Greyfriars Catholic School

I would like to offer you a warm welcome to Greyfriars Catholic School Sixth Form. Students who are involved in our school will know that in Years 12 and 13, there is a fantastic opportunity to progress and create a path that will help them succeed in getting into their choice of university or full time job, allowing them to develop into successful people. 

We at Greyfriars are a proud and diverse community where the needs of all students are met. Being a faith school in the Roman Catholic tradition, makes us different and special, and we let our warmth and ethos drive all of our dealings with our students and staff, and those who come here feel a part of that. Our students leave us as mature and well-rounded human beings with a strong sense of commitment to others and a realistic and determined ambition to be the best they can be. Every year, we welcome around one hundred students into Year 12 who embark on studying our varied curriculum. 

We run a variety of A Level and Level 3 BTEC courses as well as Level 2 courses whilst at the same time, offering students the opportunity to re-sit GCSE Maths and English to improve on their original grade. In Year 12, there is also an opportunity to complete an Extended Project and gain an extra qualification that is recognised by Oxbridge, Medical and Veterinary Colleges, Russell Group Universities and all higher education institutions. 

Studying in our Sixth Form allows students to gain the vital skills needed to move forward and become successful in whatever they choose to do. These include organisational skills, developing independence, increasing responsibilities and improving personal development. In our Sixth Form you will have a tutor group and each year we have an excellent programme of guest speakers, mentoring and UCAS club where you will be able to write your personal statements and have the best chances to get into your choice of university to study the course that best suits you. Recently we had two students going to Oxford University. 

There are also many opportunities to get involved in extracurricular activities in our Sixth Form such as sports, maths challenges, participating in the ‘Into University’ Programme, School Plus (mentoring with Oxford University students), Brookes Engage and the Sutton Trust Summer School where you stay at the university campuses for a week and experience what it’s like to be a university student. We are proud to have won Young Scientist of the Year awards and this year introduced an Active Leaders Qualification. 

We also offer Catholic life development primarily by taking lead in Masses and reconciliation with the younger years, guided by our committed Chaplaincy Team and offering residential retreats that are open for all students to attend. 

In the Sixth Form, we have been consistent in making progress and improving student grades. We have a fantastic team of teachers who are passionate about our young students and help to guide them to their chosen careers, from scientists and mathematicians to philosophers and engineers. 

What becomes evident from the hard work that goes into our Sixth Form is the above national average for unconditional offers from the universities and the fact that we are also the top school in the county for students staying in education or employment for at least two terms after Key Stage 5. 

We believe a full and varied Sixth Form leads to a successful and well-rounded young adult who is then able to move purposefully on to the next stage, whilst recognising that education is for life, not solely for results. As students move through the Sixth Form and witness the challenges of entry into higher education, employment, training or gap years, they are assured of the correct guidance from experienced subject staff and tutors. 

We are proud of our Sixth Form and all the students that make it an exciting and positive place to be, and you can feel this vibe when visiting. It is a place where students not only learn but have a lot of fun making friendships.