Is Sixth Form the Right Choice for My Child?

There are plenty of options available to children once they leave school. They can either go on to sixth form, college, dive into the world of work, or do a combination of both. They will need to consider what they intend on doing long term to make the decision that’s right for them. To offer help, we’ve included some points below from a top A Level College in the UK on the things to look out for when deciding between a sixth form and college.

Socialising

If your child’s shy and a little reserved, they may find that sixth form is a better option as they will be amongst those who they’re comfortable and familiar with. On the other hand, moving to a college could be beneficial for their confidence as they will be able to meet new people, gain new experiences and really come out of their shells. They will also be able to grow their network as they will have new teachers/lecturers who will be able to help them in their professional development.

Support

College and sixth form can be a stressful time for many students as it’s a step up from the work that they were used to. They will be studying at level 3 whilst planning their future by applying to universities and job vacancies at the same time. This can all take a mental toll on children which is why it’s important that they are surrounded by the right people. Those who understand mental health and know how to help. 

Courses

When making their decision it’s important that your child considers all aspects, like the courses that are on offer. The options available at colleges and sixth forms can differ slightly and they may not be able to study the courses that they want and need for the future. Before they start looking at where to study, take a moment to help your child evaluate what it is that they want to do when they grow up and how they can get there. Once you have this answer, you can begin to look at different education providers.

Timetable

Most sixth forms have what are known as independent study sessions. They are essentially free periods where they are encouraged to carry out wider reading, complete homework, and revise. Colleges on the other hand are quite flexible. There’s no need to stay on campus when there aren’t any scheduled lessons which give students the opportunity to work their work commitments around their school commitments. Both have their merits so it depends on their individual circumstances and what’s right for them.