SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS
An extraordinary place to
to learn
If there is one thing I have learned about students at Holland Park School it is that they are resolutely ambitious. Nowhere is that more true than in our Sixth Form.
It is why our academic outcomes at A-Level continue to be formidable. We were one of the top performing schools in United Learning and in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea with 40% of all results at A* or A.
We are unapologetic about being an academically rigorous Sixth Form choice: our A-Level students work hard, take pride in the quality and calibre of their work, and are supported by classroom teachers who are experts in their craft, respected as the foremost teachers in their departments, and trusted by students and families.
This is coupled with a commitment to the whole person, with a wider programme of Sixth Form trips, clubs, speakers, volunteering opportunities, and chances to develop your CV and foster your independence.
In this context perhaps this building of ours is an assumed privilege: highspec science labs, Art studios, Music technology facilities and well-eqiupped classrooms sit alongside a unique, Grade II-listed Sixth Form Centre for private study and social time in the form of Thorpe Lodge. I am proud that this is a Sixth Form that prepares you for the wood-panelled halls of Oxbridge, for the slick city offices of businesses, banks and law firms, and for the tough rigour of life in the medical and dental professions.
I hope you will choose to join us.
DAME SALLY COATES EXECUTIVE PRINCIPAL
‘A
place where hard work and independence go hand in hand’
Our Sixth Form is a great source of pride at Holland Park School and its success rests on our understanding of two truths about this stage of students’ learning.
We recognise that A Levels, at their heart, are about personal engagement with one’s study and we foster an environment where students are encouraged to work diligently and with close attention to detail; it is this that leads to the highest A Level grades and it is this that university admissions tutors value so highly.
At the same time, we recognise the importance of independence and individuality, and know that this is fostered best in an environment that is supportive and nurturing and where
students are known for their character as for their work.
We have a wide network of pastoral support within the sixth form as well as impressive extra-curricular opportunities, befitting a state-of-theart school building that sits in the heart of London.
We welcome applications from all students that are committed to achieving their very best with us: this is a place where hard work and independence go hand in hand. It is a privilege to work with such determined young people and we strive to do our very best for them.
MR BENJAMIN ARNOLD DIRECTOR OF VI FORM
OUTSTANDING RESULTS
Students know to aim high, and the expertise of their teachers coupled with their own hard work has repeatedly reaped rewards across a wide range of our A-Level courses.
In 2024, students achieved particularly highly with 59% of students achieving A*/A in mathematics, 47% students achieving A*/A in Economics, 40% achieving A*/A in biology, 67% A*/A in Art.
The year before, the strongest performances came in Physics (84% A*/A), Maths (74% A*/A) and Chemistry (58% A*/A).
59% A*/A in Maths
Extension: The EPQ
In addition, for those seeking to extend themselves beyond the demands of multiple A-Level subjects, we have introduced the EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) from September 2024: students can apply for this opportunity to develop their own independent research skills, exploring topics beyond the confines of the A-Level curriculum.
For those reaching for the very top, we want to support your efforts to stand out in university applications and interviews. Our Oxbridge Programme is expertly led by our dedicated Sixth Form Pathways Lead. She provides individual mentoring for students, working with teachers on what your priorities should be and how to put these into practice. Interview support is provided across the full spectrum of subjects, and support for entrance tests for Oxbridge, law and medical courses. As part of United Learning, we are able to call on resources and expertise from other schools in any unusual cases where there are gaps in what we can provide.
‘Thepersonteachers
teachers here are interested in you as a person and go the extra mile to help you succeed’
Average class size : 9
QUALITY EXAM PRACTICE
We know how important it is for students to practise exam questions in exam conditions, but we also want teachers to be able to focus on developing students’ understanding and teaching the A-Level course. Students therefore have assessment periods in Thorpe Lodge where they complete practise exam questions and factual knowledge recall under supervised exam conditions, meaning lesson time is free for teaching, discussion, and enhancing understanding.
PRIVATE STUDY
A personalised approach to private study is taken to suit the strengths and needs of each pupil. The primary space in Thorpe Lodge is designed for silent independent study – the demands of A-Level study are considerable, with several hours’ worth of independent work to be completed each day in preparation for and consolidation from A-Level lessons.
Whilst this form of work meets the majority of students’ needs, we understand that productive group and paired work has its place, and that focussed academic discussion can very healthily support students in meeting their goals. We therefore operate an additional study space in the main school building for purposeful group and paired work.
We are clear that our primary aim at all times is to maximise students’ attainment, and we will therefore work with students to direct the right approach to private study for them.
‘Students in the Sixth Form study with diligence and their work is of a high standard’
An academically rigorous choice
We believe that A-Levels offer the best foundation in preparation for university study: they combine a sharpness of focus with breadth across the range of disciplines studied. We offer a focussed core of subjects and set high achievement
SUBJECT
EXAM BOARD
Art Edexcel
Biology AQA
Business
at GCSE as a requirement for A-Level study. More information about our courses can be found by scanning the QR code on this page, while the table below offers an overview of examination boards and entry requirements.
GCSE REQUIREMENTS
Grade 7
Grade 7 (7,7 in Double Award)
Edexcel Grades 6 in English and Maths
Chemistry AQA
Computer Science OCR
Economics AQA
English Literature
Grade 7 (7,7 in Double Award)
Grade 7 in Maths
Grade 7 in English and Maths
AQA Grade 7 in Language or Literature
French AQA
Geography
Edexcel
History AQA
Latin OCR
Mathematics
Further Mathematics
Photography
Physics
Politics
Edexcel
Edexcel
Edexcel
Edexcel
Grade 7
Grade 7
Grade 7
Grade 7
Grade 7
Grade 8
Grade 6 in Art or Photography
Grade 7 (7,7 in Double Award)
Edexcel Grade 6 in History or English
Psychology AQA Grades 6 in English and Biology
RE Edexcel
Spanish AQA
Grade 6
Grade 7
OUR SIXTH FORM CENTRE
There are not many comprehensive schools where Sixth Form study takes places in the Grade II-listed surroundings of a comfortable Victorian villa. Our Sixth Form represents the highest of academic standards and so it is right that, as of 2023, they occupy the newly restored Thorpe Lodge, the grandest part of our school site. Not only do we hope this space will inspire students, we hope it will act as a space for students to develop their own unique identity as Sixth Formers, crossing the bridge between lower-school study and the demands and freedoms of university life. Students use this space for private study and also as a social space, with access to a well-appointed kitchen for tea and coffee at break and lunchtimes, and exclusive use of the well-kept terrace and gardens.
PASTORAL SUPPORT
We know that academic success only comes when you feel supported and cared for. In addition to a tutor who acts as a daily support and check-in point, Sixth Form students are supported by a dedicated Sixth Form administrator to manage the intricacies of day-to-day life. Ms Ashcroft is our dedicated Sixth Form Pastoral Lead and Thorpe Lodge’s resident guru for all things wellbeing – a friendly face and a listening ear for whatever challenges might emerge as you navigate the transition through Sixth Form life.
ACCESS TO SERVICES
Sixth Formers also benefit from our wider school support network – we have an inschool counsellor from Place2Be who works with students individually and in small group sessions. This personalised service is available to discuss anything from exam stress and anxiety to difficult personal situations outside of school. Sixth Form students also benefit from the support and services of our wider safeguarding team, who are always on hand to listen to students’ concerns and are well-equipped to help you manage difficult situations.
SIXTH FORM ENRICHMENT
We believe that Sixth Form should be a time to experiment, to develop your independence by trying out new things, taking initiative and grasping leadership opportunities as they arise. Students regularly start their own clubs and so these remain fresh to suit current student appetites – last year Post-Structuralist Society thrived, whilst previous clubs have included First Aid Society and a Sixth Form Drama Group. We also welcome a range of visiting speakers to school, and the Sixth Form are our first priority for these: exposing our Sixth Formers to a wide variety of professionals and individuals from all walks of life helps build their confidence in determining next steps.
Recent Visiting Speakers
Jimmy Wales (founder of Wikipedia)
Ben MacIntyre (author and journalist)
Guy Chapman (artists’ agent)
Sir Douglas Flint CBE (businessman)
Alusoga Adamo (media lawyer)
Ayse Biseem (apprenticeships expert)
Natasha Shafi (hospitality and marketing)
Ben Aung (cybersecurity)
Rt Hon. David Laws (former minister) plus professionals working in diplomacy, hospitality, finance, law, medicine, and more...
Current Sixth Form Clubs
Debating Society Medical Society
Engineering Club Law Society
VI Form Football
VI Form Netball
Philosophy Club Financial Markets Club
Business Club VI Form Culinary Workshops
Orchestra
School Production
HPS Insider – Student Newspaper
BROADENING HORIZONS
For all that academic work is vital, we know that life beyond the classroom is just as important. In addition to our roster of clubs, many of them studentled, we run a wide range of trips for Sixth Form students throughout the academic year, and are always open to students suggesting visits that will broaden their horizons. Our programme of visiting speakers exposes students to new ideas as well as acting as part of our careers education programme – speakers come from all walks of life and help students understand the options available to them once they finish education.
THE WORLD OF WORK
We know how important it is that Sixth Form life prepares you for the world of work. All students undertake a week of Work Experience in Year 12, and many of our visiting speakers and trips are planned to expose students to a wide range of careers, pathways, and working environments.
We place an additional emphasis on volunteering and community outreach. Links include a local lunch club for the elderly, and Year 12 students have the opportunity to be part of a Saturday School for local primary school children in the summer which prepares them for secondary school life and welcomes them to the school community.
Recent Sixth Form Trips
Hampton Court Palace (History)
Almeida Theatre (English)
Department for Business and Trade (Business)
Malaga, Andalusia (Spanish)
Freud Museum (Psychology)
UCAS Discovery Event (Year 12)
British Film Institute (French)
Royal Opera House (English & Music)
University of Oxford / UCL Tours
Kew Gardens (Biology)
Imperial College London (Physics)
Normandy (French)
Tate Lates (Art)
STUDENT LEADERSHIP
As the oldest and (normally!) the wisest students in school, it is right that our Sixth Form students are at the helm of Student Leadership at Holland Park School. Pictured are our Student Principals for 2023-2024, Greta and Xavier. They exemplify the very best of our school’s values: diligence and determination, kindness and respect, and a community-minded spirit. We seek to create opportunities for student leadership at all levels, from official positions on our Student Leadership Team to students who take initiative in organising charity fundraising drives, events such as our Culture Day in October, Sixth Form Iftar event during Ramadan, Sixth Form Open Mic Night and more. We welcome students’ ideas and proactivity, and want to support students in building up experiences not just for the sake of CVs and university applications, but for the business of life beyond the school gates.
BEING PART OF A TEAM
We are proud of our community at Holland Park School – one of the advantages of a Sixth Form attached to an 11-16 school is the sense of belonging it can help to create. We want all students to feel part of the ‘team’ that is Holland Park Sixth Form, and our Sixth Formers regularly take part in informal sporting events, including ‘friendlies’ of Staff vs Sixth Form sports matches in a number of sports, which help to raise money for charity throughout the academic year. Pictured is our Sixth Form team for the Charity Staff vs Sixth Form football match in December. The camaraderie shown between students and staff at these events is invaluable; respect is evident in abundance and the healthy sense of fun and competition a vital part of Sixth Formers’ character education as they prepare for adult life.
“I chose Holland Park School for Sixth Form having previously studied in Italy to pursue training in professional tennis (I am ranked #8 in Italy!). I made this choice above all, because of the nature of the teaching and the academic environment. I have teachers that enjoy challenging me to achieve my very best and will support me to reach those heights. The teachers here are interested in you as a person and go the extra mile to help you succeed – whether that’s through asking you particular questions in lessons or in the marking of your work – they want you to achieve on your own terms.”
Lorenzo, Year 13
UNIVERSITY DESTINATIONS
When the time comes to send Sixth Formers out into the world at our black-tie Year 13 Leavers’ Dinner, we are confident they leave us ready for the challenges of a modern working, academic, and social world. The vast majority of Holland Park School Sixth Form students leave to attend high-quality universities. Every year, a number of our students are successful in Oxbridge, medicine and dentistry applications. Our careers guidance is coordinated by our Sixth Form Pathways Lead and our Head of Careers so students have a wealth of expertise to inform any decisions they make. We hold UCAS, apprenticeships and Clearing Workshops, 1-to-1 UCAS tutorials, and careers tutorials.
2024 IN FACTS & FIGURES
• 49% progressed to a Russell Group university, including: 3 students each to Imperial College and University College London, 5 students to King’s College London and 2 students to Oxbridge.
• A further 5 students have been successful with Bath, St Andrew’s and increasingly popular applications abroad
• these include the École Supérieure de Commerce de Paris (ESCP), University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and Libera Università Internazionale degli Studi Sociali (LUISS).
• Courses chosen are diverse as Engineering, PPE, Medicine, Theology, Computer Science, Mathematics, Population Health Sciences and Architecture.
ALUMNI & CAREERS
Our Head of Careers & Employability, Mr McCarthy, builds relationships with employers and businesses to ensure Sixth Formers have access to a range of ideas about next steps. He is also building our alumni network and working with Ms Hart to coordinate events where former Holland Park Sixth Form students return to share their journey and expertise, including a Languages Roundtable exploring the values of studying modern foreign languages at degree level, and a ‘Life Out There’ alumni careers event to showcase what our former students have gone on to achieve.
