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. 

Amera, class of 2021, from Oasis Brightstowe

 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

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

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.