The move into sixth form is one of the bigger decisions a family makes together. It shapes the two years before university or work, and it often sets the tone for what comes next. Yet many parents come to it with only a rough sense of what a sixth form actually is, and how one setting differs from another.
This guide starts with the basics and builds from there, so you can weigh up your options with a clearer head.
What “sixth form” actually means
Sixth form covers the final two years of school, usually ages 16 to 18, when students study for qualifications such as A Levels, the International Baccalaureate, or vocational courses. It is the stage where subjects narrow and study becomes more independent.
Some sixth forms sit within a larger secondary school. Others are standalone colleges, and a growing number are tutorial-style settings that offer smaller classes and a more personal approach. Each has its own rhythm, and none is automatically better than the rest. The right fit depends on the young person in front of you.
Start with your child, not the prospectus
Before comparing open days, it helps to think about how your child learns best. A confident, self-directed student may thrive in a large college with plenty of choice. A student who benefits from close attention often does better where staff know them by name and can spot a wobble early.
Ask a few honest questions. Do they need structure, or do they push back against it? Are they aiming for a specific university course, or still exploring? Does a big, busy environment energise them or overwhelm them? The answers narrow the field faster than any league table.
Look closely at the teaching, not just the results
Strong results matter, but numbers only tell part of the story. Try to understand how those results were reached. Small class sizes, regular one-to-one support and genuine subject expertise tend to make more difference than a glossy building.
It is worth asking how much individual attention each student receives, how progress is tracked, and what happens when someone falls behind. Providers that focus on this kind of tailored teaching, such as [St Andrews Cambridge, which offers small-group tuition and individual support https://standrewscambridge.co.uk], often help students make steady gains rather than relying on natural high-flyers to lift the average.
Weigh up subjects, support and setting
Practical details deserve attention too. Check that the sixth form offers the exact combination of subjects your child needs, because not every setting runs every A Level. Look at the support around learning as well: pastoral care, university guidance, and help with applications all count.
Consider the daily reality too. Travel time, class sizes, the balance of study and free periods, and the general atmosphere will shape your child’s experience far more than the marketing does. Visit if you can, and pay attention to how current students speak about the place.
Trust the visit and the questions
Open days and taster sessions are where a shortlist becomes a decision. Watch how staff interact with students, ask about progress from GCSE to A Level, and notice whether your child feels comfortable there. A young person who can picture themselves in a setting will usually settle faster and work harder.
There is no single perfect sixth form, only the one that suits your child, your budget and your circumstances. Take the process step by step, keep your child at the centre of it, and the choice becomes far less daunting. You can read more about tailored sixth form study at https://standrewscambridge.co.uk.
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*This article was contributed by the team at St Andrews Tutorial Services Limited, an independent tutorial college in Cambridge specialising in GCSE and A Level teaching, small-group tuition and one-to-one academic support. St Andrews Cambridge works with students aged 14 to 19, helping them prepare for A Levels, university applications and the next stage of their education.*
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