper Sixth' at some schools, or attend 'sixth form colleges' also known as 'further education colleges'.
Tell us your circumstances and we will map out a realistic school application strategy that maximises your chance of getting your preferred school.
Try our School Application Strategist free, here on this site →How to Decide
The first question to consider is what your child wants to study. Obviously the factors include a look at the subjects that he or she is best at, and enjoys most, but also what subjects are required for the more long-term life plans. Wannabe doctors, for example, will have to do science A Levels.
Consider what kind of teaching structure works best - colleges, for example, will usually teach in larger scales than small sixth form classes at private schools. Look at whether your school or college options provide the academic qualifications that you need, be they AS or A levels, or BTECs, City and Guilds or OCR Nationals. Some colleges also offer the new Diploma qualification for 14 to 19 year olds, so look into what is available.
Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.
Further Education Colleges - More Information
At a further education college, the whole curriculum is geared around older students. Your classmates may include older adults as well as young people, and the college may specialise in a specific sector - such as art and design, or sport. There may be more social activities organised for people of your age, but equally some further education colleges might only focus on providing an education and ignore the extra curricular activities that are routinely provided as a matter of course at many sixth forms within secondary schools. As these colleges are usually larger scale, they may be further from your house. Consider whether a longer daily commute is worth the benefits.
When to Apply
Most colleges and sixth forms within schools will start to open their application process in the autumn term of Year 11. This is the time when you and your child should be visiting colleges and schools, going to open days, talking to former and current students and finding out more about the studying options available. Note, however, that normally it is not necessary to submit an application if you want to remain at your current school’s own sixth form.
I have done Grade 12 from federal board Pakistan. Now I have migrated to UK. Now I am confused about the courses and admission process. Kindly help and guide me.
UK frame work levels
RQF LEVEL 2/SCQF LEVEL 5
CQFW LEVEL 2
COMPARABLE UK QUALIFICATION:
GCSE(GRADES A-C/9-4
SCOTTISH NATIONAL 5(GRADE A-C)
INTERMEDIATE WELSH BACCALAUREATE
GCSE - MATHS EQUIVALENT
GCSE - ENGLISH EQUIVALENT
I don't know if the above grades is enough to enrolled in university or I'll need to do two years six form. Kindly advice
Best regards
Audrey Plassi
Many thanks
Oh, to answer your question: ** A-level is the name of the curriculum they study for 2 years / the qualification they receive after passing their exam in the 2nd year, students usually study 3-4 subjects, depending on the school.
** 6th form (also known as Post-16) relates to their final years of compulsory education (6th formers =Year 12 and 13 students) before University or work. This could be a 6th form college, or 6th form provided by a secondary school.
**IB is an alternative choice of curriculum(2 years) that provides them with a Diploma in 6 of their chosen subjects, they also have a career related route, where they would normally only study 2-3 of the diploma subjects and some schools allow you to add a BTEC subject onto it as well.
**BTEC courses are also an option, this is more focused on 1 subject usually
**I still highly recommend IB as choice 1, and A-Level as an alternative at a 6th form secondary school.
-- I hope this helps -- Good luck :)
Have you looked into International Baccalaureate instead of A-Levels? This is a very good programme especially for international students. Depending on the area you live in there are a few really really good state schools offering IB instead of A-Levels, they may also still be able to offer you a place for this year. We are actually relocating for next year as my daughter wants to do IB. Good luck!
Do schools have to keep a certain number of places available for pupils moving into the area, like primary & secondary schools?
TIA
My goddaughter, an EU citizen, would like to do her A-level studies in the UK whilst me, an UK resident, will become her guardian. Could she apply to state-funded colleges given the circumstances?
Thank you,
Irina
I want to apply but its late
is there any opportunity to enter the sixth form
Her school say that she may have to leave the 6th form because the did not get 9A to A*. Dose any one know of any good 6th form school. Privet or otherwise.
Thanks
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks
My son is 16. I want to find him a good school to study sixth form. Is there still time to find school and apply??
Thanks
I was wondering if you will help me please. My neice who is under 16 and and lives in Nigeria will be finishing her secondary education this year and is looking at coming to the UK for her 6th form with a view to preparing her for university life in the UK. We are happy to pay school fees but not as expensive as attending a private school. I live in Crayford Kent but don't know where how how to find a school that would accept her. Most of the schools I have contacted want home student as they can't accept school fees. Any advice would do please.
Regards,
Reo.
Can somebody please help me - I'd like to know the legal age limit for someone to stay in Sixth Form
- As I am currently 20 and wishing to remain in sixth form for 1 final year to do my second year of two btec courses and A2 Sociology
- My head of sixth form isn't sure about this unfortunately so I ask if someone can please give me a straight answer that is backed up by something evident (official website link unless you definetely know otherwise)
Thank you
is getting accepted well all there is to do is hope for the best and pray.
Ask Get the Right School a question
Ask our editorial team a question and we will reply with our advice. Tell us as much about your situation as you can: the more detail you give, the more useful our answer can be.
You do not need to use your real name. Please do not include your full address, phone number, email address, or the names of other people. We may edit or remove identifying details for privacy and legal reasons.
Comments are moderated before publication.