How sixth form at independent schools prepares students for post-school life.

Between 17 per cent and 20 per cent of UK sixth formers now attend independent school for the final two years of their formal education, according to research.

Until recently, families made the decision to remain in the independent sector or jump in from the state sector simply because they were following stats showing brighter academic outcomes. It was, to be frank, all about the A*s.

A nurturing approach to education

But then Covid-19 came along, raising the profile of the importance of good mental health and wellbeing, particularly in the young. And this has played a part in the shifting sixth-form landscape, so that now the best 16+ providers are just as concerned with the all-round wellbeing of their teens as they are their grades. This holistic approach has mushroomed across the offering in the independent sector, so that schools now offer a timetable stuffed with chances to develop soft skills, plus a ton of extracurriculars tailored to what sixth formers in independent schools want, as well as lots of encouragement around sport and fitness. This is offered in a close pastoral framework with an emphasis on preventing problems.

Preparation for post-school life

At Roedean, Director of Sixth Form Carmel Carragher’s approach is that her pupils are being prepared for life just as much as university. “Year 12s have life skills sessions built into the week. These can be about anything from eating well and healthy body image to how to develop good sleeping habits and receiving good relationships education. Sessions are guided by what the students want so there may be sessions on dealing with bereavement or something career related, like setting up a good LinkedIn profile. We send questionnaires out to students to get their feedback and we try to react to what the cohort ask for. It’s very dynamic, as we respond to the changing needs.”

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