How do I choose the right private boarding school for sixth form?
- Independent Education Consultants
- Aug 11, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 17, 2024
Choose the right boarding school for sixth form
Every child is different, and each school has slightly different application deadlines, tests, and processes for entry in sixth form. It can be confusing and complicated. There are so many factors that come together to make sixth form education a success and it can be tricky to decide on the best boarding school option which covers them all.
Selecting the best sixth from course for your future
The academic achievements and broader experiences gained during sixth form play a pivotal role in your future plans, whether you're eyeing a university spot via UCAS or considering colleges in the USA. This underscores the importance of choosing the right course when selecting a boarding school for your sixth form education.
Your academic performance stands as the cornerstone of your UCAS application. Given the rigorous nature of sixth form studies, it becomes imperative to select a course that aligns with your interests and passions, ensuring you're equipped to excel in the subjects you pursue
Friends and relationship networks during sixth form
The friendships and connections your child forges during sixth form are likely to become their lifelong support network. Thus, it’s crucial to take this into account when choosing a school for them.
The friends your child makes during sixth form are often the ones who will stand by them through life’s journey. Therefore, it’s essential to consider this aspect when selecting a school for their sixth form education.
Developing essential life skills in boarding school
Enrolling in a boarding school for sixth form presents a valuable opportunity to cultivate essential life skills such as independence, responsibility, cooperation, tolerance, and resilience. Therefore, choosing a school that aligns with your requirements and learning style is of utmost importance.
Participating in a boarding school for sixth form is a transformative experience that fosters vital life skills like independence, responsibility, cooperation, tolerance, and resilience. It’s crucial to select a school that meets your specific needs and learning preferences to maximize these developmental opportunities.
Plan ahead for sixth form entry at boarding school
Embarking on the journey to apply to a new boarding school for entry in sixth form requires meticulous planning and organisation. It's crucial to allocate time for school visits, registration, application submission, and thorough preparation for entry tests and interviews.
Many boarding schools extend offers for sixth form places around December 1st in the academic year preceding sixth form entry (Year 11). To effectively manage this timeline, it's advisable to start visiting schools in Year 10. This allows ample time to select schools, visit them, and complete your application well ahead of entry tests and interviews in the Autumn term of Year 11. Unfortunately, many families delay this process, leading to last-minute scrambling for boarding school places.
Taking the time to deliberate on this significant educational transition will undoubtedly reduce stress and uncertainty. Seeking professional advice and support for your child’s application can be a valuable investment in their future. Independent Education Consultants offer various service packages and educational support tailored to your needs and application timeline. Contact us today to begin your journey towards securing a spot at the right boarding school for your child.
Questions we are asked when looking for the right private boarding school for sixth form.
Parents often have a plethora of questions when considering boarding school options for their child's sixth form education. Here are some common queries that our team of expert consultants regularly addresses:
Pros and cons of moving school for sixth form: What are the benefits and drawbacks of transitioning to a new school environment for sixth form?
Day school to boarding school transition: Is it advantageous to switch from a day school to a boarding school setting for sixth form?
Impact of changing schools on university applications: Will moving from a private school to a state school enhance chances of admission to top universities like Oxford or Cambridge?
Transition from single-sex to co-ed schooling: Is it advisable to switch from an all-girls private boarding school to a co-educational school for sixth form?
Age considerations for sixth form entry: Does the age of the student relative to their year group affect their chances of admission to boarding schools for sixth form in the UK?
Timing of school visits: When is the best time to visit potential boarding schools if considering a move for sixth form?
Entry assessments for boarding school entry: What entry tests and interview processes should students expect when applying to boarding schools for sixth form entry?
Pen profile content: What information should be included in a student's pen profile as part of their application form?
Subject choices for sixth form: How many subjects should a student study in sixth form, and what subjects are recommended for specific career paths like medicine, engineering, architecture, or law?
GCSE grades and subject choices: Do GCSE grades influence sixth form subject choices and boarding school applications?
IB vs. A levels: Is it preferable to pursue the International Baccalaureate (IB) or A levels for sixth form studies?
IB Diploma subjects: How many subjects are typically studied as part of the IB Diploma program?
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ): What is an EPQ, and how does it benefit students in their academic pursuits?
BTEC qualifications: What are BTECs, and why might they be a suitable option for sixth form studies?
Answering these questions helps parents make informed decisions when navigating the complexities of selecting the right boarding school and academic pathway for their child's sixth form education.
If you would like advice and guidance on any of the above FAQs, we are keen to support you. Please get in touch to book your complimentary call with our team.
Do you need help on how to choose the right private boarding school for sixth form - we are here. Choosing a new boarding school for sixth form is a complicated process which often raises more questions than answers. Considering what’s best for you as an individual is critical to getting this decision right. Our experts are here to guide you at each step.
We look forward to talking to you soon.
