--- title: Making the move - from state school to private Sixth Form description: We heard from three students who joined our private sixth form for girls from local state secondary schools in Bristol. image: https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(4).jpg --- [![Black left aligned RHS GDST logo](https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/logos/Black%20left%20aligned%20RHS%20GDST%20logo.png?width=215&height=100&name=Black%20left%20aligned%20RHS%20GDST%20logo.png "Black left aligned RHS GDST logo")](https://www.redmaidshigh.co.uk/) [Back to Main Site](https://www.redmaidshigh.co.uk/) [![Redmaids' High School](https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Redmaids_High_School_April2021/images/mobile-logo.png?width=270&height=472&name=mobile-logo.png "Redmaids' High School")](https://www.redmaidshigh.co.uk/) [Back to Main Site](https://www.redmaidshigh.co.uk/) [\< Back to Blog](https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/) # Making the move - from state school to private Sixth Form The move up to Sixth Form can be a scary prospect, even more so if you're changing from a large secondary school or mixed education to a private or single-sex sixth form.  We wanted to dispell the myths surrounding the move to independent education, so we asked three students who had made exactly that change. Amera, Yasmin and Natalie each joined us from local state secondary schools for Sixth Form, and let us know what making the change was like.    #### ![Untitled design (4)](https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(4).jpg?width=223&name=Untitled%20design%20(4).jpg)Amera, class of 2021, from [Oasis Brightstowe](https://www.oasisacademybrightstowe.org/)  For me, the biggest change when joining Redmaids' High was going from a big mixed secondary school to a much smaller all-girls school. I was a bit worried about what an all-girls school might be like, but it’s really friendly, no one is mean or cliquey. It feels very calm here and I appreciate having more time to focus on my studies. Everyone in my classes is really focused on the work, and wants to do well, which creates a very positive atmosphere to learn in.   #### Yasmin, class of 2018, from [Oasis Brightstowe](https://www.oasisacademybrightstowe.org/) #### ![Yasmin](https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Yasmin.jpg?width=177&name=Yasmin.jpg) I chose to come to Redmaids’ High because I really enjoyed my first visit to the school and meeting the lovely staff and students. After speaking with current students at the time, they were very friendly and I felt welcomed and saw myself going there. The application and interview process felt like a lot of pressure at first but once I did the interview, I was more comfortable being myself and the pressure eased. The transition from Oasis to Redmaids' High was quite smooth and I couldn’t have done it without the support from Miss Beynon, and encouragement from my tutors; Miss Mains and Miss Morrow. I have just graduated from Durham University with an Upper Second Class Honours Degree in Philosophy. I am about to start my Teacher training at a secondary school in Southampton with Teach First. If you are thinking about going to Redmaids' High, I would say 'do it!' Honestly, some of the best years of my life has been at Redmaids’ High. I made such amazing friends there and had great relationships with my teachers! They truly helped me feel confident and supported me throughout my time at Redmaids’ High.   #### Natalie, class of 2020, [Orchard School](https://www.orchardschoolbristol.co.uk/) I wanted to apply to Redmaids' High as their art and textiles departments are really strong and I could tell you get a lot of support from the school community. I also really liked the people I met when touring the grounds - everyone was very friendly. I studied art, textiles and geography at A Level. Before I started I was concerned that there might be drama in an all girls school, but it wasn’t the case at all, it just felt like a really trusting and encouraging environment. If you are thinking about applying to Redmaids’ High then I would advise you just go for it, even if you think you may not get the grades, the experience of interviewing will be great for Uni, and you never know, you might surprise yourself.   It's been great to see Amera, Yasmin and Natalie progress through the school and onto great things. If you think you might like to join our Sixth Form, why not come to our next open evening on Thursday 14 October? It's a relaxed and informal evening where you'll find out more about what life here is like, and there's no pressure to make any decisions until you feel sure.  [![Register now](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/19538110/609dbcfd-e8da-47ff-8cf8-b57824992439.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/19538110/609dbcfd-e8da-47ff-8cf8-b57824992439) Date Posted: 24 September, 2021 [Share](http://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/making-the-move-from-state-school-to-private-sixth-form) ## Articles for: Sixth Form ![Breaktime with Mr Dwyer, Head of Redmaids’ High School from Sept 2020](https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Paul%20Dwyer%201-450_th.jpg?width=770&name=Paul%20Dwyer%201-450_th.jpg) **Breaktime with Mr Dwyer, Head of Redmaids’ High School from Sept 2020** Date Posted: 27 February, 2020 READ MORE ![From Application to Success: The Journey with the Arkwright Engineering Scholarship](https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_4311%20(1).jpeg?width=770&name=IMG_4311%20(1).jpeg) **From Application to Success: The Journey with the Arkwright Engineering Scholarship** Date Posted: 24 September, 2024 We recently caught up with Camilla, one of the talented recipients of the prestigious Arkwright Engineering Scholarship... READ MORE ![Q&A with former student Charlotte.](https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/thumbnail_Charlotte%20Butterfield%20pic.jpg?width=770&name=thumbnail_Charlotte%20Butterfield%20pic.jpg) **Q&A with former student Charlotte.** Date Posted: 19 May, 2022 Charlotte was a student of The Red Maids school, back in 1989, before we merged with Redland High and became Redmaids'... READ MORE ![What is your digital footprint?](https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/_RMHS%20Yr%207%20Lifestyle%202023__Y2A6347-CR3_.jpeg?width=770&name=_RMHS%20Yr%207%20Lifestyle%202023__Y2A6347-CR3_.jpeg) **What is your digital footprint?** Date Posted: 2 January, 2024 What is your digital footprint? READ MORE ![Meet our Year 3 pupils - This is Freya](https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/20231129_161249.jpg?width=770&name=20231129_161249.jpg) **Meet our Year 3 pupils - This is Freya** Date Posted: 18 December, 2023 When 7-year-olds join us in Year 3, our key entry point, the possiblities open to them are endless. READ MORE ![Our children need the theatre to help them thrive](https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Junior%20Drama%20-1.jpg?width=770&name=Junior%20Drama%20-1.jpg) **Our children need the theatre to help them thrive** Date Posted: 22 July, 2021 David Suchet wrote a brilliant article in the Telegraph newspaper titled 'Our children need the theatre to help them... READ MORE ![Reflections on retirement from the Headmistress Mrs Tobias ](https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Isabel%20-450_th.png?width=770&name=Isabel%20-450_th.png) **Reflections on retirement from the Headmistress Mrs Tobias** Date Posted: 3 July, 2020 READ MORE ![Breaktime with Mr. Shopland](https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled%20design-1.jpg?width=770&name=Untitled%20design-1.jpg) **Breaktime with Mr. Shopland** Date Posted: 29 February, 2024 We caught up with Mr. Mark Shopland, our new Head of Junior School Sport, to get to know him better, find out how he... READ MORE ![Meet our new Head Girls Maddy and Muznah](https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_0773.jpg?width=770&name=IMG_0773.jpg) **Meet our new Head Girls Maddy and Muznah** Date Posted: 17 April, 2023 At the beginning of every Summer Term we welcome our new Sixth Form Leadership Team into post to begin their roles as... READ MORE ![Breaktime with Mrs Moyle](https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Lisa%20Moyle-1.jpeg?width=770&name=Lisa%20Moyle-1.jpeg) **Breaktime with Mrs Moyle** Date Posted: 20 April, 2023 This month we are celebrating Mrs Moyle and the fantastic first year that she has had in her role as Director of our... READ MORE ![How to get the most from our Senior School Open Morning](https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/image00034-3.jpeg?width=770&name=image00034-3.jpeg) **How to get the most from our Senior School Open Morning** Date Posted: 9 September, 2025 Picture the scene. You’re in Year Six and about to visit our Senior School Open Event. You don’t quite know what to... READ MORE ![The importance of diversity and inclusion](https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/interfaith2.jpg?width=770&name=interfaith2.jpg) **The importance of diversity and inclusion** Date Posted: 24 January, 2022 As we continue to move forward in our increasingly diverse world, the need for applying the principles of diversity and... READ MORE ![Breaktime with Miss Pratt](https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_1175.jpeg?width=770&name=IMG_1175.jpeg) **Breaktime with Miss Pratt** Date Posted: 19 August, 2022 We're delighted to introduce our new Head of Junior School Sport, Miss Rebecca Pratt. Joining us from Radnor House in... READ MORE ![Breaktime with Mr Mortimore](https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_0127.jpeg?width=770&name=IMG_0127.jpeg) **Breaktime with Mr Mortimore** Date Posted: 16 January, 2023 We’re delighted to introduce to the school our new PE teacher, hockey expert and all-round outdoor adventurer Mr Jamie... READ MORE ![Finding the right path: The International Baccalaureate Diploma](https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Daisy%20_IB%20photo.jpg?width=770&name=Daisy%20_IB%20photo.jpg) **Finding the right path: The International Baccalaureate Diploma** Date Posted: 27 May, 2022 The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma is a prestigious, well-recognised qualification worldwide and highly... READ MORE ![Fantasy Fiction - A World of Pure Imagination](https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(4)-Jul-03-2025-02-04-41-7328-PM.png?width=770&name=Untitled%20design%20(4)-Jul-03-2025-02-04-41-7328-PM.png) **Fantasy Fiction - A World of Pure Imagination** Date Posted: 3 July, 2025 READ MORE ![Breaktime with Mrs Badger](https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled%20(420%20%C3%97%20595%20mm).png?width=770&name=Untitled%20(420%20%C3%97%20595%20mm).png) **Breaktime with Mrs Badger** Date Posted: 15 June, 2023 We caught up with our adventure-loving Junior School Year 3 class teacher Mrs. Badger, to find out more about her, what... READ MORE ![Helping you find your Outdoor Sport Adventure](https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/20220326_104055.jpg?width=770&name=20220326_104055.jpg) **Helping you find your Outdoor Sport Adventure** Date Posted: 22 February, 2023 Sport for our students is life changing. The skills that are nurtured and the lessons that are learnt not only help... READ MORE ![A Junior School Round-up of Charitable Activities 2022/2023 ](https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Image%20(4)-4.jpeg?width=770&name=Image%20(4)-4.jpeg) **A Junior School Round-up of Charitable Activities 2022/2023**  Date Posted: 10 August, 2023 Before we welcome our new joiners this September, we wanted to reflect on, and celebrate the many charitable activities... READ MORE ![Changes to the UCAS Application Process](https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Redmaids_sixthform22%20(28%20of%20106).jpg?width=770&name=Redmaids_sixthform22%20(28%20of%20106).jpg) **Changes to the UCAS Application Process** Date Posted: 31 March, 2023 READ MORE [Click here to view all news articles](https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk) - [MAKE AN ENQUIRY](https://www.redmaidshigh.co.uk/contact-us) - [NEWS](https://news.redmaidshigh.co.uk/) - [MY REDMAIDS' HIGH](https://www.redmaidshigh.co.uk/my-redmaids/) [![Black centered RHS GDST logo](https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/logos/Black%20centered%20RHS%20GDST%20logo.png?width=179&height=200&name=Black%20centered%20RHS%20GDST%20logo.png "Black centered RHS GDST logo")](http://redmaidshigh.co.uk) #### Registered Office The Asticus Building, 21 Palmer Street, London, England, SW1H 0AD Company number: 6400 Registered charity number: 306983    #### Junior School Grange Court Road Westbury-on-Trym Bristol BS9 4DP [0117 962 9451](tel:0117%20962%209451) [juniors@redmaidshigh.gdst.net](mailto:juniors@redmaidshigh.gdst.net) #### Senior School AND SIXTH FORM Westbury Road Westbury-on-Trym Bristol BS9 3AW [0117 962 2641](tel:0117%20962%202641) [seniors@redmaidshigh.gdst.net](mailto:seniors@redmaidshigh.gdst.net) - © 2025 Redmaids' High School, GDST - All rights reserved - [School Policies](https://www.redmaidshigh.co.uk/about-the-school/school-policies/) - [Cookie & Privacy Policies](https://www.redmaidshigh.co.uk/about-the-school/school-policies/data-protection-and-privacy-policies/) - [Contact Us](https://www.redmaidshigh.co.uk/contact-us/) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Redmaids' High School", "url" : "https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/author/redmaids-high-school" }, "dateModified" : "2021-09-24T13:43:09.057Z", "datePublished" : "2021-09-24T10:57:27.000Z", "headline" : "Making the move - from state school to private Sixth Form", "image" : [ "https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(4).jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/making-the-move-from-state-school-to-private-sixth-form", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hubfs/RHS_logo_left%20aligned_black_RGB.png" }, "name" : "Redmaids' High School" } } ```