Abbey Grange Sixth Form

July 18, 2023

The independence of a college with the nurture of a school sixth form

Director of Sixth Form Stephanie Hanbridge, and Principal Simon Prinsep, would like to introduce you to Abbey Grange Sixth Form.

Welcome to our Sixth Form – a growing and dynamic post-16 study centre where you will be given the freedom and opportunities to develop and flourish as you make the important steps towards Higher Education, apprenticeship, or employment. Our vision and practice are underpinned by our Christian mission to work ‘in partnership to educate, nurture and empower’.

We pride ourselves on being an inclusive Sixth Form that provides an innovative and flexible curriculum which is designed to meet the needs of all our learners; offering a range of academic A-Levels and vocational courses. Our curriculum is reviewed annually and tailored according to the interests and needs of each year group. For example, last year we introduced A-Level Law and an Applied Diploma in Criminology after listening to our student voice, and it is already looking like they will be our most popular courses next year.

This year, again after feedback from our students, we are delighted to be introducing Core Maths to our list of courses. Core Maths is ideal for students who need to study maths at a high level for entry to various University courses but don’t want to take an A Level in Mathematics. It is a great course to accompany 3 A Levels and counts for UCAS points as part of applications. Our experienced Pastoral Team are on hand to advise you on the most appropriate courses and pathways for study in our inclusive Sixth Form.

Students at our Sixth Form are taught by experienced subject specialists who have a strong track record in supporting them to achieve their best. As a Sixth Form we have ambitious outcomes for all our students and we are proud of the results they achieve, which consistently compete with other local schools and on a national level. Our staff are some of the best in Leeds and have been delivering outstanding results and engaging lessons for a long time – this brings with it a wealth of experience and our pastoral team know how to get you to the places you want to go.

“Staff have high expectations of what pupils can achieve. They have established a curriculum which enables pupils to succeed academically”.

Ofsted 2022

As a student at our Sixth Form, you will have access to a bespoke Sixth Form Centre which includes dedicated classroom and seminar rooms, a cafeteria, private study area and a common room. The Sixth Form Centre allows our students to enjoy their own facilities, whilst still being part of a thriving school environment. Also new for 2023 will be a further Sixth Form Block dedicated to providing an increased number of independent study spaces for our Sixth Form students.

Our Sixth Form also provides a wealth of opportunity to further your learning. We have an excellent reputation for providing a wide range of high quality extra-curricular activities. Opportunities include drama, music, sport, STEM activities, charity events to name but a few. We encourage our Sixth Form students to also get involved in the wider life of the school as we feel that it helps our young people to become well rounded individuals with a great deal to offer universities and employers in life beyond Sixth Form. All students will complete a one-week work experience placement at the end of Year 12 and our links with local businesses and organisations mean that students develop employability skills alongside academic qualifications, making them truly prepared for their next steps in a competitive world.

“Leaders prioritise the personal development curriculum across the school, including in the sixth form. The Christian ethos of the school is central to their work”.

Ofsted 2022

Throughout your time at Sixth Form you will be given a wide range of experiences and opportunities to develop as an individual and to support you with taking the important next steps into higher education, training or employment. Our students have access to the Unifrog programme which supports with decisions about, and applications to, university and higher-level apprenticeships. If you’re looking ahead to study at university, we’ll support and coach you throughout the application and interview process. This bespoke support has consistently resulted in offers being made and students beginning degrees at leading universities, including Oxford, Cambridge and other Russell Group institutions.

Our Christian ethos underpins all we do, to ensure that not only are standards and expectations incredibly high, but also to enable us to thrive as a diverse community that celebrates difference, builds character, and empowers our students to live life in all its fullness.