Into the Sixth Handbook 2025-26

Welcome

Welcome to Sixth Form at St Helen’s.

This is such an exciting time in your school journey, a time of growth, ambition, and opportunity. Whether you are continuing your journey with us or joining St Helen’s for the first time, I want you to know how delighted I am to welcome you into our vibrant and ambitious community.

Our Sixth Form is a place where you are encouraged to be courageous in your choices, confident in your abilities, and open to exploring the possibilities that lie ahead. It is a time to dig deeper, into subjects you love, passions you want to pursue, and ambitions you are still discovering. At St Helen’s, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. We know that every student brings their own strengths, dreams, and voice, and we are here to support you, challenge you, and champion you every step of the way.

My vision for the St Helen’s is simple and unwavering: to create an environment where every student is known, valued, and empowered to thrive and succeed. A space where you are free to ask questions, try new things, make mistakes, and grow into the young adult you aspire to be, academically, creatively, personally, and socially.

I hope you seize the many opportunities ahead, in leadership, enrichment, service, and academics, and make your time in the Sixth Form truly your own. Most of all, I hope you feel inspired every day by the people around you and proud of the person you are becoming.

Welcome to Sixth Form at St Helen’s. This is your time to thrive.

Mrs Bridget Ward Head

Welcome to the Sixth Form

Welcome to Sixth Form! We hope you are looking forward to starting your exciting Sixth Form journey! It is full of challenges, but the memories and experiences you gain will be very rewarding and long lasting.

The major change between GCSE and A-Level is the need to take initiative in your own learning. At the end of the day, this is YOUR journey, and it will allow you to become more independent and develop your organisational skills. The best part of Sixth Form is that you can choose what you want to learn, and this allows you to delve deeper into your curiosities and passions.

Whilst the Sixth Form journey is an individual one, never feel alone! Your teachers, friends and the Futures team are always there to support you in any way you need. Sixth Form opens the doors to so many opportunities and activities, some of which you will create your best memories with, that will stay with you long after leaving St Helen’s.

Sixth form is the peak of the Senior School mountain, where you are looked highly upon by the younger girls and therefore you should make the most of this! Indulge yourself in all the experiences and opportunities that you have been looking forward to – including leading House Arts, clubs and partaking in leadership roles.

Time flies when your having fun, so remember to appreciate every moment because every journey matters (courtesy of TFL)!

Good luck and remember we are always here to help!

The Sixth Form Team

We are delighted to welcome you to the Sixth Form at St Helen’s. This is a new and exciting part of your education, and we are here to support and guide you through the next two years, with all its challenges and choices.

The aim of this handbook is to give you an insight into life as a Sixth Former, and to provide some useful information on everyday routines and procedures, as well as some tips on how to make the most of your time here. If there is anything that needs clarification, do ask your tutor in the first instance, or go to the Sixth Form Office in Mackenzie.

For Academic Year 2025 - 2026, Mrs Stein, Director of Sixth Form is supported by Mr Maddran and Mrs Hayyan, Deputy Directors of Sixth Form, and they work together to oversee academic and pastoral care. The careers and university provision are led by the Futures Team, whose offices can be found in MacKenzie.

The Sixth Form Office is next door to Mrs Stein’s office and this is a good place to go if you have any problems or questions.

Every Sixth Former is assigned to a tutor who will look after your day to day academic and pastoral needs over the coming two years.

Registration Groups and Tutors

Tutors play a vital role in your time here in the Sixth Form. We have a very experienced tutor team who are skilled in pastoral care, as well as other aspects such as supporting you with your university applications and writing personalised UCAS references.

There are seven tutorial groups in Year 12 which meet daily.

These sessions cover registration, PSHCE, Futures planning, assemblies, and other tutorial work. Tutor time begins at 8:30am in school and students are expected to attend every day unless they are ill.

Your tutor should be your first port of call if any issue or problem should arise. Our tutors are regularly informed of academic progress, effort in class and homework and overall attitude to learning. Should you fall behind with your work, feel that you are struggling or have an issue you simply want to talk through, they are the members of staff that you and your parents or carers should contact first.

Your relationship with your tutor is one of the aspects that makes Sixth Form so special: your tutor will be the member of staff you see the most during your Sixth Form life. This is vital when it comes to thinking about university and your future, as they have got to know your aspirations and ambitions throughout the year and can listen and advise you appropriately.

Year 12 Tutors

Year 13 Tutors

Tips and Advice from Sixth Formers

Academic

• It is important to keep on top of homework and meet deadlines. This will help you stay relaxed and find time to do social activities as well as explore subjects outside the curriculum.

• Try to think about your EPQ during the summer by exploring topics of interest to you.

• Read around your subjects and familiarise yourself with specifications.

• Revise the key facts and topics from GCSEs.

• Make notes as you go along and dedicate time to consolidate content.

• Try out a range of revision techniques at the start of the year, so that by exams you are confident in what works best for you.

• Use your holidays wisely to balance work and socialising.

Social

• Trust your teachers and form good relationships with them so you are comfortable asking them for help.

• Sixth Form is a more independent environment, so it is important to give each other space and recognise that friendship groups will change.

• Clean up your mess in Mackenzie, it is both a social and study space• Choose several co-curricular activities that you will enjoy - you can even start your own club!

• Prioritise your mental health, ensure you stay well hydrated and have plenty of sleep!

• Don’t be afraid to ask Year 13s for help/advice/guidance - we are all happy to help!

Futures

• Look out for university Open Days and book them in advance.

• Keep a record of extra reading and your opinions on current events for you to refer to.

• Concentrate well in PIP and Uni-prep, ask your teachers and tutors any questions you may have.

• Keep up to date with current affairs and when possible, discuss with family and friends.

• Read around courses at the start of Sixth Form.

• READ! READ! READ!

Academic Life

Study Areas

Mackenzie

The Sixth Form has range of study facilities to use around the school, but your main home over the next two years will be Mackenzie, a purpose-built Sixth Form building next to the School of Music.

Downstairs, there are study areas, as well as a small meeting room which can be booked for Sixth Form societies or used by Sixth Form mentors for intervention sessions in a range of subjects.

Upstairs is the common room and kitchen area: it is your responsibility to maintain and keep this area clean and tidy. Tea, coffee, milk and sugar are provided, and you are very welcome to use the microwaves and fridges.

Many students choose to study in the Common Room in their non-contact time so if you wish to use your mobile, or other devices, please keep noise to a minimum by using headphones and keeping volumes low.

Do also be considerate when moving around Mackenzie during lesson time in order to minimise disruption to any lessons taking place in the building.

You are also able to use other areas of the school to work:

• The Library – this is an excellent place for private study in your non-contact time. Ms DeCruz and her team of librarians will introduce you to or remind you of all the facilities available to you: books, periodicals, journals, newspapers and computers. In addition, many of these are available digitally and the school has a wide range of subscriptions to academic publications which will help with your A Level studies.

• Daisy’s Café is a great place to work individually or in groups.

• The Zone is available during lesson time for quiet study.

• Free rooms – please ask in the Mackenzie Sixth Form Office for a list of free classrooms; this changes daily so it is important to check.

Year 12 volunteering programme

Every Year 12 student has the incredible opportunity to dedicate two hours every week to volunteering—a chance to give back, develop new skills, and make meaningful connections. Whether you choose to design your own volunteering experience or take part in our highly popular Outreach Programme, this is your time to inspire, lead, and grow.

If you prefer to self-organise your placement, you’ll need to get it approved to ensure it meets safeguarding and work suitability requirements, along with parental permission. This allows you to tailor your experience to something you're truly passionate about.

But why go it alone when you can be part of something amazing? The Outreach Programme offers a rewarding way to work in groups at local infant and junior primary schools, supporting young learners in a variety of activities. You could:

• Run a drama club and bring stories to life

• Lead an arts & crafts session to spark creativity

• Teach music, whether it’s choir, violin, or keyboard

• Introduce children to French or Spanish

• Inspire future scientists by running a Science Club

• Get active by leading a Sports Club

• Help young students build confidence in reading and phonics

These are just a few possibilities, and your ideas are always welcome! This is your chance to shape your own experience, develop leadership and teamwork skills, and create a lasting impact on the community. Be part of something special!

Year 12 feedback:

• It was really enjoyable to teach the children a new language and see their enthusiasm when they would come the following week having learnt a few words and phrases and wanting to learn more to tell their families and friends.

• I felt that holding a drama club allowed students to express themselves outside of their regular classroom timetable. Whilst they learnt from us I truly felt we learnt from them too as they helped me and my partner build so many skills that we have not been able to build in our School.

• It was really enjoyable getting involved with the children at our outreach school and getting to know them - even just being a small part of their lives. Knowing that even if we only got to work with them for a short time a week, I really looked forward to helping them as much as I could.

• The children were so enthusiastic and so were we, it was a lovely environment.

• The best thing was seeing the transformation in confidence of the children who at first wouldn’t say anything to non stop chatting by the end of the experience.

• I particularly enjoyed watching the children I was helping develop their reading abilities as the year progressed; directly seeing the impact I was having was very rewarding.

• It was so rewarding to connect with the children and feel a part of the progress we saw.

• I enjoyed watching the children’s excitement in coming to choir that increased after every session they attended.

• Seeing the children smile and enjoy themselves brought me happiness as well.

• I enjoyed the enjoyment and excitement shown from the children, when I went in and helped them. Their smiles were worth it.

Year 12 feedback continued:

• I enjoyed both seeing the children's confidence grow when reading to us, as well as the days where we just had fun with the children and played games, as it felt really rewarding.

• I enjoyed seeing the kids come out of their shells more and more each week and developing such amazing bonds with them all.

• I enjoyed building a relationship with the children, and watching their progress grow over time. The feeling we got from the smiles when we came into the classrooms every week are unmatched.

• I enjoyed my experience so much. I have learnt so much through volunteering and will definitely miss the children who attended drama club!

• I adored the children’s enthusiasm to read. Reading can be a mundane activity for some, but we found a way to make it enjoyable and rewarding.

• I loved interacting with the children and seeing how some interaction can brighten their day.

• I loved working with the children and watching how excited and proud they were after they successfully learnt a new song made me so happy.

• I got to know all of the children on a one to one basis, not only about their reading, but also as people.

Co-Curricular Activities

One of the things students often struggle with when starting Sixth Form is how to get that perfect ‘workplay’ balance. While it is true that now more than ever, the emphasis should be on academic study (especially as further reading becomes vital), that absolutely does not mean that you are supposed to give up your cocurricular life.

You are the only person who will truly recognise when you have taken on too much and if that does happen, do not be afraid to admit this to yourself. There is a difference between being busy and being overwhelmed. The best advice we can give you is to know yourself, and to know your own limits.

What is clear is that no one in Sixth Form is expected to stop all co-curricular activities – quite the opposite, in fact. You are all strongly encouraged to get involved with some of the many opportunities available to you, but please be selective; choose ones of genuine interest to you.

Combined Cadet Force

“CCF in the Sixth Form has similarities and differences to CCF in Upper School. You still must uphold the core CCF values of teamwork, discipline and respect, but leadership really comes into play as you take on the roles of section commanders.

The sudden transition from learning to teaching is one which can be quite difficult to navigate at first, but the best way to get through it is to rely on others, whether it be other people in your year, or the teachers at times. CCF also becomes infinitely more rewarding. You have the chance to pass on all that you’ve learned over the past two years to younger cadets, who will one day be in your shoes passing on their knowledge to the younger years. Even the smallest things that you’ve learned, which you thought were irrelevant at the time, turn out to be very useful when you’re thrown into unexpected situations.

Lastly, the applications for Year 13 SNCO positions are a significant point in the year, and at that time it’s important to believe in yourself and always try and push a bit further than you think you can go, since you never know how it could turn out. Have confidence in yourself and people will follow.”

Young Enterprise

“Young Enterprise is an incredible opportunity not only for those who want to get a taste of the world of business, but also for those who just want an amazing experience. It teaches you how to be a leader and a follower in group scenarios, how to meet deadlines and how to interact with strangers on a professional level, amongst many other vital skills.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

As someone who finds talking to strangers pretty awkward, Young Enterprise really helped to increase my confidence and, eventually, overcome that awkwardness. Overall, I’d highly recommend it to anyone who has an interest in business or wants to gain lifelong skills.”

“Trekking for miles across fields full of rather ominous cows with nothing but your wit, your will and your waterproofs for four days may not sound like fun, but it really is an amazing experience that you will never forget. Some of the best things about DofE have got to be the food, camping with your friends and the immense sense of achievement after you’ve finished (and did I mention the food?). What’s more, completing Gold DofE in Sixth Form has the added benefit of allowing you to receive your final award at Buckingham Palace once you finish.

DofE gives you so many invaluable skills. Not only do you feel so much more independent and determined, but you also learn what perseverance really is. You come back from the expedition a changed person, and after DofE, I promise you that the next time you’re cold, lost and trapped in a barbed wire fenced field, you’ll know exactly what to do.”

Phab

Phab, is very close to us all here at St Helen’s. Pupils are given the opportunity to be part of the “Phab Team” who fundraise throughout the year for this wonderful charity.

Phab has been working to build an inclusive world for over 65 years, supporting a national network of Phab Clubs and running Phab Adventures, bringing together disabled and non-disabled people of all ages in a spirit of togetherness, fun and creating spaces and places where everyone belongs. As there are usually more pupils interested in joining than there are spaces available, there is an Interview process to select the Year 12 team.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I get into Year 12 and I realise I don’t like my subjects?

In the first 3 weeks of Year 12, it is normal for some students to realise they have chosen the wrong subjects. Timetable permitting, you will be able to move into a different subject. However, this is something that must be discussed with your tutor, your subject teacher and Head of Department, and your parents or carers.

You also need to speak to Mrs Stein and any final decision needs to be made with her and your parents or carers, so you must continue to attend your existing lessons and classes until the change is authorised.

When do I need to start thinking about universities and degree courses?

You will get a lot of support to guide you into making the right choice for you through PSHCE, tutor time and any Futures talks or assemblies that are held throughout Year 12. There will also be a focus on UCAS, degree choices and university applications in the summer term of Year 12.

Do reflect on what you are enjoying in your subjects, and which areas fascinate and engage you; you can start to read widely in those subjects, and to look for TedTalks or online lectures to deepen your knowledge and understanding.

Taster courses and department Open Days are often held by universities in the summer term of Year 12: attendance at these must be authorised by Mrs Stein, Mrs Hayyan or Mr Maddran. There are a finite number of days you are allowed to take off in term time to visit universities or attend apprenticeship conferences and you are encouraged to attend virtual Open Days, or those held at weekends.

University preparation courses (Uniprep) are timetabled to start in the spring term of Year 12 and run through Year 13 in order to give you guidance and extension work in your chosen degree discipline.

Procedures

Full details of study periods are published separately; careful adherence to the procedures is vital if your attendance record is to be accurate.

Registration

Students must be in their form room by 8.30am. Afternoon registration takes place in class at the start of Period 5. If you are not in a taught lesson or supervised study session, it is essential that you sign in at one of the places specified (see detailed arrangements on page 12).

Signing in

Sixth Formers who are late must sign in immediately upon arrival at the main School Office, and then go straight to the appropriate registration or assembly. In the case of RBH assemblies, they should stand quietly outside the Chapel and not attempt to enter the Hall. It is not acceptable for latecomers to wait in the Common Room, study area or form rooms.

Assemblies

Attendance at school, Sixth Form, House and Form assemblies is compulsory, unless you are engaged in one of the few activities which take precedence (such as a music practice).

Signing out

This is extremely important in case of fire or other emergency. The signing out sheet is kept at the main School Office window in the Quad corridor, and is to be used whenever you leave the site for medical appointments as well as for home study afternoons. Evidence of your permission to leave, such as a green form, must be given to the School Office. Where appropriate, remember to sign back in again upon your return.

Lateness

Parents will be informed if you are frequently late for Registration. If the pattern persists, students can expect to lose privileges such as home study afternoons. Girls may find themselves barred from standing for positions of responsibility, for which reliability and commitment are essential.

Illness

Students who are ill during the day must go to the Medical Room. Under NO circumstances should a student leave school of their own accord, especially if feeling unwell. If in doubt, see Mrs Stein or her deputies.

Absence

It is essential for your academic progress that absences are limited to the absolute minimum. Cases of illness must be covered by a note from parents and handed into School Office promptly upon the student’s return to school.

Requests for other exceptional absences should be made in writing to Mrs Stein, well in advance. We would ask that parents email schoolabsence@sthelens.london or telephone the absence line on 01923 843210 selecting option 4 on the first day of absence for illness.

Unauthorised Absences

These will be recorded as such on a student’s record and will remain unauthorised until an explanatory note is received. Any unexplained absences will be recorded on your UCAS application and any future references the school may be asked for.

Open Days

You are allowed to attend no more than two or three Open Days or taster courses during school time in Year 12. You need to complete a purple Open Day form at least a week before, which needs to be signed by parents and teachers. Forms are available from the sixth form Office.

Notices

Please check noticeboards and emails regularly for important messages. In particular, please look at the noticeboards outside the staff room. Students can use the boards in the Common Room for their own messages and posters.

Parking

You are not allowed to park onsite. Street parking is restricted between 1pm – 2pm on Carew Road and in the immediate vicinity, and traffic wardens are vigilant.

Remember, punctuality and attendance are important! We are asked to comment on these in UCAS and employment references.

Lesson Timings

Monday, Tuesday and Thursday

8.30am – 8.50am

Personal Tutor Time

8.50am – 9.45am Period 1

9.50am – 10.45am Period 2 10.45am – 11.05am Break 11.05am – 12.00pm Period 3 12.05pm – 1.00pm Period 4 1.00pm – 2.05pm Lunch 2.05pm – 3.00pm Period 5 3.05pm – 4.00pm Period 6

Registration Arrangements

Power of the Thumb!

Registration

You can only thumb in after 8.00am. However, make sure you are in your form rooms by 8.30am. If you are late arriving to school then you are required to sign in at Main School Reception, writing down the actual time arrived and a specific reason for the delay. You will not be able to thumb in after 8.30am - you must attend form time.

Taught Lessons

Wednesday

8.30am – 8.50am

Personal Tutor Time

8.50am – 9.45am Period 1

9.50am – 10.45am Period 2 10.45am – 11.05am Break 11.05am – 12.00pm Period 3 12.05pm – 1.00pm Period 4 1.00pm – 2.05pm Lunch 2.05pm – 3.00pm Period 5 3.05pm – 3.35pm Assembly/Tutor Time

Friday

8.30am – 8.50am

Personal Tutor Time

8.50am – 9.45am Period 1

9.50am – 10.45am Period 2 10.45am – 11.05am Break 11.05am – 12.00pm Period 3 12.05pm – 1.00pm Period 4 1.00pm – 2.15pm Lunch 2.15pm – 3.10pm Period 5 3.15pm – 3.35pm Assembly/Tutor Time

Registers are taken every lesson. Late arrival will be recorded. Class teachers are asked to alert unexplained absences to office staff, who then check individual music timetables, liaise with the nurse, confidential listener and library and consult signing out sheets.

Study Periods

You must sign in for every Period that you do not have a taught lesson. You must thumb in within ten minutes of the start of Period 5. If your teacher is not there for your lesson you must still go to the lesson and you will be registered by a cover teacher.

Where a teacher is absent from school, Year 12 will be registered in the normal classroom by a cover teacher. Year 13 students will be set work but may work independently. They are responsible for their own registration by signing the sheet at the School Office window.

Your badge will let you in and out of the Mackenzie gate into Green Lane before and after official school hours, and within the lunch break. Outside these times you must use the main Eastbury Road entrance.

Lectures / Whole Year Talks

The norm is that students are registered as they enter the venue.

Signing Out for Lunch

If you want to go to Northwood during lunchtime, press # on the keypad and then place your thumb on the scanner. Don’t forget to sign back in again upon your return.

Thumb Scanners

There are three in Mackenzie and two near Main School Reception.

Code of Conduct

The St Helen’s community is one in which staff and girls act with respect, courtesy and consideration for one another at all times.

• We think for ourselves and take responsibility for our own actions.

• We try to understand and respect the views of people from all backgrounds, cultures and religions.

• We believe that bullying is unacceptable in any circumstances.

• We behave in the classroom in such a way as to make learning as enjoyable as possible for everyone.

• We behave politely and sensitively to everyone in the school community.

• We look after our belongings, respect other people’s possessions, the school’s resources and our environment.

• We act with the same courtesy and consideration towards other people both in and out of school.

• We move purposefully and quietly around school, arriving promptly to registration, assembly and lessons.

A successful learner:

• gets actively involved;

• is original;

• takes responsibility;

• sees learning as a part of their personal development;

• has the confidence to use their ability;

• perseveres;

• takes risks;

• has the courage to tackle difficult challenges;

• sets no limits to their learning;

• learns how to think;

• asks pertinent questions;

• accepts failure as a possibility;

• learns from mistakes;

• reflects on how they learn best;

• reacts positively to advice.

Privileges and Responsibilities

There are a number of privileges:

• No dress code, apart from formal dress code for formal occasions (see below for more information on this). However, we do ask you to dress appropriately for school.

• Use of the Common Room and study areas, and lounge and kitchen (but note that misuse will lead to their closure). It is not appropriate to take food or drink into classrooms, study areas and computer rooms.

• Students may sign out at lunchtime to go into Northwood and purchase lunch, although participation in lunchtime activities is strongly encouraged. Study periods may not be used for any offsite activity, and students must not go offsite at any other time during the school day. Students are also welcome to sit outside during lunchtime. School lunches will continue to be provided unless a term’s notice has been given to opt out.

• Private study time to develop wider reading and subject knowledge.

• Early lunch, but only between 11.45am and 12 noon, if you do not have a lesson during this time.

There are also responsibilities:

We wish to treat Sixth Formers as young adults, and in return we expect high standards in all aspects of your life and work, including:

• Dress – appropriate for a day of serious work. There are no strappy tops to be worn and no bare midriffs (dress code available on the Year 11 and Year 12 Team). On special occasions such as Open Day and Speech Day, smart business attire is required. This includes smart trousers or skirt, a blouse (or cardigan/blazer) and smart shoes. PE uniform is plain black leggings or shorts, plain white polo top and a plain black hoodie.

• Behaviour – be considerate to others. Mobile phones, earphones and ear pods must only be used in the Common Room, and even then with restraint.

• Work – the primary purpose of school! You have worked hard to achieve the results to enter the Sixth Form, so ensure that you fulfil your potential. In particular, bear in mind how competitive entry to top universities can be.

• Safety – you have a responsibility to ensure your own health and safety at school, along with everyone else’s. In particular, please note that you must use authorised gates and walking routes around and to/from the site, and not cross car parks or vehicle entrances, especially outside the School Office. This is in your own interests.

• Duties – Sixth Formers may be called upon to undertake supervision duties during lunchtime

• Keep left in the corridors, and do not block passageways or cause any potential hazards by leaving bags in unsuitable places.

• Year 12 forms have opportunities to assist staff with running clubs and societies, general supervision and public relations activities. This is a great way of interacting with younger girls, and good experience on which to draw if you aspire to apply to be a Prefect!

• Smoking, vaping and the consumption of alcohol are prohibited during the school day, both on and offsite, as well as on the way to and from school. Smoking materials (including vaping) and alcohol must not be brought onto the premises.

• Keep valuables secured in your locker or on you at all times.

• Cars may not be brought onsite.

Key Dates

Year 12

Autumn Year 12 Pastoral Evening

Thursday 11th September 2025

Into the Sixth Subject Fair

Thursday 25th September 2025

Autumn 1 Gradesheets

Monday 13th October 2025

Parents’ Evening (Face to Face)

Tuesday 2nd December 2025

Autumn 2 Gradesheets

Monday 8th December 2025

Spring Spring 2 Gradesheets

Monday 30th March 2026

Summer Internal End of Year Exams

Immediately after Easter Break

` Year 12 Exam Gradesheets

May 2026

Full reports

July 2026

Year 13

Autumn Into the Sixth Subject Fair

Thursday 25th September 2025

UCAS Consideration

Gradesheets – 1st Wave

Monday 6th October 2025

Autumn 1 Gradesheets

Monday 13th October 2025

UCAS Early Application Deadline (Medicine/Veterinary Sciences/Dentistry/Oxbridge) 14th October 2025

UCAS Consideration

Gradesheets – 2nd Wave

Monday 1st December 2025

Autumn 2 Gradesheets

Monday 8th December 2025

Spring A Level Mock Exams

Immediately after Christmas Break

UCAS Application Deadline

Wednesday 28th January 2026

Parents’ Evening (Face to Face)

Wednesday 6th February 2026

Year 13 Mock Exam Gradesheets

February 2026

Spring 2 Gradesheets

Monday 30th March 2026

Summer A Level Examinations

(public exam period)

May/June 2026

Please Note: Exact dates to be confirmed following any further guidance issued from Ofqual and the Department for Education.

And finally...

Sixth Form is one of the most exciting, yet demanding periods of your academic career. It is a stepping stone to university, careers or degree level apprenticeships. All the staff at St Helen’s are here to help you fulfil your dreams and leave the Sixth Form happy, proud and secure in your achievements. It is vital that you are fully committed to your studies, in school and at home; volunteering, work experience and part time jobs can teach valuable skills but need to be balanced against school studies, co-curricular activities, exercise, a social life and importantly, a good diet and enough sleep.

At certain times of the year, you will have to prioritise your studies over your co-curricular and social life: if you are struggling, do talk to your tutor, or to Mrs Stein, Mr Maddran or Mrs Hayyan. We can support you academically and pastorally, and will do so from the moment you arrive, to your final day in school on A Level Results Day 2026!

Enjoy the next two years and make every day count – your time in the Sixth Form at St Helen’s will be so special but it will pass very quickly!