Welcome to
Sixth Form
Overview
Welcome to the Sixth Form at Ipswich High School; a vibrant co-educational day and boarding school.
At Ipswich High School Sixth Form we work with our students to create a bespoke and tailored curriculum. Whether you choose 3 or 4 subjects at A Level or an an additional Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), in our Sixth Form you will be studying alongside hard-working, ambitious, diligent and friendly young people who inspire and encourage each other to achieve their aims. Our pupils achieve incredible results through our proven formula of inspirational, passionate, and experienced A Level teachers and small classes.
Our usual entry requirement is a GCSE Level 7 or higher in the subject that you wish to study coupled with a raft of GCSE Level 6 and above results. If you wish to study Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths then a Level 7 or higher is required.
Mrs Imogen Vickers - Head of sixth form
Our thriving community along with our bespoke approach to teaching and learning sets us apart from other Sixth Forms and provides an inspiring learning environment. We ask our students to question, to challenge and to think; building a stronger thirst for knowledge and a greater need for answers. We are committed to fully supporting our students to achieve their full potential during this transformative stage of their education.
Mrs Imogen Vickers - Head of sixth form
Foundations to Flourish
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Your Future, Now
There are 24 A Level options available to all our students. We work closely with each pupil to create a bespoke curriculum, meaning they become fully immersed in each of their subjects. Small class sizes (typically four to eight), university-style teaching and regular assessment challenge each student throughout their A Levels whilst weekly subject clinics and easy access to teaching staff means support, help and advice are always there if needed.
Oxbridge Support Programme
Our bespoke Oxbridge support programme includes expert speakers and visits to the University of Oxford. Our wider UCAS and apprenticeship programmes include visiting speakers and a special evening event for parents and pupils to meet with industry experts.
Oxbridge Programme
Starting in Year 9 we offer support to our students as they prepare their applications to Oxford, Cambridge, and Russell Group universities. Through the Generation Next programme which offers insight into university life and our mentoring scheme which encompasses work experience, students are fully prepared. Visits from key expert speakers inspire and support our students on their Oxbridge journey. The success rate of our students is higher than the national average within the independent sector.
Personal Statement
With personalised 1:1 meetings we will help you structure and edit your personal statement to make a great first impression.
Admissions Tests
We help you prepare for your university admissions tests including NMAT, UKCAT and STEP. We also support you with your supplementary application essays.
Key Texts and Theories
Top universities expect students to have read extensively beyond the curriculum. We will guide you through your wider reading supported with discussion groups.
Interview Training
Learn how to deliver an outstanding performance in your university interview. Improve your confidence and critical thinking.
University Choices
We provide supervised trips to Cambridge and Oxford. We will also help you strategise your choice of universities to apply to.
Visiting Expert Speakers
Key expert speakers come into school to inspire and support our students on their Oxbridge journey and challenge students with degree-level concepts.
Generation Next
Our commitment to our students’ future goes well beyond their time at our Sixth Form. It is our responsibility to prepare students to be inspired, happy and successful, well into their adult life and career.
Students are growing up in a world that is fast-paced and interconnected, yet more divided than ever before. They will face huge challenges and incredible opportunities and our Generation Next programme represents our belief in the importance of preparing students fully for this future. The programme runs across the two years of Sixth Form and is tailored to exploring the needs and big issues that this generation, and future generations, will face.
The Generation Next Programme
In Year 12 the focus is on learning, discussing, and debating the key 21st century issues. Crucially, what we discuss and learn about is decided by each Year 12 group and so changes year to year. This could be exploring issues such as the climate crisis, technological change including Big Data, ‘fake news’ and privacy in the age of the internet, as well as social and economic issues like discrimination and immigration.
In Year 13 these sessions become more focused on what you will need as individuals immediately after you graduate from IHS. Through Generation Next you will engage in political literacy and develop practical skills including personal finance, cooking on a budget, first aid and basic car maintenance.
Year 12 Scholarships
At Ipswich High School we offer two scholarships, The Woolverstone Scholarship and The Sophie Youngman Scholarships to Year 12 entrants.
We also offer The Elliston Award for those applying to Ipswich High School from state-funded schools.
All applicants will be interviewed by our Head of Sixth Form. Students applying for the Elliston Award may also apply for the Woolverstone or Sophie Youngman Scholarships.
Sixth form timetable
Life in Sixth Form
Registration for Sixth Form students is at 8:35am and the day finishes at 4:20pm in time for the coaches which leave at 4:30pm. The school day includes academic and enrichment sessions. Sixth formers are welcome to join us at Wraparound Care before and after school for Senior pupils from 7:30am to 6pm every Monday to Friday. They can also attend Day+ which allows our students to have supper and join the Boarding House for their evening activities before they are collected at 8:30pm.
Experience Sixth Form at IHS
pastoral
Pastoral Care
At Ipswich High School, we are deeply proud of the welcoming and caring atmosphere created by our pupils and staff. Our ‘small school’ feel ensures that each pupil is known, valued and cared for as an individual. Pastoral Care is just as important as our academic and enrichment provision and sits alongside them to ensure that each pupil receives a broad, balanced education in a supportive and positive environment.
There is an incredibly experienced Pastoral Team here at Ipswich High School. They work closely with parents to ensure all pupils are fully supported throughout their time with us. The team includes the Head, Deputy Head, Head of Senior School, Head of Sixth Form and Head of Prep School, as well as the Heads of Year, Form Tutors, and the School Nurse.
Pastoral Care
Our School Nurse is in attendance every day, during school hours, to provide support in the medical rooms and to contribute to the pastoral care of all our pupils. For our boarders, there are the live-in House Parents and Matron who are available 24 hours a day.
Considerable thought is put into integrating new pupils into our school community. Therefore, each newcomer will attend several Taster or Induction Days in the lead-up to their first term to allow them to become familiar with the school campus, meet their teachers and for friendships to flourish.
In the Sixth Form, Pastoral Care is led by our Head of Sixth Form and specialist Tutors. Sixth Form Tutor Groups are smaller than those in the Senior School to allow Tutors the opportunity to work more closely and develop a more relaxed relationship, with the students.
Initially, Tutors have an important role to play in helping the students adjust to the greater freedom of the Sixth Form and learn how to manage their time. In addition, they support each pupil individually in making the smooth transition from school to the next stage in their adult life, whether it is further education or employment. Given the major decisions a student must make during Sixth Form life, we believe it is essential that there is a good relationship between our students and Tutors, based on trust and understanding.
As part of the Pastoral curriculum, pupils enjoy various Wellbeing initiatives including Wellbeing Week, Teambuilding Days, Sixth Form Social Events and our daily Enrichment Programme. In addition, our Sixth Form students take on leadership positions within the school, which includes roles such as Heads of School, Prefects, and the Student Leadership Team. Sixth Form students can also make use of the full-time professional counselling service available should they want more in-depth personal guidance.
Sixth Form Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead: Mrs Imogen Vickers, Head of Sixth Form
Sixth Form Benefits
As an Ipswich High Sixth Form student, you will enjoy an immersive experience both inside and outside the classroom. Our Sixth Form offers a unique experience that surpasses what other independent schools provide. Each of our students will benefit from expansive growth opportunities across the 87 acres of the Woolverstone Hall estate, very small class sizes, and an exceptional area specifically designed for Sixth Form students in Woolverstone Hall. You will be inspired by guest speakers such as explorer Anthony Willoughby and have flexible boarding options, including full, weekly, and occasional boarding. Our experienced and passionate staff will support your journey, and you will have access to a programme of inspiring trips and visits. Additionally, you can choose from broad A Level courses with the opportunity to study the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and enjoy exclusive Sixth Form swimming and gym sessions.
Life in Sixth Form
TAKE A TOUR
GALLERY
Foundations to Flourish.
Our 87-acre campus provides a stunning backdrop for our pupils’ education.
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EXPLORE
We are just as ambitious outside the classroom…
Want to learn more?
Use our admissions portal to make your enquiry. This will provide us with all the information we need at this stage and a member of the admissions team will be in touch with you shortly. To get started, simply click on the link below.
