Introduction
Highlands Sixth Form encourages all of its students to aspire to the highest levels of achievement and enables them to prepare for adult life. Judged as OUTSTANDING by Ofsted in November 2024, we offer a broad range of qualifications and encourage each individual to choose a balanced and challenging combination of courses appropriate to their strengths, interests, and ambitions.
We now have over 330 students studying a wide range of A level and BTEC Level 3 courses. Our sixth formers are an integral part of the comprehensive community and benefit from the size and variety of our large and vibrant school.
Sixth form studies are designed to ensure exam success and help students become independent thinkers and learners – not only through their main examination courses but also through the acquisition of key skills, involvement in the enrichment programme, and a highly effective tutorial support and guidance structure.
We aim to combine a friendly and informal atmosphere with high expectations and high standards of achievement. Highlands Sixth Form is proud to be ranked 106th out of 4,352 sixth forms in England and 47th amongst all state school sixth forms. Our exceptional progress score, which is well above average, reflects our commitment to excellence. This achievement is driven by the quality of our teaching, learning, and curriculum, the inclusive nature of our sixth form, and our unwavering dedication to ‘going the extra mile’ for our students. It stands as a testament to the hard work of our students and the relentless support of our sixth form team.
Video transcript
This is Highlands Sixth Form. A place where ambition is encouraged, opportunities are everywhere, and every student is supported to succeed.
Our students benefit from fantastic facilities, spacious grounds providing them with an inspiring environment to study and socialise and enjoy six form life. Our vision is to be a six form that inspires excellence, supports every student to succeed and equips our students with the essential skills required for them to thrive for the rest of their lives.
How does the six form achieve this? By offering a curriculum that challenges and engages our students while supporting them to thrive in the pathways they choose. By creating a culture of excellence with high expectations and enriching opportunities that encourage every student to achieve their very best, and by developing confident young leaders who are ready to take responsibility, inspire others, and act as role models within our school and beyond.
From the moment you join us, we start thinking about what comes next.
Our two dedicated UCAS higher education coordinators provide specialist guidance throughout the university application process, helping students make informed choices and produce strong, competitive applications. Whether your ambition is Oxbridge, a Russell Group university, medicine, a degree apprenticeship, or another pathway, we help you understand what it takes to get there.
For students who want to go further, there are opportunities to do exactly that. Our Oxbridge programme, talks, seminars, and academic enrichment encourage students to think beyond the curriculum, explore new ideas, and challenge themselves.
Students can also complete the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), developing independent research, critical thinking, and academic skills that prepare them for university and beyond. Our students are an important part of the leadership and life of our school.
As head students and student leaders, they meet with senior staff, represent the student body, and help shape the community that they're part of. Our super-curricular offer also gives students opportunities to take the lead beyond the classroom, including student-led societies such as Speak to Lead, where students can share ideas, develop their interests, and build confidence, communication, and leadership skills.
Our students take on new responsibilities, develop greater independence, and build the confidence and life skills that prepare them for the future.
Our sixth form is about more than lessons and qualifications. It's about being part of a community, building friendships, and making the most of your time at Highlands.
Highlands Sixth Form, supported to succeed.