The Sixth Form Experience

Our educational ethos

Education is about readying each young person for their adult world.

An ambitious learning culture permeates all that we do. As educators, we believe in inspiring, guiding and equipping our pupils with skills such as critical thinking, emotional intelligence, good judgement and decision-making, as well as the knowledge to thrive as global citizens in their adult world.

We are aspirational for every pupil and are committed to instilling in each of them a life-long curiosity and a love of enquiry.

We believe in the individual. There is no typical Framlinghamian, no singular path that we take: we are academics, actors, musicians, expeditioners, sports people, innovators, scientists, ruminators, decision makers, story tellers, teammates, artists, fun lovers, nurturers and thought provokers. Often, we are many things within one. But we are all individual, each with our own story.

Louise North Principal, Framlingham College

The Sixth Form Years

Life in the Sixth Form is a very special and valuable time. Interests are nurtured, and character and self-confidence are developed, as our young people prepare for their future, both in terms of the route that is right for them and the skills that they need to thrive.

When a young person joins Framlingham College, they are welcomed because of who they are. They are valued for their experience, their history, their ambition and their belief in their future.

And because of our smaller size, we have the time and space to ensure that every pupil is known and is celebrated for who they are. No one gets ‘lost in the system’.

We encourage pupils to seek out challenge, to embrace opportunity and we give them the time to reflect and to learn from each experience. In doing so, we enable them to better understand themselves and the world around them.

They will have fun, they will make friends for life, they will develop as global citizens and they will leave ready to embrace the challenges of their adult world.

Katy Williams Deputy Head (Sixth Form)

ABOUT KATY WILLIAMS

Suffolk born and bred and an Old Framlinghamian herself, Katy Williams felt she had ‘come home’ when she became Housemistress of Pembroke in 2017.

Mrs Williams is a true believer in a lifelong education; she studied for a BA (Hons) in English Linguistics with Education at The University of York and went on to

The University of Oxford (Lady Margaret Hall) to complete her PGCE.

Before coming to Framlingham, Mrs Williams spent 15 years working as an Advanced Skills Teacher in a local comprehensive school. Arriving at the Senior School in 2014, she took up the role of Assistant Head

of English, moving quickly to the role of Head of Teaching and Learning in 2015, Housemistress of Pembroke House in 2017 and then to her current position today as Deputy Head (Sixth Form).

She is married to Simon and they have three sons, two cats and a dog.

A rich and well-rounded academic experience

We offer a broad, ambitious, exciting and accessible academic curriculum, consisting of both A Levels and BTEC courses. Our range of subjects and courses allows all pupils to flourish, whatever their individual journeys may be.

Pupils can choose from 25 subjects, and many take a mix of A Level and BTEC courses to suit their particular interests and talents. To stretch their learning, pupils in Year 12 can also complete the highly regarded Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) or the Gold Arts Award.

The EPQ is an individual, extended piece of research leading to a formal award equivalent to an A Level. It encourages pupils to develop independent learning skills and to extend their curiosity beyond the set curriculum.

The Gold Arts Award is a Level 3 Certificate in the Arts requiring 150 learning hours and is worth 16 UCAS points. To achieve this, pupils lead an arts project and create an accompanying portfolio.

Learning beyond the classroom

Our holistic approach to education means that we have a stimulating programme of enrichment activities, sports and events that take place beyond the classroom. This forms an integral part of our curriculum, so that our pupils are nourished by intellectual activity outside the confines of the school and our immediate surroundings.

For instance, pupils can enjoy talks from inspirational speakers from around the world such as former Head of MI6, Sir Richard Dearlove, historian and international expert on castles, Marc Morris and astronaut Suzie Imber.

There are opportunities to take part in Model United Nations events, the inter-school Quiz Club and English-speaking Union Debating. We also offer a vast range of clubs and societies, ranging from our Philosophy Forum, Investment Society to Chinese Calligraphy.

Sixth Form pupils also have access to a wide array of co-curricular activities. Our superb sports programme, the Combined Cadet Force, the Duke of Edinburgh’s award scheme, Drama, Music, fundraising and voluntary work all allow our Sixth Formers to be part of a team, to contribute and to altruistically give their time to others.

Sixth Formers taking part in a DofE expedition

Music / Performing Drama

Sport

The Sixth Form Centre

Joining the Sixth Form is a momentous time at Framlingham College. It is a time when independent learning comes to the fore and pupils develop a deep sense of who they are and their unique place in the world.

Having a sleek, modern and wholly dedicated Sixth Form Centre within which to study, research and relax with friends, supports this time of independence and self-discovery. As well as providing an environment that promotes independent study, it is a place where social connections are made beyond the Houses, and life-long friendships begin.

Within the Centre, Sixth Formers have their own allocated classrooms and a team of staff including the Deputy Head (Sixth Form), Head of Careers, Head of Higher Education and specialist Sixth Form tutors.

A time of independence Adaptable boarding

As both a boarding and day school we offer boarding ‘on your terms’. From full, weekly and flexi-boarding to Day pupil options.

Not only does the boarding experience empower our pupils to grow in confidence, independence and maturity in preparation for adulthood, but it enhances friendships and widens social groups.

Beyond studying

Our Sixth Form programme is packed with fun social events such as bar nights in the Sixth Form Centre, music nights in the Café, Sixth Form dinners, concerts and the Summer Ball.

And brilliant activities, such as city excursions and day trips to the seaside, or paint-balling and paddle boarding are plentiful.

There is an abundance of opportunities to discover passions, make memories and cement those life-long friendships.

“One of my biggest regrets was not boarding earlier. I was always under the impression that it was essentially staying at school longer. However, the shift from the school day to boarding time is huge. It truly feels as if you’re at home – you are given plenty of freedom and allowed to relax.

If I had one piece of advice to people joining the College, it would be to board – the greatest bonds are made when living with others. The extra time spent with your friends leads to incredibly strong bonds and hilarious and unforgettable memories.”

— Dan, Year 13

“I decided to become a boarder at the beginning of Year 12 having been a day pupil up to this point. It was the best decision I have ever made. The more time I am able to spend at school, the better as I always find myself taking part in even more activities, or just laughing continuously with friends. I feel it has prepared me more for my adult life, getting used to being away from home and adapting to a new environment. I will be forever thankful for this opportunity.”

— Georgie, Year 13

“I laugh often and have made friends for life in an environment that promotes the wellbeing of each and every one of us.

As a Sixth Former we have regular social events in the Sixth Form Centre and as a day pupil I still spend my evenings at school completing prep, kicking a football around on the astro or just relaxing in the House Common Room with a game of pool.”

— Lucas, Year 13

The Sixth Form Centre

Independent learning

Former Head of School, Lucas Walker (K06 - 21) addressing the audience of a Remembrance Service in the College Chapel

Pupils relaxing in House

Pupils relaxing in House

Prefects are heavily involved with all aspects of school life

The Sixth Form Centre, opened in 2014, is at the heart of the school with stunning views of The Back for studying and socialising

The annual Sixth Form dinner is a highlight of the College calendar

Readiness for the real world

The Sixth Form community - a cohort of global citizens

Each year, we welcome a new cohort of pupils to our Sixth Form. With people joining the Sixth Form from all walks of life and from across the globe, our Sixth Formers develop global perspectives and widen their horizons.

Our community becomes truly international, helping to create global citizens who are accepting of others and prepared for the diversity of the world at large. It also supports many of our pupils to go on to study and work all over the globe.

Equipping everyone to be a leader

“Leadership is not about being in charge, leadership is about taking care of those in your charge.”

At Framlingham, we fully believe that everyone is a leader – it’s just about discovering what kind of leader you are. Our exceptional leadership programme is designed to do just that, making sure that leadership opportunities are experienced by all pupils, not just a chosen few.

We know that over the course of their lives, each of our pupils will lead. Whether that is as a business owner, leading a team at work or as a parent, there are many different forms of leadership. Each Sixth Form pupil learns about styles of leadership, what sort of leader they are, how to lead authentically, and is empowered with the skills and confidence to bring about change in our school and in the world beyond.

We aim to teach our Sixth Formers to become strong, considered and compassionate leaders. We recognise that one of our principal roles is to equip them with the skills so that they could lead as well as instilling in them the confidence and belief that they can.

— Simon Sinek - British-American author, leadership expert and inspirational speaker

Opportunities to lead are broad and include roles such as Wellbeing Ambassadors, House Prefects and Subject Ambassadors. The Charity Committee, Food Committee and The School Council all have representatives from each House and The Sixth Form Academic Hub is open to all pupils and is a great new forum for academic leadership. There are a plethora of opportunities to lead through our Sports, Music and Drama Programmes, as well as through the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, the CCF, Rangers, our Sustainability Programme and through Work Experience.

In the case of Prefects, they are elected democratically to lead areas of school life such as Learning, Wellbeing & Inclusion, and Global Awareness. In these roles, pupils have a voice and a responsibility to bring about effective and lasting change on real world topics that ready them for the challenges of life beyond school.

Skills for life

Framlingham College firmly believes that to equip young people to thrive in a rapidly changing world, we need to provide learning around essential skills as well as building up knowledge.

Our Sixth Form Skills Diploma focusses on developing macro skills such as adaptability, problem solving and managing their own wellbeing, right down to the more individual life skills such as self-defence, cooking a wide range of dishes, understanding the stock market, budgeting and knowing how to change a car tyre.

Pupils will leave school with skills that will make a positive difference to their ability to live independently. They will be assured about the skills they have and confident that they have the means to acquire further knowledge as they grow older.

Sixth Form girls took part in women’s self defence classes hosted by Saturn Protective Solutions in 2021

What our pupils say...

“Some of my best friends have been international pupils. They are such a key component of life at Framlingham College. There is the option to stay for a year or more and as a result, there is a wonderful mixture of cultures and perspectives within the school. Our school community would not be the same without them. We make firm and long-lasting friendships that survive the distance, and see us visiting one another in the holidays.”

— Emily - Year 12, Day Pupil

“Framlingham College was the place for me where I found new friends and new opportunities. It has a warm and very welcoming community where every one is friendly and ready to help. I am very lucky to study at this school and have the best teachers who are always ready to assist you in your studies.”

— Mane - Year 13, Armenian International Pupil

“As Wellbeing and Inclusion Prefect, I want to create a more tolerant, kind and respectful culture among the entire school. Pupils should have a better understanding and respect for all sexual orientations, gender identities, cultures and religions. In my role, I am supporting the peer scheme to have an active role in ensuring there is respect for all pupils regardless of their differences, as well as encouraging Sixth Formers to uphold the core school values of respect and integrity.”

— Grace - Year 13, Wellbeing and Inclusion Prefect

A springboard to the next chapter

Careers inspiration and Higher Education insight

Our pupils’ time in the Sixth Form is undoubtedly a wonderful experience in and of itself, but we also recognise that it is a vital pathway towards their adult world.

Our Careers Programme is designed to inform, support and inspire pupils at all stages in the Sixth Form. We know each of our pupils well – our tutors and the Higher Education department work closely with them – so we are familiar with their differing needs and aspirations. Some have a clear direction in mind from an early age, but for many it is less obvious.

We therefore give them a rich variety of opportunities and interaction with employers, as well as necessary tools – such as Career Aptitude testing and Career Interviews – to support them in creating a ‘route map’ towards their career ambitions. We also run both a Higher Education Conference and a Careers Conference, providing extensive guidance and information for pupils to consider university and careers options.

Plus, all departments make use of connections with universities to inspire pupils. Speakers come from a wide range of institutions to talk about opportunities they offer, as well as to provide an insight into the university experience.

Furthermore, we use highly valuable online platforms such as NetSixthForm and Unifrog to help pupils research courses that are in tune with their skills and interests. And we can always rely on our parent body and Old Framlinghamian network to regularly offer their time, provide mentorship and support our pupils during this pivotal time.

“The school´s support has been incredibly important for me at the time of making important decisions such as my university applications. My Housemistress, the Head of Careers, and the Heads of Department were incredibly helpful when guiding me through the whole process.”

— Rita - Year 13, Spanish International Pupil

Where do pupils go after Framlingham?

Beyond Framlingham, we support each pupil to discover their own definition of success. From entry into a wide range of universities in the UK and overseas, top music colleges and conservatoires for our talented musicians, to apprenticeships that provide passage to the world of work. Below is a map of UK univerisites that our Sixth Formers have gone on to.

University Destinations 2022

University of Manchester Management, Leadership and Leisure Computer Science and Mathematics Architecture

Manchester Metropolitan International Relations Product Design

Aberystwyth University Microbiology Psychology

University of Warwick Politics and International Studies

Harper Adams University Agriculture with Farm Business Management

University of Bath Health and Exercise Science

Cardiff University Business Economics

Bristol School of Art Art Foundation

Royal Agricultural University (RAU) Rural Land Management

University of Exeter Accounting and Business Combined Honours Business and Laws Psychology

Art History Vis Culture & Film Studies

University of Bristol Medicine Mathematics

Oxford Brookes Marketing and Events Management Property Development and Planning History of Art Business and Management Film International Relations and Politics Sport, Coaching and Physical Education

University of Reading War, Peace and International Relations Real Estate Philosophy

University for the Creative Arts Games Arts

Abertay University Ethical Hacking

University of Stirling Business Studies and Management

Northumbria University, Newcastle Fashion Interior Architecture

Durham University Geography

University of Leeds International Development Psychology

University of Derby Mechanical Engineering

Leeds Conservatoire Music

Leeds School of Art Art Foundation

Yale University Stanford University

Newcastle University Economics and Business Management International Business Management Business Management Marketing and Management Business Management

University of Nottingham Veterinary Medicine Aerospace Engineering Natural Sciences University of Sheffield Business Management Economics

Norwich University of the Arts User Experience Design

Loughborough University Computer Science

University of Buckingham Law University of Hertfordshire Songwriting & Music Production University of Kent Law

SOAS University of London Politics and International Relations

The Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) (London) Music Performance - Guitar

University of Brighton Pharmacy

University of Westminster, London Business Management (Marketing)

Nottingham Trent Business Fashion Management Sport and Exercise Science Sport Science and Coaching Construction Management

University of Cambridge Medicine

Institute of Contemporary Music (London) Songwriting

Trinity Laban Conservatoire (London) Performance USA

Anglia Ruskin (Cambridge Campus) Sport Coaching and Physical Education Sport and Exercise Therapy

UCL (University College London) Computer Science

Scholarships at Framlingham College are highly sought after because of the outstanding pathways that we provide for our Scholars, offering mentoring, enrichment and extension in all fields. It is a wonderful thing if a young person has talent, ambition, and a hunger to develop further. At Framlingham we provide the right environment for these talents to flourish.

Scholarships are available for those entering the Sixth Form in the areas of Academic, Sport, Music, Art, Drama, Design and Technology and Computer Science. We welcome applications for 16+ awards from pupils currently studying at both state and independent schools. Scholarship places are based on interviews, performance and assessment.

For Scholars who are in financial need, we have two, annually means tested, bursary groups available – the Pembroke Scholarship and the Framlingham College Bursary Campaign places. We would encourage families to enquire further about this where relevant.

For more information on Scholarships visit our website.

Scholarships and Bursaries “A Scholarship allowed me the opportunity to study at the College and have access to some excellent facilities. In particular, I spent a lot of time in the recording studio trying things out – and the pianos here are amazing! But more importantly, the staff here are truly brilliant; their support and encouragement was invaluable as I worked at both my playing and writing throughout my Sixth Form years, I’m very grateful for that.”

— Jack - Bursary & Scholarship recipient and Scholar at the Royal College of Music

Former Framlingham College Sixth Former, Jack Gionis, went on to study music at the Royal College of Music, London.

Beyond Framlingham

The Sixth Form is the final chapter of each Framlinghamian’s journey at the College, and our aim at this time is to ensure every single pupil goes on to scale their ‘individual Everest’. We will support those keen to pursue the Oxbridge or Medicine route, with the dedicated help of our Oxbridge and Medicine & Veterinary Applications ’ advisors, both of whom have a wealth of personal experience to draw on. Equally, we will provide as much encouragement, advice and support to those who seek a future in the world of work or in the breadth of courses available throughout the many educational institutions available.

Although the Sixth Form may be the final stage at the College – wherever they may go, or whatever the future beckons, our alumni will forever be part of the Framlingham College network.

“The Society of Old Framlinghamians has well over 4,000 members of all ages and occupations around the globe. It supports the College in every possible way and is a vital network for engagement between Framlinghamians across the generations.”

— Peter Howard-Dobson - President, Society of Old Framlinghamians

The Sixth Form Leavers’ Ball is held in July

Joining Framlingham College Sixth Form

If you are thinking of joining our Sixth Form, we have a number of events to help you with your decision. And if you do decide to join us, we have a series of induction events to make our new pupils feel welcome and instantly part of the College.

Open Day

To start with, you can visit us for our Sixth Form Open Day in September. Prospective pupils and families will be given a tour of the school by Sixth Form pupils, and talks are given by the Senior Leadership Team. Meeting current members of the Sixth Form and seeing the College first-hand will give you an insight into whether Framlingham College Sixth Form is for you.

Sixth Form Taster Day

In February we host a Sixth Form Taster Day to all current and external pupils interested in joining our school. You will have the opportunity to attend six ‘taster’ lessons of 45 minutes each, to help you choose your Sixth Form subjects. You can try lessons in A Level or BTEC subjects, including those you may not have previously studied before. Getting a ‘feel’ of a course will help you make a more informed decision when selecting your Sixth Form subjects in March.The Taster Day also offers a fantastic opportunity for mixing with others. You will come dressed in smart clothing, ready for the change that Sixth Form brings. It is a time for new and current pupils to get to know each other which will help you on your journey if you decide to join us.

Sixth Form Induction Day

If you do decide to join our Sixth Form, you will be invited to a Sixth Form Induction Day in June where you can attend lessons in your chosen subjects. You will also meet the people who will be a big part of your life over the next two years including teachers, class sets, tutors and your new Housemistress or Housemaster. As with the Taster Day, you will also get the chance to socialise and meet other pupils. Pupils new to Framlingham College are ‘buddied’ up with current pupils, so you will have a fellow pupil you can contact during the summer holidays with any questions, big or small. And as an incoming Sixth Former, having your first day of Sixth Form in June will help you to quickly feel like an established member of a wonderful, new cohort.

Breaking the ice and settling in

When September arrives, our Year 13 pupils lead the new Year 12s in a series of fun induction activities, helping you to bond and make established friendships. And our wonderful Sixth Form Centre will become a central place for you to congregate, interact and find inspiration.

“Framlingham College is like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. Everywhere you turn there is a helping hand, whether it be friends, teachers, or other members of staff. I am new this year and I moved from sunny California to cold, rainy England, and it was really difficult. I didn’t know what A Levels were, I had never been inside a boarding house, and I’m still unsure as to why people drive on the wrong side of the road. Needless to say, I was pretty terrified!

By the end of my first day, however, I felt more comfortable than ever. I had made so many amazing friends and all of my teachers made me feel welcome and at home. Framlingham College is a truly special place that provides the necessary tools and support for everyone so each individual can be comfortable within themselves and reach their true potential.”

— Lila – Overseas Boarder from the USA on settling into the Sixth Form