The Sixth Form College is a highly popular educational model in the United Kingdom that has been gaining more ground in our country over the past few years. It offers a different and more specialized alternative for those seeking a more personalized and flexible pre-university education, like the one provided by institutions such as the British School of Valencia.

Its main attraction is that it allows students to focus on the subjects that really interest them and which are best suited to the career they want to pursue in the future.

Furthermore, its university-like atmosphere encourages student autonomy, promoting the development of critical thinking and essential skills for both academic and professional life.

But what does this methodology actually involve? In the following, we explain everything you need to know about the Sixth Form programme, what its most important features are, and how it is being developed in Spain.

What is a Sixth Form?

The term ‘Sixth Form’ refers to the last two years of secondary education in the British education system, which correspond to Year 12 and Year 13, from 16 to 18 years of age. It is during this stage that students prepare for A-Levels, the advanced level exams that are essential for university entrance.

Its main difference compared to other education systems, however, is the possibility for students to specialise in a small number of subjects that are directly related to their future academic and professional interests. This facilitates a smoother transition to higher education and the workplace.

Sixth Form characteristics

There are several features that make the Sixth Form such an effective programme for students’ higher education.

  • Subject specialisation: in contrast to other education systems where students are required to take a wide range of subjects, in the Sixth Form, students usually select three or four subjects to study in depth. This way, they can concentrate on more specific areas of interest, closely aligned to their university goals.
  • Pre-university environment: Sixth Form Colleges create an environment that simulates a university, encouraging responsibility, independence and self-management. Furthermore, participation in extracurricular activities and projects aimed at enriching the student’s overall education is encouraged.
  • Development of transversal skills: beyond academic knowledge, the Sixth Form focuses particularly on the development of essential skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, communication and teamwork. These skills are highly valued both within university and the workplace.
  • Personalised guidance and support: to maximise their potential and achieve their goals, each student receives one-to-one guidance when choosing subjects, applying to universities and developing their career plans.
  • Continuous assessment and final exams: although A-Levels end with final exams, throughout the Sixth Form different assessments are carried out to monitor the progress of students and provide ongoing feedback for further improvement.

Sixth Form: schools in Spain

Although the Sixth Form is a British institution, its educational model has been spreading over the last few years in Spain, especially in international and British schools that seek to offer a distinctive and high quality education.

As a consequence, Spanish students can access an education that combines the best of both systems: the specialisation and practical approach of the British model, together with the cultural and linguistic richness of the Spanish environment.

Some of the institutions that have incorporated the Sixth Form programme in Spain are the British School of Valencia, Sixth Form 21 (Madrid), Cambridge House British International School (Valencia), Caxton College (Valencia) and Lady Elizabeth School (Alicante).

Discover our Sixth Form school in Valencia

At the British School of Valencia, we offer a programme based on the British system where students can specialise in the subjects that best suit their interests and aspirations.

We have modern facilities, reduced class sizes and a methodology that encourages autonomy, critical thinking and personalised learning. We also offer university orientation from the first year so that our students can access the most prestigious national and international universities.

Our programme is complemented by extracurricular activities, volunteering and the development of key skills such as leadership and teamwork. We are always committed to a comprehensive education that not only helps to develop brilliant students, but also citizens who are fully equipped to face the challenges of the 21st century.