Whether you are joining from the main school, or coming to us for the first time in Year 12, we promise a warm welcome at Longdean Sixth Form. You will be joining a school whose goal is for every student to leave with control and choice over their future. To achieve this, we support students to develop both academic and social skills, and challenge them to achieve their very best. While qualifications may get you an interview, it’s your character and personality that will ensure you get the role and succeed in it.
Appointing and developing the best teachers is key to our goal. Our teaching team are enthusiastic about their subjects and have high expectations of all students. They use a range of approaches to ensure students understand key content and concepts before building and applying their knowledge.
Longdean is a non-selective Sixth Form, which means if you apply to join us, you will get a place. We will work with you to find a suite of courses – academic and vocational – that’s right for you, and you’ll be taught in an outstanding learning environment with a dedicated, two-floor post-16 area offering spaces to study, exercise and socialise. Our school week also reflects the world of higher education and work; for one day a week, students can choose to study at school or at home, to volunteer or do paid work alongside their studies.
The impact of our innovation, support and high expectations can be seen in our results – 60% of our students achieve grades A* to B at A level. Longdean also consistently has one of the best valueadded scores locally, with all students going onto higher education (often at Cambridge or Russell Group universities) or finding employment after a successful experience with us. Personalised careers and education advice ensures that students are well matched to their next destinations.
Academic progress is, however, just one measure of a well-rounded post-16 experience. Throughout Sixth Form, our students have numerous opportunities to develop and grow as individuals. Many choose to undertake the Duke of Edinburgh Award, while others give back to their communities by tutoring younger students. These activities develop resilience and leadership alongside self awareness and social skills – key qualities valued in any community.
The final piece of the jigsaw is our high level of pastoral care. We have a dedicated learning mentor, counsellor and post-16 tutor team to support students, and we work hard to ensure our students’ voices are heard.
We look forward to you joining us.
Mr Graham Cunningham
Headteacher
If you have any queries about our sixth-form curriculum, please email us or call 01442 217277.
The new prospetus is being prepared and will be available shortly.
