What Matters At Sidcot?
Sidcot Independent Sixth Form is a private college located in the beautiful North Somerset countryside. What matters to us is that our students are able to be themselves, pursue their passions, be curious and develop new interests. We encourage pupils to take risks and surprise themselves, and to strive to make a difference in their community and the wider world. A warm and supportive environment, combined with small class sizes and a tailored approach to teaching help students to develop a true love of learning. They are able to find their own path to success and personal fulfilment, both at Sixth Form and in the wider world.
Our independent sixth form distinguishes itself through a commitment to the Quaker principles of truth, integrity, respect, equality, simplicity and sustainability. This underpins all we do here at Sidcot and is often cited by students as values that have helped them to flourish both academically and as people. We encourage our students to follow the School’s motto, ‘Live Adventurously’, and provide every opportunity both inside and outside of the classroom for them to achieve this.
Why Choose Sidcot Sixth Form?
Situated amid rolling hills and peaceful landscapes, our private sixth form offers students an ideal setting for both learning and personal development. Students choose Sidcot for lots of reasons, from the wide range of choices and subjects available to them, to the supportive yet independent environment ideal for transitioning to university. Hear directly from some of our students on why they chose to study at Sidcot for Sixth Form:
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Sixth Form Course & Subject Choices
Choosing the right academic path at Sixth Form can shape your future. As an independent college, we offer a range of course and subject options to suit diverse interests, learning preferences, and career goals. Many of our students choose to study A Levels, a widely recognised and traditionally academic course option. Alongside this we offer BTEC courses, for those looking for a more vocational option. Those studying A Levels and BTEC also have the option to do the EPQ, a qualification that develops research and independent study skills and equates to half an A Level on university applications.
We are also the only School in Bristol and North Somerset to offer the International Baccalaureate, the perfect choice for those who wish to study a broad and challenging curriculum, recognised by institutions worldwide. Find out more about each course option and the subjects offered here:
An International Sixth Form
We pride ourselves on having a diverse and vibrant cohort, including international students from over 30 different countries, enriching our community with a global perspective.
Sidcot is a renowned independent boarding school offering various options for both international and day students who wish to board with us. Students seeking boarding Sixth Forms can enjoy staying with us on campus among breathtaking surroundings with like-minded peers. Choose from full boarding, or weekly and flexible boarding to suit your individual schedule and needs. Our student support services are on hand to help pupils settle into their houses and be there for them throughout their time at Sixth Form.
Boarding adds an extra dimension to independent college life, and means students are better able to access our extracurricular activities that take place in the evenings and at weekends, while gaining more independence away from home before making the transition to university.
Outside The Classroom
We’re incredibly lucky at Sidcot that we’re situated in an excellent rural location on the outskirts of Bristol, with brilliant facilities for sports, arts and academics, enriching our Sixth Formers’ studying experience.
The broad spectrum of activities on offer outside of the classroom is one of the key reasons many students join our private college, with something for everyone. From basketball, netball, climbing and choir to surfing, horse riding, photography and theatre, we encourage all students to be curious and try our vast range of fun, enriching and adventurous activities; who knows, maybe they’ll find their next passion! Many of our Sixth Formers are also keen to accept Office Holder positions, allowing them to take on responsibility, show leadership, make a difference within the School, and act as role models to our younger students.
Sixth Formers can also work towards the Duke of Edinburgh Award, participate in trips to local attractions, and even travel abroad with the School, helping them to develop a diverse skill set, create core memories, and enhance their learning experience. Students will grow through their individual interests and enjoy a truly well-rounded education that sets them up for life after Sixth Form.
The Full Independent College Experience
Beyond extracurricular activities and trips, at Sidcot Sixth Form, our students receive the full college experience. Students enjoy their own study and relaxation spaces in the recently renovated Sixth Form Centre, and are invited to attend social events throughout the year. They are able to take full advantage of our on-site cafe, ‘The Hub’, and can also choose to gain work experience here if they wish. In addition, students are invited to wear casual clothing rather than smart dress 4 days a week, giving them an extra taste of independence.
Discover Your Future
At Sidcot, we believe that the private Sixth Form experience should prepare students for the next stage of their education or the first step into a career. By the time they leave Sidcot, our graduates develop a deep understanding of themselves and what they wish to pursue. They achieve excellent results in their courses, and set themselves apart with a colourful CV, allowing them to pursue diverse paths. Here's a glimpse of where Sidcot can take you:
- Top universities: Many students go on to prestigious institutions, including Oxbridge, Russell Group universities, and leading research and top creative universities.
- Global opportunities: Our international community paves the way for our students to explore opportunities around the world, with students going on to study and work in countries as widespread as Australia, the USA, Thailand, Spain, and more!
- Varied career paths: From academia, art, science and business to more vocational choices such as cheffery, medicine, and engineering, our graduates find their niche in a huge range of fields.
Throughout their time at Sidcot Sixth Form, students will take part in careers interviews, have the opportunity to visit Oxford University, and receive 1:1 support from a progression advisor to support them as they prepare for their next step. Read more about our careers service.
Academic Enrichment Opportunities
To help students at Sidcot Sixth Form reach their full potential, we offer multiple opportunities for them to broaden their academic horizons. Our Academic Enrichment programmes enable students to challenge themselves in their chosen subjects and take on further responsibilities to accelerate their progression, preparing them for their chosen university or career.
For students who are especially gifted in a subject, our ASPIRE programme comes with multiple advantages and significantly enhances students' academic profiles. Through specialist careers and UCAS support, trips to prestigious universities, and participation in notable events, students' applications to more competitive higher education institutions are strongly supported. As part of the ASPIRE programme, we also welcome revered guest speakers to deliver talks to students, arrange exciting work experience placements, and assign students mentorship roles for further development.
Visit Sidcot Independent Sixth Form
Our exceptional surroundings, diverse range of co-curricular activities, and choice of academic courses make Sidcot an inspirational place to continue your education.
We would love to welcome you to Sidcot Independent Sixth Form College and show you how we can help shape your future. Visit our purpose-built Sixth Form Centre, discover our specialist teaching methods, and discuss course subjects with staff and students by booking a tour, or joining us for an upcoming Open Day.
