Applications for entry to our Sixth Form in September 2024 have now closed.
External students whose applications are successful will be contacted mid February with a view to inviting them for an informal interview the week of 26th February.
The Sixth Form at Chestnut Grove Academy lies at the heart of the school’s Creative Learning Community. Our bespoke new building opened in September 2021 and offers exceptional facilities and access to IT to all our students, as they continue their journey towards maturity.
A feature of the new Sixth Form Centre is its palpable intellectual buzz, permeating through our student body and encouraging all sixth formers to develop their curiosity as they increasingly become more independent. Students are encouraged to take ever more ownership of their post-16 experience and our curriculum intent makes clear that we are focused on providing a rigorous, knowledge-rich, transformational education which prepares our students to succeed at university, thrive in employment and lead fulfilling lives. It marries traditional education with dynamic approaches to teaching and learning, and students are tasked not only with making a contribution and participating, but also with organising the participation of others. This is set within a supportive and nurturing environment, where students are seen as individuals and as young adults.
Ofsted recognised our commitment to helping every student fulfil their unique potential, and the impact that this has, by stating that ‘The quality of provision and outcomes in the sixth form are outstanding. Teaching and assessment are consistently strong. Students study a curriculum that supports their specific needs, interests and future plans very well’ (Ofsted, 2019).
Moreover, the sixth form puts structures in place to ensure students are well prepared for their next steps. All students benefit from appropriate work experience placements in Year 12 and gain an invaluable insight into the world of work to support their future career choices, ‘The school’s work to ensure that students have the opportunity for work-based learning is very effective’ (Ofsted, 2019).
A great deal of work goes into empowering our students to think big and to aim high. These high expectations have been critical in developing student self-confidence and resilience, which in turn has accelerated the number of applicants applying to, and being accepted by, the most prestigious universities across the UK. This includes Oxbridge, where we have sent some nine students in the past six years, and sits comfortably against students receiving offers for some of the most competitive courses like medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine. Again, Ofsted stated ‘A high proportion of students receive offers from the top Russell Group universities’ (Ofsted, 2019).
Of course, this cannot happen in isolation and positive relationships underpin everything we do. These positive relationships between students and staff serve to motivate and engage students, evidenced by our position in the top 10% of providers nationally for A level student progress (ALPS value-added).
Most importantly though, our students feel happy, safe and well supported. They are proud of their sixth form and would recommend it to their peers. As a result, each year the sixth form receives many applications from internal students and from students attending other schools and colleges. All are assured of a warm welcome and we very much look forward to working in partnership with our families to achieve each student’s ambitions.
For further information please email the school on sixthform@chestnutgrove.org.uk or contact the school’s Main Office on 020 8673 8737.