Sixth-form boarding

Many young people have to decide whether to continue at their school into sixth form, start sixth-form boarding if they have been day pupils, or attend a new sixth-form college. At first glance, all these options offer the same but look further and there are significant advantages and opportunities provided by sixth forms in boarding schools.

Boarding sixth forms provide leadership opportunities, a rigorous timetable and a chance to continue with team sports. As well as academic co-curricular options available to all sixth-form students, sixthformers in boarding schools can seamlessly continue with their co-curricular activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) or the Combined Cadet Force (CCF), while still benefiting from a more controlled and disciplined environment.

Independent Living

Choosing to board in sixth form further enhances the boarding experience by introducing independent living in a supportive environment – a pre-university taster. At Gordon’s, sixth-form pupils are expected to dress as if for the workplace

Andrew Reeve Deputy Head, Gordon’s School

and to arrive punctually in the mornings and for their lessons and commitments. An extended school day is available for all pupils and allows them to study until 9pm if they wish. Each sixth-former is assigned a House – either a boarding House or day House. These are actual houses – somewhere to congregate at break times, relax, play table tennis – a place where individuals become family and the relationships formed last for life.

But it’s not all focused on academia in a sixth-form boarding setting. There are opportunities to continue team sports (and learn new ones), take up leadership roles, perform in drama, music and other events, achieve a Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award or even study for an ILM (Institute of

Leadership and Management) qualification. At Gordon’s, sixth-formers who want a senior prefect role have to complete an application form, ask their Head of House for a reference and undergo an interview process – a good introduction to the world of work.

Preparing For Life After School

Boarding sixth forms also offer extensive help and support as pupils start to prepare for life after school. At Gordon’s, sixthformers start to build their CVs as well as embarking on their EPQ (Extended Project Qualification). There is a weekly liberal arts programme, increasing their knowledge of international affairs and developing them as global citizens. Independent study is encouraged and enabled with private study rooms, although extra support and help is always on hand with clinics in academic subjects and tutor meetings. By the end of Year 12, the tutor meetings become more UCAS-focused and students are taken off timetable to concentrate on their university applications. For pupils wishing to apply to Oxford or Cambridge there are dedicated Oxbridge clinics. Would-be medical students have a dedicated tutor and the chance to explore medicine through schemes like Meducators.

For pupils planning a gap year, a discounted TEFL course (teaching english as a foreign language) course is on offer. There are also safer driving courses, drugs and gambling awareness courses and careers insight talks. In their last year at Gordon’s, sixth-formers take part in an open study programme giving them a chance to reflect on themselves, organise their time and assess and improve themselves.

Shantilly Robertson, a sixth-form boarder at Gordon’s says: ‘I would recommend sixthform boarding to anyone. There are always extra activities and a structure that makes you do your work on time! I love living with the other girls in our house. There is always someone there. They’re like family and some nights it’s like having a big sleepover! There are really enjoyable things you can do, like going to the sports hall and playing volleyball or the sixth-form quiz. Although the boarding house staff nearby are always on hand and keep an eye on us, we have our own kitchen and living room and we are responsible for our own laundry and keeping the house tidy. It’s given us more freedom and more responsibility – and it definitely sets you up for university.’

Andrew Reeve is Deputy Head (Curriculum) at Gordon’s School. His teaching and leadership experience, both pastoral and academic, is in both the independent and state sectors. With an MA in educational leadership from Exeter University, he is working towards his MSc in researching teaching and learning and latest pedagogy through the University of Oxford.