BE WHO YOU WANT TO BE TO BE
WELCOME
Thank you for considering Harris Professional Skills Sixth Form –a distinctive provision, opened in 2018, dedicated to delivering highquality vocational education and clear progression to university, apprenticeships, and employment. As part of the Harris Federation, we offer a supportive and ambitious environment for students who may not have achieved the GCSE results they had hoped for, or who may not thrive in more traditional post-16 pathways.
WELCOME
With small class sizes, expert teaching, and strong pastoral care, we ensure every student is known, supported, and given the opportunity to succeed.
We provide flexible pathways designed to meet different starting points. Students who need to build their qualifications and confidence can begin with a one-year Level 2 programme, where they study two vocational subjects chosen from Business, Media, Art, Science or Engineering. Alongside this, students resit English and/or maths if these qualifications have not yet been secured. This programme provides a strong foundation for further study.
Following successful completion of Level 2, students can progress to a two-year Level 3 programme in Business, Media, Art or Science, continuing to develop the knowledge, skills and independence needed for their next steps. English and maths resit opportunities remain available throughout to ensure all students achieve these essential qualifications.
Students who achieve four or more GCSEs at Level 2 are able to join our two-year Level 3 programmes directly, enabling them to specialise in their chosen subject from the outset.
Our curriculum is designed to prepare you for the future – developing both technical expertise and the professional skills required for further study or employment. Whether your goal is university, an apprenticeship, or entering the world of work, we will support you every step of the way.
Located in Croydon, at the heart of one of London’s most dynamic and rapidly developing areas, our students benefit from being part of a thriving and ambitious community. We are committed to helping you grow in confidence, achieve your goals, and shape your future.
At Harris Professional Skills Sixth Form, we help you become who you want to be.
Andrew Barr Principal
HPS6F Academy Day
Our timetable is designed to reflect the expectations of further study and employment, offering students greater independence and flexibility.
Students follow personalised timetables tailored to their chosen pathway and programme of study, ensuring a focused and supportive learning experience. They attend for four days each week, taking part in a structured programme of taught lessons, guided learning activities, and dedicated coursework sessions. This approach allows students to develop their knowledge and skills with consistent support from staff, while making steady progress towards completing their assignments and achieving their qualifications. The fourday timetable also provides students with the flexibility to continue their studies independently at home, while offering the opportunity to take on part-time employment. We believe this balance helps students develop valuable life skills such as independence, time management, and workplace experience, which are increasingly important in today’s world.
Teaching sessions are typically 50 minutes in length and are supported by dedicated pastoral sessions as well as a weekly assembly. This approach allows students to develop strong time management skills and balance their studies effectively alongside part-time work or other commitments.
Throughout the week, students also benefit from structured support, including pastoral guidance and additional lessons for English and maths where required.
Please refer to our website for further details regarding the courses we offer:
Enrichment
All students take part in a weekly enrichment programme designed to develop the skills and experiences needed for life beyond sixth form. Our bespoke Skills for Work and Life programme is at the heart of this, delivered through assemblies and small group workshops. It provides students with a wide-ranging toolkit to support success in employment, apprenticeships, or further study, including careers guidance, applications for work or higher education, interview techniques, financial planning, work experience, and the development of literacy, numeracy and self-confidence. Enrichment at Harris Professional Skills Sixth Form ensures students leave not only with qualifications, but with the confidence, professionalism and skills to succeed in their next steps.
How we support you
One of the key strengths at HPS6F is the great importance that we place on providing high quality support and guidance to help you through your studies.
You will be assigned a personal tutor who will help you to settle in to life in the 6th Form and also to make the most of the opportunities available to you. They will meet with you on a regular basis to discuss your progress and to help you adjust to studying at this new level and advise how to maximise your performance. Further pastoral help and support is available on a personal basis from our Inclusion team offering a counselling service and access to a life coach if needed.
HOw To apply
Once you have chosen your desired pathway, you should complete the online application as soon as possible. The online form can be found on the website: www.harrisps6f.org.uk/application
Popular courses tend to become oversubscribed very quickly so a prompt application will help to prevent disappointment. Applications before the Christmas holidays are ideal. Applications after this will be considered, with a waiting list formed if appropriate. We look forward to receiving your application.
PATHWAYS curriculum offer
Stage 1 (mercury house)
Student Profile
This student has achieved three or fewer Level 2 qualifications at grade 4 (or equivalent). They are motivated and committed to improving their results, and they aim to progress to a Level 3 course in the future. During their first year they will focus on taking two Level 2 subjects and developing the skills needed for success. With strong progress and achievement, they may be eligible to move onto a Level 3 pathway in their second year.
Stage 2 (GEMINI house)
Student Profile
This student will typically have achieved at least four Level 2 qualifications at grade 4 or above (or equivalent) or have successfully completed Stage 1. They should also have a clear understanding of their intended career path and be committed to succeeding at Level 3.
Stage 3 (APOLLO house)
Student Profile
This student has successfully completed the first year of their Level 3 programme and is now progressing into the second year. They have demonstrated commitment to their studies, good attendance, and a clear understanding of their chosen career or academic pathway. In Year 2, the student will continue to build on their subject knowledge and skills, working towards achieving the qualifications needed for university, higher apprenticeships or employment
Our curriculum offers a focused range of vocational pathways, with subjects including Business, Media, Art, Science, Health and Social Care, and Engineering at Level 2, and progression to Level 3 in Business, Media, Art, Science, and Health and Social Care. Students begin by selecting subjects that match their interests and ambitions, building technical knowledge and practical skills before specialising further at Level 3. English and maths are supported alongside all pathways where needed, ensuring students gain the qualifications required for their next steps.
OPTIONS (STUDENT TAKES 2)
Level 2 Qualification in:
• Science (GCSE)
• Business (CTec)
• Art (GCSE)
• Health and Social Care (CTec)
• Media Studies (CTec)
• Engineering (CTec)
Level 2 Qualification in:
• Science (GCSE)
• Business (CTec)
• Art (GCSE)
• Health and Social Care (CTec)
• Media Studies (CTec)
• Engineering (CTec)
STUDENTS CHOOSE A LEVEL 3 QUALIFICATION IN:
• Science (BTec)
• Business (CTec)
• Art (CTec)
• Health and Social Care (CTec)
• Media Studies (CTec)
STUDENTS CONTINUE THEIR LEVEL 3 QUALIFICATION IN:
• Science (BTec)
• Business (CTec)
• Art (CTec)
• Health and Social Care (CTec)
• Media Studies (CTec)
If student has not yet achieved grade 4 or above, student must take Maths and/or English GCSE
Maths Level 2 AND/OR
English Language Level 2
If student has not yet achieved grade 4 or above, student must take Maths and/or English GCSE
Maths Level 2 AND/OR
English Language Level 2
If student has not yet achieved grade 4 or above, student must take Maths and/or English GCSE
Maths Level 2 AND/OR
English Language Level 2
Level 3
Duration: 2 years
Our Level 3 programmes are delivered through CTEC and BTEC Extended Diplomas, equivalent to three A Levels. These qualifications provide a strong pathway to university, apprenticeships, and employment through a more applied, career-focused approach to learning. On average, over 75% of our students – many of whom may not otherwise have accessed these opportunities – successfully progress to higher education
HPS6F OFFER:
CTECH: Health and Social Care
CTECH: Media
CTECH: Business
Health & Social Care provides students with an interest in any of the caring professions with an invaluable and thoughtful perspective on contemporary issues in health and social care. Students are taught the essential skills needed for anyone wishing to work in any kind of people orientated career in the future and considering professions such as nursing, teaching, childcare, social work, policing and counselling.
This qualification offers understanding by empowering students to work with media products, production processes and technologies. This leads to practical and creative skills that transfer into the workplace. Unit choices cover a range of media including print, web, radio, television, film, animation and gaming.
Business is the heart of the economy, encouraging innovation and creating wealth. Cambridge Technicals offers students the opportunity to explore the world of business with over 35 units across two levels. This course was created in collaboration with leading businesses and the qualifications explore all aspects of the business world including practical activities – ideal for a wide range of learning styles.
CTECH Applied Science
Applied Science provides students with the knowledge and understanding to perform laboratory techniques required for research and analytical techniques in the development of products used in environmental, food or human science. Students collect experimental data, analyse, evaluate and present primary data. They undertake a ‘Scientific Research Project’ which will bring together all the knowledge and understanding gained in the theoretical units. The Applied Science course is suitable for students who have an interest in scientific and medical research as well as teaching or technical based work.
Entry Requirements
Students wishing to study an Extended Diploma (Level 3) will typically need at least four GCSEs at Grade 4 or above (or equivalent), or successful completion of our Level 2 programme.
Students who have not yet achieved a Grade 4 in English and/ or maths will be required to continue studying these subjects alongside their main course.
Level 2 pathway
Duration: 1 year
HPS6F offer a Level 2 pathway for students wishing to re-sit their GCSEs/Level 2 vocational courses or have not yet had the opportunity to sit them. Students take two level 2 courses in:
• Art (GCSE)
• Business Studies (CTEC level 2)
• Health and Social Care (CTEC level 2)
• Media Studies (CTEC level 2)
• Science (GCSE) their main courses.
Students who have not yet achieved a Grade 4 in English and/or maths will be required to continue studying these subjects alongside