Welcome to William Howard School
In the Sixth Form, our aim is to establish a learning culture that enables all students to reach or exceed their full potentials, through a continued focus on academic rigour, exceptional pastoral care, and access to a broad range of wider school opportunities. During their time in the Sixth Form, students will develop into self-regulated learners, who are equipped with the skills, values, and drive to flourish academically and as individuals. Their successes will be celebrated, and they will play an important role in the wider school.
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Boarding Type
No Boarder
School Type
Academies
Suitable Ages
11 to 18
Gender
Mixed
No. of Students
1,303 Total
No. of Boys
667 (51.2%)
No. of Girls
636 (48.8%)
Academic Excellence
GCSE Results
Latest Examination
8.9%
Students achieving A*/A grades (9/8/7)
A-Level Results
Sixth Form Performance
A* grades
7.46%
A*/A grades
20.61%
Leavers' Destinations
Destinations after GCSEs
Staying in education
76%
School
79%
England
Apprenticeships
13%
School
3%
England
Further education
School sixth form
Sixth form college
Other education destinations
Destinations after A-Levels
UK higher education
54%
School
1%
England
Apprenticeships
4%
School
19%
England
Higher education or training
Further education
Employment
Not sustained in education/employment
Courses
Show all coursesExciting Updates Ahead!
We're currently gearing up to offer you a full list of our courses. Stay tuned — amazing learning opportunities are on their way very soon. Thank you for your interest and enthusiasm!
Events
Show all eventsExciting Events Ahead!
A detailed admissions process on ApplicaaOne is coming soon.
Please see our website for more information on our admissions process.
Updates Coming Soon!
A detailed admissions process on ApplicaaOne is coming soon.
Please see our website for more information on our admissions process.
Term Dates & Half-Term Holidays
Planning ahead for school holidays? Below are the term dates and half-term dates for the 2026/2027 academic year.
Autumn
2 terms
Half Term 1
Sep 1 - Oct 24
Half Term 2
Nov 1 - Dec 20
Spring
2 terms
Half Term 1
Jan 5 - Feb 12
Half Term 2
Feb 22 - Mar 31
Summer
2 terms
Half Term 1
Apr 19 - May 28
Half Term 2
Jun 7 - Jul 22
Half-Term & Holiday Dates
Autumn Half Term
Oct 27 - Oct 31
Christmas Break
Dec 21 - Jan 4
Spring Half Term
Feb 13 - Feb 21
Easter Break
Apr 1 - Apr 18
Summer Half Term
May 29 - Jun 5
Alumni Stories
Show all storiesGrace Bareham
September 2016
Employed
Grace left WHS in 2018 and went on to study Primary Education (5–11) BA (Hons) at York St. John University.
While at WHS, Grace particularly enjoyed Health and Social Care, where she developed a strong interest in children’s development. Combined with her A Level in English Language, this gave her a solid foundation in child development—something that has greatly supported her journey into teaching. One of her fondest memories from WHS was her A Level Drama lessons with Ms Hindley, which she remembers as being full of fun and laughter.
Ben Hoskins
September 2023
University
Ben Hoskins, has fond memories of his time at William Howard —particularly of the friendships he made, many of which he still maintains today. At school, Ben especially enjoyed Business and Biology. Both subjects allowed him to develop strong problem-solving skills, while Business helped him refine his professional communication—an asset that continues to support him in his career.
Following his A Levels, Ben pursued a degree in Mechanical Engineering at Newcastle University, motivated by a keen interest in the biomedical engineering sector.
While studying at university, Ben also worked part-time in a local bar. This experience not only helped him manage his time effectively but also boosted his interpersonal and communication skills—traits that have proven invaluable in his professional life.
Ben is part of a sector that applies engineering principles and design to medicine and biology for healthcare purposes. Biomedical engineering integrates the logical sciences to improve patient care through innovations in diagnosis, monitoring, and therapy. This career route also involves the management and maintenance of medical equipment in hospitals—overseeing procurement, testing, preventative maintenance, and making recommendations—all while ensuring compliance with industry standards.
Robyn Walker
September 2007
Employed
Robyn left William Howard School in 2009 after completing her A Levels. During her time at school, she had a real passion for all things creative. Robyn was an active member of the choir and regularly performed in Sixth Form pantomimes and plays. She fondly recalls “practically living in the Drama Department” and was one of the few students who helped place the time capsule in the performing arts building during its construction.
After deciding that university wasn’t the right path for her, Robyn went on to complete a Level 3 qualification in Complementary Therapies at Carlisle College. She then worked in the industry for several years, including time spent working in spas in Australia.
Today, Robyn has come full circle and is back at Carlisle College—this time as the School Liaison and Transition Co-ordinator. In this role, she regularly returns to William Howard to speak with students about their post-school options. “It’s very rewarding to help people reach their goals,” she says.
Enrichment Activities
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