Our Sixth Form
Community values
At Bournside Sixth Form, our community is defined by six core values: We are Ambitious, Curious, Proud, Purposeful, Respectful and Supportive. You’ll see these words around the school, but more importantly, you’ll see them in action. The values are clear in how we work together, how we speak to one another, how teachers teach and how students learn. They shape our culture every day, both in and beyond the classroom.
Academic support and communication
Studying for your A-levels or vocational courses is exciting as it allows you to immerse yourself in the subjects you love – but we recognise that it involves a significant step up in terms of academic rigour and challenge and we're here to support you with the transition.
That support begins with an Induction Day in June and thoughtfully set Summer Bridging Work for each course, designed to help you prepare for Sixth Form study ahead of September. On your first day, you'll be taken through everything you need to know and given study skills advice and guidance, before visiting our Enrichment Fair where you can explore all of the enrichment choices available to you (there is a lot!).
We regularly monitor academic progress and check in on your targets and progress. You will receive three reports a year and undertake mock exams at the end of Year 12 and again in Year 13, helping to ensure that you are fully prepared for your final examinations.
Tutor groups and support
Our vertical tutor group and house system model means that each senior tutor group comprises 12 students from each of Year 12 and 13, which creates an enhanced sense of community across our Sixth Form.
Your tutor is the first point of contact for any pastoral issues. Tutors support and challenge students about academic progress, attendance, behaviour, dress code, and being well organised for learning, maintaining regular contact with parents/carers to provide the best support for students.
Pastoral support
Our pastoral care team is always on hand to make sure you feel safe, supported and ready to learn. We know that everyone needs advice or guidance at times, and we're here to help you navigate challenges and make the most of your Sixth Form experience. Our team includes both teaching staff and specialist support staff who will work with you to help you settle in quickly and achieve your full potential over your two years with us. We also offer a wide range of resources to support your mental health and wellbeing, and you can reach out for help whenever you need it.
And of course, Lottie and Olive, our two black labradors (who are often considered the lead members of our pastoral team) are never too far away.
Exceptional results
Bournside students go on to secure places at leading universities, on degree-level apprenticeships and higher education courses and directly into employment. Our A-level results place us in the top 20% of schools nationally with almost all students securing places on their first-choice university or higher education course.
In 2025 students gained an average points score of 34.3. 30 students gained an average grade of an A or A* in all of their subjects, with 21 students achieving straight A* or A grades.
Inspiring destinations
It would be impossible to list the many subjects and destinations of our students here, but many are proudly displayed across both the Sixth Form Centre and the school.
Bournside Alumni have gone on to study at Universities including; Aberystwyth, Bath, Bristol, Birmingham, Brighton, Cambridge, Cardiff, Exeter, Derby, Durham, Gloucestershire, Hull, Keele, Kingston, Leicester, Leeds, London, Loughborough, Manchester, Nottingham, Oxford, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Reading, Sheffield, Southampton, Swansea, UWE, Worcester, York and more.
Students have gone on to study a broad range of subjects, including Astrophysics and Space Science, Business Management, Biotechnology and Microbiology, Criminology, Chemistry, Economics, English, Film Production, Geography, Illustration, International Relations and Politics, Law, Medicine, Medieval Stdies, Midwifery, Occupational Therapy, Pharmaceutical Science, Physics, Primary and Early Years Education, Psychology, Sociology, Spanish, Sport Rehabilitation, and Zoology.
We're incredibly proud of our thriving network of Bournside Alumni. Their stories of success are a constant source of inspiration, and we are delighted to regularly welcome them back to share their journeys.
