Sixth Sense: What to look for when choosing a Sixth Form 

By Elizabeth Aherne, Head of Sixth form 

Choosing the right Sixth Form can be a game-changer for your child’s post GCSE education.  

Whether GCSEs have gone spectacularly well or were more challenging than expected, Sixth Form offers a fresh and exciting learning experience. It’s a chance to dive deeply into subjects your child is passionate about, potentially shaping their entire future.  This phase is not just about academic growth; it's about embracing new-found independence, mastering time management, and balancing studies with a broader life. In the right environment, these two years can lead to tremendous personal and academic development. 

When looking at potential Sixth Forms for your son or daughter, keep these five essential pointers in mind.  

1. Feel the soul 

I have visited countless schools and Sixth Forms and there are those where you can feel an indefinable “something” in the air. Much like viewing houses, you get a certain “feeling” from seeing Sixth Form learning in action and this has nothing to do with the fixtures and fittings. All the latest classroom tech can mean nothing if there is no “soul”. The intangible magic of purposeful engagement, enjoyment of learning and positive energy fizzing around the classroom is something you’ll sense when you see it in action. 

2. Ask about the majority (not the minority)  

All schools will parade their Oxbridge acceptance rates and their elite sporting and musical achievements, but these are exactly that, the exceptions. Ask about the majority of students. Do the bulk of the students get solid university offers? Do all students, whatever their ability, get involved in a wide range of activities? How a school adds value to its weaker students is often a more powerful gauge of the teaching ability of the staff. 

 

3. Look for signs that individual growth is prioritised 

How interested is the school in your child as an individual? Have you been able to talk at length about their passions and interests inside and outside of school? All students have strengths and weaknesses.  Does the admissions process allow you to explore subject options and assess the flexibility and support available if things don’t go as planned? In the extra-and super-curricular programme, is there something which fits your child’s specific interests and talents? Will each student be seen, treated and valued as an individual or merely fed into the examination pipeline?  

4. Check values are aligned 

As you look around a Sixth Form, do you sense a shared understanding and commitment to certain standards of behaviour? Most schools will talk about their values, but is there more than just words? Observe how students and staff interact with one another and with you. Are the students able to articulate the particular ethos of their Sixth Form? Do they exhibit courtesy, kindness, friendliness, and positivity? Do these values resonate with the environment you want for your own child?  

5. Look beyond exam results 

Grades are important, and you will be seeking the best possible outcomes, but Sixth Form is also preparation for life. Look for a commitment to developing the whole person beyond examination performance.  

Ultimately, choosing the right Sixth Form is about finding a place where your child can thrive academically, personally, and socially. At Mayfield, our educational mission is to support both academic and personal development equally. We aim to shape informed and proactive young women who thrive on challenges and are prepared to contribute in their chosen fields. So, how will the school you choose shape your child's future? 

Mayfield School is holding a Sixth Form Information Evening on Wednesday 25th September. Come and discover the Mayfield difference. Book your place here.