g
Boarding at sixth-form colleges Independent boarding schools have a long history of creating well-rounded pupils with excellent results. Most pupils beginning an A-level course or an International Foundation Programme are striving to gain the best possible grades and complete a challenging programme of academic study, and also yearning to exercise their independence. In many cases these two can act in competition with one another, with young people rushing to celebrate their freedom without the life skills and experience they need to manage this.
Dr Julian Davies Principal, Abbey College, Cambridge
At an independent sixth-form college the
or advise pupils with their assignments
new things helps to develop a pupil’s
journey to independence is supported and
or respond to academic needs, ensures
resilience and confidence and also allows
skills are introduced and practised in a safe
that class time can be more productive.
for the introduction and progression of
environment, while academic progression
Pupils can be taught study skills and then
skills. As young adults, pupils are also
is monitored and the whole pupil nurtured
the process can be actively monitored
encouraged to help organise, promote
and developed. The outcome is a resilient
and developed so that the end result is
and manage activities, giving them a real
and independent learner prepared to take
a pupil who can work efficiently and with
sense of ownership and an opportunity
the next step in life on to university or a
confidence. Instilling a strong work ethic in
to engage in the passions they have
chosen career path.
all pupils is important, but teaching them
outside the classroom. Time spent in these
to overcome setbacks and to persevere is
co-curricular activities is time well spent – it
also paramount to their future success.
ensures pupils enjoy their time in the sixth
Considering the most obvious key requirement for academic progression, the attainment of outstanding academic results, boarding provides an excellent ‘outof-hours’ support system for learning. Once in the sixth form most pupils are trusted to manage their workload accordingly, but having subject specialists on hand to help
form, and helps to develop their ability to
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES The very nature of boarding allows for many more opportunities for co-curricular activities. Introducing pupils to a variety of activities ensures they are inspired and open to new experiences and skills. Trying
manage their work and life balance so the ‘whole child’ can flourish. At Abbey College Cambridge we have more than 50 clubs and an extensive programme of trips and activities: pupils can complete first-aid training, visit places of interest across the
