UK Colleges Guide
What makes a Sixth Form College?
Many senior schools or all-through schools (4-18) will simply call their sixth form a college and possibly house it in a separate building on, or close to, the main campus. Alternatively, there are institutions catering only for sixth formers – usually city-based, often quite large and offering a wider range of subjects, sometimes including higher education and vocational courses as well.
The atmosphere within a dedicated sixth form college or study centre is considerably less formal than in a school or a sixth form within a school. Students are expected and encouraged to become independent learners, with appropriate guidance from college tutors. Study skills courses may be on offer within the college to enable students to learn how to study in this new environment, touching on topics such as time management, efficient note taking, revision methods and exam technique.
For some students, sixth form college is the ideal stepping stone in the transition from school to university, whilst others are happier, if the courses offered are suitable, to continue their education on the same campus as their senior school, in familiar surroundings and following more traditional teaching methods.
Colleges may offer specialist preparation for entry to Oxford and Cambridge Universities, or to medical or law schools. Individual colleges will provide details of their services on their websites, or else from their offices.
