Sixth Form Newsletter 13th February 2026

Dear families, As we move further into the spring term, we are delighted to see the impressive progress being made across both Year 12 and Year 13. Many of our Year 13 students have now received all of their university offers, and Year 12 students are increasingly engaging with the opportunities that prepare them for the challenges and responsibilities of Year 13. We hope this update provides useful guidance for families as students plan their next steps.

Supporting Year 13 With University Offer Decisions

This is an exciting milestone for our Year 13 students, and we are incredibly proud of the ambition and hard work that has led to the offers they have received. Over the coming weeks, students will need to consider which options to accept as their Firm and Insurance choices on UCAS. We encourage families to support thoughtful, well‑informed decision‑making using the following reminders:

• Firm Choices: This should be the course and university they most want to attend and where they believe the entry requirements are realistically achievable.
• Insurance Choices: A secure Insurance choice should have slightly lower entry requirements, offering a genuine safety net.
• Take Time to Research: Students should revisit virtual open days, course content, accommodation options, and student support services before finalising choices.
• Consider Long-Term Aspirations: University is a significant stepping-stone toward future careers. Decisions should balance academic interests, wellbeing, and long-term opportunities.

Our sixth form team is always available to talk through options with students or families who would like additional support.

Maintaining High Standards – The Importance of Hard Work

Once offers have been received, it is important that students remain focused. Universities make offers based on the expectation that students will continue working at their best. Achieving their target grades is key to securing their chosen destination. We ask for your support in encouraging:

• consistent attendance
• effective revision routines
• strong engagement with classwork and assessments

The efforts students make between now and exam season will be decisive in meeting their aspirations.

Student Finance – Applications Opening Soon

Applications for Student Finance England are expected to open shortly. All students planning to enter higher education should begin preparations now, including:

• organising personal identification, such as passport details
• discussing household income details for means‑tested elements
• learning about maintenance loan entitlement
• beginning to budget for life at university

We will share further updates as soon as the application window opens and will offer support in school for anyone who needs help completing the process.

Year 12 – Engaging Fully Before Stepping Up to Year 13

As Year 12 progresses through the spring and into early summer, this is a crucial period for students to take advantage of all the enrichment, academic, and careers‑related opportunities available to them. These experiences form an important foundation for strong university, apprenticeship, or employment applications. From May onwards, Year 12 students begin to “step up” into a more independent study mindset in preparation for Year 13. To support a successful transition, we encourage students to:

• Participate actively in all trips, talks, workshops, and subject enrichment
• Complete super-curricular activities such as wider reading or subject‑related research
• Engage in work experience or volunteering, building valuable skills and insight
• Take on leadership roles, both in school and the wider community
• Begin exploring post‑18 pathways early, including degrees, apprenticeships, and alternative routes

These habits now will ensure students enter Year 13 with confidence, clarity, and momentum.

We Are Here to Support Every Student

This is an important and exciting phase of sixth form life. Whether your child is in Year 12 or Year 13, our team is committed to guiding them through every stage of their journey. If you have any questions regarding university offers, apprenticeships, student finance, or the transition into Year 13, please do not hesitate to contact the sixth form team. Thank you, as always, for your continued support. Mr York

Year 13 University Applications – Fantastic Progress!

We are delighted to share that all Year 13 students who wished to apply for university have now submitted their applications, an exciting milestone in their academic journey. This marks an important step as they move forward toward their future careers. A special well‑done to Iustina, who has already received offers from all five of her chosen universities! She will be heading off to study Music, her true passion, and we couldn’t be prouder of her achievement. We look forward to celebrating more successes as offers continue to come in. Thank you to parents for your ongoing support during this important process.

Year 13 Mock Examinations – Now Underway

Our Year 13 mock examinations, which began on 5th February and run through until 2nd March, are now well underway. These assessments play a vital role in preparing students for their final A Level and BTEC exams later this year. They help students experience real exam conditions, understand the standard expected of them, and identify any areas where further revision or support may be needed. We kindly ask for your continued support in encouraging students to revise regularly throughout the mock exam period. Consistent revision at home alongside the guidance they receive in lessons will help strengthen their knowledge, boost confidence, and ensure they are fully prepared to perform at their best. Maintaining healthy routines, minimising distractions, and prioritising rest can make a significant difference to students’ performance and wellbeing during this busy time. If you have any concerns or feel your child would benefit from additional support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Thank you for your ongoing support.

Road Safety Awareness Sessions Make a Powerful Impact on Our Year 12 Students

We are pleased to share that our recent road safety awareness sessions for Year 12 were a great success. Students found the experience engaging, valuable, and deeply impactful. In collaboration with the Northamptonshire Safer Roads Alliance, students watched a powerful video featuring survivors of a local collision. They spoke candidly about the incident, its aftermath, and the emotional and physical challenges they continue to face. The video commissioned by a partnership involving the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Northamptonshire Police, Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service, and Kier Highways offered a real-life perspective on the often‑overlooked consequences of risky driving. The Year 12 presentation focused on a true story involving four local teenagers, showing just how quickly a single misjudgment can lead to life-changing tragedy. Students explored the importance of making safe decisions, whether as a new driver or a passenger, and discussed the commitment and responsibility that come with gaining a driving licence. Throughout the session, students were attentive, reflective, and fully engaged. Many described the experience as eye‑opening and thought‑provoking. We believe these lessons will help encourage safer behaviours on the roads and empower our young people to make informed, responsible choices as they move toward adulthood and independence.

Inspiring Visit from #BeMoreFab Children’s Cancer Charity

During the drop down day our Year 12 students had the privilege of hearing from Andrew Bark and Kelly Church, representing the #BeMoreFab children’s cancer charity. They shared a powerful and deeply personal journey about children’s cancer, offering our students an honest and heartfelt insight into the realities faced by young people and their families.

Andrew also spoke about the incredible, life‑saving work of the Anthony Nolan Trust, an organisation dedicated to matching stem cell donors with patients in urgent need. They highlighted the importance of joining the stem cell register, and just how quick and simple the process is.

We are exceptionally proud of our Year 12 cohort, who showed maturity, compassion, and genuine engagement throughout the session. Many chose to take the swab test immediately, opting to join the stem cell register on the spot. Their willingness to step forward means they could one day be the reason someone gets a second chance at life.

A huge thank you to Andrew and Kelly for inspiring our students and for the vital work they continue to do.

Dates to Remember

Biology - Scholarly Experience - Natural History Museum (Hertfordshire) - Wednesday 25th February 2026

Physics - Scholarly Experience - National Space Centre (Leicester) - Saturday 28th February 2026

Last day of term - Thursday 2nd April 2026

Students return to school - Monday 20th April 2026