A day and boarding school for girls and boys aged 4 to 18 in Shebbear, Devon

Sixth Form

At Shebbear College, our Sixth Form bridges the gap between the more structured learning environment that you have been used to at school, and the freedom and independence of university or the workplace. Described by our Sixth Formers as being like an extended family, we are small, supportive and friendly, meaning that we can create a tailored experience that works for YOU – focusing on your individual strengths and aspirations and helping you to achieve the very best that you can in all aspects of your life.

As well as academic achievement, our Sixth Formers have access to a huge range of enrichment, leadership and co-curricular opportunities, from learning life skills, to sports coaching for younger students, travelling on overseas expeditions and exchanges and more social events than you could ever wish for!

Studying in the Sixth Form at Shebbear College is a fantastic opportunity to focus on the subjects for which you hold a real passion. You will develop a whole new working relationship with your teachers, who will support you every step of the way whilst placing an emphasis on independent study, enabling you to develop invaluable skills for life.

Transformational Scholarships are available to students looking to join our Lower Sixth. Aimed at offering a Shebbear College education to talented students from all sectors of the community, they offer significant reductions on school fees for the duration of a student’s education here and can occasionally account for up to 100% of school fees.

Subjects on Offer

We offer 18 A-Level subjects as well as BTEC National Level 3 Qualifications. All of our A-Level and BTEC subjects are on offer to all Sixth Form students each year with a free choice of combinations – so, for example, you may choose to study two A-Levels and a BTEC. If you are not sure whether A-Level or BTEC is right for you, just ask and we can talk this through with you! We also offer the Extended Project Qualification. Find out more about the Sixth Form curriculum here. 

Our class sizes are purposefully small and our Sixth Form tutor team and specialist subject teachers work very closely with each student.

Horizons and Careers

In the Sixth Form you will have the support of our excellent Horizons department. You will participate in regular tutorial sessions, covering topics such as study skills, pupil finance, gap year opportunities and C.V. writing and interviews, as well as regular debating sessions. You will be encouraged to organise your own study time outside of lessons and take on responsibilities, developing the management and leadership skills needed to prepare for life at university and beyond.

High Achievers’ Pathway

Pupils aiming for Oxbridge, Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science courses have access to our High Achievers’ Pathway which offers personalised support with applications on to these courses through our Head of Horizons and links with the NHS and the RVC.

Students placed on the programme benefit from extensive opportunities within each faculty to stretch their academic development. These include personalised mentoring, enrichment opportunities and academic talks and lectures to further enhance their knowledge and develop their passion for their subjects beyond the constraints of the curriculum.

Opportunity and Enrichment

Alongside all things academic, you will have the chance to be involved in all areas of school life, from our extensive co-curricular offering, to overseas expeditions and trips, our Sports Exchange Programme and Sports Tour, the chance to take on new responsibilities and the opportunity to take part in the Ten Tors Challenge, hiking 45 or 55 miles over Dartmoor, and the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, which involves planning, training for and taking part in a three day exhibition. Both challenges promote teamwork and resilience – excellent skills for life.

Life Skills Programme

In the Sixth Form you will take part in our Life Skills programme, providing students with a safe space to talk about things and to empower them to know their own worth and to make good decisions about their lives.

The programme covers areas such as:

Students also have visits from external companies and take part in workshops. In 2023 we are also introducing the online Leiths Introduction to Confident Cooking Course, for those wanting to broaden their skill set and develop their culinary talent.

Sixth Form Life

As a Sixth Form student, you enjoy your own dress code (smart work wear). Sixth Formers are based in our modern Sixth Form Centre and are very much part of the school community, whilst enjoying a greater freedom within the school day. The Sixth Form Centre is an adult environment in which you can both develop your academic potential and relax with your friends. There are rooms for quiet individual study and group study, classrooms, meeting rooms, our Careers Office and a common room with a kitchen for that all important tea and toast!

There is a busy calendar of events throughout the year for our Sixth Form students, so you will always have something to look forward to. From a traditional Ceilidh dance, to Pizza and Quiz nights, meals out, our famous Rounsefell black tie dinner and of course the much anticipated Sixth Form Pantomime!

Our Sixth Formers leave Shebbear as enthusiastic, well-grounded and versatile young people who are excellently equipped to take their place in, and contribute to society. They are excellent role models for our younger pupils: they have fun, work hard and support one another. They are part of a close-knit community, in which everyone settles quickly and makes lifelong friends and where there is a shared desire to try their best and succeed in all they do.

To find out more about joining our Sixth Form, please contact our Registrar on 01409 282009 or [email protected].