Royal Alexandra and Albert School

The academic entry requirements for admittance into the Sixth Form are: A minimum of five GCSE grades 4-9. Students who do not secure a minimum of Grade 4 in either GCSE English or Maths should retake the relevant subject(s) alongside their chosen Sixth Form courses. The minimum grade requirement for each subject that the student wishes to study as outlined in the Sixth Form Course Information section. The Sixth Form team will use ENIC, the official provider of international qualification comparability in the UK, to establish equivalent grades for students with qualifications other than GCSEs. In addition, pupils with qualifications other than GCSEs will need an IELTS score of 4.

We offer Full Boarding and Non-Boarding places. Full Boarding – These places allow students to live at the school during term time, with the option of returning home at the weekends. As our boarders come from the UK and overseas, our boarding houses remain vibrant places during the weekend. Non-Boarding – This is our equivalent of a day place, and our Non-Boarding students usually live within close proximity to the school. They are able to access the school facilities for an extended period, including evening access to the Sixth Form study areas in G6. Non-Boarding students have no requirement to board.

As part of the Sixth Form Non-Boarding Package, students are able to access G6 and the facilities of their attached boarding house from 7.30am, at break, lunchtime, and after lessons until 8pm (Monday to Thursday) and 7:30am- 4pm on a Friday. Both the Boarding Houses and Sixth Form areas are staffed at those times and help and advice is available. Breakfast and lunch is included, as is the evening meal if a student is staying on to study in the evening or take part in evening activities.

On average, we have around 200 students in the Sixth Form. This means that we are able to keep Year Groups small and the Sixth Form team can get to know students well and support them through this crucial and exciting time in their education.

Applications will open from 29th September. We understand that some students may need longer to complete an application, as they may be unsure of the subjects they wish to study or where they wish to go for their post-16 education. Our admissions process, for both current and new students, is able to accommodate this.Applications will close on 14th November and will re-open in January 2026.

Yes. Our Year 12 cohorts are always a mixture of current students moving up from Year 11 and new students joining from other schools. On average, there is an even split – with 50% of students in the Sixth Form joining the school in Year 12. This is a great opportunity for students to make new friendships, as well as helping new students settle in more quickly with routines and standards.

In Sixth Form, We have small class sizes. Our average class size in Year 12 is 10. For more popular subjects, classes may be bigger.

Students can apply via this website. As part of the admissions process, a reference will be requested (for Non-Boarders, this is only an academic reference). Both current and new students attend a meeting with a member of the Sixth Form team to discuss their options and entry requirements. New students applying for Full Boarding places will also have a suitability for boarding interview. Information on dates and timings for these interviews will be communicated with parents and students. There are no entrance exams.

No. There is no longer a requirement for Sixth Form students to attend Saturday morning lessons. Saturday mornings at our school have now become enrichment focused. As such, Sixth Form students can choose how to use this time. They may wish to study, gain employment, do work experience, learn to drive, volunteer, pursue interests and hobbies, or rest. There is an enrichment programme on Saturday mornings which Sixth Formers are welcome to engage with, but this is not compulsory. Students may also volunteer to support the Saturday enrichment programme, working with children in younger year groups.

The dress code for the Sixth Form is established as business casual, reflecting the standards of a contemporary working environment. Students are expected to adhere to a professional appearance by wearing smart trousers or skirts of an appropriate length, complemented by collared shirts or blouses. While ties and blazers are not mandatory for daily activities, they are required for certain formal occasions and events. This dress code is designed to honor and respect diverse cultural and heritage backgrounds while granting students a degree of autonomy in their attire. It is important to note that the dress code upholds the principles of professionalism, as the Sixth Form is fundamentally a working environment. Moreover, the dress code is gender-neutral, promoting inclusivity for all students.

In 2023, we were pleased to open a brand new Sixth Form Centre, G6, which enhances our growing Sixth Form by providing additional space for personal study and inviting common areas for students to relax and socialise. G6 is equipped with excellent facilities, including common rooms, a breakout room for collaborative work, and an IT suite for individual study. The Centre is available for use from 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM on Monday through Thursday, and until 4:00 PM on Fridays. To support all Sixth Form students, whether they are Full Boarders or Non-Boarders, we allocate each student to a boarding house. This arrangement offers students further opportunities for academic study and social interaction with their peers. Our boarding houses include dedicated annexes featuring common rooms exclusive to Sixth Form students, and we are proud to have Gatton Hall as a designated Sixth Form-only residence.

The Sixth Form team is dedicated to ensuring that our students have access to comprehensive information regarding their post-18 options and the diverse pathways available to them. These pathways encompass further education at universities, degree apprenticeships, traditional apprenticeships, and various employment opportunities. We strive to deliver this vital information every week during tutor lessons and lecture periods for both Years 12 and 13. In addition, our Destinations Coordinator provides valuable support and guidance to students navigating the UCAS application process for university admissions. Our Independent Careers Advisor is also available to assist students in exploring their next steps. For those interested in applying to prestigious institutions such as the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, or for highly competitive fields like medicine and veterinary science, we offer additional resources, including specialised lectures, mock interviews, and insights from external guest speakers. This multifaceted approach is designed to empower our students with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in their applications.

We are pleased to present a comprehensive lecture program that takes place twice a week, led by our dedicated Sixth Form Team, which includes tutors, the Director, and the Deputy Director of Sixth Form, as well as various esteemed outside experts. This program offers valuable advice and guidance on a range of important subjects, including relationships, substance abuse, finance, and navigating the professional world. Furthermore, it aims to equip students with essential skills in organisation, study techniques, and motivation, fostering their personal and academic development.

Our Co-Curricular Programme features an impressive selection of over 100 activities, highlighting its significance within our school community. We actively encourage all students to engage in clubs and activities that not only align with their interests but also provide opportunities for personal growth and skill development. Each term, parents and students can conveniently access a booking system to explore and select their desired activities. For our Senior students, we offer tailored sessions that include Fitness, Pilates, Basketball, Rugby, Netball, Swimming, Trampolining, Cooking, Art Club, Medical Society, Astronomical Society, and many other enriching options! These activities are designed to foster teamwork, creativity, and overall well-being.

Our students are driven by diverse and ambitious goals for their futures, a testament to their determination and potential. The majority confidently pursue higher education in the UK, with approximately 25% securing places at esteemed Russell Group universities and 80% of students achieve their first choice of university. Furthermore, we are proud to note a growing number of students successfully seeking opportunities at overseas universities and excelling in securing placements in apprenticeship programs. This trend underscores their ambition and readiness to embrace the challenges of their chosen paths.