The final two years of school, the sixth form, are a critical milestone on a child?s education journey. Here, Carfax Education takes a look into the different options of study for this stage to help guide you to either sixth form at an independent school or a separate independent sixth form college.
These years of a student’s life shape their future decisions and form a stepping stone into life beyond school. The qualifications they acquire, the personal life skills they develop and the friendships they forge, will greatly support their transition from school to adult life.
A good sixth form experience is not only a continuation of a pupil?s existing education, but it is an opportunity to pick specialisms that will start to shape their future and to take a deep dive into subjects that really interest them.  Choosing a curriculum and subject combination should be key considerations when it comes to choosing a sixth form. For many, A-levels are the next obvious step, selecting a combination of three to four subjects that they are good at and enjoy and that build towards a university degree or a career path.  For others, the breadth of the IB programme is more appealing, with the opportunity to study six subjects across a range of disciplines including core elements such as Maths, English and a language.
Increasing numbers of students are considering the BTEC route which offers a more practical, coursework approach to a range of subjects including Sport, Drama and Ar...