Sixth form
Year 12 - 13
Pupils’ attitudes towards learning are excellent, reflecting the school’s aim to develop their passion for learning.Pupils understand the importance of taking control of their own futures and they have a thoughtful and mature approach towards decision-making.
ISI Report, 2023 “
The two years from the first day of Year 12 through to A level Results Day really do have the potential to be the most enjoyable time a student will have at Clifton High School – they will make lasting friendships, build their independence and resilience, and develop their various talents, all while shaping their future path and taking purposeful, confident steps towards adulthood.
Of course, this journey is unique to every student, from the challenges they will navigate to the end goal that they will be working towards. At Clifton High School, we take huge pride in our ability to support each student on their personal journey. Our experienced, caring Sixth Form Team ensure all students recognise their own sense of individual achievement. Their talents and strengths are nurtured and their ambitions realised, within a community in which they truly feel they belong.
Set in the heart of Bristol’s Clifton Village suburb, our Sixth Form Centre is distinctive in its approach to co-education for 16–18-year-olds. Purpose-built facilities combined with outstanding teaching and a wealth of co-curricular opportunities help our students to develop their skills and passions. Our bespoke provision invests in them, as individuals, providing a genuinely holistic education that builds firm foundations for their future.
Clifton High School’s fundamental values of Curiosity, Empathy, Love and Direction underpin all elements of each student’s journey through the Sixth Form. We pride ourselves in preparing them for their next steps into higher education and beyond, offering an array of dynamic and engaging A level lessons, a range of
optional ancillary courses alongside diverse opportunities for learning outside of the classroom. Collectively, these encourage students to hold high aspirations for their academic achievement, as well as to be intellectually curious in all that they do.
We are really fortunate to have such a supportive and understanding School community, where students and teachers enjoy warm, respectful relationships with each other. This environment encourages our students to grow into confident, resilient and self-aware adults, ready for what life may look like after Clifton High School; whether that be at university, in the workplace, on an apprenticeship or during a gap year. During their education with us, each student will be equipped to develop a strong sense of self, achieve high academic outcomes and develop the skills to build happy, successful futures.
We would very much like to welcome all families to discover how Clifton High School’s Sixth Form can and will provide each student with an education that sets them up for a future that is defined both by happiness and success. To experience this first-hand, we encourage you to arrange a personal visit with our dedicated Admissions Team.
Yours sincerely,
Mr Tom Appleby, Head of Sixth Form
Clifton High School aims to realise the Individual Brilliance of each and every child. We believe that the most authentic way to achieve this is by offering a well rounded, bespoke education, delivered by staff who grow to recognise each child’s gifts to offer them unique opportunities to shine.
The bedrock of curiosity is embedded into the Clifton High School learning structure for our younger children to be informed individuals. They develop the ability and knowledge to apply the art of questioning and debating to build confidence in themselves as they explore the development of new and independent ideas.
Clifton High School’s renowned pastoral system is one that is at the forefront of wellbeing. They learn to consider alternative perspectives and, based on kindness, are encouraged to form strong relationships with one another and the natural world.
The value of love is weaved into all elements of learning at Clifton High School; a love for oneself, others and the environment help children to realise how the emotion can impact us all in positive ways. Relationships are enhanced, personal wellbeing is prioritised and working towards the preservation of our planet for future generations are lessons constantly celebrated.
Clifton High School’s bespoke curriculum provides children with an education that supports direction in School and life in the wider world. It is integral in motivating learning whereby pupils are guided to reach for and accomplish personal goals and whilst we hold their hand, they achieve with purpose and ambition on their own.
It is an important part of being an all-through School that all our pupils, from the youngest to the oldest, and their families, are engaged in School life beyond the classroom. Annual events including Christmas celebrations, performances, assemblies, prizegivings and concerts provide a vibrant social scene that everyone looks forward to being involved in.
Clifton High School’s broad A level curriculum offering is exemplary. Twenty-seven subjects, alongside a range of additional ancillary courses and the bespoke ‘Above and Beyond’ programme, cater to our students’ individual interests and talents. We support students in their wider academic progress, to include Sociology, Psychology, Economics and Politics in our comprehensive A level provision, together with complementary subjects that include Core Mathematics. The majority of our students choose to study three A levels and up to two additional ancillaries, so their academic experience is personally tailored to their future pathway whilst affording breadth and variety. Experienced and knowledgeable subject teachers and small class sizes and tutor sets ensure a high level of personal support for each student on their individual academic journey. Whether pursuing degrees like Medicine or Engineering, competitive Degree-level apprenticeships, or Art Foundation courses, our A level offering enables students to embark on future study at their first-choice university or higher education college.
The comprehensive list of A level courses available at Clifton High School include:
• Art
• Art 3D
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Classical Civilisation
• Computer Science
• Drama
• Economics
• English Literature
• EPQ
• French
• Further Mathematics
• Geography
• German
• History
• Latin
• Mathematics
• Music
• Music Technology
• Philosophy
• Photography
• Physical Education
• Physics
• Politics
• Product Design
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Spanish
Clifton High School’s inspiring Careers Guidance Programme, overseen by our in-house Head of Higher Education and Careers, Mr Richard Parry provides 1:1 support for every student guiding them on their UCAS application or alternative vocation. Working together with industry experts and employers, the strength of our alumni Rosarian network, dedicated Futures and Skills tuition, alumni breakfasts and higher education fairs all contribute to students being connected to an extensive range of professionals and professions. This community driven ethos cultivates individuals to have a strong sense of confidence in themselves and the world around them, encouraging their ability to learn beyond the classroom setting as they embark upon their own future career pathways.
Our outstanding team of empathetic tutors work alongside Mr Tom Appleby, Head of Sixth Form and Ms Elizabeth Hodges, Deputy Head of Sixth Form and are experienced in understanding that these final years in a student’s education can be both emotionally and academically challenging. The wellbeing focused support mechanisms that tutors implement, truly acquaint themselves with their dedicated students and families. Cherishing moments to celebrate our students enhances the community driven values that Clifton High School is renowned for.
Upon entry into the Sixth Form, independent learning is encouraged by students taking ownership over their own study options, time management and preferred study locations. Throughout this transition, they continually benefit from outstanding pastoral support, provided by our experienced and dedicated Personal Tutors and the Sixth Form Leadership Team. The goal of exceeding academic standards may be exemplary yet we genuinely understand that success is not measurable by results alone and a student’s sense of achievement is complimentary to intellectual identity.
As a selective School, we are extremely proud of the excellent academic results our students receive, and the value we add to their academic outcomes sets us above other parallel schools. In 2025, 63% of A level grades were A*-B and over 33.3% A*-A. Over 20% of our students have received the equivalent of three A grades or higher which are impressive percentages and a phenomenal achievement.
Whilst a focus on grades is important, we are a School that very much values our students for who they become as well as what they achieve. We firmly believe that from happiness and self-confidence, success will follow.
Clifton High School’s Sixth Form environment is one in which students are encouraged to prepare for their future roles as global citizens, leaders and change-makers, equipped with the skills and attributes required to succeed and make a positive impact in our ever-changing world. We encourage our students to engage with the wider School community as Head Prefects, House Captains, Sports Captains, or as ambassadors for charitable initiatives close to their heart. We currently appoint Prefects to lead on Diversity and Inclusion, Environmental Change and Sustainability, Peer Support and Charity and Outreach. Many of our Sixth Formers relinquish their own time to support our Junior School Adventure Programme or to lead activities with younger pupils. Whatever a student’s passion beyond the academic curriculum, we aim to help them flourish. These co-curricular experiences and responsibilities encourage Clifton High School’s Sixth Form students to grow into ever more proactive, confident and socially-aware individuals, with strong values and transferable skills aplenty.
Opportunities and initiatives in which our students immerse themselves in the Sixth Form include:
• Young Enterprise
• Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award
• Model United Nations
• Debating Society
• Representation in the Bristol Education Partnership
• The Bristol Education Partnership Oracy Project
• The Gabblers Club After-Dinner Speaking Competition
• Bristol Water Youth Board
• Bristol Sport Partnership including programmes for elite and developing swimmers
• Avon Schools Eco-Network
• The Three Peaks Challenge
As an all-through School, it is important that all our pupils, from our youngest to our eldest, and their families are engaged in our wider community and School life. Annual events including Christmas celebrations, performances, assemblies, prizegivings and concerts provide a vibrant social scene that our parents and students alike, look forward to being involved in.
The Walters Sixth Form Centre
The Walters Sixth Form Centre is a space in which students genuinely feel at home, supported by staff and peers in an environment that befits their developing maturity as young adults. Opened in 2023, our Sixth Form Centre accommodates not only multiple tutor rooms and quiet workspaces but also an in-house café, student kitchen and a light and open common room in which students can socialise. Designed to provide a welcoming and spacious hub, lifelong friendships and special memories are built here which continue as students retain the value of these friendships long into the future.
During the Autumn Term of Year 11, prospective pupils are invited to attend a Sixth Form Experience Day before submitting an application to express why they are interested in joining the School. This application consists of a registration form, predicted and/or mock grades and a written statement by the pupil.
In the subsequent January, prospective pupils will then be invited to attend an interview with the Head of Sixth Form, with offers of a place being made at the end of January.
Sixth Form students will join Clifton High School in the September of Year 12.
On submission of a Sixth Form application, scholarships can be applied for, in any one of a pupil’s chosen A level subjects, Music or Sport. Once shortlisted, pupils will be invited to attend the Scholarship Interview Evening in January, before their Sixth Form Interview and individual meeting with the relevant Head of Department. For subjects such as Art, Product Design or Music, pupils may be required to bring a portfolio or perform but this will be communicated with them directly.
For further information, please contact our Admissions Team.
admissions@cliftonhigh.co.uk
+44 (0) 117 933 9087
www.cliftonhigh.co.uk
