Inside Sixth Form at Redmaids' High School: What It's Really Like

At Redmaids’ High, Sixth Form is a place where you’ll be supported to shape your own pathway, gain real responsibility and learn both academically and personally. Ask anyone in Sixth Form what makes these two years special, and you’ll get a mix of answers: the independence, the friendships, the leadership opportunities, the trips, and the feeling that you’re genuinely trusted to shape your own experience. Sixth Form here isn’t just the next step after Year 11, it feels like a fresh chapter.  

What Sixth Form Really Feels Like

Spend a little time in the Sixth Form Centre and you start to understand it’s the heart of Sixth Form life. Designed with students in mind, it’s more than just a place to study; it’s somewhere you can genuinely settle into your day.

You can find people working quietly in the study areas during free periods, collaborating on notes before a test, or taking a break in the Common Room with friends. The café is a natural meeting point between lessons, and the leafy views and open spaces make it feel calm and comfortable instead of busy or overwhelming. It’s a balance that Sixth Formers quickly learn to appreciate. You get the independence to manage your time while still feeling part of a community.

One of the biggest changes students notice when they move into Sixth Form is the shift in how they’re treated. You organise your own schedule, decide how to use your free periods and take ownership of your learning. That independence makes the space feel even more like your own because you’re shaping how you spend your time there.

What really stands out is the atmosphere. Whether you’ve been at the school for years or you’re joining in Year 12, people settle in quickly because it’s such a welcoming environment. Students know each other across subjects and year groups, and there’s a genuine sense that people look out for one another.

“Joining Sixth Form as a new student, I was surprised by how quickly I settled in and how genuinely welcoming everyone was. Teachers made such an effort to check in and make sure that I felt supported, and that sense of care was matched by the friendships I have built along the way. With pastoral support and the independence to take on new responsibilities, I’ve grown in confidence, leadership and self-belief. It has truly shown me that Sixth Form life is not just about studying, but that it’s about growing into yourself in an environment that supports you.” - Jolee, Year 12

 “ Having been at Redmaids' since Year 7, I wondered whether Redmaids' Sixth Form would just feel like an extension of secondary school. However, I was proved wrong from the get go. The Sixth Form building provides a distinction from the rest of the school, with its cosy interior and the small class sizes meaning that I was instantly treated as a young adult, rather than just a student. By being encouraged to explore our own interests and aspirations, the friendships I had made over the years have been able to flourish and mature.” - Freya, Year 12

Your relationship with teachers changes too. Lessons feel more like discussions, and because class sizes are small, you will have a significant chance to use your voice. Teachers support you not just with your studies, but with your plans for university, apprenticeships or future careers.

Finding Your Thing

One of the biggest parts of Sixth Form is the chance to explore what you’re genuinely interested in and maybe surprise yourself along the way. For some people that means stepping into a leadership role, but for others it’s about developing a passion, achieving something new or trying something they never had time for before.

There’s no single “Sixth Form path” which is what makes it exciting. You might be leading a House event, mentoring younger students or helping organise a charity event. Or you might be putting yourself into sport, performing arts or a personal project.

Achievements here come in all shapes and sizes. It could be representing the school in a competition, reaching the later stages of a national tournament with your team, performing in a production, or even starting a club that brings people together around a shared interest. These are the moments that build confidence and make the experience feel personal.

“Being a part of the hockey team at Sixth Form has given me a way to keep active while still studying hard. The school has helped me with my coaching, by encouraging me to get involved with the younger years, from Year 5 up to Year 9. It’s enabled me to continue to be proud of my hobbies, especially coming 3rd in the West in indoor hockey, and getting to the final rounds of the U18 England Hockey and U19 ISHC competitions.” - Harriet, Year 13

What stands out most is that students are encouraged to follow what genuinely excites them. There’s space to explore, to take on responsibility if you want to, and to celebrate progress. It’s also not just big milestones, but the small wins along the way too.  

Life Beyond The Classroom

Sixth Form is about balance. Some of the most memorable parts of Sixth Form happen outside the classroom. The timetable gives you space to take part in clubs, sport, performing arts and social events such as the Sixth Form Ball. You have time to pursue interests, try something new and spend time having fun with friends.

Trips are a highlight of the experience here. Alongside curriculum day trips, there are opportunities to travel further afield and gain new perspectives and cultures. To help give you a flavour of what overseas trips are on offer, this year, students can take part in:

• Easter: Classics & Geography trip to Sicily
• Summer: Humanitarian Expedition to Tanzania
• Christmas: Ski trip to Austria

These experiences broaden horizons and create memories that last long after Sixth Form.  

Looking Ahead

Throughout Sixth Form, there is a strong focus on helping you prepare for life after school. You will receive one-to-one guidance, support with UCAS, interview preparation and tailored advice for competitive courses. Programmes such as the Lighthouse Programme help develop life skills, work-readiness and confidence alongside academic study.

 “ Applying to study Medicine this year has been a process with many stages and it hasn't always been straightforward. Having consistent one-to-one guidance meant I felt prepared and supported at every step, rather than overwhelmed by what was ahead. Being surrounded by others applying to study Medicine through 'MedSoc' also made the experience far less daunting. That support has really built my confidence and I now feel ready to take my next steps.” - Alice, Year 13

“Applying to university has been a challenging but incredibly rewarding journey. Balancing sporting ambitions alongside academic goals has meant carefully considering the right pathway, and at times the options felt limited and overwhelming. However, the consistent guidance from teachers has made a real difference. Their support has helped me see that there are many different pathways. They have allowed me to make informed decisions about the route that best suits my aspirations, rather than feeling pressured to follow a more traditional path. Having that encouragement has given me the confidence about what’s ahead. I now feel excited about my next steps knowing that I’m choosing a path that feels right for both my academic and sporting goals.” - Prarthana, Year 12

Sixth Form at Redmaids’ High is about more than studying for A Levels. It’s about becoming more independent, feeling part of a supportive and fun community, taking on leadership opportunities and making the most of the final two years of school.

As you move towards the end of Sixth Form, you don’t just leave with grades. You leave with direction, confidence and a clearer sense of who you are. Whatever path you choose next, Sixth Form here at Redmaids' High will ensure you feel ready to take those next steps.

Explore the subjects you could study, discover the opportunities on offer and read our students’ stories here.