Our Sixth Form curriculum reflects the increasing maturity of our students as they refine their knowledge towards expertise and prepare for life at university and beyond. Our Sixth Formers are role models to the whole school, given a special place and prominence that builds confidence and leadership skills.

Students will choose three or four A levels from one of our Pathways, designed to show how different degrees and professions sit within university faculties and sectors of industry. Pathways in Arts and Humanities, Health and Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Design and Engineering, and Social Sciences open an incredibly wide array of opportunities for further study and career development.

This highly focused approach has come out of many years’ experience of helping pupils realise their full academic and personal potential and achieve ambitious goals at university and in professional life beyond. Often, pupils come to Sixth Form with an idea of subjects they enjoy and are good at, but without a full understanding of where those subjects might one day take them. By following our Pathways programme, pupils are clear early on what they are trying to accomplish and what they must do in order to succeed.

Our individualised approach to education will keep them going every step of the way. Pathways are highly focused, but they are not prescriptively narrow. Additional qualifications such as LAMDA in Drama, Arts Award, and ABRSM in Music, give pupils plenty of optional breadth. In addition, we run – and recommend – the EPQ, Extended Project Qualification, which is valued by universities because it gives pupils the chance to explore a topic of their choice and to produce an end project that borders on undergraduate-level insight. Many pupils have drawn on knowledge gained through the EPQ when writing effective personal statements and rising to the challenge of prestigious interviews.

There is also a range of exciting and interesting opportunities available to Sixth Form students. These include the chance to get involved in debating, school productions and drama, the Choir and musical recitals, project, academic and peer mentoring, advanced tutorial groups (providing preparation for the most competitive university courses).

Our students have the opportunity to, represent the UK in the Model European Parliament, apply for the Peter Large Travel Scholarship, be part of the National Volunteer Programme, and represent the school at civic events.

The combination of small classes, expert tuition and an abundance of opportunity has consistently helped provide our students with an environment in which the highest levels of success are not only achievable but commonplace. Students leave Thetford Grammar Sixth Form for the most competitive university placements and careers year after year. Read some of our recent graduates’ stories below.