Sixth Form Welcome and Information Guide

Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School and Sixth Form

Welcome and Information Pack Sixth Form 2026 - 2027

Lichfield Road, Royal Sutton Coldfield, B74 2NH

0121 250 5400 SixthFormAdmin@bishopveseys.bham.sch.uk

Welcome Dear Students and Parents, Every year it is a hugely exciting moment to welcome our new Year 12. Each one of you have already been hugely successful in your school careers, culminating in your excellent recent GCSE results.

I am extremely proud of the Sixth Form that we have here at Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School. Beyond the high-quality classroom teaching and outstanding A Level results that we achieve, what really sets us apart is the community which is created by students and staff alike. Each year there are stories of Sixth Formers who try something new, rise to challenges, achieve great things and, for the next two years, this will be you!

One of the things that sets our Sixth Form apart is that the students are signifi cant stakeholders in their own experience. On the next page there is a welcome from our School Captains, Nifemi and Anuraag who lead a team of Student Officers.

I hope that this guide covers some of the many questions that you might have about what life is like in our Sixth Form. However, should anything not make sense, or you have any further questions, Nifemi and Anuraag and their friendly team, along with the Sixth Form staff, will be available to answer them on Sixth Form Induction Day. I hope that you are excited about what lies ahead.

We cannot wait to meet you on Thursday 3rd September!

Dr L Rackham Head of Sixth Form

School Captain Message Congratulations for making it through the GCSE season and getting into the Bishop Vesey's Grammar School Sixth Form!

After the long summer break, the first term of Lower Sixth may feel quite daunting, but we think that the best solution is to get as involved with the school community as possible. Whether this is by joining a sports team, getting involved with the school play or becoming an intern, there are so many different opportunities for you to meet new people, form strong connections and have some fun.

At Bishop Vesey’s we have a highly academic environment as a result of our extremely ambitious and diligent students.

Lower Sixth can feel busy at times, and it is natural to feel some apprehension.

However we want to emphasise that you will have an amazing support system available to you throughout the entire school year, including your peers, form tutors, the pastoral team, your head of year, as well as the Head of Sixth Form (Dr Rackham). We are also always available to talk if you bump into us in the corridors!

Overall, during your time in sixth form you should aim to work hard, have lots of fun and push yourself to be the best version of yourself that you can possibly be!

Wishing you lots of luck, Nifemi and Anuraag

Joining Vesey?

Tips from Dan and Daneen, who joined from other schools in 2025 Don’t panic! Adjusting to a new school and timetable may seem difficult at first. There may even be some odd words and phrases which are particular to Vesey! Everyone is here to help and soon it will all become second nature.

Friendships

Not Alone

Friendships take time to build so if you haven’t found your new best friend group in a couple of weeks then don’t worry! You’ll make amazing ones if you put yourself out there and give it time.

New Veseyans make up a sizeable chunk of the Sixth Form. Lots of students don’t know that many people to start with. Everyone that you meet in Form Time, subjects, extra-curriculars or just in the Common Room or LRC means that will soon change.

Connections

Get Involved!

It can be great to have friends who go to a different Sixth Form. It’s fun to catch up and have a different conversation from the ones you have at school! There’s lots of time to keep in touch and maybe introduce them to your new peers!

Get involved with extra-curricular!

At Vesey we pride ourselves in our community spirit and offer multiple chances with charity fundraisers, performing arts opportunities, academic societies and many more!

Sixth Form Staff will help you settle in as well Initial new starter meetings and check-ins with our pastoral team to discuss your first couple of weeks in our Sixth Form.

Attend the Year 12 Quiz Night as a way to meet new friends

Lower Sixth Social Event

The School Day Time

What’s Happening

08:30

Arrival

08:45

Tutor Time

09:05

Period 1

10:05

Period 2

11:05

Break

11:25

Period 3

12:25

Period 4

13:25

Lunch

14:05

Period 5

15:15

Dismissal

The school operates a two week timetable: Week 1 and Week 2.

You should aim to arrive on site by 8:30am and then go to your Form Room.

On a Week 1 Thursday there is an additional Co-Curricular Period 6 which finishes at 4:15pm. This is compulsory for Lower Sixth but not once you move into Upper Sixth.

Wednesday Period 5 is Games which is compulsory for all Lower Sixth students.

Lower Sixth Assembly is on Wednesday morning and you will be registered in Big School.

Sixth Form Study If you do not have a lesson during Period 1 - 3 then you will be timetabled for Sixth Form Supervised Study.

This will typically take place in the Sixth Form study areas in the Learning Resources Centre but may sometimes be scheduled for other locations.

You will have Wi-Fi access and can borrow a laptop for use in these sessions; alternatively you may bring your own laptop or tablet.

You are expected to organise your own work for Sixth Form Study Periods and this is monitored by the member of staff supervising and taking your register. This should include homework and revision for your A Level subjects. Remember that going over a topic that you have previously learned can be very productive, even if there is no imminent assessment. This time can also be used for reading books which are on the reading lists for your subjects.

If you have Supervised Study during Period 4 and 5, you may sign out at the end of Period 3 for Home Study. This also applies for Period 5 and you may sign out at the end of Period 4.

Home Study privileges can be revoked by the Sixth Form Team

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Absence At Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School we expect a high level of attendance - our aim is 97% or above. Attendance in school and lessons has a big impact on pastoral welfare and academic progress.

Unexpected Absence On the day absence for illness should be communicated by a parent emailing attendance@bishopveseys.bham.sch.uk.

A message is sent to parents of all students who are absent from school and have not contacted school with a reason for this.

Planned Absence For planned absence, such as medical appointments, either students or their parents should email attendance@bishopveseys.bham.sch.uk as early as possible, preferably at least 48 hours in advance.

Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School does not recommend or authorise absence during term time except for in exceptional circumstances. These do not include activities such as holidays, visiting friends and family, childminding siblings, and driving lessons.

Punctuality and Behaviour One of our key mantras in the Sixth Form at Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School is being professional. This includes being in the right place at the right time and

be having in a professional manner.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you plan a route to school which allows you to arrive on time. We understand that there are occasions where unforeseen circumstances, such as a cancelled train, can cause a student to be later than they anticipated but consistent lateness will result in an after-school detention and, eventually, parental meetings.

Our Code of Conduct is built around the following core values: We are considerate and treat everyone and everything with respect We cooperate with all members of our school community We speak in a polite and courteous way at all times We aim for excellence in all we do.

Sixth Formers are the senior students and, as role models for the younger children, we expect a high standard of behaviour at all times.

Mobile phones should not be used around the school site. Unauthorised use of a mobile phone or headphones will result in confiscation and detention.

Uniform Black school blazer to be worn at all times.

White shirt with a Sixth Form tie.

Black trousers or black skirt. Trousers must be smart and should not be made from denim, corduroy or canvas and must not be low slung or tight fitting.

Skirts must not be shorter than one inch above the knee and should not be tight fitting.

Plain dark grey or black socks/tights.

Sensible and plain black shoes without branded logos or canvas sections. Any form of trainer is not acceptable and shoes must be polishable.

Optional grey or black V-neck jumper. No sweatshirts or round neck jumpers.

Coats should only be worn on top of your blazer outside of school and should be a reasonable style.

School hoodies are to be worn on the training ground only, not in school.

Hair must be of a reasonable style and length and follow the guidelines for safety in science laboratories, PE and workshops.

Jewellery should be discrete and kept to a minimum.

Earrings should not include drops or hoops and bracelets may only be worn for religious or medical reasons. A single nose piercing is permissible; however, the stud should be discrete. Other facial piercings are not allowed. Exemptions should be applied for through the Head of Sixth Form.

PE kit is a plain capped T-shirt (not vest tops or cropped tops) and plain joggers/tracksuit bottoms/shorts.

The school’s uniform supplier is Clive Mark.

Enrichment At Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School there is an array of enrichment options available. These include both academic and non-academic pursuits. Sixth Formers often play a key role in these as they attempt to broaden their skills, knowledge and leadership ability.

Every Week Thursday 1 there is a compulsory Period 6 for co-curricular activities. Students will be able to choose their option during the first week.

There are many options for enrichment activities which will be advertised during Form Time, on Microsoft Teams or in assembly. These include: Undertaking an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) Sports clubs or teams Music lessons and ensembles Academic societies such as Medical Society Business and charity interns Organising activities for primary school children Community volunteering Drama productions Subject-specific competitions such as Chemistry Olympiads, Maths Challenges, etc. ...and many more

The Vesey Award

All Lower Sixth students are encouraged to participate in the Vesey Award Scheme.

This is a formal certificate to recognise and reward individual participa tion in the co-curricular life of the School and to assist with a strong and well rounded post-18 application. Those who successfully compete the scheme are awarded with a certificate and full colours crest.

To receive the award students must complete at least five of the six criteria during the first two terms of Lower Sixth.

Internal Leadership (minimum one term) Academic mentoring; Classroom assistance; Leadership in sport/music/drama Community Contribution (minimum one term) Charity shop; Care home; Primary school placement Event Form assembly; Year group assembly; House assembly; Helping in a whole school event such as Open Evening.

Extra-curricular participation (minimum one term) Sports team; Choir, band, ensemble etc.; Debating; Drama Academic Enrichment University masterclass; Summer School; Subject Taster Day Charity Involvement in leading/creating an internal or external charity event.

UCAS and Careers We recognise the importance of careers advice and guidance for students during their post 16 studies. Students participate in a variety of careers-related activities and we offer a high level support to help students progress to the next stage of their journey beyond school.

Our Sixth Form Futures and Enrichment Manager, Miss Lum, is available for informal advice or ad-hoc appointments. For those students who are applying for university, she will help through all stages of the process from writing an excellent Personal Statement through to receiving and accepting offers.

Each year we offer classes to support those sitting entrance examinations and practice interviews for those who need them. We have numerous employers and universities in school each year to talk about career paths and options such as Degree Apprenticeships.

There is a week of Work Experience for students in the Summer Term for which students arrange their own placements. If you wish to complete work experience, please arrange it either for the holidays or during this week.

Equality and Safeguarding We are deeply committed to ensuring that Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School is a safe and comfortable environment for students of all identities, social back grounds, races, ethnicities, genders and religions.

Should you see or experience any prejudice or inequality during your time in the Sixth Form then please tell your Form Tutor, one of the Sixth Form Team or our Safeguarding Lead, Miss Steadman.

Any form of discrimination or bullying will be dealt with very seriously by our Pastoral Team. If you are being bullied or know of any instances of bullying then please report this to a member of staff.

If you are facing any other challenges or difficulties then we can provide support.

Staff are always available to provide a safe space and give non-judgemental help and advice. A problem shared is a problem halved: don’t suffer in silence.

You will be given login details to an app called Tootoot which allows students to report any concerns electronically if they find that easier than face-to-face. Login details will be distributed at the start of term

You can also access a member of our Pastoral Team by contacting Miss L Matthews, Pastoral Manager of Sixth form. Based in the LRC.

Miss L Matthews

L.Matthews@bishopveseys.bham.sch.uk 16

Tips Be Organised Excellent calendar and to do list apps are available for smartphones. Meet deadlines and plan your time.

Get Involved Join in with enrichment activities and societies.

Be an enthusiastic and committed member of the BVGS community.

Study Smart Break your study into manageable chunks and work efficiently, especially in your study periods. Avoid distractions.

Communicate Make sure you speak to your teachers, they are there to help you. Read the messages they put on Teams carefully.

Look after yourself Try not to put too much pressure on yourself.

Seek support if you need help or advice.

Be a Scholar Explore using reading lists, blogs, Youtube, podcasts etc. It looks good on your CV/ Personal Statement.

Be Professional Take pride in appearing smart and punctual. Act like the person you want to become in 5 or 10 years time.

Enjoy!

BVGS is an outstanding Sixth Form. Students achieve great things and have an enjoyable time with us.

Sixth Form Team

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