SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS
You only get one shot at education, and this is it. Over the course of these five or seven years, you have the power to shape your future. You are in charge of whether you get the place at the university of your dreams, whether you make it into that college or onto that apprenticeship you’ve been looking at, and what kind of adult you join the world as. All the students at Holland Park School are united by one thing: being all ferociously determined and ambitious to succeed. What you need from us is a school that provides you with excellent lessons, rigorous homework, and clear, regular feedback that tells you how you are doing, where you’re going wrong and what you need to do to get better. And that’s not just what you need, it’s what you deserve. Our team, along with all the teachers and members of staff in school, want to make that a reality for you, and it is achievable if all of us do our bit. Your ‘bit’ is simple: you need to turn up to school every day (yes, every day) with smart uniform and all the equipment you need to be ready for learning and set up for success. You need to work hard, get your homework done, try your best in your lessons and in your exams, and follow the instructions you are given – they all come with your success in mind. You need to enjoy it: enjoy the programme of trips and visits we have planned for you, enjoy the inspiring and creative lessons your teachers will dot throughout the year for you, and enjoy the extracurricular activities, sports clubs, school productions, and inter-house competitions that make school a place of joy as well as a place of learning. You get one shot at education: let’s make it a success.
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Our Sixth Form is a great source of pride nurturing and where students are at Holland Park School and its success known for their character as for their rests on our understanding of two truths work. We have a wide network of about this stage of students’ learning. pastoral support within the sixth We recognise that A Levels, at their form as well as impressive extraheart, are about personal engagement curricular opportunities, befitting a with one’s study and we foster an state-of-the- art school building that sits environment where students are in the heart of London. We welcome encouraged to work diligently and with applications from all students that are close attention to detail; it is this that committed to achieving their very best leads to the highest A Level grades and with us: this is a place where hard work it is this that university admissions tutors and independence go hand in hand. It value so highly. At the same time, we is a privilege to work with such recognise the importance of determined young people and we strive independence and individuality, and to do our very best for them. know that this is fostered best in an environment that is supportive and
MR BENJAMIN ARNOLD DIRECTOR OF VI FORM MS ELIZABETH ASHCROFT DIRECTOR OF PASTORAL MS TANYA HART DIRECTOR OF ACADEMICS
OUTSTANDING RESULTS Students know to aim high. With skilled teaching and determined study habits, our Sixth Form has a strong tradition of excellent outcomes across a wide range of A Level subjects. Recent results reflect this standard, with 61% of students achieving A* or A in mathematics, 56% in RE , 75% in French and 40% in geography. In the preceding year, our strongest performances were in art, where 67% achieved A* or A, alongside 59% in Maths and 39% in English. We also take pride in the accomplishments of individual students who secure places at top universities, move into competitive apprenticeships and pursue pathways that reflect their talents and ambitions. Their successes show the high expectations and rich learning that define life at Holland Park School.
EXTENSION: THE EPQ In addition, for those seeking to extend themselves beyond the demands of multiple A-Level subjects, we have introduced the EPQ (Extended Project Qualification). Students can apply for this opportunity to develop their own independent research skills, exploring topics beyond the confines of the A-Level curriculum.
OXBRIDGE PREPARATION For those aiming for the very top, we want to support your efforts to stand out in university applications and interviews. Our Oxbridge Programme is led by our Academic Director, who provides individual mentoring and works with teachers to guide students on key priorities and how to put these into practice. Interview preparation is available across a wide range of subjects, along with support for entrance tests for Oxbridge, law, medical, maths and engineering courses, which are increasingly required at other universities such as Imperial, UCL, Warwick and Durham. As part of United Learning, we can draw on additional expertise from across the group, especially in specialist cases where further guidance is helpful.
QUALITY EXAM PRACTICE We know how important it is for students to practise exam questions in exam conditions, but we also want teachers to be able to focus on developing students’ understanding and teaching the A-Level course. Students therefore have assessment periods in Thorpe Lodge where they complete practise exam questions and factual knowledge recall under supervised exam conditions, meaning lesson time is free for teaching, discussion, and enhancing understanding.
PRIVATE STUDY A personalised approach to private study is taken to suit the strengths and needs of each pupil. The primary space in Thorpe Lodge is designed for silent independent study – the demands of A-Level study are considerable, with several hours’ worth of independent work to be completed each day in preparation for and consolidation from A-Level lessons. Whilst this form of work meets the majority of students’ needs, we understand that productive group and paired work has its place, and that focused academic discussion can very healthily support students in meeting their goals. We therefore operate an additional study space in the main school building for purposeful group and paired work. We are clear that our primary aim at all times is to maximise students’ attainment, and we will therefore work with students to direct the right approach to private study for them.
We believe that A-Levels offer the best foundation in preparation for university study: they combine a sharpness of focus with breadth across the range of disciplines studied. We offer a focused core of subjects and set high achievement at GCSE as a requirement for A-Level study. Students are supported within the first few weeks to ensure they make the best choices of subject that will facilitate paths to the destinations they aspire to. SUBJECT
EXAM BOARD
GCSE REQUIREMENTS
Art
Edexcel
Grade 7
Biology
AQA
Grade 7 (8,8 in Double Award)
Business
Edexcel
Grades 6 in English and Maths
Chemistry
AQA
Grade 7 (8,8 in Double Award)
Computer Science
OCR
Grade 7 in Maths
Drama
AQA
Grade 6
Economics
AQA
Grade 7 in English and Maths
English Literature
AQA
Grade 7 in Language or Literature
French
AQA
Grade 7
Geography
Edexcel
Grade 7
History
AQA
Grade 7
Latin
OCR
Grade 7
Mathematics
Edexcel
Grade 7
Further Mathematics*
Edexcel
Grade 8
Photography
Edexcel
Grade 6 in Art or Photography
Physics
Edexcel
Grade 7 (8,8 in Double Award)
Physical Education
AQA
Grade 6 (7 in Science)
Politics
Edexcel
Grade 6 in History or English
Psychology
AQA
Grades 6 in English and Biology
Religion, Philosophy & Ethics
Edexcel
Grade 7
Spanish
AQA
Grade 7
OUR THE SIXTH FORM There are not many comprehensive schools where Sixth Form study takes places in the Grade II-listed surroundings of a comfortable Victorian villa. Our Sixth Form represents the highest of academic standards and so it is right that, as of 2023, they occupy the newly restored Thorpe Lodge, the grandest part of our school site. Not only do we hope this space will inspire students, we hope it will act as a space for students to develop their own unique identity as Sixth Formers, crossing the bridge between lower-school study and the demands and freedoms of university life. Students use this space for private study and also as a social space, with access to a well-appointed kitchen for tea and coffee at break and lunchtimes, and exclusive use of the well-kept terrace and gardens
PASTORAL SUPPORT We know that academic success only comes when you feel supported and cared for. In addition to a tutor who acts as a daily support and check-in point, Sixth Form students are supported by a dedicated Sixth Form administrators to manage the intricacies of day-to-day life. Ms Ashcroft is our dedicated Pastoral Director and Thorpe Lodge’s resident guru for all things wellbeing – a friendly face and a listening ear for whatever challenges might emerge as you navigate the transition through Sixth Form life.
ACCESS TO SERVICES Sixth Formers also benefit from our wider school support network – we have an in school counsellor from Place2Be who works with students individually and in small group sessions. This personalised service is available to discuss anything from exam stress and anxiety to difficult personal situations outside of school. Sixth Form students also benefit from the support and services of our wider safeguarding team, who are always on hand to listen to students’ concerns and are well-equipped to help you manage difficult situations.
SIXTH FORM ENRICHMENT We believe that Sixth Form should be a time to experiment, to develop your independence by trying out new things, taking initiative and grasping leadership opportunities as they arise. Students regularly start their own clubs and so these remain fresh to suit current student appetites – last year Post-Structuralist Society thrived, whilst previous clubs have included First Aid Society and a Sixth Form Drama Group. We also welcome a range of visiting speakers to school, and the Sixth Form are our first priority for these: exposing our Sixth Formers to a wide variety of professionals and individuals from all walks of life helps build their confidence in determining next steps.
Debating Society
Philosophy Club
Medical Society
Financial Markets Club
Engineering Club
First Story
Law Society
VI Form Culinary Workshops
VI Form Football
Orchestra
VI Form Netball
School Production
HPS Insider – Student Newspaper
Jimmy Wales (Founder of Wikipedia) Ben MacIntyre (author and journalist) AJ Tracey (musician and former pupil) Sir Douglas Flint CBE (businessman) Alusoga Adamo (media lawyer) Ayse Biseem (apprenticeships expert) Natasha Shafi (hospitality and marketing)
Ben Aung (cybersecurity) Rt Hon. David Laws (former minister) plus professionals working in diplomacy, hospitality, finance, law, medicine, and more...
BROADENING HORIZONS For all that academic work is vital, we know that life beyond the classroom is just as important. In addition to our roster of clubs, many of them student led, we run a wide range of trips for Sixth Form students throughout the academic year, and are always open to students suggesting visits that will broaden their horizons. Our programme of visiting speakers exposes students to new ideas as well as acting as part of our careers education programme – speakers come from all walks of life and help students understand the options available to them once they finish education.
THE WORLD OF WORK We know how important it is that Sixth Form life prepares you for the world of work. All students undertake a week of Work Experience in Year 12, and many of our visiting speakers and trips are designed to introduce students to a broad range of careers, pathways and working environments. We also place strong value on volunteering and community outreach. Links include a local lunch club for the elderly, and Year 12 students volunteer as Teaching Assistants, reading mentors and maths tutors. They work with students in Years 7 to 11 and with a local primary school, gaining key professional skills while giving back to the community.
Hampton Court Palace (History) Almeida Theatre (English) Department for Business and Trade (Business)
Malaga, Andalusia (Spanish) Freud Museum (Psychology) UCAS Discovery Event (Year 12) Scotland and Morocco Expeditions Royal Opera House (English & Music) University of Oxford / UCL Taster Days CERN laboratory (Physics)
STUDENT LEADERSHIP As the oldest and usually the wisest members of our community, it is fitting that Sixth Form students lead the way in Student Leadership at Holland Park School. Our Student Principals model the school’s core values: diligence, determination, kindness, respect, and a strong sense of community. We aim to provide leadership opportunities for all. This includes formal roles on the Student Leadership Team, as well as opportunities for students who take initiative in organising charity fundraising, Culture Day in October, the Sixth Form Iftar event during Ramadan, the Sixth Form Open Mic Night, and much more. We value creativity and initiative, supporting students to build meaningful experiences not simply for CVs or university applications, but to prepare for life beyond the school gates.
“I chose Holland Park School for Sixth Form having previously studied in Italy to pursue training in professional tennis (I am ranked #8 in Italy!). I made this choice above all, because of the nature of the teaching and the academic environment. I have teachers that enjoy challenging me to achieve my very best and will support me to reach those heights. The teachers here are interested in you as a person and go the extra mile to help you succeed – whether that’s through asking you particular questions in lessons or in the marking of your work – they want you to achieve on your own terms.” Lorenzo, Year 13
BEING PART OF A TEAM We are proud of our community at Holland Park School – one of the advantages of a Sixth Form attached to an 11-16 school is the sense of belonging it can help to create. We want all students to feel part of the ‘team’ that is Holland Park Sixth Form, and our Sixth Formers regularly take part in informal sporting events, including ‘friendlies’ of Staff vs Sixth Form sports matches in a number of sports, which help to raise money for charity throughout the academic year. The camaraderie shown between students and staff at these events is invaluable; respect is evident in abundance and the healthy sense of fun and competition a vital part of Sixth Formers’ character education as they prepare for adult life.
A MUSICAL VOICE Musical activity permeates school. In addition to an ever expanding and talented school orchestra there is a diverse programme of ensembles and solo performance that takes place after school along with opportunities for peripatetic lessons on the piano, drums, and brass instruments. Opportunities abound for recording and experimenting in musical performance in our specialist recording studio, and the richness of musical life is all recorded within the pages of our studentled termly music magazine, featuring interviews with ‘up-and-coming’ student musicians and classical and popular recommendations.
BESPOKE GALLERY SPACE Art is housed in splendid studios, and benefits from the run of our new purpose built artists’ studio and gallery in Thorpe Lodge. A photographic darkroom, etching press and Apple technology are but some of the resources from which students benefit.
UNIVERSITY DESTINATIONS When the time comes to send Sixth Formers out into the world at our black -tie Year 13 Leavers’ Dinner, we are confident they leave us ready for the challenges of a modern working, academic, and social world . The vast majority of Holland Park School Sixth Form students leave to attend top tier universities: favoured choices include Imperial, King's, Bristol, Bath and Warwick, as well as options abroad such as Bocconi (with scholarship) and ESCP. Every year, a number of our students are successful in Oxbridge, medicine and dentistry applications. Our careers guidance is coordinated by our Academic Director and our Head of Careers so students have a wealth of expertise to inform any decisions they make. We hold UCAS, apprenticeships and clearing Workshops, 1-to-1 UCAS , and careers tutorials .
ALUMNI & CAREERS Our Head of Careers & Employability, Mr McCarthy, builds relationships with employers and businesses to ensure Sixth Formers have access to a range of ideas about next steps. He also coordinates events with Ms Hart involving our growing alumni network; Holland Park Sixth Form students regularly return to share their journey and expertise, including Roundtable events exploring the value of pursuing subjects at degree level, and a ‘Life Out There’ alumni networking event where students are matched and can ask for personalised, up-to-date advice.
2025 IN FACTS & FIGURES 54 % progressed to a Russell Group or Top Third university, including : 7 students to University College London, 4 students to King's College London and 4 to Warwick, 3 students to Bristol, 1 each to Oxford, St Andrews, Edinburgh, LSE, Yale and Bocconi (on full scholarship). Courses chosen are diverse as Law, Engineering, PPE, Medicine, Theology, Computer Science, Mathematics, Population Health Sciences and Architecture.
www.hollandparkschool.co.uk Airlie Gardens | London | W8 7AF | 020 79081000