‘Should I stay or should I go now?’

Changing school for Sixth form: what are the benefits?

Many parents and their children discuss a school change post-GCSE. Kate Hawtin poses two helpful questions:

Is it change for change’s

sake? If you’ve been in the same school since age 4 or even age 11, A Levels can seem like a natural and needed break point offering the chance to try something new and meet new people. If your move is motivated by the subject choices available, the reputation of teaching staff, careers support or an exemplary Oxbridge preparation offer, then it may be right for you. But, if you really are just hankering after newness it might be best to look outside school for a new interest, perhaps one that also introduces you to a new circle of friends. By moving schools, you’ll lose teachers that know you and how you learn, and you’ll be faced with a big investment of time - finding your way around a new campus, forming new friendships and understanding teachers’ expectations.

Have you thought about how your relationship with your teachers will change?

Smaller class sizes and your increasing maturity will mean focused subject discussions and deeper debates. Often girls describe the ‘learning partnership’ they experience with their teachers at Sixth Form as feeling very different – closer to what they expect University to be like.

KATE HAWTIN, Head of Sixth Form, St Catherine’s School, Bramley www.stcatherines.info/explore

Many of our parents relocate from London, looking to settle in the area so their daughter can come to St Catherine’s. We’ve created a brief guide to help you explore the local area and consider possible places to call home. Email Sally Manhire on prepadmissions@stcatherines.info or call 01483 899665 and we’ll send your guide to you straight away. Good luck with the house hunting!