A Sixth Form that’s bigger and better than ever

Year 12 intake numbers soar this year!

Over the last few years, Southborough Sixth Form has gone from strength to strength, with year-on-year improvements in exam results and enrolment numbers. We’ve felt proud to see our students go on to study at many good universities, including UCL, Imperial College London, London School of Economics, Bath and Manchester. Equally, we’ve seen students move into highly rewarding apprenticeship positions or fulfilling full time employment.

This year, Southborough Sixth Form was first choice for over 75% of last year’s Year 11 cohort and we received the biggest number of external applications in recent history. This year’s GCSE results at Southborough were our best ever, and it was encouraging to see so many of our highest performing students signing up to join our Sixth Form on results day.

  Foundation Year at Sixth Form

However, one important Sixth Form feature to highlight is that it mirrors the fully inclusive values of our entire school. Whilst we have a wide range of A-level and Level 3 BTEC courses for our more academic students to choose from, we also understand that not everyone develops at the same rate academically and pastorally. As a consequence they may need an extra year at school to achieve the GCSE results that they hope for and need. This is known as our Foundation Year and it offers students an extra year to mature, focus and catch up. Subjects on offer within the Foundation Year Pathway include G.C.S.E. English and Maths retake, Level 2 Home Cooking, Level 2 Photography and Level 2 BTEC Sport. Once students achieve the extra grades they need, they then have the option to either study A-Levels/Level 3 BTEC subject or move to college or go into full time employment. It’s our way of making the difference for ALL our students, whatever their academic ability.

 Clearly the message is getting out there that our Sixth Form is one to be reckoned with. As Head of Sixth Form Mr Needs comments:

“Crucially, we offer all our students sound, well-informed advice and guidance about which courses and qualifications are best for them as individuals, thus ensuring that they have the very best chance of achieving their personal goals and ambitions. Commitment and hard work from both students and staff is a given. However, we also ensure that all our students leave the Sixth Form as confident, happy and independent young adults, fully prepared for the challenges and opportunities that life will provide, and our robust enrichment programme, pastoral care and careers and university advice help no end.”

 

We will be hosting another Sixth Form Open Evening from 6pm onwards on Wednesday 1 October 2025. The Sixth Form Team, along with all subject teachers, will be present to chat to and answer any questions you may have.