ACHIEVE • ENRICH • PREPARE
HELPING EVERY YOUNG PERSON ACHIEVE THE EXTRAORDINARY.
WELCOME
TO THE HARRIS ACADEMY WICKFORD (HAWK) SIXTH FORM
We are a co-educational secondary academy and Sixth Form on a mission to become the best school in Essex and to help young people from Wickford achieve the extraordinary. This is no ordinary school, and we are very proud of that. Our strong culture and traditional values run through everything we do, providing a united and coherent education where no young person falls through the cracks. Our rich, academic curriculum, made accessible for all students, means the quality of education our students receive matches the best in the county. Opportunities for character development ensure our students gain access to and thrive in elite careers and professional jobs that will secure a happy and productive future. I joined HAWK in 2026, having successfully led another Harris Academy which underwent a rapid transformation. Ofsted described the Academy as ‘exceptional’ and it is now thriving.
Prior to that, I worked in an outstanding academy in south London that, over five years, became one of the top performing schools in the UK. Along with the excellent team at HAWK, I have the knowledge, skills and experience to deliver our exciting and ambitious vision for our students. This mission is personal. I grew up in Wickford, and my family attended this school. Our community deserves a fantastic school, and I am determined to deliver that for the young adults of this town. I warmly invite you to visit us and experience this community first-hand. Mr D MacPherson Principal
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TRADITIONAL VALUES IN A MODERN SETTING Our core belief is that young people from Wickford are amongst the most talented in the country and, if given the right support and opportunities, can achieve extraordinary results.
But this will not happen by chance. We will work with parents to ensure our students not only set ambitious goals but also develop the character traits required to achieve these. Our values, therefore, guide everything we do. Qualifications get you to the door of great opportunities, but your character secures you the role and helps you to progress. Our expectations in the Sixth Form are as important as ever, as we help to mould and support students to become responsible, successful young adults. Students choose to study at HAWK because of the highly structured, disciplined environment that they know will help them be successful in the future. We support students to develop the routines and habits to navigate the increased challenge of Key Stage 5 courses and to prepare for their post-18 pathway.
Students and staff at HAWK are:
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Humble
We are not the finished product; we need others to help us improve; we take responsibility for our own improvement.
Ambitious
We believe in our potential to go to the best universities, get the best jobs and live the best life.
Hard-working
We are diligent and conscientious and we don’t cut corners.
Kind
We celebrate diversity, we look out for others and we regularly show our appreciation.
PASTORAL CARE AND STUDENT WELLBEING As Head of Sixth Form at Harris Academy Wickford, I am committed to ensuring that every student is supported, valued and able to flourish both academically and personally. Pastoral care and student wellbeing are at the heart of our Sixth Form experience, and I work closely with our tutors, subject teachers and families to ensure that each student feels confident and cared for during these important years. We pride ourselves on maintaining a nurturing environment built on high expectations and strong relationships. Our aim is to support students in balancing the demands of their
academic studies with their personal development and wellbeing, ensuring they feel secure and empowered to succeed. Students are encouraged to seek guidance on a wide range of matters, including managing workload, preparing for examinations and navigating personal challenges or future plans. We ensure that every student has someone to turn to for support and, where appropriate, we work with external services to provide specialist guidance. I am also a key point of contact for parents and carers and I value the importance of working in partnership. Together, we support each student to grow into a confident, resilient individual, fully prepared for their next steps beyond Sixth Form. Ms McCue Head of Sixth Form
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A RICH, ACADEMIC CURRICULUM, MADE ACCESSIBLE TO ALL At HAWK Sixth Form, our curriculum provides students with a rigorous programme of study, designed to help them successfully transition into early adulthood. We offer a combination of academic and vocational pathways, allowing students to choose courses that suit their strengths, interests and future aspirations.
Our curriculum supports progression to higher education, apprenticeships and employment, while developing essential skills such as independent learning, critical thinking, and resilience. With highquality teaching and clear entry requirements, we ensure every student is well-prepared to succeed and achieve their full potential.
A Level Subject Requirements 2026 Art
Grade 5 in GCSE Art if studied
Biology
Grade 6 in Mathematics and Separate Science Biology (or 6:6 in Combined)
Business
Grade 5 in English Language and Grade 4 in Mathematics
Chemistry
Grade 6 in Mathematics and Separate Science Chemistry (or 6:6 in Combined)
Criminology
Grade 5 in English Language/Literature
Economics Grade 6 in English Language and Mathematics (Grade 5s will be considered on a case-by-case basis) English Language/Literature Grade 6 in English Literature Fashion and Textile
Grade 5 in Mathematics and English Language/Literature (Grade 5/Pass in DT if studied)
Film Studies
Grade 5 in English Language/Literature
Further Mathematics
Grade 7 in GCSE Mathematics
Geography
Grade 5 in Geography and English Language
History
Grade 5 in History and English Language
Law
Grade 6 in GCSE English Language
Mathematics
Grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics
Photography
Grade 5 in GCSE Photography if studied
Physics
Grade 6 in Mathematics and Separate Science Physics (or 6:6 in Combined)
Product Design
Grade 5 in Mathematics and English Language/Literature (Grade 5/Pass in DT if studied)
Psychology
Grade 6 in English Language, Mathematics and Science
Sociology
Grade 5 in English Language/Literature
Vocational Subjects – Equivalent to one A Level Business Extended Certificate Grade 4 in Mathematics and English Language/Literature (Grade 4 in Business if studied) Computing – Data Analytics Grade 4 in Mathematics and English Language/Literature (Pass in IT/Computer Science if studied) Forensic Science
Grade 4:4 Combined Science or Separate Sciences and Grade 4 in Mathematics and English (1.5 A level equivalent)
Health & Social Care Grade 4 in Mathematics and English Language/Literature (Level 2 Pass in Health & Social Care if studied) Information Technology – Cyber Security
Grade 4 in Mathematics and English Language/Literature (Grade 4/Pass in IT/Computer Science if studied)
Performing Arts Grade 4 in English Language/Literature (Grade 4 in Drama, Music or Dance if studied)
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Sport & Physical Activity
Grade 4 in Mathematics and English Language/Literature (Grade 4 in PE if studied)
ENRICHMENT & CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT At Harris Academy Wickford Sixth Form, enrichment and personal development are key to ensuring students have a well-rounded and fulfilling experience beyond their academic studies. We offer a diverse range of opportunities designed to broaden horizons, develop confidence, and build essential life skills. Students are encouraged to take part in enrichment activities that reflect their interests and aspirations, including leadership roles, volunteering, trips and subject-specific experiences. These opportunities allow students to develop teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills, all of which are highly valued by universities and employers. Personal development is woven throughout the Sixth Form experience. Through dedicated tutor sessions and wider opportunities, students are supported to build resilience, manage their wellbeing and develop independence. We also provide guidance on important life skills such as financial awareness, employability and preparing for life beyond Sixth Form. Our enrichment programme is designed to complement academic learning while empowering students to explore new interests, discover their strengths and grow as individuals. By the time they leave, students are not only academically prepared but also confident, capable and ready to embrace the opportunities ahead.
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INSPIRING STUDENT LEADERSHIP At Harris Academy Wickford Sixth Form, student leadership plays a vital role in shaping our community and ensuring student voice is heard and valued. We offer a range of leadership opportunities that enable students to take on responsibility, contribute to the development of the Sixth Form and make a positive impact across the wider school.
activities and contributing to the organisation of enrichment and charity events. These experiences help students develop essential skills such as communication, teamwork, organisation and confidence.
Student leaders act as ambassadors and role models, representing the Sixth Form at key events and supporting younger students through mentoring and guidance. They work closely with staff and senior leaders, providing insight into student experiences and contributing ideas to enhance the Sixth Form environment.
We believe all students should have the opportunity to develop as leaders. Through these roles, students gain valuable experiences that support both their personal growth and future applications, whether for university, apprenticeships or employment.
Leadership opportunities may include supporting whole-school events, leading initiatives, participating in student voice
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Our student leadership programme empowers students to use their initiative, influence change and leave a lasting legacy within the Sixth Form community.
CAREERS AND UNIVERSITY PATHWAYS At HAWK Sixth Form, you are part of a community that is small enough to offer you bespoke support and guidance. Students here are known and understood. As part of the Harris Federation, students are also part of the largest Sixth Form group in London, giving them access to excellent opportunities for work experience and mentoring. Students are offered a wide range of career opportunities, as well as having access to oneto-one advice and guidance with their careers adviser in Year 12 and 13. Career advisers have an open door policy and are happy to sit with small groups who share a common career interest, or individuals seeking to understand their pathway options in more depth.
Broader opportunities include being selected for the Harris Experience Advanced programme for our highest attaining students, including our bespoke Oxbridge, medicine, dentistry and veterinary science programmes, as well as a wide range of trips and visits to universities; seminar programmes and residentials; exposure to visitors from academia, apprenticeship providers and industry; alumni events; and compulsory work experience for every Year 12 in July. In addition, Harris Careers runs Federation-wide online events, inviting in excess of 50 different employers and universities to talk to our students every year.
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PART OF THE SUCCESSFUL HARRIS FEDERATION The Harris Federation is a not-for-profit charity with 59 primary and secondary academies in London and Essex. The founder and Chairman of the Harris Federation is Lord Harris of Peckham. His vision of delivering happy and successful education is brought to life by an excellent team of teachers and leaders. The Federation regularly tops academic studies and national league tables measuring progress and performance.
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Harris secondary academies are known for combining traditional standards of manners, discipline and uniform with the best of modern teaching and technology. We send many of our Sixth Formers to Oxford, Cambridge and other Russell Group universities as well as to top apprenticeships and competitive vocational courses. We are immensely proud of the role that our alumni are now beginning to play in the world and of what we believe our current generation of students will go on to achieve.
APPLICATIONS Come and experience the Sixth Form at HAWK for yourself and join us at our open events. To apply, please visit our website: www.harriswickford.org.uk We welcome applications from both our current Year 11 students and those from other schools. If you require further information please contact our admissions team directly at admissions@harriswickford.org.uk
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Grange Avenue, Wickford, Essex SS12 0LZ t. 01268 471201 e. info@harriswickford.org.uk www.harriswickford.org.uk