VIRTUAL TOUR

Sixth Form (16-18)

Studying at Durham School’s Sixth Form is a outstanding experience.

We nurture and encourage pupils’ aspirations, offering the widest possible opportunities for academic success. We achieve this by providing a highly personalised programme of teaching and support. Our approach also enables pupils to engage in a vibrant array of co-curricular activities and thought-provoking societies.

Overview

The Sixth Form at Durham School is based on a traditional academic model of a broad A level curriculum with the opportunity to develop the character of a Sixth Former through numerous enrichment activities.

While academic success is our core purpose, within our co-educational day and boarding community our students receive a multitude of opportunities to gain Confidence for Life. Pupils are empowered to become independent and responsible learners and encouraged to think for themselves as they approach the next stage of their academic lives. After achieving A level success, a significant majority of our pupils move onto higher education. International students can benefit from a three-year Sixth Form course by undertaking a One Year GCSE which is designed to introduce pupils for whom English is a second language to A level study.

View our academic courses

Entry Requirements

Pupils need a minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade 6 to study a course of A levels in our Sixth Form. They must also have a Grade 4 in both Mathematics and English. Ideally, Sixth Formers need at least a Grade 6 in the subjects that they are studying at A level. In many subjects a Grade 7 is strongly recommended.

International pupils should have an IELTS score of 5.5 to enter into the Sixth Form. It is our aim that by the time our international pupils graduate from our Sixth Form they will be at IELTS 7. This is the standard required by universities for overseas pupils to study in the UK. To progress from Year 12 to Year 13, pupils must satisfy the School’s attendance requirements as stipulated in our School’s Sixth Form policy, as well as achieving satisfactory results in the end of Year 12 exams.

Join us at our next Sixth Form Open Event, on Tuesday 13 October, from 6.15pm

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Watch the video to learn what you can expect from life at Durham School Sixth Form…

We recognise that all pupils begin their Sixth Form journey from a variety of different academic starting points. Our focus is therefore on ensuring that every pupil reaches the best destination of which they are capable.

Good mental health is the bedrock of a successful Sixth Form experience. Studying in Years 12 and 13 is a challenging time for any pupil, and we take care to put the right support around our pupils.

This is a period in which we nurture independence while also ensuring that a strong safety net is in place.

In addition to Life & Wellbeing Education (LWE) lessons, pupils have access to our School counsellor, pastoral team, School chaplain, Father Simon, House staff and tutors.

Whether you want to study A levels, BTEC Nationals or an EPQ, Durham School offers the teaching, support and guidance to help you achieve your best.

At the core of it all is our dedicated team of staff.

Mr Hope

Head of Sixth Form
Qualification: first-class honours degree from the University of Leeds, an MPhil in Greek and Latin Literature and Language from the University of Oxford, and a master’s degree from the University of Toronto, Canada.

Mr Hope has a first-class honours degree from the University of Leeds, an MPhil in Greek and Latin Literature and Language from the University of Oxford, and a master’s degree from the University of Toronto, Canada. He teaches Latin, Greek,...

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How do we support our Sixth Form Pupils?

How We Support our Sixth Formers for Success

All our Sixth Form staff are available to pupils, whether in person, virtually or via email. Durham School is committed to the development of its pupils, and the following are just some examples of the extra support provided: Fortnightly careers...

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Regular one-to-one and small-group meetings with Mr Hope to advise on preparation, course requirements, and choices of course, university and college Support in finding relevant work experience for courses where this is required Detailed guidance throughout the application process, including completing application...

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The support with the university application process was phenomenal, especially with regard to medicine applications. There were multiple opportunities provided for me to practice my interviewing skills, both in a traditional interview style and in the widely used Multiple Mini Interview system. With this practice, and subsequent feedback on how to improve, I received offers to study at every university I interviewed at. Sixth Form Pupil

Sixth Form at a Glance

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Open Events

Join us for our Open Events and discover your child’s future. Explore our School community, meet staff and find out more about the opportunities that can help your child learn, grow and thrive.