OPEN DAYS
Meet
Saturday 27 September 2025
10.00am to 12.00pm & 1.00pm to 3.00pm
Tuesday 21 October - 5.00pm to 8.00pm
Tuesday 25 November 2025 - 5.00pm - 8.00pm
Register
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
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.
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
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
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
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 1 A level, are designed to complement an A level programme of study and students are therefore only able to study 1 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:
• Health and Social Care
SUBJECTS AVAILABLE...
• Ancient History
• Applied Science AAQ
• Biology
• Business
• Chemistry
• Classical Civilisation
• Computer Science
• Criminology
• Drama
• Economics
• English Language
• English Language & Literature
• English Literature
• Film Studies
• Fine Art
• French
• Further Mathematics
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
For up-to-date information on subject specific requirements, please visit: bedfordsixthform.ac.uk
• Geography
• Graphic Communication
• Health & Social Care AAQ
• History
• Law
• Mathematics
• Media Studies
• Philosophy
• Photography
• Physical Education
• Physics
• Politics
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Spanish
• Sport
• Textiles
EXPLORE OUR COURSES
WHY STUDY WITH US?
HUGE CHOICE OF SUBJECTS
At The Bedford Sixth Form, you have the chance to study unique combinations of A level and AAQs in 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.
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 Student Service Coordinators will all work with you to help you plan and progress on to your next steps.
STUNNING SUCCESS
In 2025, our A level students achieved a 93.8% pass rate. As a result of this success, our students went on to study at some of their top universities of choice.
SUCCESSFUL DESTINATIONS
Whatever university course you want to study, The Bedford Sixth Form will help you get a place. Please see page 6 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.
FANTASTIC FACILITIES
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.
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 A level 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
Each A level will have five lessons of 60 minutes in length, meaning 15 lessons a week and an AAQ with an A level will have 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...
OPEN DAYS
Meet our tutors and see our beautiful campus.
START
APPLY
Make your application – be quick, places fill up fast!
INTERVIEW
We’ll be in touch to schedule an interview with you.
OFFER
After your interview you’ll receive an offer of a place based on your predicted grades.
DISCOVERY DAY
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.
ADVICE DAY
Our Advice Day in August gives you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have following your GCSE results.
ENHANCEMENT
Every week you have a double period of enhancement where you will take part in academic enhancement.
There will be a large range of enhancements to choose from including Duke of Edinburgh, Core maths, EPQ, Sports Leaders and many more.
TUTORIAL
Each week you will have a Personal Professional Development talk with the Guidance Tutor where they will deliver sessions on a range of important life skills topics such as British values, diversity, CV writing, wellbeing, mental health and much more! UCAS, student finance, apprenticeships and next steps are also covered in academic mentoring sessions.
ENROLMENT
You will be invited to enrol on to your programme in August.
INDUCTION
Getting to know the building, your timetable and teachers.
Induction will take place between August and September.
WORK EXPERIENCE
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.
COMPETITIONS
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.
LESSONS BEGIN!
All parts of the programme are active from the start.
ASSESSMENTS
We will assess your progress regularly throughout your time with us.
YEARLY REPORTS
We will send reports to parents once a year and also host parent meeting events.
NEXT STEPS
UCAS university applications, apprenticeship or job applications, everything to make sure you are ready for your next steps.
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 an activity 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
Studying at The Bedford Sixth Form gives you a lot of opportunities to socialise with people. There are a lot of people here from different backgrounds and personalities, but it’s great getting to learn why these people study the same subject as you.
Berdi, second year student
Activities
First year academic activities:
• Core maths
• Duke of Edinburgh
• Sports leaders
• Latin
• Young Enterprise
• EPQ
• CREST
Second year activities:
• Netball
• Football
• Debate society
• LGBTQ
• Climate change society
• Film club
• Mindfulness
• Chess
• Book club
• Languages
Learning beyond the classroom
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. Your programme will include:
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Here’s a taste of what you can get involved in outside of the classroom:
• The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE): Adventurous and fun activities, which lead to a nationally recognised award.
• Young Enterprise: Enterprise, finance programmes and masterclasses.
• Volunteering: Within local organisations, which benefit the community and your UCAS application.
TRIPS
We bring learning to life through trips and visits.
Here is a selection of the most recent trips our students have enjoyed:
• 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
I like at The Bedford Sixth Form that whenever you have a study period, there’s always going to be somewhere for you to revise, whether that’s the library, the common room, or places in town. There’s also always help available, so if you need help on a certain subject, your teachers will always be happy to help.
Kieran, second year student
STUDENT COUNCIL
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:
CHARITY AND AWARENESS
Supporting many charity events and awareness days, both locally and nationally.
NEWSLETTER
In order to keep the student body informed of any changes or opportunities, the Student Council have created a newsletter that is distributed monthly with interviews, quizzes and useful information, and we encourage all students to get involved with this newsletter regardless of whether they are a part of the Student Council.
REPS
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.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
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 and the former on-site church has been refurbished into modern classrooms. 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.
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.
SPORT
As a student at The Bedford Sixth Form, you’ll have the opportunity to access fantastic sports facilities at the Trinity Arts & Leisure sports complex based on campus at a discounted student rate.
Here at The Bedford Sixth Form compared with other schools that I’ve been with there’s lots more independence. We are allowed to get on with our own studies a lot of the time and if we ever need support from the teachers, they’re always there for us.
Noor, second year student
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.
STUDENT SUPORT
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.
OUR MATRIX-ACCREDITED STUDENT SERVICE COORDINATORS
Our Student Service Coordinators have been recognised by the matrix Standard for delivering the highest standards of advice and guidance. Our Student Service Coordinators 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
The financial support information listed above is based on what we offered our students in 2024/25 please check www.bedfordsixthform.ac.uk for the latest updates.
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
TRAVEL & 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.
HELP WITH TRAVEL COSTS
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*:
• 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 2024/25. This may be subject to change for 2026/27.
BUS
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
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 in 2026 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 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
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
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.
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!
bedfordsixthform.ac.uk
SCAN NOW
TERM DATES
Our academic year runs from September 2026 to June 2027.
TO VIEW OUR MOST UP TO DATE TERM DATES, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE
HOW TO APPLY
Follow our three simple steps to apply for your place at The Bedford Sixth Form.
APPLY DURING AN OPEN DAY
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.
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.
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.
Saturday 27 September 2025 10.00am to 12.00pm & 1.00pm to 3.00pm
Tuesday 21 October 2025 October 5.00pm to 8.00pm
SCAN HERE TO APPLY TODAY!
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/blogs/
Open Day Events
Saturday 27 September 2025 - 10.00am to 12.00pm & 1.00pm to 3.00pm
Tuesday 21 October - 5.00pm to 8.00pm
Tuesday 25 November 2025 - 5.00pm - 8.00pm
This prospectus is also
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
or
and