PLYMOUTH COLLEGE
CO-EDUCATIONAL INDEPENDENT SCHOOL
SIXTH FORM HANDBOOK
OUR SIXTH FORM
At Plymouth College Sixth Form, community forms the bedrock of everything we do. From this foundation, we nurture each student’s growth both inside and outside the classroom, supporting their individual interests while guiding their personal development. Our inclusive environment celebrates individuality, empowering students to take ownership of their journey and thrive in a diverse community.
Academically, we encourage students to make the most of the comprehensive support provided by both our pastoral and academic teams, giving them the tools to take charge of their own learning. Our broad curriculum caters to a wide range of interests, offering subjects from academics to creative and athletic disciplines. Whatever your passion, there is a place for you here at Plymouth College Sixth Form. Beyond students’ lessons, there are a smorgasbord of activities to choose from in our enrichment programme which allow our students to broaden their horizons beyond the curriculum to enrich their own knowledge and skills. Outside the classroom we want students to seize the myriad of opportunities for personal growth and development. This may be through attending clubs you have never tried before, being a Lead Prefect in charge of things such as charity events, organising socials, Sports Spirit, academic development and promotion; or it may be through delivering a Grand Round presentation to members of the school community, supporting younger students in their academics, doing break and lunchtime duties around site. Whatever your self-confidence level, there is something for you to try.
Our Sixth Form provides an exceptional educational environment where our senior students develop self-belief and the courage to become true leaders. While the path to A Levels, the Sports Baccalaureate (BTEC), and university or career applications presents challenges, our bespoke pastoral system ensures that each student receives the individual care and support they need. Central to this system is the mutual respect and cooperation between students and staff, fostering a close-knit atmosphere of support. With small tutor groups and guidance from myself and my Deputy Head of Sixth Form, Miss Odie, students receive academic and pastoral support, study skills development and life skill workshops. UCAS and Careers are delivered through this proven network, also linking with a wealth of contacts from different spheres of the working and academic fields.
In essence, Plymouth College Sixth Form aims to cultivate a community of young people who embody Walt Whitman’s idea of being “curious, not judgmental”— students who are kind, supportive, hardworking, and committed to their community. We encourage them to push themselves to achieve success by putting in that extra effort, whether academically, socially, or in extracurricular activities. As Wayne Dyer once said, “The extra mile is never crowded”; we want that extra mile to be crowded at Plymouth College Sixth Form. We also understand that this stage of life comes with its challenges, and we promote the mindset from the metaphor of the goldfish — encouraging students to move forward quickly after setbacks, learning from failure and striving toward their next goal with renewed enthusiasm. Though academic performance is clearly a key part of a student’s journey at Plymouth College, our success is measured by so much more than that. It is measured by our desire that a student’s time with us readies them for the next stage of their lives, ensuring they are “decent” young people, who are stronger, wiser and more rounded than when they joined us, who we have helped to become the best version of themselves, in all aspects, that they could possibly be.
My predecessor always spoke about what a privileged role the Head of Sixth Form is: the opportunity to witness the growth in confidence, drive and ability first hand, in our oldest students, as they prepare for one of the most daunting steps in life. I never quite understood it until my first few weeks in this role: now I do and I feel incredibly honoured to share in this privilege.
Mr Emil Agobiani, Head of Sixth Form
CHOOSING COURSES AND SUBJECTS
At Plymouth College, we offer a range of A-Level, BTEC and Cambridge Technical qualifications. Students have a free choice of 3 A-Level subjects (or equivalent) from the list below. In certain circumstances we may allow a student to start 4 A-Levels. Once initial preferences have been indicated, the subjects are placed into 4 pools. In the great majority of cases it is possible to study your chosen subject combination in these pools. A student’s choice of subjects is subject to the approval of the Head of Sixth Form and Deputy Head (Academic).
Please note that some courses do need a minimum number of students taking the course in order to run.
There are usually 3 main reasons for choosing a subject:
• It is a subject that you enjoy and should do well at;
• It is necessary for your future career options; or
• You feel it will be a useful subject for areas that you may pursue in the future.
Before you decide on your subjects, it is very important that you research any future possible university course or career options. Speak to key staff in school, or look at UCAS online, or the ‘Informed Choices’ booklet produced by the Russell Group of universities. Contact universities you might be interested in directly even at this early stage.
International pupils should consider whether they might return home for university, stay in the UK or even apply for university in another country. If you plan to return home, then it is well worth making sure that you know what subjects and qualifications you need, so that you can apply directly to university without having to repeat any years.
Prerequisites for academic study in the Sixth Form: A good guide that you will be successful at A-Level is a minimum of 6 GCSE passes, at Grade C/5 or above, including passes in Maths and English, and at least a B/6 in the subject you wish to take for A-Level. Overseas pupils should have achieved a general standard equivalent to this. See below for specific subject requirements.
A-LEVELS
Art (Fine Art, Graphics, Photography)
Biology *
Business
Chemistry *
Classical Civilisation
Design Technology (3D Design)
Drama
Economics
English Literature *
French
Geography
History
Mathematics *
Further Mathematics *
Media Studies
Music
PE/Sport Studies
Philosophy and Ethics (RS)
Physics *
Psychology
Spanish *
*To successfully study these subjects we advise a minimum of grade 7 at GCSE, or have achieved an equivalent standard for overseas pupils.
BTECS
Sport with Coaching and Development
- this can be takeb as a Diploma worth 2 A-Levels or an Extended Diploma worth 3 A-Levels. If the Diploma is chosen, one A-Level can be chosen to be studied alongside.
Applied Science Extended Certificate
- woirth 1 A-Level. 2 other A-Levels or Extended Certificates can be studied alongisde.
We are considering adding new A-Level and BTEC subjects to the curriculum in 2026. New subjects will only be added to the curriculum if sufficient pupil interest is shown. If the subjects outlined on the following page are of interest to you, please speak to the relevant member of staff or contact Mr Grey, Deputy Head (Academic).
POTENTIAL NEW SUBJECTS (SUBJECT TO INTEREST)
Please register your interest in these courses with the relevant teacher:
A Level Sociology (see Mrs White)
Sociology is concerned with real-world issues such as social inequality, organised crime, the social basis of political conflict and mobilisation, and changes in family relationships and gender roles. What is undeniable is that, as individuals, we spend almost all our time in groups, and in order to understand our behaviour we have to examine and assess the impact of those groups and institutions on us.
Applied Psychology Extended Certificate (see Mr Bryan)
The BTEC National Certificate in Applied Psychology is designed for post-16 learners wanting to continue their education through applied learning, and who aim to progress to higher education and ultimately to employment, possibly in applied psychology or related sectors.
Please note that all courses require a minimum number of pupils in order to run.
UCAS JOURNEY & PERSONAL STATEMENT TIMELINE
ALL OF LOWER SIXTH:
Continue to complete activities or reach out for experiences to use as evidence and reflect on in your PS.
LOWER SIXTH SPRING TERM:
All applicants add teachers on unifrog for reference writing. Early applicants formally identified and initial PS guidance given.
LOWER SIXTH: SUMMER TERM FIRST HALF:
All applicants set up UCAS accounts and continue with PS activities. Early applicants book up necessary preapplication tests with Exams officer and have PS PPD sessions delivered within the first few weeks. Sessions on UCAS guidance start in PPD.
LOWER SIXTH: SUMMER TERM SECOND HALF:
All start first draft of PS. Early applicants complete this by the end of term, all others by the end of Summer.
SUMMER HOLIDAY:
All applicants working on at least their first draft of their PS. Early applicants exchange multiple drafts with tutor, early applicants coordinator and any chosen teacher.
EARLY APPLICANT DEADLINE:
The official deadline will be the 15th Occtober 2025. Ensure you have booked for “final check” meeting by 12th October 2025.
OTHER RELEVANT DATES:
26TH FEBRUARY 2026 - UCAS Extra Opens
UPPER SIXTH AUTUMN TERM:
Exchange PS drafts with tutors and teachers,. Confirm application is “send off ready” with tutor and then book a “final check” appointment with the Head of Sixth Form to check and, if ready, send the application.
EQUAL CONSIDERATION
DATE FOR ALL OTHER APPLICATIONS:
The official date will be the 14th January 2026. Ideally though we would like applications sent by the end of the Autumn Term.
6TH MAY 2026 - If you receive all decisions by 31st March they must reply by this date
4TH JULY 2026 - UCAS Extra closes
5TH JULY 2026 - Clearing opens
19TH OCTOBER 2026 - Last date to add clearing choice
View the full document here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1O4NZB3bdDVo0Ve9L1MMe2emfoWWBAEggOg73tLTCms/edit?usp=sharing
LEADERSHIP ROLES
HOUSE CAPTAINS
House Captains play a pivotal role in fostering a sense of community within their respective houses. They lead house assemblies, setting the tone and reinforcing the values that define each house. In addition to this, they are responsible for organising younger pupils for house events, ensuring that everyone is involved and contributing to the house spirit. Through their actions, House Captains serve as role models, exemplifying the enthusiasm and dedication that Plymouth College values in its house system.
SENIOR PREFECTS
Senior Prefects represent the school in a variety of capacities, acting as ambassadors who embody the values of Plymouth College. They welcome guests and support visitor events, often taking the lead in offering tours for new families, helping them to feel at home within the school community. Beyond their outward-facing roles, Senior Prefects also serve as role models for younger students, guiding them both in their academic and personal development and demonstrating what it means to uphold the school’s standards.
SIXTH FORM COMMITTEE
This committee takes on additional responsibility by overseeing specific areas of Sixth Form life. Whether it’s organising charity events that encourage social responsibility, managing the school’s Sports Spirit Instagram page to engage the wider school community, or helping to organize social events that create memorable experiences for all, they are actively involved in school life. These leaders also focus on promoting and developing the academic culture within the school and take the lead in mentoring the Prep School Prefects, ensuring younger students are supported as they transition through their educational journey.
SUPPORTING ROLES
DUTY SUPPORT
Duty support is a crucial role at Plymouth College, where Sixth Form students work alongside staff to supervise and assist younger students during break and lunchtime periods. This responsibility helps to create a safe and supportive environment across the school site, fostering a sense of care and community among all age groups.
ASSISTING IN SPORTS COACHING
Sixth Form students also contribute to the coaching of younger sports teams, providing guidance and encouragement to help foster athletic development. By assisting with team practices and events, they help younger students improve their skills and experience the camaraderie that is central to team sports.
MENTORING AND ACADEMIC SUPPORT
Mentoring and academic support are essential parts of Sixth Form life at Plymouth College. Many Sixth Form students offer their time to mentor GCSE students, sharing study tips and offering advice based on their own experiences. Additionally, they provide academic support to younger students, helping them navigate challenges in their studies and develop confidence in their academic abilities.
FURTHER OPPORTUNITIES
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM AND LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
The Sixth Form is designed to be a period of transition from school pupil to university student/work colleague. We encourage Sixth Form students to become more independent in their learning within a close and caring network of teachers, tutors, mentors and Heads of Year.
Sixth Formers have plenty of opportunity to develop leadership skills as House Captains, Senior Prefects and Sports Captains. The culture of Sixth Formers getting involved, taking on challenges and trying to make a difference can be best illustrated by the extensive Academic Mentoring Programme set-up and led by our Executive Prefect team. As a result, of this over 30% of Sixth Formers are volunteering their time to contribute to at least one of the following:
• Year 1-2 Prep-School readers
• Year 5 & 6 Academic Mentors (helping in at least one lesson a week)
• Assisting the coaching of Prep School Sport teams
• Helping with Prep School PSHEE and assemblies
• Running after school Prep School activities (including: Chess Club and Knitting Club)
• Offering one-to-one mentoring for GCSE students
• Offering Senior School academic help in subjects for Year 7-8
• Trained Peer Listeners
INDEPENDENT STUDY SUPPORT
The ability to study and work independently is a vital skill for both success in post 16 education and also general life after school. As a result we have a comprehensive study skills programme where we run fortnightly sessions in tutor time on various aspects of study skills. Alongside this, sixth formers are expected to complete a weekly document of their independent study activities in “tracker” documents.
Sixth formers are provided with independent study activity guides by all subjects to help them in this endeavour. These “trackers” then form part of a half termly meeting with the sixth formers tutor where they discuss the amount of independent study done and, crucially, the type of independent study done, as well as giving the tutor and tutee a chance for a one-to-one catch-up about a pupil’s school life, any successes or current struggles and post school aspirations.
ENRICHMENT
Plymouth College’s Sixth Form Enrichment Programme, held on Friday afternoons, offers a wide range of activities designed to develop leadership, creativity, and personal growth. Students can choose from diverse opportunities such as joining the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) with Army, Navy, and RAF sections, or pursuing the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at Bronze, Silver, or Gold levels.
Those with a passion for the arts can engage in the Arts Award, exploring music, drama, or art. The programme also supports aspiring medics through the Pre-Med pathway, while academic interests are nurtured via the Extended Project Qualification or Super-curricular activity, which focuses on allowing students to extend their knowledge of subjects beyond the curriculum and widen their academic interests. Additionally, students have the chance to give back to the community through Prep School volunteering, fostering a sense of responsibility and connection with younger students.
EPQ (EXTENDED PROJECT QUALIFICATION)
We also offer the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) alongside A levels. An EPQ is an independent research project which involves writing an essay of 5000 words (that is around 10 typed pages). As the project evolves, you must complete a production log to record specific stages of the project and this also contributes to your project result. The third component of the project is an oral presentation. You receive guidance to get you started, help with planning and researching, presentation skills, and to keep you on track as you work through your chosen project. There is no formal restriction on what you do the project on: that is negotiated between you and your project adviser, who will help you choose a topic you will enjoy and find manageable.
LIFE SKILLS
Last year saw the launch of the new Life Skills programme in Sixth Form. Students are taught about those “I wish I had learnt this at school” topics in their small tutor groups, normally by subject areas. These fortnightly sessions cover five specific areas: cooking skills; DIY; car ownership and maintenance; finances and “emergency” situations, with each specific area having five subtopics. This means students will leave their time in Sixth Form having experienced twenty-five different life skill sessions.
PRE-MED
Plymouth College has a long history in preparing students for medical school and in recent years has had a very high success rate in securing offers. Building on the school’s experience and knowledge in this area, the Pre-Med programme brings together academic and enrichment timetables to put pupils in the best possible position for a career in medicine.
The Pre-Med enrichment activity is packed with opportunities for students to gain skills, experience and knowledge in the world of medicine. Seminars and debates will ensure students are aware of the latest advances in medical practices, as well as give them a better understanding of the career path ahead of them. Links with medical organisations and practitioners will source the best work experience opportunities, and a course in medical terminology will give students a good grounding ahead of medical school. Coaching in communication and interpersonal skills will build confidence, alongside interview preparation exercises.
The Extended Project Qualification is also popular with our students applying for medical school. Steered by independent reading and research, Pre-Med students can use it as an opportunity to write about a medical-related topic.
The bespoke nature of the Pre-Med activity means that it can also be adapted for students considering careers in Veterinary Science and Dentistry.
SIXTH
FORM CENTRE
We are thrilled to unveil our newly refreshed Sixth Form Centre – a dynamic and modern space designed to inspire learning, collaboration, and creativity!
Our Sixth Form is a pivotal stage in students’ educational journey, and we believe their environment should reflect both their aspirations and the exciting opportunities ahead.
The redesigned centre offers a perfect blend of study and social spaces. From quiet, focused study areas to comfortable social zones, every aspect of this revamp has been carefully crafted with our students in mind. Whether they’re working on academic projects, collaborating with peers, or simply relaxing, the new Sixth Form Centre provides an ideal setting for our students to excel, connect, and grow.
The centre is not just about functionality – it’s also a place that sparks creativity and inspiration. At the heart of this transformation is a beautiful mural, painted by a talented artist and Old Plymothian (OPM) Katy Miles. The mural reflects the energy and ambition of our students, adding a splash of colour and artistic flair to the space.
With this refreshed environment, we’re confident that our Sixth Form students will be even more empowered to reach their full potential as they prepare for the next steps in their academic and personal journeys.
SOCIALS
Here at Plymouth College, we place a huge emphasis on making memories, a phrase we often use. It is so important that, in addition to working hard in all aspects of school life, we create a varied social calendar which enhances the cohesive community of the Sixth Form.
This is organised by the Sixth Form Social Committee. Events include:
• Welcome boat cruise
• Summer soirée
• Autumn Ball
• Winter Ball
• Pizza & film nights
• Sixth Form Quiz Night
• Casino Night
• Summer Ball
• Ceilidh
It is this combination of fun, team spirit and hard work which fosters a genuinely friendly community of young people determined to achieve their ambitions. This ensures that our leavers are armed with the hard and soft skills which ensure they are well prepared to thrive in the outside world.
SPORTS & FITNESS
At Plymouth College, we embrace all aspects of sport from grassroots engagement, to team participation, through to Olympic Champions. We run performance sport programmes for those hoping to reach world podiums, providing a dedicated team of staff enabling pupils to achieve their potential as athletes.
The wealth of sporting opportunities continues into the Sixth Form, with pupils able to make use of our excellent on-site facilities, including the sports hall, gym and swimming pool. Team sports are also very popular amongst our Sixth Formers, with our senior sports teams enjoying regular fixtures.
Options for pupils on Wednesday afternoons (not all sports run every term):
• Badminton
• Rugby
• Outdoor Adventure
• Football
• Golf
• Table Tennis
• Cricket
• Rounders
• Netball
• Swimming
• Cardio-vascular Fitness/Weights
• Hockey
• Tennis
• Yoga
FOOTBALL
Plymouth College is delighted to announce the launch of its HighPerformance Football Programme in partnership with Plymouth Argyle Football Club, set to commence in September 2025.
This exciting collaboration aims to provide talented young athletes with the opportunity to pursue a first-class education while advancing their footballing careers.
This initiative will enable aspiring players to receive the highestlevel coaching from UEFA licensed coaches at the club’s brand-new, state-of-the-art academy training facility at Foulston Park.
At the same time, they will benefit from outstanding academic provision and pastoral care at Plymouth College, ensuring a wellrounded and balanced education both on and off the pitch.
CRICKET
Cricket is available to all students in the Summer Term, regardless of gender. A winter programme is also in place for those who are more serious about the game, and have aspirations to play at a representative level.
A regular fixture list is in place each year, including prestigious fixtures against other local schools. The highlight of the season is the annual visit of the MCC to Ford Park for an all-day game.
Recent alumni successes at senior level include Jake Libby (Worcestershire CCC) and James Degg, Elliot Hamilton, Ben Privett, and Ben Beaumont (all Devon CCC). A number of male and female students throughout the College are also involved in county age-group pathways.
HOCKEY
Hockey is played competitively in the Autumn Term with a varied fixture list including local independent and maintained sector schools, as well as local clubs.
Students are encouraged to train after school each week in addition to one timetabled lesson per week in the Autumn. Competitive opportunities exist for all keen players at both weekends and mid-week. Recent successes include the Tier 2 National Title at U14 level in 2019.
RUGBY
Rugby is played in the Autumn Term (15 a-side) and the Spring Term (7 a-side) as a competitive activity with a varied fixture list including local independent and maintained sector schools, as well as local clubs.
Students are encouraged to train after school each week in addition to one timetabled lesson per week. Competitive opportunities exist for all keen players at both weekends and mid-week. Alumni such as England’s Henry Slade highlight the value of the opportunities available.
NETBALL
Netball is played in the Spring Term with a varied fixture list including local independent and maintained sector schools.
Students are encouraged to train after school each week in addition to one timetabled lesson per week in the Spring. Competitive opportunities exist for all keen players at both weekends and mid-week. Recently, a mini-tour to Bath has proved a highlight of the fixture calendar.
*Additional competitive opportunities are available in other sports (e.g. Football) with students encouraged to take part in sport as often as possible.
CAREERS ADVICE
Sixth Form students have access to a wide variety of careers advice and staff help and support them as they navigate the huge array of choice that is now available. A UK university is not the only option. We have helped pupils go on to apprenticeships (or various levels, including Level 6-7 degree apprenticeships) and employment, as well as niche colleges such as Norland and overseas universities, including the US. For example, in the last two years we have had several students start courses at highly prestigious Ivy League Universities in the US, and similarly a number have gained highly funded sport scholarships through the support we provide.
We arrange workshops during the course of the year, as well as using two external agencies to further help; Career Smart, who come in and advise students, and Unifrog which is an online platform and helps whittle down the vast choice of courses on offer throughout the university and employment sector by aligning them with a student’s personalized profile.
We also have a formidable OPM alumni network – with over 100 volunteers - which provides work experience, work shadowing and mentoring opportunities for our Sixth Formers.
RECENT DESTINATIONS
RUSSELL GROUP
University of Cambridge
University of Exeter
Durham University
University of Bristol
University of Edinburgh
University of Warwick
University of Exeter
Cardiff University
Newcastle University
Cardiff University
Newcastle University
Philosphy
PPE
Mathematics and Statistics
Medicine
Economics
Philosophy
Sociology and Criminology
Law
Law
Human Geography
International Relations
NON-RUSSELL GROUP UK TOP 25 INSTITUTIONS (GUARDIAN, 2025)
University of Bath
University of Bath
University of Bath
OVERSEAS
Colorado State University, USA
Bocconi University, Italy
Corvinus University, Hungary
Architecture
Pharmacy
Robotics Engineering
Biochemistry
Social Science
Business
