Welcome to Shaftesbury Sixth Form

Shaftesbury School is a historic learning environment that can trace its origins back to 1630. Our Sixth Form is an excellent place to continue your education and we believe is a very special learning environment. We hope you find the information on our website useful and informative, whilst showing you a little about what we do. Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information, to arrange a visit or if you would like a tour of our facilities.

Shaftesbury Sixth Form centres on three key principles which we believe underpin success and development in every student; Transition, Enrichment and Progression.

Your Transition
Starting Post 16 learning can be a challenge but we aim to provide the tools to ensure the transition is smooth. Every student is part of a tutor group with a specialised Sixth Form tutor with 125 minutes of weekly contact time. Students are also immersed in a transition programme that focuses on study skills essential to success in Sixth Form, completing activities that aim to embed these key skills and provide reflection on their current academic performance and attitude to learning.

To provide a stimulating learning environment, students have access to a Sixth Form Study Centre equipped with computer access, a café providing a place to relax between lessons and a dedicated library space for quiet study.

We know the pressure of Post 16 learning can be daunting and take the well-being of our students very seriously. We provide the services of a dedicated Sixth Form counsellor and school nurse to ensure all students can receive access to support when they need it most.

Your Enrichment
We understand that employers and universities are looking for more than just grades. We aim to provide students with a multitude of opportunities to develop skills beyond the classroom and this is why we timetable all students with a dedicated enrichment activity in their programme of study. This year that includes a wide choice to cater for all interests; Core Maths, Arts Award, English Language AS, the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and more. Our PE department also provide over 20 sports clubs to students and every Sixth Former will have complimentary access to our Fitness Suite/Gym.

We have a commitment to providing a strong Student Voice platform and have a team of Senior Students working throughout the school, including a representative in lower tutor groups supporting students in Year 7-11. They represent the Sixth Form at community events, organise charity activities and meet fortnightly with the Head of Sixth Form to relay information that can be used to shape and improve our provision.

Your Progression
Sixth Form students are given ample opportunities to explore the variety of Post 18 progression routes, allowing them to make informed decisions before leaving us. We provide opportunities to visit University conventions, the National Apprenticeship Show and give every Year 12 student the opportunity to experience University life during a Lecture Experience Day. We hold other progression activities during the year, including an annual interview day with external employers and regular guest speaker assemblies.

To prepare students for the world of work, the Government requires every 16-18 learner to undertake 30 hours of work experience. We facilitate this in a flexible format, with over 10 subject departments offering internships or the opportunity to access external work experience in non-lesson periods or a block week in July. Finally, we provide every Sixth Former with access to our careers coordinator.