Choosing
How should you choose a Sixth Form College?
The first consideration is “does it offer the required courses?” As a rule – the smaller the school/college, the smaller the range of A level courses. Most colleges are going to offer basic courses – English, mathematics, history etc, - totalling in the region of 20 to 24 courses – but the larger colleges may offer 40 or more, often including a range of vocational courses – which relate to specific careers. The International Baccalaureate is available in less than 100 independent schools.
The second major consideration is teaching experience, particularly if you are considering a less popular course. The same rules apply in selecting any school – ask questions and meet the College Principal and tutors.
The third consideration is class size. It will normally have reduced to between 6 to 12 for A levels. Plainly this permits more individual student attention, but if it is too small, it could mean insufficient interaction with other students
Fourthly, you should look at academic success record. There is always controversy about league tables because some schools are very selective on entry, thereby ensuring their A level results are invariably top rated. Many of such schools will have A level pass rates exceeding 95% and indeed some schools achieve more than 65% A and B grades. This is obviously the kind of track record which is excellent, especially as entry to elite Universities (e.g the Russell Group) will usually demand A or B grades. However, before selecting a school on this basis, do ask yourself if your son or daughter will thrive in a high pressure academic environment. For more information – see reviews.independentschools.com
Fifthly, location may be important to you. The majority of discrete Sixth Form Colleges are centrally based in major cities. However, there are many senior schools with Sixth Forms in provincial locations. As a generalisation, City based colleges are not going to have such a wide range of school facilities such as swimming pools, sports facilities and Arts / Drama centres. They will usually make up for this by facilities arranged with external bodies in the City.
If boarding facilities are important, then a Senior Independent School will likely have more dedicated accommodation. City based discrete colleges will normally have other accommodation arrangements, which may be separate bespoke student accommodation or simply a range of student digs in private residences. This does give the option of variety and price flexibility. Parents need to be sure that there is adequate supervision for under 18s.
Further information
If you would like assistance in selecting a Sixth form college click here |
