Applying for Sixth Form: How does it work?

If your teenager is hoping to move to a new school or sixth form college after they complete their GCSEs, they may need to go through an entrance exams process to gain a place at their chosen school.

This process, known as the ‘16+’, is similar to what your child may have gone through when they took exams at 11 or 13 for their current school, with a few extra steps.

What does the process look like?

The 16+ is not a standard process across schools, but generally, most independent schools require prospective students to sit 16+ exams, prepare a personal statement and sit for an interview with the school. Some schools require a reference from your teenager’s current school, and many will also ask for reports and predicted GCSE grades.

Which schools take students at sixth form?

Some of the most popular independent schools in the UK accept new students through the 16+. These include Brighton College, City of London School for Boys, City of London School for Girls, Francis Holland schools, North London Collegiate School, St Paul’s Boys, Wellington, Westminster, Winchester College and Wycombe Abbey.

If you are considering a school for sixth form, we highly recommend taking a look at each school’s website to understand their admissions entry points and process. It should be clearly set out on each school website if your child will be required to sit 16+ exams and what the process looks like.

If you’re not sure which schools you’d like to apply to, we’re here to help. Our experienced and knowledgeable schools consultants, many of whom have worked at top schools themselves, are on hand to discuss what your teen wants to get out of sixth form and to offer their advice.

When do I start preparing for sixth form entry?

It is never too early to start thinking about this process. School registration deadlines often fall during September of Year 11, with some falling even earlier, so it’s important to feel confident and sure of the process and where you’re applying by this point.

The best time to start thinking about these exams is during Year 10. Take the time to properly consider where your child would thrive and enjoy their sixth form experience. Are you looking for a very academic school, or one with a strong drama provision? Would a close-knit small community suit your teenager, or would a big school with all the opportunities this affords be better? Take time to visit schools and ask all your questions with plenty of time.

How do I prepare for entrance exams?

Typically, 16+ exams take place in October or November of Year 11. Most schools ask students to sit exams in their chosen sixth form subjects, based on their GCSE or Year 12 syllabus. The content should always be accessible for students at Year 11 level, but schools will always be looking for students who go the extra mile and demonstrate deeper thinking and analysis.

Some schools require compulsory English or Maths – especially if your teenager is going to take the IB – or CAT4 testing. Check with each school individually to understand exactly what your teenager will be tested on.

In our experience, starting some light support in your teenager’s chosen A Level or IB subjects from Year 10 is the best strategy. This can help them close learning gaps and push their thinking in these subjects, so they can feel confident and stand out in their exams. Many students also find this really useful to fully confirm what they’d like to study when they get to sixth form age.

Lots of our students preparing for the 16+ – or simply looking ahead to sixth form – find A Level taster sessions really useful to help them choose their next steps, as well as hitting the ground running in Year 12. If this is of interest, please do get in touch directly with our team to explore how this might look for your family.

If your teenager is successful in receiving a conditional place, be aware that many offers will be based on certain GCSE grades. You may find it useful to keep support going in their chosen A Level or IB subjects up to GCSE exams to ensure they can achieve their offer.

English isn’t my first language or I’m applying from abroad – what else do I need to do?

If English isn’t your teenager’s first language, they will need to sit the UKiSET exam as the first stage of the process. You will need to be registered to take this exam via the UKiSET website ahead of school deadlines.

Be aware that some schools require all students to sit the UKiSET, so make sure to read the information from the school carefully.

If you’re concerned about this part of the process, liaise closely with school admissions departments to understand what your teenager needs to do and when, or get in touch with our team for advice.

How should I approach 16+ personal statements?

Many schools ask students for a short personal statement, which usually sits somewhere between 250 words and a page. Schools may specify what they would like students to talk about, but often it’s their interests and extra-curriculars. This gives the school a flavour of who they are and what they would bring to the school beyond academics. Some schools may also ask students to write about their long-term aspirations post-school.

Make sure you read what the school has asked for carefully and that your teenager is fulfilling all the requirements. E.g., if the school specifies that they’d like to hear why a student would like to attend their school, don’t just talk about extra-curriculars without linking this to the opportunities available at the target school.

If your teenager is feeling a little unsure about this part of the process, please don’t forget that we are here to help. We work with some fantastic advisors who have supported students to gain admission to some of the top sixth forms in the UK. Get in touch to find out more or to book a consultation.

How should I approach interviews?

Most schools choose to invite students to an interview. This may be a ‘second round’ after exams or as part of the process for all applicants. Schools typically host one or more academic interviews to dig into the subjects prospective students would like to study at A Level or IB.

Interview questions vary; they may ask academic or straightforward questions, such as what students have loved about studying their GCSE curriculum, what extra reading they’ve done, or what they are looking forward to studying at A Level or IB.

Schools sometimes also host an interview with the Head of Sixth Form or another staff member that tends to be more pastoral. Past questions have included more abstract questions such as ‘If you had to choose an animal to represent yourself, what would it be and why?’

Many of our students find working with a tutor helpful to stretch their thinking and feel comfortable talking about the A Level or IB syllabus. We also work with some wonderful interview coaches to build confidence and help students come across well.

Have more questions? We are here to help. Get in touch with our Private Tuition team for advice and support.