FACING ADVENTURE WITH COURAGE, COMMITMENT AND CONFIDENCE
A HARRIS SIXTH FORM FOR LAMBETH AND BEYOND
Executive Principal’s Welcome
A really great sixth form experience is one filled with opportunity – one that allows you to develop existing passions, to acquire new ones, and to pick up a smattering of experience and knowledge in a wide range of fields that are never going to be your number one priority. It’s one in which the 168 hours of the week feel too little to achieve all that you want, one where the siren call of social media is often left unanswered because the real and present is more attractive than the virtual and distant charms of the internet. I’m delighted to be able to introduce you to Harris Clapham Sixth Form – one where this vibrant and stimulating experience is a reality – and I look forward to welcoming you to both the application process and, more importantly, to the school itself when you join us.
James Handscombe Executive Principal
“Students enjoy broadening their interests and skills beyond their subject specialisms.”
Ofsted 2024
“Sixth form was amazing and I got to try things I had never done before, and I have made great friends for life.”
Kalash, Alumnus, now studying Electrical Engineering at the University of Southampton
Head of School’s Welcome
Welcome to Harris Clapham Sixth Form. It is an enormous privilege to lead our academy as it grows into a highly successful Post 16 academy and a vital part of our South London community. A love of learning and a commitment to the transformational power of education is at our core. We not only aim to empower students with the knowledge and skills that they need to realise their potential, but also help them to develop in what we call the Clapham Character: courage, confidence and commitment. We want them to have the courage to dream big and have wild aspiration, the commitment to persevere in the face of adversity, and the confidence to have a voice for themselves and their community.
We want our students to be hugely ambitious and to realise these ambitions, with the help of great teaching, a rigorous curriculum and a fantastic extracurricular offer that broadens horizons and sparks curiosity. As well as our curriculum and enrichment offer, our students undertake a cultural perspective each term which opens up new worlds and ways of thinking. Above all, we really believe our students are capable of anything, and we are relentless in supporting them to pursue their ambitions.
Our opportunities for leadership ensure that our students can make their mark on the world and to have the confidence and integrity to stand up for what they believe in and our wider curriculum opens doors to opportunity, as well as building fantastic university and career skills for the future.
Our academy benefits from a beautiful, purpose-built site. It has been especially designed to deliver a Sixth Form education, including an emphasis on science, technology, engineering and mathematics-related subjects.
Our teachers are all subject experts – they have a deep knowledge that will enable them to support and challenge their students to achieve their personal best. They also love their subjects, and that enthusiasm is infections; students are excited about learning because their teachers are.
By the time they leave us, our students are ready to fly: to exceptional destinations, ready for the challenges of adult life.
Above all, we are a community who work together for the greater good of our academy; there is a culture of mutual respect and kindness between staff and students that I am immensely proud of.
This academic year brought significant accolade – we have now been judged outstanding in all categories by Ofsted during their November 2024 visit; a tribute to the incredible staff and students here.
Sarah Heuston Head of School
OUR VISION AND VALUES
Our Values & Ethos
Adult life (if we might paraphrase Peter Pan) is an awfully big adventure, and Sixth Form is a precious period of time in which to get ready for it. Coming from Year 11 as little more than children, students have about 22 months to be ready to set out as young adults. During this time they have to acquire qualifications, plan their next steps, make friends, develop confidence, and, most of all, to learn as much as possible of the world they are heading into. They need to learn subject content that will enable the next stage of study; to learn communication skills, speaking, writing,
reading in a variety of registers and settings; to learn how to navigate a world of employment where the possibilities are much more complex and interesting than simply doctor, lawyer, plumber, teacher; to learn how to work both hard and efficiently to make the most of their talents and opportunities; and to take responsibility for themselves and those around them so as to be able to shape their world.
At Harris Clapham Sixth Form, we face adventure with Courage, Confidence, and Commitment.
COURAGE
We step willingly into the unknown, understanding that there will be times of difficulty as well as excitement and joy; we accept responsibility, look to be leaders, and work hard for what is right rather than what is easy; and we face our own limitations, determined to overcome rather than excuse them, realising we’re not the finished product but endeavouring to be the best possible version of ourselves.
CONFIDENCE
We are optimistic about our adventure and believe in both ourselves and others. We are neither naive, nor arrogant, but have a realistic confidence in our own, developing, abilities and in the support that we can get from each other and those we meet. We are not dispirited by setbacks but see them as opportunities for new growth, chances to discover hitherto unimagined talents, and we are firm in our belief that together we can be role models for London and modern Britain.
COMMITMENT
We are ready for a long-haul rather than a brief sprint and know that real achievement is worked for rather than given freely. We are committed to our own future and that of those around us and will not compromise what is true, or just, or kind for our own short-term benefit. We know that actions speak louder than words and are prepared to be disciplined about doing our best each day until it becomes a habit. We commit to facing our challenges and doing our best to change things for the better.
Our ethos deliberately focuses on challenge and development as we push ourselves and encourage each other to achieve, and we explicitly recognise that maintaining our mental, physical and social health is of vital importance. During two years at Harris Clapham Sixth Form, students will learn how to look after themselves and to form and maintain strong and positive relationships with those around them. During this time, the academy will offer support and advice with any difficulties students face – this is very much a shared adventure.
“Courage is the most important of all virtues, because without courage, you cannot practice any of the other virtues consistently.”
Maya Angelou
“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.”
Helen Keller
“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”
James Baldwin
THE CLAPHAM EAGLE
Our knowledge eagle is an inspiration, an admonishment, and a help in time of trouble.
The largest eagle in the world is the white-tailed eagle with a wingspan (which is how we’re measuring “large”) of up to 220cm. They are large enough to hunt foxes as prey but are nowhere near large enough to carry a human being. The Clapham eagle (or knowledge eagle as it is sometimes known) is, fortunately, a much larger beast, large enough to lift us high above the city streets to where our ambitions can fly free.
Eagles are known for their courage – white-tailed eagles have been seen to attempt to catch porpoises larger than themselves – for their commitment –with the white-tailed eagle being found all across Eurasia from the tundra of Siberia to the southern coast of the Caspian Sea and from Hokkaido in Japan to the west coast of Iceland – and for their confidence – the skill with which they pluck fish from moving water beneath them is breath taking.
Our knowledge eagle is an inspiration, an admonishment, and a help in time of trouble.
“Subjects contain demanding content and are supported by a wider curriculum that broadens students’ cultural perspectives. The curriculum reflects leaders’ high expectations and is ambitious for all students.”
Ofsted 2024
INSPIRATION
The eagle soars high above us, free to go where it will, unfettered by the constraints that we find on the ground. We look to a future in which we will have choices about our lifestyle, choices about the work we do, choices in the way we want to shape the world.
ADMONISHMENT
The great beats of the eagle’s wings have lifted it off the ground into the sky: it may appear to soar effortlessly now, but we know the effort that has taken such a huge creature to get up there. So we are reminded to work hard: simple physics reminds us that you don’t get to fly without an investment of energy. We are also able to look up at the eagle and to reflect that there is always more space up there, always more to learn, always more knowledge to acquire.
HELP
We don’t have to do all this ourselves – we can fly on the wings of the knowledge eagle: it is large enough to lift and carry us. The more we learn, the more our existing learning helps us learn more; the harder we work, the better we get at working, the more effective our time becomes.
The Clapham eagle is there (in the form of staff and fellow students) to help us when things are hard, to listen, to advise, to support.
“It was always a very friendly and encouraging learning environment. I would like to thank all of my teachers, all of them helped me whether it was with my subjects or just keeping my morale high.”
Daniel, Alumnus, now studying Theoretical Physics at Imperial College London
OUR COHORT OF STUDENTS
We are a growing sixth form that is proud to serve our local Lambeth community and beyond.
Our student body is growing rapidly, and students joining us in September 2025 will be our fifth cohort of students. They will have strong role models and support from our current Y12s who will have moved into Y13 and will benefit from an excellent transition programme.
Together with Y13, the new Year 12s will help to create a strong and supportive culture, rooted in our values of courage, confidence and commitment and the high aspirations that we hold for ourselves and each other. New Year 12s will be allocated a to a house upon arrival, and will immediately become part of a smaller community led by an enthusiastic Head of House and student House Captain.
Students choosing our Sixth Form will have a strong sense of pride and will benefit not only from excellent subject teaching, but a wide range of extra curricular opportunities, including high quality tutorials that teach them all aspects of personal development, as well as careers advice and guidance and UCAS preparation.
They will also benefit from exciting enrichment opportunities and our cultural perspectives sessions.
By the time our students leave at the end of Y13, they are ready to make their mark on the world. They are ready to take on the challenges and opportunities that adult life brings, including attending the best universities and securing high quality apprenticeships. We hope that they will become part of our alumni network, and come back to inspire future generations of students.
STUDENT LEADERSHIP
We encourage our students to be leaders in all that they do. All students lead their own learning and become highly independent and reflective learners. We encourage students to participate in subject societies, and also change societies based around social issues that matter to them. Students can take part in the organisation of charity committees that give back to the academy and wider community. Finally, some students will want to be part of the Student Parliament, the body of student leadership who represent the views of our students.
“Courses are exceptionally well planned.”
Ofsted 2023
“Teachers are highly qualified and have excellent subject expertise.”
Ofsted 2023
“Students’ behaviour is impeccable Students attend well, work hard in lessons and are polite in their interactions with peers, staff and other adults. This is because leaders foster a strong culture of respect.”
Ofsted 2024
LEARNING IS AMAZING
With courage, confidence and commitment, our students will learn to relish the challenges of academic study.
ASSESSED SUBJECTS
We know that studying for A Level or vocational qualifications can be challenging, but in learning how to have the courage to face those challenges and the commitment to keep going when it gets hard, our students will grow in confidence.
By the time they leave in Y13, they will be ready to study at the best universities and take on the most sought after apprenticeships. They will be ready to make their voices heard and make their mark on the world around them.
Our A Levels include a full range of academic subjects that are most valued by the best universities. Our state of the art facilities enable every subject to be taught above and beyond the specification.
We have the very best teachers who are experts in their fields and who love teaching their subjects. Our teachers guide students to engage with the mechanics and purpose of a subject, grappling with the different kinds of knowledge that students need to excel. Students are motivated to secure the highest grades, and inspired to study their subjects at university and beyond.
“Students are extremely happy with the high-quality teaching that they experience in A level and vocational subjects.”
Ofsted 2024
“An ambitious sixth-form curriculum.”
Ofsted 2023
“There is highly effective advice and guidance.”
Ofsted 2023
THE WIDER CURRICULUM
Our students are constantly encouraged to learn new skills and to enjoy new challenges that go well beyond their subject curricula.
CULTURAL PERSPECTIVES
Students take part in two Cultural Perspectives classes a week, choosing new courses each term from a wide menu of options. These encourage students to develop new skills and to explore new ideas, developing their ability to debate and argue; to form and communicate their own opinions; and to wrestle with thorny ethical issues to which there is no simple, widely accepted answer. The menu of choices changes from term to term and has included: General First Aid Course; News of the Week; Driving Theory: A guide to help you pass; The psychology of Mental Health and Psychopathology; World Music; Will AI be our friend or foe?
ENRICHMENT
Our students are also able to participate in a range of sports and wider enrichment activities to complement their studies. This includes representing the sixth form in sporting competitions between other sixth forms and Harris Academies. The current menu includes: Gardening; Debate; Running club; Football; Chess; Art club; Gym.
CAREERS
As a Sixth Form, careers and UCAS advice and guidance is at the heart of our approach to personal development. Students will receive dedicated one on one support with their UCAS application, including specialist coaching and support for those who wish to apply for Oxford or Cambridge, or pursue a medical pathway. To complement this high-quality support, we introduce students to a wide range of opportunities to engage with employers, including an extensive guest speaker programme, trips and visits and support with gaining valuable work experience. Last year we hosted speakers including Goldman Sachs, PWC, Deloitte, Kennedy’s Law, Clifford Chance, Vic Asset and representatives from the civil service.
THE HARRIS EXPERIENCE ADVANCED
The Harris Experience Advanced programme aims to give our most academically able students outstanding preparation for some of the country’s top university destinations, including Oxford and Cambridge. Once selected, students make a commitment both to the activities provided and to their own future and making the most of their opportunities.
“Students receive individual impartial careers advice from independent careers advisers. They can make informed choices about their next steps.”
Ofsted 2024
WORKING WITH THE HARRIS FEDERATION
We work in partnership with the Harris Federation sixth forms and Harris Westminster Sixth Form to make sure students are able to interact with the best universities and employers.
We provide students with meaningful opportunities and access to facilities, contacts, experiences and advice that are not found anywhere else.
The Harris Federation has a reputation for quality, securing the highest outcomes and strongest destinations for their sixth form students.
Harris Clapham Sixth Form benefits from and adds to the Harris ‘offer’. We are an active partner in the Federation, ensuring we work together to give our students the very best.
PART OF THE SUCCESSFUL HARRIS FEDERATION
The Harris Federation is a not-for-profit charity with 55 academies in London and Essex. The founder and Chairman of the Harris Federation is Lord Harris of Peckham. His vision of delivering happy and successful education is brought to life by an excellent team of teachers and leaders.
The Federation regularly tops academic studies and national league tables measuring performance. Almost all Harris secondary academies are judged ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted.
Harris Sixth Forms are diverse, offering students a series of very different, but equally ambitious, routes for their future. And Harris sixth formers are remarkably successful at progressing to the most prestigious universities – winning places
at Oxford, Cambridge and other Russell Group universities at a rate of more than twice the national average – as well as top apprenticeships and competitive vocational courses.
We are immensely proud of the role that our alumni are now beginning to play in the world and of what we believe our current generation of pupils will go on to achieve.
In addition to running schools, the Harris Federation provides high quality training and professional development for teachers throughout this part of England.
Follow @HarrisFed on to stay updated.
APPLYING FOR A PLACE
Our list of courses on offer and our entry requirements are published on our website.
Students can use this information to help decide if they would like to apply to the sixth form.
Students can apply online via the link on our website. Once we have received your application, we will then contact you to arrange a course discussion.
“During my time at Harris Clapham Sixth Form, what I enjoyed most was the countless opportunities that helped shape my future decisions. I deeply appreciated how the sixth form took care of its students, fostering an environment that encouraged us to grow into responsible and confident individuals.”
Ammar, Alumnus
“Students become more independent and highly motivated to improve. They are exceptionally well prepared for university study.”
Ofsted 2024
“Students thrive at the sixth form because they have extensive opportunities to develop their character and interests.”
Ofsted 2024
“Leaders and managers provide excellent careers information advice and guidance.”
Ofsted 2024
“Teachers structure the curriculum exceptionally well in each subject so that students can build their knowledge and skills cumulatively. ”
Ofsted 2024