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SHOW YOUR TRUE COLOURS PROSPECTUS 2027-2028

OPEN DAYS

Meet our talented teachers, see our fantastic facilities, talk to our students and find out how we will help you achieve great things: Saturday 26 September 2026, 10:00am to 1:00pm Saturday 17 October 2026, 10:00am to 1:00pm Tuesday 24 November 2026, 5:00pm to 7:00pm Thursday 28 January 2027, 5:00pm to 7:00pm

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SCAN TO APPLY

Welcome

A levels & AAQs

Range of subjects

Why study with us?

Successful destinations

Full-time programme

Your journey with us

Enhancement

Learning beyond the classroom

Student voice

Fantastic facilities

Student support

Financial support

Travel and support

Fees and funding

Parents Q&A

Alumni network

Term dates

How to apply

There’s a lot of independence which I enjoy, but you never feel like you’re left on your own and without support. Abbigail, second year student The building here at the sixth form is amazing. It’s an old building and therefore the architecture looks amazing and the teachers are very nice and friendly. Antonio, second year student

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A warm welcome from all of us at The Bedford Sixth Form. We are delighted that you are thinking of studying with us. The transition to A levels is exciting (and occasionally daunting) and we aim to do all we can to support you on this significant step in your educational journey. This means that, as well as our extensive range of A levels on offer, we have a wide range of academic and pastoral support.

of specialists who will support with this. Additionally, our team will help to develop your employability and wider skills, ensuring you can progress into your chosen next steps successfully. A key part of being at sixth form will be making friends, enjoying a range of social activities, and having lots of enrichment opportunities. You will be able to do all of this in our iconic and high-class facilities. We look forward to working with you to help you to fulfil your future ambitions. Best Wishes

Each of our subjects is taught by highly qualified specialists, who will help you to develop your knowledge, understanding and skills. Our academic mentoring, academic enrichment and personal development programmes will aide your progression to higher levels of study. We have a team

Kathryn Brindley-Edwards Principal

A levelS & AAQs Here at The Bedford Sixth Form we offer a large range of A level subjects and AAQ courses, which are equivalent to one A level. Those studying A levels or AAQs (Level 3) will study here for two years. You can pick and choose from our wide range of A levels and AAQs to ensure you achieve the best qualifications to progress on to university or work. A typical student will choose three A levels or one AAQ and two A levels from the choices available at The Bedford Sixth Form.

A LEVELS A levels are academic, examination-based qualifications recognised as traditional qualifications to gain entry to university and higher education. A levels focus mainly on academic subjects and qualify for UCAS points (maximum 56 UCAS points per A level).

AAQS (ALTERNATIVE ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS) These new qualifications follow the government’s decision to reform some Post 16 qualifications, and will gradually replace our Diplomas in phases. AAQs are the equivalent of one A level, are designed to complement an A level programme of study and students are therefore only able to study one AAQ. The courses involve a mixture of externally assessed exams, as well as internally assessed non exam assessments. These qualifications will provide students with the practical and essential skills and knowledge that students will need to aide their future progression into HE, university and employment. AAQs will be available in: • Applied Science • Health & Social Care

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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS For up-to-date information on subject specific requirements, please visit: bedfordsixthform.ac.uk

SUBJECTS AVAILABLE... • Ancient History

• Geography

• Applied Science AAQ • Biology

• Health & Social Care AAQ

• Business

• History

• Chemistry

• Law

• Classical Civilisation

• Mathematics

• Computer Science

• Media Studies

• Criminology

• Philosophy

• Drama

• Photography

• Economics

• Physical Education

• English Language

• Physics

• English Literature

• Politics

• Film Studies

• Psychology

• Fine Art

• Sociology

• French

• Spanish

• Further Mathematics

EXPLORE OUR COURSES

Due to ongoing post 16 curriculum reforms our curriculum offer remains dynamic. Please check our website for the most up to date information.

WHY STUDY WITH US? HUGE CHOICE OF SUBJECTS

FANTASTIC FACILITIES

At The Bedford Sixth Form, you have the chance to study unique combinations of A level and AAQs in over 30 different subjects. This means that you can study a broad range of subject choices to enable you to progress on to university, higher apprenticeships or into employment and pursue the career you’ve always wanted.

The Bedford Sixth Form’s campus delivers a unique blend of modern resources and Victorian architecture and includes a Learning Resources Centre, computer suites, Munch & Mocha coffee shop and much more. When studying with us, you will be able to make our inspiring campus your own and take control of your own learning, much like you will do at university. See page 17 to find out more about our facilities.

STUDENT SUPPORT Here you will have access to a range of mentoring and support activities, that will provide one-to-one support and guidance on everything from your academic performance to your personal wellbeing. Our professional Progress and Development Tutors will work with you to help you plan and progress on to your next steps.

SUCCESSFUL DESTINATIONS Whatever university course you want to study, The Bedford Sixth Form will help you get a place. Please see page 8 to find out where our alumni students are studying.

EXCITING ENHANCEMENT There is so much more to life at The Bedford Sixth Form outside of the classroom. With numerous clubs and societies, we have an enhancement programme that is built into your timetable to ensure you are able to develop new skills and make new friends which will benefit you and enhance your CV.

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EXCELLENT EDUCATION Here at The Bedford Sixth Form, we offer a more mature learning environment that will help you develop a higher level of independence, preparing you for university and the world of work. Your teachers will expect you to work hard but will always offer support to help you reach your goals. Ofsted rates us “Good” meaning you will receive an excellent education from the very start.

HIGH QUALITY TEACHING Our study programmes are taught by subject specialist teachers with a range of diverse backgrounds. Including teachers with expert knowledge and qualifications in their subjects and professionals with real industry experience.

SUCCESSFUL DESTINATIONS From Chemistry to Sociology, whatever university course you want to study, we will help you get a place. Our alumni are studying a broad range of subjects at some excellent universities across the UK, including prestigious Russell Group Institutions such as Cambridge and Oxford.

• Cardiff University • Durham University • King’s College London, University of London • Queen Mary University of London • The University of Edinburgh • UCL (University College London) • University of Birmingham • University of Bristol • University of Cambridge • University of Leeds • University of Liverpool • University of Manchester • University of Nottingham • University of Oxford • University of Sheffield • University of Warwick

FULL-TIME PROGRAMME Your programme is much more than just the subjects you pick! All of our students participate in a whole programme of study that means you are truly a full-time student.

Being full-time means that we expect students to be working on their studies and other activities for 40 hours per week during term time.

ACADEMIC LESSONS Students studying A levels as well as those also studying AAQs will be timetabled 15 lessons a week.

ACADEMIC MENTORING We have a session a week of academic mentoring, where students follow the VESPA mentoring programme to improve working on skills needed to be successful at A levels. This includes regular one to ones with a Progress and Development Tutor.

YOUR JOURNEY WITH US...

ADVICE DAY DISCOVERY DAY OFFER

START

INTERVIEW APPLY

OPEN DAYS Meet our teachers and see our modern campus.

Make your application – be quick, places fill up fast!

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We’ll be in touch to schedule an interview with you.

After your interview you’ll receive an offer of a place based on your predicted grades.

You will be invited to attend a Discovery Day in late June where you will get a taste of life at The Bedford Sixth Form, meet your teachers and make new friends.

Our Advice Day in August gives you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have following your GCSE results.

ENHANCEMENT

WORK EXPERIENCE

Every week you have a double period of enhancement where you will take part in academic enhancement.

Access to high quality work experience can be a vital part of the student journey to ensure that you make an informed choice about career pathways. We have a team that can help direct you to work placements in relevant industries and organisations to your career aspirations.

There will be a large range of enhancements to choose from including Duke of Edinburgh, Core maths, EPQ, Sports Leaders and many more.

COMPETITIONS

TUTORIAL Each week you will have a Personal Professional Development session with the Progress and Development Tutor where they will deliver sessions on a range of important life skills topics such as British values, diversity, CV writing, wellbeing, mental health, UCAS, student finance, apprenticeships and your next steps.

We will offer you the chance to take part in a range of national competitions such as national Olympiads in Maths, Chemistry and Biology, plus other nationally recognised competitions such as the Robson History Prize and the R.A. Butler Politics Prize. Competitions like this enhance your UCAS application and impress potential employers.

RESULTS

ENROLMENT You will be invited to enrol on to your programme in August. Please keep a lookout on your emails for an invite to enrolment in the months leading up to August.

INDUCTION Getting to know the building, your timetable and teachers. Induction will take place between August and September.

LESSONS BEGIN!

ASSESSMENTS

NEXT STEPS

All parts of the programme are active from the start.

We will assess your progress regularly throughout your time with us.

UCAS university applications, apprenticeship or job applications, everything to make sure you are ready for your next steps.

YEARLY REPORTS We will send reports to parents once a year and also host parent meeting events.

TIME TO SEE ALL OF YOUR HARD WORK PAY OFF.

ENHANCEMENT At The Bedford Sixth Form, life doesn’t stop at the end of lessons - you can challenge yourself and achieve success in a range of academic enhancement opportunities that aim to enhance your learning experience and strengthen your UCAS application. Enhancement is a mandatory part of your first-year studies and will be built into your timetable. You may choose a qualification that aligns with your current interests to deepen your understanding, or explore a new area to broaden your academic experience and add variety to your learning.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO FIND OUT MORE

My Enhancement at Bedford Sixth Form was the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), which helped me develop valuable research and referencing skills that will support me at university. Alexia, first year student

bedfordsixthform.ac.uk

Activities First year academic activities:

Second year activities:

• Book club

• EPQ

• Chess

• Film club

• Climate change society

• Football

• Core maths

• Languages

• CREST

• Latin

• Debate society

• LGBTQ

• Duke of Edinburgh

• Mindfulness • Netball • Sports leaders • Young Enterprise

Learning beyond the classroom PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

TRIPS

Here’s a taste of what you can get involved in outside of the classroom:

We bring learning to life through trips and visits.

• The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE): Adventurous and fun activities, which lead to a nationally recognised award.

Here is a selection of the most recent trips our students have enjoyed:

• Young Enterprise: Enterprise and finance programmes and masterclasses. • Volunteering: Within local organisations, which benefit the community and your UCAS application.

• Bank of England trip • Hamlet theatre trip • Media and Film trip to New York • Science trip to Warner Bros: Harry Potter Studios • Stranger Things theatre trip • Tate Modern trip • University visits

bedfordsixthform.ac.uk

The facilities at the sixth form have been amazing. I was particularly impressed with the LRC, which was where I spent most of my time at sixth form revising, from the vast range of study resources and well-equipped computers available to the enthusiastic and helpful librarians, making studying at the sixth form easy and enjoyable.’ Sherrelle, second year student

STUDENT voice The Student Council is an elected group of students aspiring to do the best for The Bedford Sixth Form, with a shared aim to make sure all students have the best possible experience during their time here. They are at the forefront of listening to students’ ideas and ensuring that these ideas are taken into consideration. Their aim is to bring students and staff together on important issues, voice ideas and ensure an enjoyable time for all at The Bedford Sixth Form. Some of the things the Student Council get involved with are:

STUDENT COUNCIL

STUDENT AMBASSADORS

Our Student Council plays a vital and influential role at the heart of our school community, leading and shaping key student events such as SPIRIT Week, Culture Day, the Pride Picnic and Prom.

Our Student Ambassadors are proud representatives of the Sixth Form, playing a key role in showcasing the community to prospective students and their families. They support a range of events, including open evenings and parents’ evenings, where they welcome visitors, share their experiences, and provide an authentic insight into student life.

Within the Student Council there are specific representatives (BAME, LGBTQ+, Women’s, Mental Health and Disabilities) whom students can contact with concerns, for advice or just for a friendly chat. Also to ensure all events remain inclusive for all.

STUDENT UNION Our Student Union team acts as a vital bridge between the student body and sixth form leadership team. They gather and represent student voice, ensuring that student perspectives, ideas and concerns are clearly communicated to the Senior Leadership Team and executive leaders. Through this, they help to influence decision-making, drive positive change and enhance the overall student experience ensuring that students remain at the heart of everything we do.

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Through their professionalism, confidence, and enthusiasm, Student Ambassadors help to create a positive and lasting impression, demonstrating the values, opportunities, and high standards of our Sixth Form.

ENHANCEMENT There are many activities for students to get involved in and the Student Council encourage students to feedback on any new clubs or extracurricular activities they would like to see started so that everyone’s interests can be developed.

FANTASTIC FACILITIES The Bedford Sixth Form’s stunning campus delivers a unique blend of modern study areas and Victorian architecture, which echoes the excellence of education that has been delivered at the site for over a century. The Learning Resources Centre (LRC) is linked to the wood panelled, original library. The Grand Victorian Hall is often used for students’ own private study. We think you’ll agree it’s quite a magnificent place to take your learning to another level.

TEACHING AND LEARNING SPACES Our study facilities help you make the most of your chosen subjects, including specialist Art & Design studios to hone your creativity and fully equipped laboratories to explore the sciences, plus access to our theatre studio for drama and performance.

IT AND INTERNET ACCESS We have a host of modern PCs – all running the latest software – plus 24/7 access to our virtual learning environment. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the campus.

bedfordsixthform.ac.uk

Here at The Bedford Sixth Form, compared with other schools that I’ve been with, there’s lots more independence. If we ever need support from the teachers, they’re always there for us. Noor, second year student

LEARNING RESOURCES CENTRE (LRC) Access to thousands of books, journals and a wide variety of electronic resources are available to you in our Learning Resources Centre, where you can find quiet spaces for individual study and areas where you can study in groups.

SPACE TO SOCIALISE At The Bedford Sixth Form, there are a range of unique spaces for you and your friends to catch up and enjoy something to eat and drink. We also have an on-site Munch & Mocha coffee shop where our students can enjoy hot and cold food and drink.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO LEARN MORE

STUDENT SUPpORT Everyone has different needs when it comes to support and guidance. At The Bedford Sixth Form, our team of Student Services Advisers give you all the support you need, when you need it.

UCAS JOURNEY We have a dedicated team and comprehensive programme in place to support you through the UCAS application process. We encourage you to start preparing your UCAS applications early, by late October for a standard entry, or by late September for Oxbridge universities or to study Medicine. We also run drop-in sessions throughout the UCAS application period, where you can get advice about the whole process.

A SAFE ENVIRONMENT We take the wellbeing and safety of every single student very seriously. We strive to ensure a safe and welcoming environment at The Bedford Sixth Form, and have safeguarding and anti-bullying policies in place to ensure that young people and vulnerable adults studying with us do so in a safe and secure environment. If you have any concerns about these issues, our trained staff are here to help.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT If you have an identified learning difficulty and/ or disability, you may be entitled to additional support. This could include: help in and outside of the class, the loan of specialist equipment you may need to complete work, support with making special arrangements for taking exams or support in accessing our facilities. bedfordsixthform.ac.uk

OUR MATRIX-ACCREDITED STUDENT ADVISERS Our Student Advisers have been recognised by the matrix standard for delivering the highest standards of advice and guidance. Our Student Advisers are here to help you find the right path by providing impartial advice and guidance on everything from your university choices or training and work prospects, to CVs and interview preparation.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT Our Student Services team are here to provide you with practical advice on student bursaries, travel costs, higher education funding, grants and much more. We also have a range of financial support packages available to help with essential costs, such as equipment, books, clothing or meals, as well as bursaries for vulnerable students or those in severe financial hardship. To find out more, visit: www.bedfordsixthform.ac.uk

MENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONER Our Mental Health Practitioner is available to help if personal difficulties are getting in the way of your studies. We provide quiet spaces where you can talk through your problems with a practitioner and work towards making them easier to handle. If you need to talk to a practitioner, you can speak to a member of our Student Services team or your Pastoral Mentor who will then refer you to our Practitioner.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT Here is an overview of the financial help that may be on offer to you as a student at The Bedford Sixth Form. Please note that funding is limited so we strongly advise that you apply as early as possible.

Support Available: •

childcare support

•

course cost bursary

•

meals bursary

•

travel support

•

vulnerable learner bursary

FOR FURTHER FINANCIAL SUPPORT INFORMATION PLEASE SCAN HERE

The financial support information listed above is based on what we offered our students in 2025/26 please check www.bedfordsixthform.ac.uk for the latest updates.

TRAVEL & SUPPORT HELP WITH TRAVEL COSTS

BUS

We offer a Travel Bursary to support students who are most in need and who would otherwise be unable to, or would find it difficult to, attend The Bedford Sixth Form. Our Travel Bursary is means-tested and open to those with a household income of £42,500 or less and £45,000 or less for those aged 19+. In 2025/26 it is worth up to £770 a year and the bursary may be available if you are*:

Many of the bus routes covering Bedford, Luton and the wider local area terminate at Bedford Bus Station, which is just a two minute walk away from The Bedford Sixth Form. To find your best route, please visit the local bus operator’s website: www.stagecoachbus.com

•

aged 16-18 AND

•

living more than three miles from the campus AND

•

studying a full-time programme

TRAVEL AND TRANSPORT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY OR MOBILITY PROBLEM If you have a particular disability or mobility problem (including a temporary medical condition), you may be entitled to assistance with travel arrangements, even if you live under three miles from The Bedford Sixth Form. Please check your local authority’s transport policy on their website for more information. *This information is based on the academic year 2025/26. This may be subject to change for 2027/28.

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CAR We provide a safe drop-off area for students getting a lift to the Sixth Form by car, however there is only limited car parking on-site.

CYCLE Good for the environment, good for you – Bedford has a network of signposted cycle paths and designated cycle lanes, and we also provide safe and secure cycle racks to store your bike.

FOOT Take a stroll to The Bedford Sixth Form – we’re located right in the centre of town.

TRAIN Bedford’s mainline station is just a tenminute walk from The Bedford Sixth Form, with frequent rail services running between local towns, villages and stations.

FEES & FUNDING From essential costs and bursaries through to tuition and exam fees, we can provide you with the information you need to know regarding funding.

TUITION AND EXAM FEES If you are aged 16-18 on 31st August 2027 and a British or European Union resident, the tuition and exam registration fees for your course are FREE.

ESSENTIAL COSTS Depending on the subjects or courses you choose to study, there may be extra costs you have to pay on top of any tuition and exam fees. Trips, visits and external speakers will be charged for and you will be expected to buy your own textbooks.

FOR FURTHER FEES & FUNDING SUPPORT INFORMATION PLEASE SCAN HERE

PARENTS Q&A At The Bedford Sixth Form we realise that parents, guardians and carers play a very important part in our students’ success.

You’re there to help guide them in the decisions they make and support them throughout their studies. To help with this process, we’ve answered some of the top questions asked by parents. If you would like to find out more, we have a separate Parents’ Guide on our website: www.bedfordsixthform.ac.uk

You can view our full list of FAQs at: www.bedfordsixthform.ac.uk/student-life/faqs/ You can also email us at: info@bedfordsixthform.ac.uk

ALUMNI NETWORK Being part of The Bedford Sixth Form community doesn’t end when you leave us to go on to university, an apprenticeship or employment.

SCAN NOW

You will always be valued as one of our alumni and will have the opportunity to be part of a network reaching years into the future. Who knows what kind of events, reunions and opportunities you might be a part of in the years to come? Previous students have supported our current learners with careers talks in various subjects including, most recently, Law. At the end of your time with us, you will be invited to join an alumni group where you can share progress and success!

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TERM DATES Our academic year runs from September 2027 to June 2028. TO VIEW OUR MOST UP TO DATE TERM DATES, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE

HOW TO APPLY It couldn’t be easier to apply for a place at The Bedford Sixth Form.

APPLY DURING AN OPEN DAY

FIND THE SUBJECTS YOU ARE INTERESTED IN You can find detailed information about our individual subjects by visiting our website. Just scan here to explore the courses we offer and discover which ones interest you.

Visit our Library and a member of the team will be ready to help you.

APPLY AT HOME Visit our website, www.bedfordsixthform.ac.uk and click the ‘apply now’ button to complete your application. Remember: you should apply before you receive your GCSE results using your predicted grades. Once you have applied you will be sent information on a regular basis, which will keep you informed of the status of your application.

bedfordsixthform.ac.uk

www.bedfordsixthform.ac. uk/build-your-programme/

APPLY You can either apply at one of our open days or online at the QR code below.

VISIT US AT AN OPEN DAY To discover more about your chosen subjects and life at The Bedford Sixth Form, attend one of our Open Days throughout the year.

SCAN HERE TO APPLY TODAY!

Saturday 26 September 2026 10:00am to 1:00pm Saturday 17 October 2026 10:00pm to 1:00pm Tuesday 24 November 2025 5:00pm to 7:00pm Thursday 28 January 2026 5:00pm to 7:00pm

www.bedfordsixthform.ac.uk/ student-support/apply/ Scan here for our blogs where you can find useful tips and recommendations about A levels and Sixth Form life.

www.bedfordsixthform.ac.uk/ about-us/events/ www.bedfordsixthform.ac.uk/ about-us/blogs/

Open Day Events Saturday 26 September 2026, 10:00am to 1:00pm Saturday 17 October 2026, 10:00am to 1:00pm Tuesday 24 November 2026, 5:00pm to 7:00pm Thursday 28 January 2027, 5:00pm to 7:00pm

SCAN TO APPLY

This prospectus is also available in large print and audio formats. Call 0345 658 8990 to get your copy. Disclaimer: While every effort is made to ensure that the information within this prospectus is correct at the time of printing, some details may be subject to change. The Bedford Sixth Form reserves the right to make amendments to the courses, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if student numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course, we will refund any fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.