Search parents| menu
Sixth Form Sixth Form Sixth Form Sixth Form Sixth Form

Sixth Form

The sixth form years are often the most memorable of one’s school career, and here at King Edward’s the experience invariably lives up to that billing.

Being at the top end of the School brings so many exciting challenges and opportunities both in and out of the classroom, as well as the responsibilities inherent in being a leading member of the KES community. The deep friendships that form and develop during these two years can last a lifetime, and a winning mix of ambition and achievement makes for a very successful recipe indeed.

The academic results gained each year by our leavers help to rank King Edward’s as one of the leading schools of its kind in the country and one of the top performing schools of any kind in the south-west of England. But beyond the delights of superb A Level grades and outstanding university successes, we remain rightly proud of the fantastic partnerships and relationships that are forged here and of all the wonderful virtues and qualities of our pupils that help to make the sixth form at King Edward’s such a dynamic and enjoyable place to be.

Martin Boden
Headmaster


 

A LEVEL RESULTS 2023

To view our latest A Level results, please click here

UNIVERSITY DESTINATIONS 2023

To view our 2023 university destinations, please click here.
 


our events


 


Academic Study Academic Study

Academic study is only a part of what being a King Edward’s sixth former is all about; it is the sense of community and the exciting atmosphere of learning with enthusiastic and talented peers in a supportive, caring and ambitious environment that embodies our sixth form.

A Level study gives you the chance to select the subjects that you are interested in and to develop these interests in real depth. 

There are around 30 subjects on offer in the sixth form, with almost any combination possible. Although there are many different factors to take into account when making your choice of subject, enjoyment and likelihood of success will inevitably rank high amongst the considerations.

Most of the subjects that are available at A Level will have been studied at GCSE, but there are also others that will be new to you.  Most pupils study four subjects (or five if taking Further Maths) in Year 12, with the majority continuing with three or four in Year 13.

Inspiring teachers, smaller classes and an increased maturity and motivation mean that Sixth Form lessons take place in a stimulating and enjoyable learning environment. Pupils develop a thirst for knowledge and intellectual challenge and become increasingly independent in their learning. Developing this sense of independence and self-motivation during the Sixth form is excellent preparation for heading off to university or college within just a couple of years.

Form Tutors Form Tutors

The Sixth Form is about self-discovery, growing independence and learning to lead within the school community. Most Year 11 pupils continue into Year 12 and are joined at this stage by approximately 30 pupils from other schools.

They are placed into one of 15 small tutor groups, which comprise a mixture of Year 12 and Year 13 pupils; real integration and a mature sense of purpose is our aim.

Tutors at this stage of the school remain the first port of call for their charges and their families, providing support from the start of the Sixth Form through to receiving A Level results and moving on to university. The tutors play a key role in the process of applying to university, giving advice and preparing UCAS references. At this stage of the school we aim to foster an adult working relationship between pupils and their teachers, with our young people increasingly taking responsibility for their studies and activities.

Co-Curricular Co-Curricular

Beyond the classroom, pupils are encouraged to take lead roles in the organisation of the School, be it in positions of responsibility as prefects or by running their own clubs and societies.  They challenge themselves across activities, ranging from the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award through to Model United Nations, drama productions, the Combined Cadet Force and countless musical groups.  It is through these opportunities that they develop their leadership skills, use their initiative and their individuality and abilities are given a platform upon which to shine.

These opportunities also give them the chance to give back something to the School community, a community that has given them so much but one that they need to nurture. At the end of their two short years in the Sixth Form, it is hoped that each pupil has developed their academic potential fully, that they have been challenged and inspired both in and out of the classroom and that they have developed numerous happy memories

Facilities Facilities

The newly refurbished Sixth Form Centre is the hub of Sixth Form life at KES, combining spaces for study and socialising, helping to prepare our young adults for the opportunities and working patterns of the 21st century.

This new contemporary space has been designed to engage and motivate our Sixth Formers, accommodating a range of workstyles and study needs and serving as a backdrop to the more independent approach to learning at this stage of education, whilst echoing the style of environment found in co-working hubs in cities and at universities.

The open plan setting is gently zoned, offering areas for smaller groups to work together or interact

socially. These collaborative spaces are ideal for pupils participating in group work around laptops, actively engaging and sharing ideas or simply catching up with friends. Enriching the social experience further, the Centre is served by a café which offers a range of drinks, snacks and light meals.

Moving beyond the main open plan environment, the Centre offers several designated rooms for self-directed, quiet and silent study, with wi-fi access available throughout.

Sixth formers can also choose to study in the Porter Library, have lunch in the Willet Hall, (both found in our state-of-the-art Wessex Building) or play sports on our all-weather pitch.

Beyond King Edward's Beyond King Edward's

The vast majority of our sixth formers look to continue to university or college once they have completed their A Levels. Pupils and parents receive advice from our experienced Head of UCAS and Higher Education, as well as from tutors and subject teachers. Some pupils decide to take a gap year and use it to travel or gain valuable work experience.

Whilst sixth formers naturally move onto the next stage of their education after A Levels, they remain part of the wider KES network. The formative experience of learning at King Edward’s, along with strong friendships, often first developed at the School, provide the basis for a life-long connection with KES.

Career Guidance

My teachers have been so supportive during my application to university. They’ve helped with my personal statement and have guided me throughout my university interviews.

Current Pupil

 

explore more
Academic Results
Academic Results
Sixth Form Open Event
Sixth Form Open Event
Open Days & Visits
Open Days & Visits
University Destinations
University Destinations