Choosing a Sixth Form College
How should you choose an independent Sixth Form College?
When deciding which college to attend, there are a number of important points to consider.
Course Availability
The first question to ask is, “does the college offer the required courses?” As a rule of thumb – the smaller the school/college, the smaller the range of A-level courses that will be available. Most colleges offer basic courses - English, Mathematics, History - totalling around 20-24 courses, but larger colleges may offer 40 or more, perhaps including a range of vocational courses which relate to specific careers. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is available in more than 200 schools and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Teaching
The next major consideration is teaching experience and quality, particularly if you are considering a less popular course. Are the tutors suitably qualified to teach the courses on offer? The same rules apply when selecting any school or college – ask questions and meet the Principal and tutors, who will be happy to discuss any concerns. Prospective students will want to be sure that there is a relatively low staff turnover and that the tutors are likely to remain at the college for the duration of their course.
Class Size
For A-level, class sizes are likely to be around 6 to 12 students. Plainly this permits more individual student attention which is one of the principal advantages of the private sixth form college. However, it is important to beware that if the class is too small, it could mean insufficient interaction with other students. Some colleges will be able to offer 1-1 tuition in certain subjects, but this would be according to availability and at extra cost.
Results
You should look at the school or college’s academic success record. There is always controversy about league tables because some colleges are very selective on entry, thereby ensuring their A-level results are invariably top rated. Many such schools will have A-level pass rates exceeding 95% and indeed some sixth forms achieve more than 65% A and B grades. This track record is excellent, especially as entry to elite universities (e.g the Russell Group) will usually demand A or B grades. The new A* grade was introduced in 2010 and 30% of the A* awards went to students from independent establishments. 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 these reviews.
Location
You may be concerned about location and should be aware that the majority of discrete sixth form colleges are centrally based in major cities such as Birmingham or London. However, there are many senior schools with Sixth Forms in provincial locations. Generally speaking, city-based colleges will not have a very wide range of facilities such as swimming pools, sports grounds or gyms and Arts or Drama centres but they will usually remedy this lack by arranging the use of off-site facilities nearby.
Some points to consider when making your selection of independent sixth form college might include:
- What is my child hoping to achieve as a result of his/her sixth form studies?
- Is s/he more likely to thrive in a college or school environment?
- Are his/her subject options/combination available at the college?
- Are the tutors appropriately qualified and experienced?
- How big are the tutor groups?
- Is 1-1 tuition offered?
- Are regular reports sent to parents?
- What are the college’s results at A-level?
- Does the college specialise in preparing students for top universities/medical school/law school?
- What academic/sports/arts/leisure facilities does the college provide?
- Is there a well-stocked library?
- What boarding accommodation is offered?
- If your child is to board, are meals and laundry included in the fees?
- Does the college have policies in place regarding (for example) bullying, drug misuse, or poor attendance?
- Are there any scholarships or bursaries available for gifted or disadvantaged students?
- Is there any special help for international students?
- Ask to see the most recent inspection reports.
