1. Designated Tutors

All students are assigned a tutor at the start of year 12 who supports and guides them throughout their time in the sixth form. The tutors deliver aspects of the life skills programme which includes study support advice and how to apply to university, for an apprenticeship or work. In addition to this they have 1:1 meetings with students to review their progress. The tutors can offer their expertise and can listen and help students with any pressures of sixth form they may experience.

2. Specialist Careers Advice

Advice is available every day on UCAS applications, work experience, apprenticeship opportunities and careers not only through the sixth form tutors but also our dedicated, qualified careers advisor. We can offer 1:1 advice regarding careers, university, apprenticeships, employment and how to develop their future. We can help you develop your skills by finding you part-time employment, voluntary positions or work experience to develop your employability skills.

From exploring career paths to CV and personal statement advice, we will work with students during their course and beyond. Depending upon specific requirements, we organise mock interviews and work in partnership with many local organisations who kindly give up their time to allow our students to gain valuable work experience.

3. Directed Study and Study Support

One way we ensure students are supported in their studies is by having them in the academy from 8:30am to 12:20pm everyday regardless of their timetable. This supports our students by ensuring they have a routine but also that they are studying in a location where they have access to resources and their teachers if they need help. Where students require additional support in a subject, they can be allocated dedicated study support sessions on their timetable where their teachers will provide them with a range of different interventions including tutorials and workshops.

4. Reporting on Progress

Students, parents and carers will still receive progress reports whilst in the sixth form. We feel it is important that parents and carers are informed of how their child is progressing so they too can support them. As well as progress reports we have an annual parents evening.

5. Mental Health and Wellbeing

If a student is concerned about their mental health and wellbeing besides talking to their tutor, students have the option to talk to our designated safeguarding lead for the sixth form. In addition to this we also have a team of support staff in the academy such as a counsellor who are available to help students. Students also take part in our PSHE programme, Life Skills where mental health and wellbeing is discussed.

6. Financial Support: Sixth Form Bursary and the Rowlands Trust Scholarship

Any student with parents or guardians who are receiving an income-based benefit will be entitled to financial support with all education expenses from stationery and suits to the cost of educational trips aboard. Application forms will be provided for all successful applicants.

We also know that university can be difficult to finance and so our year 13 students are able to apply for the Rowlands Trust Scholarship. They are required to formerly submit a letter of application outlining what course they will be studying, what have they contributed to the Academy, what impact has the Academy had on their progression and how might they utilise The Rowlands Trust Scholarship. If successful, a student will receive £1,000 per year, for a period of three years at university.