Choosing a Sixth Form
Choosing a Sixth Form in Cumbria: A Parent's Guide
Helping your child choose the right environment for Sixth Form
Choosing a Sixth Form is an important decision. For many students, Years 12 and 13 are a time of increasing independence, greater academic responsibility and preparation for university, apprenticeships or the world of work.
With different Sixth Form options available across Cumbria, it is worth looking beyond the headline results and considering which environment will allow your child to thrive.
What should you look for in a Sixth Form?
1. The right subjects
A student's choice of A Level subjects can have an important influence on their future options.
When comparing Sixth Forms, check:
- Which A Level subjects are available
- Whether students can study combinations that suit their interests
- How many subjects students typically take
- What happens if a subject has a small number of students
- Whether additional qualifications or enrichment opportunities are available
It is also worth discussing your child's longer-term plans with the school, particularly if they already have a university course or career area in mind.
2. Academic support
Sixth Form brings greater independence, but students should still have access to support when they need it.
Ask how the school monitors progress and what happens if a student begins to struggle with a particular subject.
You may also want to ask about:
- Revision and study support
- Academic mentoring
- University application guidance
- Careers advice
- Extension opportunities
- Support with personal statements and interviews
3. Class sizes and individual attention
Sixth Form students benefit from having teachers who know them well.
Smaller classes can provide opportunities for discussion, questioning and individual feedback.
When visiting a Sixth Form, ask about typical class sizes and how students are supported to become increasingly independent learners.
Look beyond examination results
Results are important, but they are only one part of the Sixth Form experience.
Ask:
Where do students go after Sixth Form?
Look at university destinations, apprenticeships, employment and other pathways.
Also consider the wider opportunities available to students, including leadership, volunteering, sport, music, drama, work experience and enrichment.
These experiences can help students develop the confidence and skills they need beyond school.
Preparing for university and beyond
A strong Sixth Form should help students prepare for their next step.
For students considering university, this might include:
- UCAS guidance
- Personal statement support
- University visits
- Interview preparation
- Admissions advice
- Support choosing courses and universities
For students considering alternatives, ask about careers guidance, apprenticeships and work experience.
The important thing is that students receive advice suited to their ambitions.
Independence and responsibility
Sixth Form is an opportunity for young people to become more independent while still having the support of a school community.
Consider what responsibilities students can take on.
This might include:
- Leadership positions
- Mentoring younger pupils
- Student committees
- Community projects
- School events
- Independent study
These opportunities can help students develop confidence and take greater ownership of their education.
Sixth Form pastoral care
Students may be older, but pastoral support remains important.
Ask how the school supports students with workload, friendships, stress and the transition towards life after school.
A good Sixth Form should provide students with increasing independence while ensuring that support is available when they need it.
Consider the size and atmosphere of the Sixth Form
The atmosphere of a Sixth Form can make a significant difference to a student's experience.
Some students thrive in a large college environment with hundreds of students. Others prefer a smaller community where they know their teachers and fellow students well.
There is no universally "best" size.
The important question is:
Which environment will suit my child?
Visiting the Sixth Form is the best way to find out.
Sixth Form at St Bees School
St Bees School provides Sixth Form education within an 11–18 independent school community on the Cumbrian coast.
Students can study A Levels while benefiting from the wider opportunities of a school environment, including sport, activities, leadership and community involvement.
The Sixth Form is part of a school community where older students can take on responsibility and contribute to the life of the school while preparing for their next step.
St Bees also welcomes students from across the UK and internationally, creating an environment with a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.
In 2026, St Bees students achieved a 97% A Level pass rate, with 71% of passing grades at A–C*. One quarter of students achieved exclusively A* or A grades, while 43% achieved their stretch target grade.
Students progressed to a range of destinations, including university courses at institutions such as King's College London, the University of Manchester and Lancaster University, as well as specialist higher-education providers.
Questions to ask when visiting a Sixth Form
Before making your decision, consider asking:
- Which A Level subjects are available?
- What are the typical class sizes?
- How are students supported academically?
- What pastoral support is available?
- How are students prepared for university applications?
- What careers guidance is offered?
- What leadership opportunities are available?
- What enrichment activities can students take part in?
- Where have recent students progressed?
- What support is available for students who are unsure about their future plans?
Finding the right Sixth Form
The best Sixth Form is not necessarily the biggest, the smallest or the one with the highest headline results.
It is the one that provides the right combination of academic opportunity, support, independence and preparation for the future.
Visit different Sixth Forms, ask questions and involve your child in the decision.
Most importantly, find somewhere they can see themselves growing over the next two years.
Discover Sixth Form at St Bees
Explore Sixth Form
Arrange a Visit
Contact Admissions: admissions@stbeesschool.co.uk or call +44 (0) 1946 828000