SIXTH FORM
SIXTH FORM ENTRY We offer a number of places for exceptionally talented boys to join us in the Sixth Form. Historically, these boys have made a profound and lasting impact on Radley and go on to take up places at the world’s leading universities. Ambition, good character and an ability to inspire others are the key criteria for entry, with priority given to boys resident in the UK. Our academic programme aims to nurture intellectual entrepreneurs. Exam results matter and our excellent A-Level results evidence this. But we know that life doesn’t have a syllabus, so we work hard to equip boys with the characteristics, skills and values that will help them thrive beyond Radley. Our vibrant speaker series exposes our boys to the widest range of ideas and perspectives, which helps them to exercise critical thought and develop their own opinions. A wide-ranging F utures programme ensures they can navigate the university application process, and everything that follows, with confidence and clarity.
The great thing about Radley is that it doesn’t shut off any avenues. We’re encouraged to follow our own path, even if - especially if it doesn’t conform to the ‘norms’ of what is expected from a public school boy. AR CH I E , OLD R ADLEIAN
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CURRICULUM The majority of boys will study four A-Level courses in the 6.1 year alongside our Extended Project Qualification, dropping to three courses in the 6.2 year. In some cases, it may be possible for boys to study more A-Level courses following discussion with the Deputy Head (Academic). We offer Art, Biology, Chemistry, Classical Civilisation, Classical Greek, Computer Science, Design & Technology, Drama & Theatre, Earth Science, Economics, English, French, Geography, German, History, History of Art, Latin, Mathematics (and Further Mathematics), Music, Physics, Politics, Spanish, Sports Science and Theology & Philosophy. We operate a four block system which caters to as many A-Level combinations as possible. Blocks allow us to set boys in accordance with their abilities and speed of learning. We are unable to cater to every conceivable combination, so in a small number of cases some boys will be asked to revise their preferences. Advice is available from the Head of Sixth Form, Heads of Department, Tutors and the Deputy Head (Academic). The Admissions team will be happy to arrange a conversation with relevant staff if required.
Exciting teaching gets the best out of curious boys who are willing to have a go. Lots of parents cited ‘fizzy’ lessons, particularly in Sixth Form, as their reason for choosing Radley. GO OD SCHO OLS GUIDE
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Boys will choose one subject from each block for A-Level. BLOCK 1
BLOCK 2
BLOCK 3
BLOCK 4
Drama and Theatre
Biology
Art
Biology
English
Economics
Chemistry
Classical Civilisation
French
English
Economics
Computer Science
History of Art
French
Geography
Design
Latin
Music
Greek
Earth Science
Mathematics
Physics
History
Geography
Sports Science
Politics
History of Art
German
Spanish
History
Theology and Philosophy
Latin Politics Spanish Theology and Philosophy
CURRICULUM EXTENSION PROGRAMME We firmly believe in breadth and depth of learning. In a world increasingly dominated by results, it is important that boys look beyond the narrow confines of the examination syllabus. Although universities require grades and outcomes, they see great value in projects that promote independence of thought, wider reading and broad intellectual horizons. We are proud of the strength of our Curriculum Extension Programme and hope boys will follow a path that both enriches their time in the Sixth Form and helps to open doors during the university entrance process and beyond. Alongside A-Levels subjects, every boy will complete two courses from our CEP which are timetabled through the week.
POPULAR OPTIONS Extended Project Qualification The EPQ is an independent research project which requires boys to either a) write a dissertation of 5,000 words on a chosen subject, b) create an artefact such as an app or screenplay, or c) stage a play or musical performance with evidence of the planning and creative process. The whole project requires approximately 80 hours of work and the result can form part of a university offer.
International Relations Designed in conjunction with Buckingham University, this course explores global issues from a range of perspectives. Boys are expected to give short presentations, develop critical thinking and analytical skills and gain a better understanding of global issues.
Mini MBA The Mini MBA is delivered in partnership with the internationally-renowned Hult Ashridge Business School and offers an excellent introduction to the world of business. Delivered by Radley dons, the course includes a student investor challenge, psychometric testing, financial management, accountancy, marketing, strategy and a business simulation project.
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RECENT OPTIONS HAVE INCLUDED:
Art AS Course
Biology/Chemistry Research
Entrepreneurship
EPQ
European Cinema
Film Studies
German/Portuguese/Spanish
International Relations
LAMDA (Acting)
Mini MBA
Music Technology
Philosophy
Medieval History
Public Speaking
Reading for Pleasure
Robotics and Coding
Learn more about our Curriculum Extension Programme
LIFE AT RADLEY Radley life is designed for and around our boys and they never fail to impress us with their desire to get stuck in and take advantage of the endless opportunities on offer. We are proud to be a full boarding school and every boy finds a home in one of our 11 Socials, where a committed pastoral team supports his development and ensures he gets the most out of his two years with us. In Social, boys join a band of brothers who will become friends for life. In the Sixth Form, boys have their own single study bedroom with a desk, wardrobe, storage space and a basin. 6.1 entrants will be assigned a Social (boarding house) in the Summer before they join us. They will also be invited to a residential induction week following their GCSEs where they will meet fellow new Sixth Form entrants and the other boys in their Social.
Radley has a very happy environment. It’s truly a home from home. TAT LER
Visit the Socials Video Tours
TOGETHER AS ONE We are proud to be a school that comes together on a daily basis, which contributes to the deep sense of community spirit and camaraderie across the College.
CHAPEL We are fortunate to have a place where the whole College community can meet as one. Chapel is figuratively and literally at the heart of Radley and our five weekly services provide the time and space for boys of all faiths and none to reflect and reset.
FOOD Radleians love their food so our fantastic catering department is crucial to community wellbeing! Boys and staff all eat centrally in Hall, which helps to foster a sense of connection across Socials and year groups
COCOA Cocoa is a time to wind down and reflect on the day. Socials meet together for a bite to eat and something to drink. A strictly ‘no-phone-zone’, conversation is key, and boys and staff can be heard discussing everything from global politics to reality television.
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FUTURES Our Futures team, incorporating University Entrance and Careers, plays a critical role in preparing our boys for life beyond Radley. They provide expert guidance on course choices, universities (UK, US, and other international), and apprenticeships. We work hard to instil a strong and varied skill set that will allow boys to thrive in their chosen careers.
Gone are the days when boys would head off to university without considering what lay beyond that, and the steps required to reach their goals. Now, we offer a bespoke programme of support to every boy, encouraging them to think deeply and strategically about their life beyond Radley, and to challenge their preconceptions about specific routes and courses. It is a constantly evolving world, and it is our responsibility to not only help prepare them for the challenges ahead, but to ensure they flourish. T I M L AWSON, HE AD OF SI XTH FORM
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UNIVERSITY ENTRANCE Our expert team of university advisors provide comprehensive guidance through the process of applying to UK, US and other international universities. In a normal year, more than 90% of boys will secure their firstchoice university destination, with the majority at a Russell Group institution. For those applying to Oxford or Cambridge, additional support is provided. We are seeing an increasing number of boys applying to universities overseas. We have an in-house US university advisor and use external consultants to support boys preparing for the application and assessment process. In recent years, boys have secured places at Harvard, Stanford, Yale, Columbia, Princeton, Duke, Northeastern, UCLA, New York University, University of North Carolina, University of Washington Amsterdam University, Milan University and McGill University (Canada). The variety of overseas destinations is such that boys are supervised on a case-by-case basis.
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RADLEIAN SOCIETY The Futures team works closely with the Radleian Society to help all Radleians in their early careers. In addition to Radley Connect, RadSoc organises regular networking events around specific themes such as FinTech, Artificial Intelligence and Entrepreneurship, and supports boys with CV preparation and interview skills. We encourage boys to actively seek out work experience opportunities whilst at school and to utilise the Radley network in support of their aims.
CAREERS Boys in all year groups are encouraged to think about their career plans early and shape their Radley experience around them. In the 6.1 year, we arrange a meeting with every boy to discuss his future ambitions. We encourage boys to actively seek out work experience opportunities throughout their time at school. Radley Connect, our community portal, provides a hub for networking with Old Radleians, current and past parents, many of whom are happy to act as mentors and/or offer work experience opportunities.
ADMISSIONS PROCESS Every boy will have a slightly different journey to entry. However, the Sixth Form admissions process is relatively straightforward. There is a Sixth Form Open Day at the start of Year 11, prior to the application deadline in early October. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to our Assessment Day in November, where they will sit papers in two of their chosen A-Level subjects and will have a subject-specific interview. Boys will also be interviewed by the Warden or another senior member of staff. Results letters with unconditional offers are sent in December.
FUNDING We are proud to have generous funding programmes for talented boys. The Radley Keys Award is an all-inclusive award for boys currently studying at state secondary schools. Families who require part-funding (including those who currently attend an independent school) may be eligible for a Silk Award. All funding is means-tested. Further information is available in our Financial Support booklet and on the website.
Financial Support Booklet
Funding Calculator www.radley.org.uk/apply/funding
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Sixth Form Entry
www.radley.org.uk