Overview

We are extremely proud of our Post 16 provision for a wide variety of reasons and especially proud of our students who are fully involved in the school and local community. We are particularly proud that students who leave our sixth form go on to follow their dreams and ambitions, whether that be medicine at university, apprenticeships in quantity surveying or entering the world of work.

Whilst appreciating that A level study has changed and demands real focus and determination, our Post 16 provision is fully inclusive; it is our duty to determine for all our cohorts pathways that will inevitably lead to success hence our commitment to the apprenticeship scheme at level 2 and 3 as well as a wide choice of A levels. Operating within our consortium The Learning Partners (Loreto College, STAGS, Samuel Ryder Academy and Townsend), we are able to offer 32 A levels and guarantee teaching of an extremely high quality.

In its last visit, Ofsted stated that “Attendance amongst sixth-form students is high, particularly in Year 12, because you are embedding a culture of good attendance and of high aspiration.” They go on to say "Sixth-form students speak very positively about the support that they are given, explaining that their work is interesting and challenging. They say that they are keen to reach their target grades, and know how to do so. This was evident during inspectors’ observations of their learning. Students appreciate the guidance about applying to university, entering the workplace or securing high-level apprenticeships; they say it is useful and motivates them."

Resources and Facilities

All our Post 16 students are immersed fully in school life lower down the school, they support in lessons, help with reading, support Year 7 transition, act as prefects and support staff with productions, external visits and high-profile school events. Within our volunteering programme captains of industry, company directors and entrepreneurs are regularly in school to encourage, motivate and inspire achievement at the highest levels; there is also an ongoing commitment to equipping our students with the skills needed to support independent living, including financial advice, health and well-being or living on a budget. As part of our enrichment programme, we offer trips and in-house workshops throughout the academic year, some of which are linked to specific subject areas.