Welcome to Northgate High School

WELCOME TO DEREHAM SIXTH FORM COLLEGEFor nearly fifty years our college has been providing a stimulating and comprehensive education for students in our local community and, increasingly, for students from the wider county and abroad as well.The combination of effective teaching from an experienced group of staff, outstanding pastoral care using a university-style system of individual meetings and a dedicated post-16 site mean that Dereham Sixth Form College (DSFC) continues to be a popular choice for students.

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Boarding Type

No Boarder

School Type

Academies

Suitable Ages

11 to 18

Gender

Mixed

No. of Students

1,187 Total

No. of Boys

586 (49.4%)

No. of Girls

601 (50.6%)


Academic Excellence

GCSE Results

Latest Examination

3.8%

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

A-Level Results

Sixth Form Performance

A* grades

2.86%

A*/A grades

13.71%


Leavers' Destinations

Destinations after GCSEs

Staying in education

79%

School

79%

England

Apprenticeships

7%

School

3%

England

Further education

School:45%
England:51%

School sixth form

School:33%
England:19%

Sixth form college

School:0%
England:7%

Other education destinations

School:1%
England:2%

Destinations after A-Levels

UK higher education

49%

School

1%

England

Apprenticeships

5%

School

19%

England

Higher education or training

School:90%
England:63%

Further education

School:1%
England:4%

Employment

School:34%
England:35%

Not sustained in education/employment

School:6%
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.


Admissions Process

Start Application
Oct 2025Nov 2025Dec 2025Jan 2026Feb 2026Mar 2026Apr 2026

Applications

Interviews

Offers

Key Dates & Deadlines

Oct 23, 2025

Open Evening


Term Dates & Half-Term Holidays

Planning ahead for school holidays? Below are the term dates and half-term dates for the 2025/2026 academic year.

Autumn

2 terms

Half Term 1

Sep 3 - Oct 24

Half Term 2

Nov 3 - Dec 19

Spring

2 terms

Half Term 1

Jan 6 - Feb 13

Half Term 2

Feb 23 - Mar 27

Summer

2 terms

Half Term 1

Apr 14 - May 22

Half Term 2

Jun 1 - Jul 17

Half-Term & Holiday Dates

Autumn Half Term

Oct 27 - Oct 31

Christmas Holiday

Dec 22 - Jan 5

Spring Half Term

Feb 16 - Feb 20

Easter Holiday

Mar 30 - Apr 13

Summer Half Term

May 25 - May 29


Alumni Stories

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Niamh Walby

September 2015

Employed

Niamh studied BTEC Level 3 Children’s Play, Learning and Development at Dereham Sixth Form College. After leaving DSFC in the summer of 2017 she was offered a place at the famous nannying school in Bath known as Norland College. At Norland, Niamh will be completing her BA Hons Degree in Children’s Learning and Development, as well as gaining the Norland Diploma. She says, “Mrs Bewick was my teacher at DSFC who taught me on the BTEC course. She supported me along with my family to help me achieve my dream.
(Information provided by Niamh, October 2017.)

Edward Colman

September 2013

Employed

Edward studied for A Levels in English Language and Literature, Environmental Studies, Geography and Media. After leaving DSFC, he joined the Eastern Daily Press and Norwich Evening News, whilst also working as a freelance journalist. Currently, Edward works as a Digital Development Editor for ‘Today’s Golfer / Golf World’. He says, “[I had] very supportive staff that made a real difference and were always on hand to help with CV writing and advice. They were very supportive of work experience placements while at College and provided me with everything I needed to succeed, not only academically.”
(Information provided by Edward, September 2016.)

Sam Hannan

September 2013

Apprenticeship

Sam is currently working for Capgemini (one of the world’s largest IT outsourcing companies) on their Degree Apprenticeship Scheme where there are around 1,000 applicants for each place. Whilst at DSFC he studied for A Levels in Computing, Business Studies, English Language and Literature and Spanish. Sam’s role in the company involves working as a PL/SQL Developer on a high profile public sector account. “I thoroughly enjoyed my time at DSFC where I learned both academic skills and broader life skills. I studied a broad range of subjects – not a common combination! – and found all subject areas to be taught by friendly, passionate staff.”
(Information provided by Sam, September 2016.)


Enrichment Activities

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Throughout your two years with us you will take part in a wide variety of different trips aimed at developing a range of personal and professional skills to prepare you for your next steps. Previous trips have included Manchester and Bolton for a Champions League match and fixture with Bolton Wanderers Academy, a trip to Bristol to face Bristol City FC as well as numerous trips to Norwich Schools Sport Partnership events. In your second year at DESA you will have the opportunity to take part in a tour to America where we compete in a youth tournament in Las Vegas and play in friendly matches against teams such as LA Galaxy.

Trips and Visits
Previous trips have included Manchester and Bolton for a Champions League match and fixture with Bolton Wanderers Academy, a trip to Bristol to face Bristol City FC as well as numerous trips to Norwich Schools Sport Partnership events
GOLD DUKE OF EDINBURGH
The Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award offers you a life-changing opportunity which is valued by employers and universities alike.
THE EXTENDED PROJECT QUALIFICATION (EPQ)
In Year 12 you will have the opportunity to undertake the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). The EPQ is a highly regarded Level 3 qualification equivalent to an AS Level. It allows you to develop and extend your knowledge of a course subject, or investigate an area of personal interest.

About School

RegionEast of England
Local AuthorityNorfolk
Ofsted RatingGood
Gender TypeMixed