Sixth Form

Watch our Sixth Form Leavers video here for a look into Sixth Form Life at Battle Abbey School

Watch School Guardian Corbyn’s ‘Dedication to the School’ speech from Founders Day

Life in the Sixth Form is hard work but pupils are treated as mature young adults.

The Sixth Form Mentors guide you through the university application, choice of subjects and a range of other challenges both great and small. There is no school uniform but the requirement to dress like young professional people.

The Sixth Form offers change, a wealth of new opportunities and a chance to prepare for the future.

Most Sixth Formers study three A Levels, although a few study four. Work and progress is monitored by Sixth Form Tutors. At A Level there are more than twenty subjects to choose from. In an average year around 95% of our Sixth Form leavers will go on to University with the rest primarily taking internships. Just under half of our University bound Sixth Form leavers go on to study at Oxford, Cambridge or Russell Group Universities.

Courses
We offer a comprehensive range of A Level and BTec courses. We expect potential Sixth Formers to have a minimum of six GCSE passes at grade 4 or above and to have achieved at least a grade 6 at GCSE in their chosen subjects.

Available courses are listed in the A Level curriculum document in this section.

What’s Sixth Form Like?

‘‘Battle Abbey Sixth Form is an environment that cultivates academic success and creates a supportive network in which students can thrive, and, in their two years in the Sixth Form, develop into well-rounded individuals ready to leave the Abbey. Ages 16 to 18 are about a sense of independence and responsibility – which, in turn, comes with freedom and choice. Martlet House provides excellent facilities where students can either focus on their studies in the Silent Study Room or take a break from their hard work in the café and garden. This building is almost entirely centred around the Sixth Form experience and hence is a great place for students to unwind or work without distraction.
There are also designated areas within the main building, including the Common Room and Study Room, giving students the convenience of always being close to their next lesson. Sixth Form students are free to eat, study, and relax where they please – if they sign in and out with their lanyards of course!
There is never a dull moment at Battle Abbey. There is a whole host of enrichment opportunities to get involved with.
Pupils may enjoy clubs such as chess, sports, book club, there’s something for everyone. In music, we have many choirs and orchestras as well as private lessons available. Many Sixth Formers are also involved with the activities that revolve around the Performing Arts Centre, or PAC as it is fondly known. There is the chance to star in the latest musical production or perform in the termly concerts. In sport, coaches put on sessions at lunch, after school and even before the day starts. Some favourites are the swim team, football, hockey and netball. There are also plenty of opportunities for super curricular academic extension, Societies such as salsa dancing or literature around the world provide an excellent time to develop out of classroom skills. We also have an academic journal, The Gateway, which is a perfect way to explore possible degree subjects in more detail and show off your essay writing skills. The Sixth Form have the opportunity not only to participate in these activities but to help run them or set one up as a Bronze – which are otherwise known as subject prefects.
Sixth Formers are able to take on leadership roles in the school as Heads of House, Bronzes, Heads of Boarding, Stars and Guardians; our unique title for Head Boy(s) and Head Girl(s). These student leaders form a bridge between the student body and staff allowing communication between the two and enabling voices across school to be heard and recognised. Leadership roles are not only opportunities for students to learn the people skills required to become a good leader in the workplace, but also to be a friendly face for younger pupils to turn to for help, guidance or advice with any matter – whether it be friendships or homework. Guardians’ responsibilities include the organisation of the Winter and Summer Ball as well as inter-house competitions and charity events. These positions of responsibility also allow new students to become involved and integrated with the running of the school and gain experience in organising events and collaborating on projects – which are skills much sought after by universities and employers.
Here at Battle Abbey we don’t just offer an incredible place to learn, it is a safe and nurturing environment where friendships can flourish. Whether you are boarding or a day pupil by the time you leave Battle you will have made lifelong friendships and connections across the globe. One thing that I believe places Battle Abbey apart from other schools is the support offered by all the teachers. The vigilance and dedication shown by every tutor or teacher means that you never feel overwhelmed in your final years. They always make time for extra sessions if you can’t grasp a topic, and their constant encouragement inspires us to work harder to achieve our goals.
The kitchen staff at Battle Abbey are second to none. If you’re feeling peckish or in need of a sugar boost they are always there with a readily available supply of biscuits! Annie, our chef at Martlet House never ceases to put a smile on your face, and always goes the extra mile to make your experience at Battle that much better. Her constant supply of treats such as cheese toasties or cakes are always a much-appreciated study snack. She is always creating exciting new menus and getting us to experience different cuisines.
The Battle Abbey School bubble is a wonderful atmosphere where students can thrive in their individuality and yet feel part of a family. In House time Sixth Formers are offered the opportunity to become a ‘Star’; a mentor for a group of younger pupils in their house. Through this we have cultivated a ‘big sister/brother’ attitude in the Upper Sixth that encourages pupils to be kind and supportive of one another. Coming from a school that did not prioritise wellbeing and welfare, I was immediately blown away by the comforting embrace Battle offers. The family ethos we have here allows interaction between all the different age groups, meaning that you will always have someone looking out for you.
Although we have battled through Covid these past few years, its lasting effects can be seen in many pupils’ mental health. That is why at Battle Abbey we prioritise each individual student’s welfare, especially with our brilliant new head of safeguarding; Mrs Ingall.
It is thanks to all of these things that we are confident in saying that Battle Abbey provides students with the skills and determination to become successful well-rounded individuals with a natural sense of compassion and empathy in an environment that is both friendly and exciting. We hope that if we see you join the Battle Abbey family in the near future, that you too will enjoy your time here as much as we have and come away with friendships and memories to last a life time.’

The Guardians 2022/2023