OPEN DAYS
Meet our talented teachers, see our fantastic facilities, talk to our students and find out how we will help you achieve great things:
Thursday 26 September 2024 - 5.00pm to 8.00pm
Tuesday 26 November 2024 - 5.00pm to 8.00pm
Thursday 30 January 2025 - 5.00pm to 7.00pm
There’s a lot of independence which I enjoy, but you never feel like you’re left on your own and without support.
Abbigail, Second Year Student
The building here at the sixth form is amazing. It’s an old building and therefore the architecture looks amazing and the teachers are very nice and friendly.
Antonio, Second Year Student
A warm welcome from all of us at The Bedford Sixth Form. We are delighted that you are thinking of studying with us. The transition to A Levels is exciting (and occasionally daunting) and we aim to do all we can to support you on this significant step. This means that, as well as our extensive range of A-Levels on offer, we have a wide range of academic and pastoral support.
Each of our subjects are taught by highly qualified specialists, who will help you to develop your understanding and skills. Our tutorial, enhancement and personal development programmes will aid your progression to higher levels of study. Our support and advice specialists will help you to prepare for this. Additionally, our team will help to develop your employability and wider skills.
A key part of being at sixth form will be making friends, enjoying a range of social activities, and having lots of enrichment opportunities. You will be able to do all of this in our iconic and high-class facilities.
We look forward to working with you to help you to fulfil your future ambitions.
Robin Webber-Jones Principal
WHY STUDY WITH US?
HUGE CHOICE OF SUBJECTS
At The Bedford Sixth Form, you have the chance to study unique combinations of A-Level and Diplomas in 30 different subjects. This means that you can study a broad range of subject choices to enable you to progress on to university, higher apprenticeships or into employment and pursue the career you’ve always wanted.
STRONG SUPPORT
Here you will have access to a range of mentoring and support activities, that will provide one-to-one support and guidance on everything from your academic performance to your personal wellbeing. Our professional Careers Advisers, Student Services team and Work Experience Co-ordinator will all work with you to help you plan and progress on to your next steps.
STUNNING SUCCESS
In 2023, our A-Level students achieved a 95% pass rate. As a result of this success, our students went on to study at some of their top universities of choice.
SUCCESSFUL DESTINATIONS
Whatever university course you want to study, The Bedford Sixth Form will help you get a place.
Please see page 6 to find out where our alumni students are studying.
EXCITING ENHANCEMENT
There is so much more to life at The Bedford Sixth Form outside of the classroom. With numerous clubs and societies, we have an enhancement programme that is built into your timetable to ensure you are able to
develop new skills and make new friends which will benefit you and enhance your CV.
FANTASTIC FACILITIES
The Bedford Sixth Form’s campus delivers a unique blend of modern resources and Victorian architecture and includes a Learning Resources Centre, computer suites, Munch & Mocha coffee shop and much more. When studying with us, you will be able to make our inspiring campus your own and take control of your own learning, much like you will do at university. See page 17 to find out more about our facilities.
EXCELLENT EDUCATION
Here at The Bedford Sixth Form, we offer a more mature learning environment that will help you develop a higher level of independence, preparing you for university and the world of work. Your teachers will expect you to work hard but will always offer support to help you reach your goals. Ofsted rates us “Good” meaning you will receive an excellent education from the very start.
HIGH QUALITY TEACHING
Our study programmes are taught by subject specialist teachers with a range of diverse backgrounds. Including teachers with expert knowledge and qualifications in their subjects and professionals with real industry experience.
SUCCESSFUL DESTINATIONS
From Criminology to Engineering, whatever university course you want to study, we will help you get a place.
Our alumni are studying a broad range of subjects at some excellent universities across the UK, including prestigious Russell Group Institutions such as Cambridge and Oxford.
• Cardiff University
• Durham University
• King’s College London, University of London
• Queen Mary University of London
• The University of Edinburgh
• UCL (University College London)
• University of Birmingham
• University of Bristol
• University of Cambridge
• University of Leeds
• University of Liverpool
• University of Manchester
• University of Nottingham
• University of Oxford
• University of Sheffield
• University of Warwick
• University of York
• Anglia Ruskin University
• Bristol, University of the West of England
• Brunel University London
• Coventry University
• De Montfort University
• Kingston University
• Nottingham Trent University
• Oxford Brookes University
• Swansea University
• University of Brighton
• University of Derby
FULL-TIME PROGRAMME
Your programme is much more than just the subjects you pick! All of our students participate in a whole programme of study that means you are truly a full-time student.
Being full-time means that we expect students to be working on their studies and other activities for 40 hours per week during term time.
ACADEMIC LESSONS
Each A-Level will have five lessons of 60 minutes in length, meaning 15 lessons a week and a diploma with an A-Level will have 15 lessons a week including two blended lessons. This means you will typically have:
• Up to 15 academic lessons if taking three A-Levels OR
• Up to 15 academic lessons if taking a Diploma with an A-Level.
GCSE Foundation students will have 16 lessons a week.
SUPPORTED STUDY
We have a session a week of academic mentoring, where students work on improving the skills needed to be successful at A-Level and have regular one-to-ones with their academic tutor.
YOUR JOURNEY WITH US...
OPEN DAYS
Meet our tutors and see our beautiful campus.
START
APPLY
Make your application – be quick, places fill up fast!
INTERVIEW
We’ll be in touch to schedule an interview with you.
OFFER
After your interview you’ll receive an offer of a place based on your predicted grades.
DISCOVERY DAY
You will be invited to attend a Discovery Day in late June where you will get a taste of life at The Bedford Sixth Form, meet your teachers and make new friends.
ADVICE DAY
Our Advice Day in August gives you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have following your GCSE results.
ENHANCEMENT
Every week you will have one lesson of enhancement where you will take part in an extra-curricular activity.
There will be a large range of activities to choose from including sports, debating, theatre, and many more!
We are an official provider of the Duke of Edinburgh programme.
TUTORIAL
Each week you will have a TED style talk with the Guidance Tutor where they will deliver sessions on a range of important life skills topics such as British values, diversity, CV writing, wellbeing, mental health and much more! UCAS, student finance, apprenticeships and next steps are also covered in tutorials.
ENROLMENT
You will be invited to enrol on to your study programme in August.
INDUCTION
Getting to know the building, your timetable and teachers.
Induction will take place between August and September.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Access to high quality work experience can be a vital part of the student journey to ensure that you make an informed choice about career pathways. We have a dedicated work experience team that can support you to source and organise placements in relevant industries and organisations to support your career aspirations.
COMPETITIONS
We will offer you the chance to take part in a range of national competitions such as national Olympiads in Maths, Chemistry and Biology, plus other nationally recognised competitions such as the Robson History Prize and the R.A. Butler Politics Prize. Competitions like this enhance your UCAS application and impress potential employers.
LESSONS BEGIN!
All parts of the programme are active from the start.
ASSESSMENTS
We will assess your progress regularly throughout your time with us.
YEARLY REPORTS
We will send reports to parents once a year and also host parent meeting events.
NEXT STEPS
UCAS university applications, apprenticeship or job applications, everything to make sure you are ready for your next steps.
TIME TO SEE ALL OF YOUR HARD WORK PAY OFF.
A-LEVELS & DIPLOMAS
Here at The Bedford Sixth Form we offer a large range of A-Level subjects and Diploma courses, which are equivalent to two A-Levels.
Those studying A-Levels or Diplomas (Level 3) will study here for two years. You can pick and choose from our wide range of A-Levels and Diplomas to ensure you achieve the best qualifications to progress on to university or work.
A typical student will choose three A-Levels or one Diploma and one A-Level from the choices available at The Bedford Sixth Form.
A - LEVELS
A-Levels are academic, examination-based qualifications recognised as traditional qualifications to gain entry to university and higher education. A-Levels focus mainly on academic subjects and qualify for UCAS points (maximum 56 UCAS points per A-Level).
AAQS (ALTERNATIVE ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS)
These new qualifications follow the government’s decision to reform some Post 16 qualifications, and will gradually replace our Diplomas in phases. AAQs are the equivalent of 1 A Level, are designed to complement an A Level programme of study and students are therefore only able to study 1 AAQ. The courses involve a mixture of externally assessed exams, as well as internally assessed non exam assessments.
The qualifications will provide students with the practical and essential skills and knowledge that students will need to aide their future progression into HE, university and employment. AAQs will be available in:
• Health and Social Care
• Applied Science
DIPLOMA COURSES
Diplomas are equivalent to two A-Levels but are assessed via a combination of coursework and exams and, enable you to progress on to university, higher apprenticeships or employment, the same as our A-Level programmes do. It is possible to earn 112 UCAS points from our Diplomas courses. For our Criminology Diploma it is possible to earn 56 UCAS points.
• Business
• Sport & Physical Activity
• WJEC Diploma Criminology, equivalent of one A-level.
Our Business and Sport & Physical Activity diplomas are all equivalent to two A-Levels, where as our Criminology is equivalent to one A-Level. These courses involve a mixture of exams and course work-based assessment.
Typically, you study here for two years.
Typically you will complete three A-Level subjects or a Diploma plus one A-Level over the two years. A very small number of students may wish to complete four A-Level subjects. Whether you can start with three or four A-Levels will depend on your GCSE results.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
For up-to-date information on subject specific requirements, please visit: bedfordsixthform.ac.uk
SUBJECTS AVAILABLE...
• Ancient History
• Biology
• Business
• Chemistry
• Classical Civilisation
• Computer Science
• Drama
• Economics
• English Language
• English Language & Literature
• English Literature
• Film Studies
• Fine Art
• French
• Further Mathematics
• Geography
• Graphic Communication
• History
• Italian
• Law
• Mathematics
• Media Studies
• Philosophy
• Photography
• Physical Education
• Physics
• Politics
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Spanish
• Textiles
EXPLORE OUR COURSES
ENHANCEMENT
At The Bedford Sixth Form, life doesn’t stop at the end of lessons - you can challenge yourself and achieve success in a range of extra-curricular opportunities that aim to enhance your learning experience and strengthen your UCAS application.
Enhancement is a mandatory part of your studies with us and will be scheduled into your timetable. You might join a club because it’s already of interest and you want to learn more, or simply to add variety to your studies and try something completely new.
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
Studying at The Bedford Sixth Form gives you a lot of opportunities to socialise with people. There are a lot of people here from different backgrounds and personalities, but it’s great getting to learn why these people study the same subject as you.
Berdi, Second Year Student
ENHANCING YOUR STUDIES
Your programme is much more than just the subjects you pick!
All of our students participate in a whole programme of study that means you are truly a full-time student. Being full-time means that we expect students to be working on their studies and other activities for 40 hours per week during term time. Your programme will include:
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Here’s a taste of what you can get involved in outside of the classroom:
• The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE): Adventurous and fun activities, which lead to a nationally recognised award.
• Young Enterprise: Enterprise, finance programmes and masterclasses.
• Volunteering: Within local organisations, which benefit the community and your UCAS application.
TRIPS
We bring learning to life through trips and visits.
Here is a selection of the most recent trips our students have enjoyed:
• Biology: Sanger Institute, Welcome Foundation, Cambridge.
• Classics: Residential trip to Rome.
• Creative Arts: Design Museum, London.
• Drama: ‘As You Like it’, The Barbican, London.
• Geography: Residential field trip to Brighton.
• Languages: The Languages Show, London.
• Politics: Trip to the Houses of Parliament.
• Psychology: Perspectives on Play study day, London.
• Textiles/Graphics: Eco-visionaries workshops, The Royal Academy of Art.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Access to high quality work experience can be a vital part of the student journey to ensure that you make an informed choice about career pathways. We have a dedicated work experience team that can support you to source and organise placements in relevant industries and organisations to support your career aspirations.
I like at The Bedford Sixth Form that whenever you have a study period, there’s always going to be somewhere for you to revise, whether that’s the library, the common room, or places in town. There’s also always help available, so if you need help on a certain subject, your teachers will always be happy to help.
Kieran, Second Year Student
STUDENT COUNCIL
The Student Council is an elected group of students aspiring to do the best for The Bedford Sixth Form, with a shared aim to make sure all students have the best possible experience during their time here. They are at the forefront of listening to students’ ideas and ensuring that these ideas are taken into consideration. Their aim is to bring students and staff together on important issues, voice ideas and ensure an enjoyable time for all at The Bedford Sixth Form. Some of the things the Student Council get involved with are:
CHARITY AND AWARENESS
Supporting many charity events and awareness days, both locally and nationally.
NEWSLETTER
In order to keep the student body informed of any changes or opportunities, the Student Council have created a newsletter that is distributed monthly with interviews, quizzes and useful information, and we encourage all students to get involved with this newsletter regardless of whether they are a part of the Student Council.
REPS
Within the Student Council there are specific representatives (BAME, LGBTQ+, Women’s, Mental Health and Disabilities) whom students can contact with concerns, for advice or just for a friendly chat.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
There are many activities for students to get involved in and the Student Council encourage students to feedback on any new clubs or extracurricular activities they would like to see started so that everyone’s interests can be developed.
FANTASTIC FACILITIES
The Bedford Sixth Form’s stunning campus delivers a unique blend of modern study areas and Victorian architecture, which echoes the excellence of education that has been delivered at the site for over a century. The Learning Resources Centre (LRC) is linked to the wood panelled, original library and the former on-site church has been refurbished into modern classrooms. The grand Victorian Hall is often used for students’ own private study. We think you’ll agree it’s quite a magnificent place to take your learning to another level.
TEACHING AND LEARNING SPACES
Our study facilities help you make the most of your chosen subjects, including specialist Art & Design studios to hone your creativity and fully equipped laboratories to explore the sciences, plus access to our theatre studio for drama and performance.
IT AND INTERNET ACCESS
We have a host of modern PCs – all internetenabled and running the latest software – plus 24/7 access to Moodle our virtual learning environment. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the campus.
LEARNING RESOURCES CENTRE (LRC)
Access to thousands of books, journals and a wide variety of electronic resources are available to you in our Learning Resources Centre, where you can find quiet spaces for individual study and areas where you can study in groups.
SPORT
As a student at The Bedford Sixth Form, you’ll have the opportunity to access fantastic sports facilities at the Trinity Arts & Leisure sports complex based on campus at a discounted student rate. Facilities include a large sports hall and a 25 metre, six-lane indoor swimming pool.
Here at the Bedford Sixth Form compared with other schools that I’ve been with there’s lots more independence. We are allowed to get on with our own studies a lot of the time and if we ever need support from the teachers, they’re always there for us.
Noor, Second Year Student
SPACE TO SOCIALISE
At The Bedford Sixth Form, there are a range of unique spaces for you and your friends to catch up and enjoy something to eat and drink. We also have an on-site Munch & Mocha coffee shop where our students can enjoy hot and cold food and drink.
STUDENT SUPORT
Everyone has different needs when it comes to support and guidance. At The Bedford Sixth Form, our team of Student Services Advisers give you all the support you need, when you need it.
UCAS JOURNEY
We have a dedicated team and comprehensive programme in place to support you through the UCAS application process. We encourage you to start preparing your UCAS applications early, by late October for a standard entry, or by late September for Oxbridge universities or to study Medicine. We also run drop-in sessions throughout the UCAS application period, where you can get advice about the whole process.
A SAFE ENVIRONMENT
We take the wellbeing and safety of every single student very seriously. We strive to ensure a safe and welcoming environment at The Bedford Sixth Form, and have safeguarding and anti-bullying policies in place to ensure that young people and vulnerable adults studying with us do so in a safe and secure environment. If you have any concerns about these issues, our trained staff are here to help.
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT
If you have an identified learning difficulty and/ or disability, you may be entitled to additional support. This could include: help in and outside of the class, the loan of specialist equipment you may need to complete work, support with making special arrangements for taking exams, or support in accessing our facilities.
OUR MATRIX-ACCREDITED CAREERS ADVISERS
Our careers team have been recognised by the matrix Standard for delivering the highest standards of advice and guidance. Our Careers Advisers are here to help you find the right path by providing impartial advice and guidance on everything from your university choices or training and work prospects, to CVs and interview preparation.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Our Student Services team are here to provide you with practical advice on student bursaries, travel costs, higher education funding, grants and much more. We also have a range of financial support packages available to help with essential costs, such as equipment, books, clothing or meals, as well as bursaries for vulnerable students or those in severe financial hardship. To find out more, visit: www.bedfordsixthform.ac.uk
PERSONAL COUNSELLOR
Our Counsellor is available to help if personal difficulties are getting in the way of your studies. We provide quiet spaces where you can talk through your problems with a counsellor and work towards making them easier to handle. If you need to talk to a counsellor, you can speak to a member of our Student Services team or your Pastoral Mentor who will then refer you to our Counsellor.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
The financial support information listed above is based on what we offered our students in 2023/24 please check www.bedfordsixthform.ac.uk for the latest updates.
Here is an overview of the financial help that may be on offer to you as a student at The Bedford Sixth Form. Please note that funding is limited so we strongly advise that you apply as early as possible.
Support Available:
• Childcare support
• Course cost bursary
• Meals bursary
• Travel support
• Vulnerable learner bursary
FOR FURTHER FINANCIAL SUPPORT INFORMATION PLEASE SCAN HERE
TRAVEL & SUPPORT
Everyone has different needs when it comes to support and guidance. At The Bedford Sixth Form, our team of Student Services Advisers give you all the support you need, when you need it.
HELP WITH TRAVEL COSTS
We offer a Travel Bursary to support students who are most in need and who would otherwise be unable to, or would find it difficult to, attend The Bedford Sixth Form. Our Travel Bursary is means-tested and open to those with a household income of £37,500 or less. In 2024/25 it is worth up to £600 a year and the bursary may be available if you are*:
• Aged 16-18 AND
• Living more than three miles from the campus AND
• Studying a full-time programme up to and including Level 3
TRAVEL AND TRANSPORT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY OR MOBILITY PROBLEM
If you have a particular disability or mobility problem (including a temporary medical condition), you may be entitled to assistance with travel arrangements, even if you live under three miles from The Bedford Sixth Form. Please check your local authority’s transport policy on their website for more information.
*This information is based on the academic year 2023/24. This may be subject to change for 2024/25.
BY BUS
Many of the bus routes covering Bedford, Luton and the wider local area terminate at Bedford Bus Station, which is just a two minute walk away from The Bedford Sixth Form. To find your best route, please visit the local bus operator’s website: www.stagecoachbus.com
BY TRAIN
Bedford’s mainline station is just a tenminute walk from The Bedford Sixth Form, with frequent rail services running between local towns, villages and stations.
BY CYCLE
Good for the environment, good for you –Bedford has a network of signposted cycle paths and designated cycle lanes, and we also provide safe and secure cycle racks to store your bike.
BY CAR
We provide a safe drop-off area for students getting a lift to the Sixth Form by car, however parking is not available on site.
BY FOOT
Take a stroll to The Bedford Sixth Form –we’re located right in the centre of town.
FEES & FUNDING
From essential costs and bursaries through to tuition and exam fees, we can provide you with the information you need to know regarding funding.
TUITION AND EXAM FEES
If you are aged 16-18 on 31st August in 2025 and a British or European Union resident, the tuition and exam registration fees for your course are FREE. If you are aged 19 or above in 2025 and already have a Level 3 qualification or if you are aged 24 or over, you will need to pay a fee.*
ESSENTIAL COSTS
Depending on the subjects or courses you choose to study, there may be extra costs you have to pay on top of any tuition and exam fees. Trips, visits and external speakers will be charged for and you will be expected to buy your own textbooks.*
FOR FURTHER FEES & FUNDING SUPPORT INFORMATION PLEASE SCAN HERE
PARENTS Q&A
At The Bedford Sixth Form
we realise that parents, guardians and carers play a very important part in our students’ success. Alternatively you can view our full list of FAQs at: www.bedfordsixthform.ac.uk/student-life/faqs/ You can also email us at: info@bedfordsixthform.ac.uk
You’re there to help guide them in the decisions they make and support them throughout their studies. To help with this process, we’ve answered some of the top questions asked by parents. If you would like to find out more, visit the Parents’ Guide on our website.
ALUMNI NETWORK
Being part of The Bedford Sixth Form community doesn’t end when you leave us to go on to university, an apprenticeship or employment.
You will always be valued as one of our alumni and will have the opportunity to be part of a network reaching years into the future. Who knows what kind of events, reunions and opportunities you might be a part of in the years to come? Previous students have supported our current learners with careers talks in various subjects including, most recently, Law.
Our Art department is often supported with past students helping out in the classroom and we always welcome alumni back to share their experiences and expertise.
TERM DATES
Our academic year runs from September 2025 to June 2026.
AUTUMN TERM 2025
Monday 8 September 2025 –Friday 19 December 2025
Autumn Half-Term:
Monday 27 October 2025 –Friday 31 October 2025
STUDY BREAK
Monday 22 December 2025 –Friday 2 January 2026
SPRING TERM 2026
Monday 5 January 2026 –Friday 3 April 2026
Spring Half-Term: Monday 16 February 2026 –Friday 20 February 2026
STUDY BREAK
Monday 6 April 2026 –Friday 17 April 2026 (Bank holiday)
SUMMER TERM 2026
Tuesday 21 April 2026 – Thursday 25 June 2026 (Last day of term)
Summer Half-Term:
Monday 25 May 2026 (bank holiday) - Friday 29 May 2026
HOW TO APPLY
Follow our three simple steps to apply for your place at The Bedford Sixth Form.
APPLY DURING AN OPEN DAY
Visit our Library and a member of the team will be ready to help you.
APPLY AT HOME
Visit our website, www.bedfordsixthform.ac.uk and click the ‘apply online’ button to complete your application. Remember: you should apply before you receive your GCSE results using your predicted grades. Once you have applied you will be sent information on a regular basis, which will keep you informed of the status of your application.
FIND THE SUBJECTS YOU ARE INTERESTED IN
Read through this prospectus and our website to explore the subjects we offer and get an idea of which ones interest you. For more information on any of our subjects. just scan the “Apply Today” QR code to visit our website.
APPLY
You can either apply on the day you visit us on our open day or you can do it at home.
VISIT US AT AN OPEN DAY
To discover more about your chosen subjects and life at The Bedford Sixth Form, attend one of our Open Days throughout the year.
Thursday 26 September 20245.00pm to 8.00pm
Tuesday 26 November 20245.00pm to 8.00pm
SCAN
HERE TO APPLY TODAY!
https://www.bedfordsixthform. ac.uk/student-support/apply/
Scan here for our blogs where you can find useful tips and recommendations about A-Levels and Sixth Form life.
https://www.bedfordsixthform. ac.uk/about-us/blogs/
This prospectus is also available in large print and audio formats. Call 0345 658 8990 to get your copy.
Disclaimer: While every effort is made to ensure that the information within this prospectus is correct at the time of printing, some details may be subject to change. The Bedford Sixth Form reserves the right to make amendments to the courses, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if student numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course, we will refund any fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.