GCSEs are done! Hooray for the summer break, but how appealing is 6th Form? 

Year 11 can be gruelling. Students and schools focus intensely and quite rightly on GCSE exams. Without good grades, progression into the school 6th Form can be in jeopardy or subject choices limited. Many schools insist on a student having a strong GCSE grade, for example 7 or higher, in GCSE before agreeing to continuation of that subject for A-level, so the stakes are high. 

So much effort is directed on GCSEs that it’s easy to lose sight of how a student has changed during the year and often notably in the weeks after GCSEs too. At age 16, aspirations can change quickly and more notably also a young person’s confidence, sense of self and maturity. Has that compliant, uniform-wearing Year 11 child become more questioning, perhaps wanting to push the boundaries? Maybe the traditional 6th Form at school is just no longer a good fit. The summer break between GCSEs and the start of A-level, IB or BTEC is often a time of huge change as a young person matures and seeks to forge a slightly different identity. 

It is understandable that families are reluctant to rock the boat after the GCSE preparation has gone so well and their child has been well-supported through this pressurised period. And yet, often there’s a nagging feeling that the school 6th Form is no longer quite right. Perhaps it’s time to jump ship! 

Reasons to stay 

  • Familiarity with routines is reassuring 

  • The school’s reputation is strong and its values admired 

  • The school’s academic record and university placements are outstanding 

  • Friends are continuing 

  • Excellent facilities and extra-curricular opportunities 

  • The student is established and staff feel they know how to support him or her well 

  • You’ve not given notice and so stand to lose a term’s fees if you move! 

Reasons to consider a change, even now at the 11th hour 

  • Your child shows no enthusiasm or excitement at the prospect of a return to the “same old” 

  • School traditions, rules and uniform feel too restrictive 

  • Your child longs to discover more about themselves, to rid themselves of their former perceived character and to start afresh 

  • The old school may not offer the subject that has now captivated the student 

  • The school may not permit the student to start the subject/s he or she wants because of less than stellar GCSE outcomes 

  • The friendship group has become a little stale 

  • Education Advisers can help negotiate some mitigation of the loss of the term’s notice 

It is not too late to consider a change for 6th Form. Many very strong schools and colleges are still considering new entrants and will continue to do so over the summer. Let us help you through your decision-making. We’re good listeners and can offer genuinely impartial advice.