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Welcome to Whickham School

Making the right decision about pathway choices beyond age 16 can be a real challenge. Ensuring all students make the right choice for them is essential, as it allows them to become fulfilled and successful young adults.Whickham Sixth Form is a very supportive environment that caters for the needs of all learners, through the curriculum offered, the pastoral care available and the diverse range of enrichment opportunities we provide.The breadth of our curriculum offered at Whickham is something we are very proud of, as it enables us to support students in selecting the right subject combinations for them. We offer a wide range of academic A-Level courses and vocational BTEC courses. Expectations are high and there is a belief that all students can succeed.Supporting students as they transition into adulthood underpins our Sixth Form offer. Personal development thrives in many ways, for example through our tutorial and assembly programme, work experience opportunities and debating, drama and sports clubs. One of our continued strengths is the student leadership opportunities we strongly encourage students to engage with. This centres around our annual Charity Week, but there are extensive opportunities to be involved in other ways, including the Sixth Form leadership team, supporting school and community events, and taking on mentoring roles with younger pupils in the school.Sixth Form will be one of the most enjoyable and important times of your life. With great effort and application comes great rewards. Success in Whickham Sixth Form will pave the way for the next chapter in your life and take you a step closer to your chosen career path. We look forward to welcoming you to Whickham Sixth Form!

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Boarding Type

No Boarder

School Type

Academies

Suitable Ages

11 to 18

Gender

Mixed

No. of Students

1,721 Total

No. of Boys

876 (50.9%)

No. of Girls

845 (49.1%)


Academic Excellence

GCSE Results

Latest Examination

33.8%

Students achieving A*/A grades (9/8/7)

A-Level Results

Sixth Form Performance

A* grades

5.58%

A*/A grades

17.84%


Leavers' Destinations

Destinations after GCSEs

Staying in education

86%

School

79%

England

Apprenticeships

4%

School

3%

England

Further education

School:33%
England:51%

School sixth form

School:52%
England:19%

Sixth form college

School:0%
England:7%

Other education destinations

School:1%
England:2%

Destinations after A-Levels

UK higher education

48%

School

1%

England

Apprenticeships

17%

School

19%

England

Higher education or training

School:91%
England:63%

Further education

School:1%
England:4%

Employment

School:24%
England:35%

Not sustained in education/employment

School:7%
England:26%


Exciting 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

1 terms

Half Term 1

Sep 1 - Oct 24

Spring

1 terms

Half Term 1

Jan 5 - Apr 2

Summer

1 terms

Half Term 1

Apr 20 - Jul 17

Half-Term & Holiday Dates

Autumn Half Term

Oct 27 - Oct 31

Spring Half Term

Feb 23 - Feb 27

Summer Half Term

May 25 - May 29


Alumni Stories

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Updates Coming Soon!

We’ll be sharing information about the destinations of our alumni here soon.


Enrichment Activities

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All Year 12 students opt into a fortnightly timetabled enrichment activity of their choice. Enrichment sessions support the growth of students beyond studying for academic and vocational qualifications, fostering skills in areas such as creativity, teamwork, and leadership. Enrichment activities can also boost self-esteem and confidence, as students explore new interests and skills, alongside developing new knowledge.

Performing Arts
The School Band has a strong Sixth Form presence. Sixth Formers play key roles in the Annual School Musical and other productions throughout the year – from actors and actresses to dancers, musicians and back stage crew.
Work Experience
Bespoke Work Experience placements which the students set up themselves offer a real-world perspective on how organisations operate, helping to understand workplace dynamics, expectations and professional standards. It eases the transition from academic to professional life by providing a sense of the real-world work environment and expectations.
Football Academy
This enrichment activity is available for students who wish to focus on nurturing their football talent through coaching, training and representing the school football team in competitive games. There may also be pathways for players to progress to local clubs to perform at higher levels in the sport.
World Challenge
Every second year we take students on a World Challenge expedition. The students raise funds for the trip over 2 years.In 2023 students took up the challenge and completed a 3 week expedition in Borneo. World Challenge is designed to develop students’ Leadership qualities and independence.
Duke of Edinburgh Award
The Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award Scheme is a highly regarded youth development programme that encourages young people to gain skills, experience, and personal growth through a range of activities. The scheme is structured into three levels—Bronze, Silver, and Gold—each requiring increasing levels of commitment and achievement.

About School

RegionNorth East
Local AuthorityGateshead
Ofsted RatingGood
Gender TypeMixed