Learning & Enquiry
Sixth Form
Through its unique community atmosphere and range of opportunities on offer, Cheltenham College Sixth Form enables you to become a well-rounded, independent individual who is in the strongest possible position to achieve your Higher Education goals.
Our Sixth Form – or Upper College – is for pupils aged 16 to 18. Pupils come to us from our Lower College (our name for Years 9 to 11); or join us from different schools. Everyone is supported during their time in Sixth Form to fulfil their potential and be ready for their next steps after school life. Wherever you join us from, you can choose to board with us or attend as a Day Pupil.
Pursuing Your Academic Goals
At Cheltenham College Sixth Form you study three or four subjects, from a choice of 30 different qualifications on offer, including A Levels, BTECs and C-Techs. To find out more about the subjects on offer, read the Upper College Curriculum Guide. Continue to explore your favourite subjects, or explore new areas such as History of Art, Business Studies, Economics, Government and Politics or Psychology. Our classes are small and you will have the support of specially selected academic tutors to help you get the most out of your learning. The success of this approach is reflected in the results that our pupils achieve.
You will also complete an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). This is your opportunity to study an area that interests you in more depth and develop the independent research and project management skills you will need at university and in the workplace.
Discovering your Passions Beyond the Curriculum
Outside the classroom you will have the opportunity to explore your passions and become perfectly placed to achieve your potential. From the Mini-MBA and the MDV programme to Community Action placements, or completing the Gold Duke of Edinburgh. Pupils are also encouraged to seek leadership positions including; House and College Prefects, Academic leaders, Sports leaders and CCF leaders. Why stop there? There are so many options for you to explore. Enter an academic competition, perform a piano concerto with the full orchestra, or take the leading role in a school production.
Thinking About the Future
Sixth Form pupils at College leave us to go on to a range of Higher Education destinations and courses including Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine and many more in both the UK and overseas.
Wherever you decide to take your journey next, you will have all the help you need to achieve. You can find out more about the support we offer in Higher Education & Careers here.
If you wish to apply to Oxbridge, we offer specialist support – you can find out more about this in Oxbridge Preparation here.
The Sixth Form Experience
Hear first hand from our Sixth Form pupils, as they share their experiences below.
Meet Ngoni
“I joined Cheltenham College in Third Form, having also been to Cheltenham Prep School. I chose College due the support that is given to help you strive in all areas, whether it is in academics, sports, music, drama and art. What drew me to College the most was the pastoral care. Being an international student, College truly does their best to make it a home away from home.
Teachers have helped me the most academically by pushing me outside of my comfort zone to reach my fullest potential. Most importantly, academic societies are the best place to further your understanding by encouraging important discussions about the subjects and its influence in the modern world. It is also a great place to ask questions that you are unable to ask in a classroom environment.”
Meet Ed
“Since the age of three, I have been part of the College community, having been to The Prep. When looking at joining College, the sport was really appealing to me, and the coaches at College made this decision even easier. Academics wise I knew that College had lots of options for GCSEs and A Levels. I am currently studying Sport Science, History, Business, and I completed the EPQ last year. When I leave College, I am going to be going to university in the USA on a rugby scholarship, and hopefully be part of something special at Lindenwood University, Missouri.
Personally, I think the opportunities at College to try new things, meet new people, and make new connections is what makes it so special, and sets it apart from anywhere else.”
Meet Grace
“I joined Cheltenham College for Sixth Form, because I wanted a change from my previous school. With all on offer at College, it seemed like it would allow me to challenge myself and grow – as it has done. I am now studying Maths, Economics and Politics at A Level.
The best thing about College to me is my boarding house. I may be biased but Chandos is the best, it feels more like a home and I will truly miss it when I leave. I have had a wonderful experience at College and I will be sad to leave.”
Meet Ryan
“I joined College in the Fourth Form, I was at an international school in Hong Kong before I joined College. When my parents and I were looking to study overseas, the spa town of Cheltenham really stood out to us with its regency architecture and unique scenery. The school itself also had a lot of features that stood out such as its facilities and its proximity to the town centre.
I think the availability of your teachers and tutors has really supported me throughout college. You are always able to find a teacher in your subject within the department or within your boarding house to help you with whatever issues you have with your work.“
Why Study at Cheltenham College Sixth Form?
Why Study Mathematics at Cheltenham College Sixth Form?
Meet Head of Mathematics at Cheltenham College, Dr Enright, who shares more information about studying Mathematics and Further Mathematics in Sixth Form.
Why Study Politics at Cheltenham College Sixth Form?
Meet Head of Politics at Cheltenham College, Mrs Eldred, who shares more information about studying Politics in Sixth Form.
Why Study Business at Cheltenham College Sixth Form?
Meet Head of Business at Cheltenham College, Mrs Brooke, who shares more information about studying Business in Sixth Form.