INFORMATION GUIDE CLAREMONT SIXTHFORM
WELCOME, NICE TO MEET YOU....
I’m delighted to introduce myself as new head of sixth form at Claremont. Whether you are a current student exploring your next steps or a prospective student considering joining our community, I warmly welcome you.
From the moment I discovered Claremont’s ethos, combining academic challenge, real-world opportunity, and outstanding pastoral care, I knew it was a community I wanted to be part of.
What excites me most is how students are empowered to take ownership of their journey. The Joyce Grenfell Programme, tutor and house systems, and student-led initiatives all reflect a culture of confident, capable, peer-leadership. My role is to help students become the best version of themselves, ready for life beyond sixth form.
My path into education began through studying human biology at Loughborough University combined with sports coaching, teaching me the value of teamwork, resilience and belonging. From community outreach projects in South Africa and Guyana to mentoring ski teams in the Alps, and working with Harlequins, Surrey rugby, DofE, and the navy CCF, I am passionate about holistic education.
The greatest lesson I’ve learned, often from my students, is that brilliant ideas can come from the most unexpected places. I lead with collaboration, creativity, and care, always listening and remaining open-minded.
I look forward to getting to know you and making your Claremont sixth form experience truly exceptional.
James Grabowski
Head of Sixth Form
COURSES AND SCHOLARSHIPS IN SIXTH FORM
YEAR 12 SCHOLARSHIPS
“THE SIXTH FORM CENTRE IS A REALLY GREAT PLACE TO SOCIALISE AND STUDY. THE SILENT STUDY CLASSROOM IS ALSO A FANTASTIC FEATURE WHEN WE NEED IT.” YEAR 13 SIXTH FORM STUDENT
PASSION ANDPURPOSE INEVERY SUBJECT
STUDYINGINTHESIXTHFORM
PERSONALISED CHOICES AND LEARNING
We know students thrive when they study subjects they enjoy, play to their strengths, and feel fully supported in their choices.
With expert guidance from our teaching and student futures team, our sixth form students build personalised programmes tailored to their interests and goals. Most study three A levels, but some choose a forth if it fits their future aspirations.
Our A level curriculum guide, detailing subject information and entry criteria, will follow to support confident decision-making.
To guide study choices, we encourage students to consider the following:
PLAY TO YOUR STRENGTHS & PASSIONS
Where will you shine? Build on your GCSE successes. A levels are a big step up, so choosing subjects you have a strong foundation and genuine interest in will significantly boost motivation, engagement, and results.
CRAFT A BALANCED COMBINATION
Do your subjects complement each other? Aim for a balanced mix that demonstrates a range of skills like analysis, essay writing, and problem-solving
LOOK AHEAD TO THE FUTURE
Where do you see yourself with potential university courses and careers? Research specific A level requirements to help you get there, or if you're unsure, opt for "facilitating subjects" (maths, English literature, sciences, history, geography, languages) to keep your options broad and valued by many universities.
RESEARCH NEW SUBJECTS
If you're considering a new subject, thoroughly research its content and assessment methods Make sure it aligns with your interests, skill set, and learning style
THE JOYCE GRENFELL PROGRAMME
“THE PASSION AND DEDICATION THE SIXTH FORM TEAM SHOWED ME THROUGHOUT MY TIME AT CLAREMONT TRULY RESONATED WITH ME. THE SCIENCES AT CLAREMONT WERE A MAIN REASON WHY I’VE CHOSEN TO PUT MYSELF THROUGH ANOTHER FIVE YEARS OF STUDY.” ALUMNI
CO-CURRICULAR
FORM LIFEANDLEADERSHIP
IN SIXTH
Claremont’s sixth form co curricular offering is exceptionally broad and empowering. It is a space where students are not just participants, they are leaders, mentors, performers and entrepreneurs. They gain invaluable experience, personal growth, and a sense of agency that goes far beyond exam results.
SPORT AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Core team sports are complemented by tennis, trampolining, archery, fencing, cross-country, golf, hiking, and off-site activities, including a prestigious partnership with Esher Tennis Club, providing students access to expert coaching and exceptional facilities. Weekly through-school game afternoons, house days, and sports-related trips foster team spirit and school community.
CLUBS AND COMMUNITY
With over 35 vibrant clubs with something for every interest. Many are studentfounded and led, often involving younger pupils and encouraging collaboration across year groups. They contribute to service and charity initiatives, fostering personal growth, school and community spirit, and real-world experience.
LEADERSHIP AND ENTERPRISE
Sixth form students take on influential roles across, from producing the senior school’s annual production, to serving as house captains, leading competitions, mentoring and running clubs for younger pupils. Programmes like the Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise, the Peter Jones Tycoon Challenge, and the Joyce Grenfell programme cultivate leadership and entrepreneurial spirit.
STUDY ENVIRONMENT
The modern sixth form centre provides dedicated independent study and social spaces, including a communal kitchen and quiet areas.
“THE ROME TRIP WAS A REAL HIGHLIGHT - THE BEST SCHOOL TRIP I HAVE EVER BEEN ON. IT WAS GREAT TO SEE AMAZING SITES AS WELL AS HAVING A GREAT TIME WITH MY FRIENDS.”
PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS
EXTENSIVE OPPORTUNITIES STUDENT FUTURES
Claremont’s A level programme prepares students for a wide range of university courses, from medicine, law, and engineering to the arts, humanities, and creative industries. With expert teaching, tailored subject choices, and dedicated support, our sixth form students build the skills and confidence needed to thrive in higher education. Each year, Claremont students go on to study at Russell Group universities and other leading institutions.
OUR LEAVERS CONTINUE THEIR STUDIES AT SOME OF THE UK’S MOST RENOWNED UNIVERS :
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING ECONOMICS
ENGINEERING
ENVIRONAMENTAL STUDIES
FASHION DESIGN
FILM STUDIES
FINE ART
FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY
LAW
MEDICINE
MUSICAL THEATRE
NATURAL SCIENCES
NEUROSCIENCE
POLITICS
PSYCHOLOGY
SPORT MANAGEMENT
VETERINARY SCIENCE
ZOOLOGY
BATH
BIRMINGHAM
BRISTOL
CARDIFF
DURHAM EXETER
IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON
KING’S COLLEGE LONDON
LEEDS
LONDON UNIVERSITY OF ARTS
LOUGHBOROUGH MANCHESTER
NEWCASTLE
NOTTINGHAM
SOUTHAMPTON
ST ANDREW’S
UCL WARWICK YORK
THEY ALSO PURSUE APPRENTICESHIPS AT LEADING COMPANIES SUCH AS BARCLAYS AND META.
“THE STUDENT FUTURES HUB IS ALWAYS OPEN FOR INFORMATION AND INDIVIDUAL RESEARCH. EXCELLENT CAREERS
YEAR 13 SIXTH FORM STUDENT
ALEVELRESULTSDAY
2024 Proud moments,
bright futures
YEAR 11 - SIXTH FORM SUPPORT STUDENT FUTURES
POST-16 CHOICES
In year 11 students have the opportunity to meet and discuss their post-16 choices with the student tutors and sixth form team.
MAKING YOURSELF STAND OUT
Students receive support for their personal statement writing, personal branding, interview skills and employability skills.
In year 11 students work on enhancing their career profiles, which includes CV writing and online presence.
CONVERSATIONS
From January of Year 12 through to the end of their time at Claremont, students can book a one to one appointment with our higher education coordinator.
Students and parents will be invited to attend our student futures evening, where they can network with professionals from a variety of sectors. We host weekly careers lunches and workshops for students to attend.
UCAS AND OXBRIDGE
Students will attend a UCAS talk on personal statements and process of applications.
Students will go on a UCAS fair trip and look at the range of universities available.
There is specific mentoring for Oxbridge, medicine and law applicants including interview practice.
GENERAL SUPPORT
Students receive ongoing support in many ways, including apprenticeship applications, planning for the future, life at university, Unifrog, key facts about higher education, preparation for sitting admissions test and work experience week.
PASTORAL SUPPORT
The transition to the sixth form is supported by an experienced sixth form team who provide regular individual mentoring meetings. As you will already know a lot of the sixth form support team, this is a real advantage in fostering good academic routines and wellbeing practices from the first time you step into the sixth form. Should you need it, bespoke pastoral and wellbeing plans can help you throughout your time in the sixth form which can also include access to our external counselling team.
STUDENT STORIES FROM CLAREMONT TO CAMPUS
MEET DANIELLE
YEAR 13
WHAT SUBJECT HAVE YOU APPLIED TO STUDY AT UNIVERSITY?
“Mechanical engineering ”
WHAT IS YOUR TOP TIP FOR PUTTING TOGETHER A STRONG UCAS APPLICATION?
"Research the courses at the universities you want to go to, so you can tailor your personal statement towards them Try and include as many of your extracurricular activities as possible, as they always link to your course in one way or another."
WHEN DID YOU SEND OFF YOUR APPLICATION?
“December 2024 ”
WHAT SUBJECT HAVE YOU APPLIED TO STUDY AT UNIVERSITY?
“Environmental Geoscience.”
WHAT IS YOUR TOP TIP FOR PUTTING TOGETHER A STRONG UCAS APPLICATION?
“Get your application in early - the earlier the better as not all universities wait for all applications to be in before giving offers out.”
WHEN DID YOU SEND OFF YOUR APPLICATION?
“October ”
WHAT SUBJECT HAVE YOU APPLIED TO STUDY AT UNIVERSITY?
“Biomedical Sciences ”
WHAT IS YOUR TOP TIP FOR PUTTING TOGETHER A STRONG UCAS APPLICATION?
"Seek advice from subject teachers and careers advisors, and ensure you effectively link your extracurricular and super-curricular activities to your chosen subject area, demonstrating how they will support your future academic and career aspirations "
WHEN DID YOU SEND OFF YOUR APPLICATION?
“End of October.”
WHAT OFFERS DO YOU CURRENTLY HOLD?
“I am currently holding offers from Newcastle, Exeter, Liverpool, and Cardiff.”
HOW DID THE STUDENT FUTURES TEAM AT CLAREMONT SUPPORT YOU?
"They guided me in choosing the right universities that offer my course based on the subjects I study. Constructing my personal statement was much easier with the help of the Student Futures team, as they understood what universities would be looking for My application was a bit different because I had to apply as an international student, but the Student Futures team supported me by contacting the universities to gather information about the international aspects of my course."
WHAT OFFERS DO YOU CURRENTLY HOLD?
“Southampton, Cardiff, Exeter, Newcastle and Plymouth I have accepted an offer from Southampton ”
HOW DID THE STUDENT FUTURES TEAM AT CLAREMONT SUPPORT YOU?
“The student futures team really helped me upgrade my personal statement to the next level They put me in a really good position to decide where I want to go to university by helping me make my selection based on the grade offers I received.”
WHAT OFFERS DO YOU CURRENTLY HOLD?
“I have received offers from Imperial, UCL, King’s College London, the University of Bath, and the University of Warwick ”
HOW DID THE STUDENT FUTURES TEAM AT CLAREMONT SUPPORT YOU?
"The Student Futures Team provided invaluable support by helping me to shape my personal statement, recommending relevant super-curricular and extracurricular activities, and advising me on selecting universities that were best suited to my interests and ambitions."
PATHWAY TO SIXTH FORM
KEY DATES AND SUPPORT STEPS
Meet the sixth form team
Overview of life and learning in sixth form
Hear from current pupils about their experience
Year 10 assembly on how to be a great candidate for future opportunities
17 JUNE
Year 10 sixth form information evening
Speak to subject teachers to get a greater understanding about subject choices
Visit the sixth form centre
One to one sessions with head of student
futures
If you are applying for a scholarship in the sixth form, make sure to submit your application by this date.
24 SEPT
Sixth form options evening
3 NOV
Scholarships form return (if applicable)
17 SEPT
Meet the tutor and information evening
Meet your Year 11 form tutor
Understand how they are going to support you through your GCSEs and the transition into sixth form
OCTOBER
Taster sessions in new subjects
15 DEC
A level options form return
During lunch time, pupils are invited to go to a taster session in the subjects that are new to them
This parents’ evening is to discuss progress in Year 11, and also answer any queries regarding sixth form at Claremont
15 JAN
Parents’ evening
Make sure to submit your A levels options form by this date to inform us what subjects you wish to study at sixth form
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW DO WE APPLY TO THE SIXTH FORM?
Students and their parents should attend the sixth form options evening which will be held on 24 September 2025. Students must then submit their A level/Diploma options form by 15 December 2025.
ARE STUDENTS INTERVIEWED?
All students will have an informal discussion with the head for help and guidance with option choices and future pathways.
WHAT GRADES DO STUDENTS NEED TO GET INTO THE SIXTH FORM?
External applicants will be offered a place conditional on meeting prerequisite GCSE grades. Prospective A level students are expected to achieve an average points score of 6 points across at least 8 subjects and specifically achieve high grades in their chosen / related A level subjects.
WHAT
HAPPENS IF A STUDENT DOESN'T GET THE GRADES REQUIRED?
We are always keen to ensure students are on the right pathway and are happy to discuss alternative subject choices.
WHAT IS THE RATIO OF GIRLS/BOYS IN THE SIXTH FORM?
As Claremont is a co-educational environment, the aim for girls/boys split will always 50:50.
HOW MANY STUDENTS ARE IN THE SIXTH FORM?
The 2025 Year 12 sixth form year group is anticipated to be around 100 students.
WHAT ARE A LEVEL CLASS SIZES?
Class sizes vary in size from a minimum of 3 or 4 to around 10 to 15 students. This offers a small enough size for focused study and individual attention, yet large enough for stimulating debate and discussion.
TELL ME ABOUT YOUR DIPLOMAS.
We offer two Level 3 Applied Diplomas in criminology and Food and nutritional science. Diplomas are a combination of coursework and exams, with continuous assessment as opposed to being entirely exam based. Diplomas are recognised by most UK universities and have a similar UCAS tariff profile to A levels.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW DO YOU PREPARE STUDENTS FOR UNIVERSITY?
All students have personalised careers appointments throughout their two years in the sixth form with the student futures team and/or higher education co-ordinator and a subject-specific mentor. The school holds an annual student futures event, which universities and over 30 representatives from industry attend.
Students also have the opportunity to visit a university fair and will receive individual support preparing personal statements and UCAS applications.
HOW DO YOU SUPPORT ASPIRATIONAL STUDENTS, I.E. OXBRIDGE CANDIDATES?
We have specific mentoring available for Oxbridge, medicine and law candidates, including interview preparation and practice for university admissions testing.
WHAT SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE FOR STUDENTS WHO NEED EXTRA HELP OR STRETCH?
Subject support clinics are available across all departments, aimed at stretching students but also supporting those less confident. Support for individual needs is available for those students that require it.
DO STUDENTS STAY IN SCHOOL ON SITE FOR THE FULL DAY?
The sixth form at Claremont uses a privilege pass system. After the first half term, students can earn a privilege pass. The pass allows students greater flexibility during the school day.
WHAT IS THE SIXTH FORM DRESS CODE?
In preparation for the working environment, we ask our sixth form students to wear smart business style attire.
