Welcome to Downham Market Academy
It is my pleasure to introduce you to Athena Sixth Form College. Students attend the college from a range of local secondary schools and the college has a reputation for academic excellence.Athena is staffed by three dedicated and full time specialist staff. Mrs Daw, Study Centre Manager, who supports students with their enhanced learning tasks, liaises with class teachers and ensures that students have all they need to be successful academically.We are also fortunate to be supported by 2 Assistant Directors of Athena; Mrs Anthony and Miss Lloyd. Mrs Ibaldo is covering Miss Lloyd’s Maternity Leave until the end of this academic year. Mrs Anthony is an expert in the personal development of students and is responsible for helping us to deliver our great PSHE curriculum, focusing on many age-related issues such as student finance, driving safely and the effects of vaping. Miss Lloyd is an experienced A Level tutor and works with us to help develop students’ academic potential. She delivers our EPQ provision, giving students the chance to expand their knowledge of a particular subject and develop the skills needed for more advanced academic study.Students at Athena benefit from a personalised curriculum; they are all well-known and treated as individuals in order to develop both their intellectual abilities as well as helping them to develop as independent learners. We will ensure students achieve the highest possible academic outcomes through a combination of outstanding teaching in very small classes and the close support needed to thrive in a more independent environment. This support can range from celebration events, enhanced learning tasks or bespoke support contracts to allow students to achieve their very best.Alongside their studies, students at Athena are offered a wide variety of extra and super curricular activities to engage in as well as trips and visits. The Student Executive Committee work closely with me to provide student with a range of events and opportunities to help them develop their skills, unwind and have fun. We believe it is imperative to develop the whole student, so that they are ready and prepared academically and socially for their future.We are exceptionally proud of the students’ achievements and very much look forward to meeting prospective new students.Jake BaywoodOversight of Sixth Form
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Boarding Type
No Boarder
School Type
Academies
Suitable Ages
11 to 18
Gender
Mixed
No. of Students
1,333 Total
No. of Boys
650 (48.8%)
No. of Girls
683 (51.2%)
Academic Excellence
GCSE Results
Latest Examination
21.8%
Students achieving A*/A grades (9/8/7)
A-Level Results
Sixth Form Performance
A* grades
3.45%
A*/A grades
21.84%
Leavers' Destinations
Destinations after A-Levels
UK higher education
37%
School
1%
England
Apprenticeships
9%
School
19%
England
Higher education or training
Further education
Employment
Not sustained in education/employment
Courses
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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.
Admissions Process
Start ApplicationKey Dates & Deadlines
Oct 2, 2025
Sixth Form 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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We’ll be sharing information about the destinations of our alumni here soon.
Enrichment Activities
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