Applying for Sixth Form: A Guide for Students

The overlap between Sixth Form applications and GCSEs

Your GCSEs are more than just an exam; to complete your modules successfully, you will have to complete coursework at the same time as mock exams, practice revision, actual revision and meet homework deadlines. The build-up to completing a GCSE certificate is intense, and this can add a lot of pressure and anxiety to your day-to-day workload. Combine this with applying for Sixth Form, and you might find the experience dizzying!

If you are considering completing your Sixth Form education at an independent school, then you will need to plan around their admissions processes. Each school has a different approach and timings for admissions, and for independent schools in particular, this can start quite early. Scholarship and bursary deadlines often have closing dates around the end of January in Year 11, BEFORE you sit your GCSE exams. You can apply to many Sixth Forms up to the last minute, including on results day, but you will have missed the window for financial support.

Your process in finding a Sixth Form may look similar to this:

• Decide if you want to continue your education, and if yes, then how far (Sixth Form – University – PhD?)
• What subjects do you want to study?
• Decide where in the country you’d like to study next, local or further afield
• Speak to your friends to find out their plans and where they would like to be.
• Build a long list of colleges and Sixth Forms; this might include your current school, and it might be at an independent school (see below).
• Visit open days, and speak to the staff and pupils at each option.  Get a feel for what fits
• Create a short list, look at scholarships and bursaries if you intend to go to an independent school (like EHS).
• Visit again, check admission requirements, complete admissions processes and explore potential funding support.
• Wait for responses and acceptances, and make more applications if the first ones don’t work out.
• Now all you have to do is pass your GCSEs, meet the admissions requirements and find time to have a holiday!

That’s a lot to organise while also attending school, completing coursework and revising for exams.

Map out a timeline to see what this looks like and when you need to start seriously deciding on the right Sixth Form for you. At this stage, it’s a good idea to chat to your friends, speak to teachers whose advice you value and talk to your parents.  All will have views and advice, but for the first time, the final decision is yours.

What research do you need before applying for Sixth Form?

When you begin to build a list of potential schools and colleges to consider, ask yourself what you want from the next phase of your academic life. Don’t just consider the subjects, but also the culture, how they’re taught and what the Sixth Form’s philosophy is. Work through the following list:

Culture and Vibe

You will be used to familiar faces, teachers, friends and how your current school works, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best option available to you. Stepping out of your comfort zone and into a fresh adventure might surprise you. How students are treated by Sixth Forms is a good indicator of whether the facility will be the right fit for you. You will be a young adult, in the final phase before University, and the best Sixth Forms understand the balance required between supporting girls and letting them take responsibility for their own education. You will then be well prepared for the hands-off vibe of university.

For instance, Edgbaston High School for Girls believes in helping to foster Fearless Females, women who are confident, bold, adventurous and unafraid. Students are encouraged to take on roles and responsibilities to help develop skills that will make them an indomitable force in their chosen profession and in their private lives. Because it’s an independent school for girls, you will have a much better chance of experiencing leadership compared to a mixed gender college or Sixth Form. You will leave Sixth Form ready to take on anything!

Course Curriculums and Learning Styles

Your progression into Further Education will open doors to even more subjects and a fantastic chance to broaden your learning. Certain academic routes, such as independent schools like EHS, can also provide a much more personalised educational experience. Classes are smaller, tutoring is much more tailored, and this means you may have quicker access to support than from a state school sixth form or at a large college.

If you would like to see how we tailor our learning for each pupil, then visit our Value Added Education page.

Career and University Benefits

Universities will assess your applications on merit and not where you attended; however, finding an educational environment that suits your learning style and your personality will give you the freedom to be the best you can be.

For instance, at Edgbaston High School, because we tailor your education to you, including support, Pastoral Care, and greater responsibilities, you will excel beyond your expectations, whereas a college may not provide that personal approach.

If you can match your learning style with the vibe you need to grow, then you will find applying to university much easier!

If you decide to move straight into your career, then having a Fearlessly Female philosophy at the core of our culture will put you in an incredible position to land a role in any industry you choose.

What are Scholarships and Bursaries?

A scholarship is a fund awarded for a specific reason by a college or school to contribute towards attendance fees and other costs. These are not means-tested, but are usually awarded based on ability. A scholarship will contribute to up to 25% of the tuition fee.

A bursary, in contrast, is a means-tested award to help students who wouldn’t normally be able to afford independent education. A bursary can be awarded alongside a scholarship, as the two have completely different criteria.

When you are creating your list of potential Sixth Forms and colleges, consider whether there are any attendance fees, and if so, if you think you can obtain a scholarship or bursary award.

At EHS, we have a number of scholarships available for students to apply for:

Academic Scholarship

This is awarded to students to recognise outstanding achievements.  Students need:

• Exceptional performance in GCSEs (9-7)
• To be able to show a commitment to academic excellence and intellectual curiosity
• Complete an assessment on critical thinking and passion for their subject.

Sports Scholarship

Sports scholarships are awarded to pupils who demonstrate exceptional talent at their chosen sport. Successful students will:

• Have a proven track record in school or external competitions
• Show commitment to representing the school in sports teams
• Can provide evidence of sporting achievement
• Complete an interview to assess skills and attitude.

Creative Arts Scholarship

This scholarship rewards outstanding talent in visual arts and drama. Successful students will:

• Show excellence in the creative arts
• Show their creative skills in a portfolio or at an audition
• Contribute to the school's creative arts activities
• Discuss their artistic vision in an interview

Music Scholarship

Awarded to students who show exception music talent. To obtain this scholarship:

• Reach at least grade 7 on your chosen instrument
• Contribute to the school’s musical life
• Complete a music audition at the EHS Music School
• Complete a written examination, similar to Grade 5 theory.

Applying for Sixth Form: Frequently Asked Questions