The term “Sixth Form College” has a significantly different connotation compared to what is commonly known as a high school or secondary school. This concept originated in the United Kingdom and closely resembles the educational experience students between the ages of 16 and 18 encounter when continuing their studies beyond secondary education.
Characteristics of a Sixth Form College
Sixth Form is the term used for the final stage of high school education in England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. However, Sixth Form Colleges distinguish this stage as a crucial preparatory period before university. They allocate specific resources to prepare students of this age group, offering A-Level education as a valuable opportunity for them to specialise in four subjects. Within the Sixth Form College environment, a pre-university atmosphere is cultivated, engaging the entire student body and fostering a sense of community.
Significant importance is placed on students’ development beyond the curriculum. Therefore, the best Sixth Form Colleges provide a co-curricular program alongside A-Levels. This approach allows students to acquire critical skills and competencies necessary for both university and the working world while undergoing personal growth.
Distinctive Features of a Sixth Form College
Smaller class sizes, often found in top Sixth Form Colleges like Concord College Shrewsbury or Abbey College Cambridge, enable a more individualised education, preparing students for their university years and future careers.
What Makes a Sixth Form College Unique?
The specialised approach of a Sixth Form College sets it apart from schools with more traditional high school programs. Sixth Form Colleges emphasize the absolute specialisation of students. By selecting three or four subjects, students can fully concentrate on their areas of interest. This contrasts with other systems where students often feel compelled to take courses unrelated to their university inclinations.
Studying a reduced number of subjects not only enables students to acquire in-depth knowledge but also allows them more time to develop skills that other high school programs may not prioritise.
While the British system prepares students academically and personally for university, others tend to focus more on university entrance exam preparation.
Virtus, The British Sixth Form College
Virtus, The British Sixth Form College, is a private British school offering A-Level classes to students aged 16 to 18. The institution’s values and innovative methodology ensure personalised education and attention from the beginning to the end of each student’s Virtus, The British Sixth Form College experience.
This personalised approach is made possible by the limited number of students they admit. They work with groups of a maximum of nine students who utilise the best Apple technology resources for their studies.
Through personalisation, technology integration, the Gate-to-Gate Model, and the establishment of a pre-university atmosphere, Virtus, The British Sixth Form College equips students with 21st-century competencies and skills that are increasingly vital in today’s world.
Thanks to their Co-Curricular experience, students graduate from Virtus well-prepared and equipped to meet the demands of university life and the labor market.
