Welcome
Tips and Advice
Academic Life
Co-curricular Activities
Frequently Asked Questions
Procedures
Lesson Timings
Code of Conduct
Key Dates
Welcome
Welcome to Sixth Form at St Helen’s.
This is such an exciting time in your school journey, a time of growth, ambition, and opportunity. Whether you are continuing y journey with us or joining St Helen’s for the first time, I want you know how delighted I am to welcome you into our vibrant and ambitious community.
Our Sixth Form is a place where you are encouraged to be courageous in your choices, confident in your abilities, and open to exploring the possibilities that lie ahead. It is a time to dig deeper, into subjects you love, passions you want to pursue, and ambitions you are still discovering. At St Helen’s, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. We know that every student brings their own strengths, dreams, and voice, and we are here to support you, challenge you, and champion you every step of the way.
My vision for the St Helen’s is simple and unwavering: to create an environment where every student is known, valued, and empowered to thrive and succeed. A space where you are free to ask questions, try new things, make mistakes, and grow into the young adult you aspire to be, academically, creatively, personally, and socially.
I hope you seize the many opportunities ahead, in leadership, enrichment, service, and academics, and make your time in the Sixth Form truly your own. Most of all, I hope you feel inspired every day by the people around you and proud of the person you are becoming.
Welcome to Sixth Form at St Helen’s. This is your time to thrive.
Mrs Bridget Ward Head
Welcome to the Sixth Form
WelcometoSixthForm!Wehopeyouarelookingforwardtostarting yourexcitingSixthFormjourney!Itisfullofchallenges,butthe memoriesandexperiencesyougainwillbeveryrewardingandlong lasting.
The major change between GCSE and A Level is the need to take initiative in your own learning. At the end of the day, this is YOUR journey, and it will allow you to become more independent and develop your organisational skills. The best part of Sixth Form is that you can choose what you want to learn, and this allows you to delve deeper into your curiosities and passions.
Whilst the Sixth Form journey is an individual one, never feel alone! Your Tutors, friends and the Futures team are always there to support you in any way you need. Sixth Form opens the doors to so many opportunities and activities, some of which you will create your best memories with, that will stay with you long after leaving St Helen’s.
Sixth Form is the peak of the Senior School mountain, where you are looked highly upon by the younger girls and therefore you should make the most of this! Indulge yourself in all the experiences and opportunities that you have been looking forward to – including leading House Arts, clubs and partaking in leadership roles.
Time flies when your having fun, so remember to appreciate every moment because every journey matters (courtesy of TFL)!
Good luck and remember we are always here to help!
Aruna and Sumaya
Sixth Form Prefect and Head Girl
The Sixth Form Team
We are delighted to welcome you to the Sixth Form at St Helen’s. This is a new and exciting part of your education, and we are here to support and guide you through the next two years, with all its challenges and choices.
The aim of this handbook is to give you an insight into life as a Sixth Former, and to provide some useful information on everyday routines and procedures, as well as some tips on how to make the most of your time here. If there is anything that needs clarification, do ask your tutor in the first instance, or go to the Sixth Form Office in Mackenzie.
For the Academic Year 2026 - 2027, the Heads of Year will be Mr Maddran and Mrs Hayyan, working together with the Deputy Heads Academic, Pastoral and Teaching and Learning to oversee academic and pastoral care in the Sixth Form. The Careers and Higher Education curriculum, including university application support, is led by the Futures Team, whose offices are located in MacKenzie.
The Sixth Form Office is upstairs in Mackenzie and this is a good place to go if you have any problems or questions.
Every Sixth Former is assigned to a Tutor who will look after your day to day academic and pastoral needs over the coming two years.
Registration Groups and Tutors
TutorsplayavitalroleinyourtimehereintheSixthForm.Wehavea veryexperiencedTutorteamwhoareskilledinpastoralcare,aswellas otheraspectssuchassupportingyouwithyouruniversityapplications andwritingpersonalisedUCASreferences.
Students meet in their tutor groups daily with their Tutor. For 2026-27, tutor groups will be vertical with a mixture of Year 12s and 13s in each group.
These sessions cover registration, PSHCE, Futures planning, assemblies, and other tutorial work.Tutor time begins at 8:30am in school and students are expected to attend every day unless they are ill.
YourTutor should be your first port of call if any issue or problem should arise. Our Tutors are regularly informed of academic progress, effort in class and homework and overall attitude to learning. Should you fall behind with your work, feel that you are struggling or have an issue you simply want to talk through, they are the members of staff that you and your parents or carers should contact first.
Your relationship with yourTutor is one of the aspects that makes Sixth Form so special: yourTutor will be the member of staff you see the most during your Sixth Form life. This is vital when it comes to thinking about university and your future, as they have got to know your aspirations and ambitions throughout the year and can listen and advise you appropriately.
Pastoral Team
Academic Team
Sixth Form Team
Tips and Advice from Sixth Formers Academic Life
Academic
• It is important to keep on top of homework and meet deadlines. This will help you stay relaxed and find time to do social activities as well as explore subjects outside the curriculum
• Try to think about your EPQ during the summer by exploring topics of interest to you
• Read around your subjects and familiarise yourself with specifications
• Revise the key facts and topics from GCSEs
• Make notes as you go along and dedicate time to consolidate content
• Try out a range of revision techniques at the start of the year, so that by exams you are confident in what works best for you
• Use your holidays wisely to balance work and socialising
Social
• Trust your Tutors and form good relationships with them so you are comfortable asking them for help
• Sixth Form is a more independent environment, so it is important to give each other space and recognise that friendship groups will change
• Clean up your mess in Mackenzie, it is both a social and study space
• Choose several Co-curricular activities that you will enjoy - you can even start your own club!
• Prioritise your mental health, ensure you stay well hydrated and have plenty of sleep!
• Don’t be afraid to ask Year 13s for help/advice/guidance - we are all happy to help!
Futures
• Look out for university Open Days and book them in advance. Popular months for open days are June and November
• Keep a record of extra reading and your opinions on current events for you to refer to
• Complete the reading that is set in Uniprep and Uniprep+, ask your teachers and tutors any questions you may have
• Keep up to date with current affairs and when possible, discuss with family and friends
• Read around courses at the start of Sixth Form. This will help you make decisions on what you want to study at University
• READ! READ! READ!
StudyAreas
Mackenzie
The Sixth Form has range of study facilities to use around the school, but your main home over the next two years will be Mackenzie, a purpose-built Sixth Form building next to the School of Music.
Downstairs, there are study areas, as well as a small meeting room which can be booked for Sixth Form societies or used by Sixth Form mentors for intervention sessions in a range of subjects.
Upstairs is the common room and kitchen area: it is your responsibility to maintain and keep this area clean and tidy. Tea, coffee, milk and sugar are provided, and you are very welcome to use the microwaves and fridges.
Many students choose to study in the Common Room in their non-contact time so if you wish to use your mobile, or other devices, please keep noise to a minimum by using headphones.
Do also be considerate when moving around Mackenzie during lesson time in order to minimise disruption to any lessons taking place in the building.
You are also able to use other areas of the school to work:
• The Library – this is an excellent place for private study in your noncontact time. Ms DeCruz and her team of librarians will introduce you to or remind you of all the facilities available to you: books, periodicals, journals, newspapers and computers. In addition, many of these are available digitally and the school has a wide range of subscriptions to academic publications which will help with your A Level studies
• Daisies Café is a great place to work individually or in groups
• The Zone is available during lesson time for quiet study
• Free rooms – please ask in the Mackenzie Sixth Form Office for a list of free classrooms; this changes daily so it is important to check
Year 12 Volunteering Programme
Every Year 12 student has the incredible opportunity to dedicate two hours every week to volunteering—a chance to give back, develop new skills, and make meaningful connections. Whether you choose to design your own volunteering experience or take part in our highly popular Outreach Programme, this is your time to inspire, lead, and grow.
If you prefer to self-organise your placement, you’ll need to get it approved to ensure it meets safeguarding and work suitability requirements, along with parental permission. This allows you to tailor your experience to something you're truly passionate about.
But why go it alone when you can be part of something amazing? The Outreach Programme offers a rewarding way to work in groups at local infant and junior primary schools, supporting young learners in a variety of activities. You could:
• Run a drama club and bring stories to life
• Lead an arts & crafts session to spark creativity
• Teach music, whether it’s choir, violin, or keyboard
• Introduce children to French or Spanish
• Inspire future scientists by running a Science Club
• Get active by leading a Sports Club
• Help young students build confidence in reading and phonics
These are just a few possibilities, and your ideas are always welcome! This is your chance to shape your own experience, develop leadership and teamwork skills, and create a lasting impact on the community. Be part of something special!
Year 12 feedback:
• It was really enjoyable to teach the children a new language and see their enthusiasm when they would come the following week having learnt a few words and phrases and wanting to learn more to tell their families and friends
• I felt that holding a drama club allowed students to express themselves outside of their regular classroom timetable. Whilst they learnt from us I truly felt we learnt from them too as they helped me and my partner build so many skills that we have not been able to build in our School
• It was really enjoyable getting involved with the children at our outreach school and getting to know them - even just being a small part of their lives. Knowing that even if we only got to work with them for a short time a week, I really looked forward to helping them as much as I could
• The children were so enthusiastic and so were we, it was a lovely environment
• The best thing was seeing the transformation in confidence of the children who at first wouldn’t say anything to non stop chatting by the end of the experience
• I particularly enjoyed watching the children I was helping develop their reading abilities as the year progressed; directly seeing the impact I was having was very rewarding
• It was so rewarding to connect with the children and feel a part of the progress we saw
• I enjoyed watching the children’s excitement in coming to choir that increased after every session they attended
• Seeing the children smile and enjoy themselves brought me happiness as well
• I enjoyed the enjoyment and excitement shown from the children, when I went in and helped them. Their smiles were worth it
Co-Curricular Activities
Oneofthethingsstudentsoften strugglewithwhenstartingSixth Formishowtogetthatperfect ‘work-play’balance.Whileitis truethatnowmorethanever,the emphasisshouldbeonacademic study(especiallyasfurtherreading becomesvital),thatabsolutelydoes notmeanthatyouaresupposedto giveupyourCo-curricularlife.
You are the only person who will truly recognise when you have taken on too much and if that does happen, do not be afraid to admit this to yourself. There is a difference between being busy and being overwhelmed. The best advice we can give you is to know yourself, and to know your own limits.
What is clear is that no one in Sixth Form is expected to stop all Co-curricular activities – quite the opposite, in fact. You are all strongly encouraged to get involved with some of the many opportunities available to you, but please be selective; choose ones of genuine interest to you.
Combined Cadet Force
“CCFintheSixthFormhassimilarities anddifferencestoCCFinSenior School Youstillmustupholdthecore CCFvaluesofteamwork,discipline andrespect,butleadershipreally comesintoplayasyoutakeonthe rolesofsectioncommanders
Thesuddentransitionfromlearning toteachingisonewhichcanbequite difficulttonavigateatfirst,butthebest waytogetthroughitistorelyon others,whetheritbeotherpeoplein youryear,ortheteachersattimes CCFalsobecomesinfinitelymore rewarding.Youhavethechanceto passonallthatyou’velearnedover thepasttwoyearstoyoungercadets, whowillonedaybeinyourshoes passingontheirknowledgetothe youngeryears Eventhesmallest thingsthatyou’velearned,whichyou thoughtwereirrelevantatthetime, turnouttobeveryusefulwhenyou’re thrownintounexpectedsituations
Lastly,theapplicationsforYear13
SNCOpositionsareasignificantpoint intheyear,andatthattimeit’s importanttobelieveinyourselfand alwaystryandpushabitfurtherthan youthinkyoucango,sinceyounever knowhowitcouldturnout.Have confidenceinyourselfandpeoplewill follow.”
Young Enterprise
“YoungEnterpriseisanincredibleopportunitynot onlyforthosewhowanttogetatasteoftheworldof business,butalsoforthosewhojustwantanamazing experience.Itteachesyouhowtobealeaderanda followeringroupscenarios,howtomeetdeadlines andhowtointeractwithstrangersonaprofessional level,amongstmanyothervitalskills.
Assomeonewhofindstalkingtostrangerspretty awkward,YoungEnterprisereallyhelpedtoincrease myconfidenceand,eventually,overcomethat awkwardness.Overall,I’dhighlyrecommenditto anyonewhohasaninterestinbusinessorwantsto gainlifelongskills.”
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
“Trekkingformilesacrossfieldsfullofrather ominouscowswithnothingbutyourwit,yourwill andyourwaterproofsforfourdaysmaynotsound likefun,butitreallyisanamazingexperiencethatyou willneverforget.SomeofthebestthingsaboutDofE havegottobethefood,campingwithyourfriendsand theimmensesenseofachievementafteryou’ve finished(anddidImentionthefood?).What’smore, completingGoldDofEinSixthFormhastheadded benefitofallowingyoutoreceiveyourfinalawardat BuckinghamPalaceonceyoufinish. DofEgivesyousomanyinvaluableskills.Notonlydo youfeelsomuchmoreindependentanddetermined, butyoualsolearnwhatperseverancereallyis.You comebackfromtheexpeditionachangedperson, andafterDofE,Ipromiseyouthatthenexttimeyou’re cold,lostandtrappedinabarbedwirefencedfield, you’llknowexactlywhattodo.”
Phab
Phab is a charity that is very close to our community here in St Helens. Students are given the opportunity, through a strict selection process, to become part of the “Phab Team,” working together throughout the year to raise funds and support this inspiring organisation.
For over 65 years, Phab has been dedicated to building a more inclusive world. It supports a national network of Phab Clubs and runs Phab Adventures, bringing together disabled and non-disabled people of all ages. Through these activities, Phab promotes friendship, fun, and a strong sense of belonging, creating spaces where everyone is valued and included. Due to the popularity of the programme, there are often more applicants than places available. As a result, students interested in joining the Year 12 Phab Team take part in an interview process. We are also proud to collaborate with Harrow School in our fundraising efforts, further strengthening our support for this wonderful charity.
Some of the activities we have delivered include Christmas Jumper Day, PHAB Candy Canes, Knock the Elf Off the Shelf, and a Sponsored Walk.
One of our most valuable opportunities is the PHAB Residential. This is a fantastic experience where our team travels to the New Forest to stay together, supporting and spending quality time with both disabled and non-disabled participants. It’s a rewarding chance to build friendships, promote inclusion, and create lasting memories for everyone involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
HowisYear12differenttoYear11?
Academic Rigour
You’ll move from studying a range of subjects at GCSE to focusing on fewer subjects in much more depth. Lessons will have challenging content that pushes your brain to think harder then it ever has before.
Time Management
Another difference is the amount of time you need to manage for yourself. In Year 12, you will have to manage your study times effectively to ensure you complete all the classwork and homework, whilst also balancing your Co-curricular and interests. At first this may feel challenging but with the help of the year 13s in your tutor group, you will soon get the hang of it.
Futures
Year 12 is also when you start to think about what your future looks like. The grades you achieve in Year 12 feed into your university application. Over the year it is a chance to build strong habits, explore your options, and keep as many doors open as possible. At the start of Year 12 you will take part in the Personal Impact Programme. These sessions enhance your employability skills and culminate in the networking breakfast event where you can practise the skills you have learnt. Throughout the two years of Sixth Form you will hear from a range of speakers through the lecture series. These biweekly sessions are led by alumnae who talk about their career and life post leaving St Helen’s. These events all help you to discover what path you want to take.
Social
You have your own Sixth Form block with kitchen and social area. There is also dedicated seating for you to hang out with your friends. We have regular events such as socials to Winter Wonderland, and the spring formal.
WhatifIgetintoYear12andI realiseIdon’tlikemysubjects?
In the first 3 weeks of Year 12, it is normal for some students to realise they have chosen the wrong subjects. Timetable permitting, you will be able to move into a different subject. However, this is something that must be discussed with your Tutor, your subject teacher and Head of Department, and your parents or carers.
You also need to speak to Mrs Hayyan or Mr Maddran and any final decision needs to be made with her and your parents or carers, so you must continue to attend your existing lessons and classes until the change is authorised.
WhendoIneedtostartthinking aboutUniversitiesanddegree courses?
You will get a lot of support to guide you into making the right choice for you through PSHCE, tutor time and any Futures talks or assemblies that are held throughout Year 12. There will also be a focus on UCAS, degree choices and university applications in the summer term of Year 12.
Do reflect on what you are enjoying in your subjects, and which areas fascinate and engage you; you can start to read widely in those subjects, and to look for TedTalks or online lectures to deepen your knowledge and understanding.
Taster courses and department Open Days are often held by universities in the Summer Term of Year 12: attendance at these must be authorised by Mrs Hayyan or Mr Maddran. There are a finite number of days you are allowed to take off in term time to visit universities or attend apprenticeship conferences and you are encouraged to attend, at weekends if possible.
University preparation courses (UniPrep) are timetabled to start in the Spring Term of Year 12 and run through Year 13 in order to give you guidance and extension work in your chosen degree discipline. These unique sessions ensure that you are supported throughout the Higher Education application process.
Procedures
Full details of study periods are published separately; careful adherence to the procedures is vital if your attendance record is to be accurate.
Registration
Students must be in their form room by 8.30am. Afternoon registration takes place in class at the start of Period 5. If you are not in a taught lesson or supervised study session, it is essential that you sign in at one of the places specified (see detailed arrangements on page 12).
Signing in
Sixth Formers who are late must sign in immediately upon arrival at the main School Office, and then go straight to the appropriate registration or assembly. In the case of RBH assemblies, they should go to the dining room and not attempt to enter the Hall. It is not acceptable for latecomers to wait in the Common Room, study area or Form rooms.
Assemblies
Attendance at school, Sixth Form, House and Form assemblies is compulsory, unless you are engaged in one of the few activities which take precedence (such as a music practice).
Signing out
This is extremely important in case of fire or other emergency. The signing out sheet is kept at the main School Office window in the Quad corridor, and is to be used whenever you leave the site for medical appointments as well as for home study afternoons. Evidence of your permission to leave, such as a green form, must be given to the School Office. Where appropriate, remember to sign back in again upon your return.
Lateness
Parents will be informed if you are frequently late for Registration. If the pattern persists, students can expect to lose privileges such as home study afternoons. Girls may find themselves barred from standing for positions of responsibility, for which reliability and commitment are essential.
Illness
Students who are ill during the day must go to the Medical Room. Under NO circumstances should a student leave school of their own accord, especially if feeling unwell. If in doubt, see Mrs Hayyan or Mr Maddran. If you are not able to find either Mrs Hayyan or Mr Maddran then you should go and seek assistance from Mrs Ladwa in the Sixth Form office.
Absence
It is essential for your academic progress that absences are limited to the absolute minimum. Cases of illness must be covered by a note from parents and handed into School Office promptly upon the student’s return to school.
Requests for other exceptional absences should be made in writing to your Head of Year (Mrs Hayyan or Mr Maddran), well in advance. We would ask that parent’s email schoolabsence@sthelens.london or telephone the absence line on 01923 843210 selecting option 4 on the first day of absence for illness.
Unauthorised Absences
These will be recorded as such on a student’s record and will remain unauthorised until an explanatory note is received. Any unexplained absences will be recorded on your UCAS application and any future references the School may be asked for.
Mobile Phones
Our school is a mobile phone-free environment, however, students in the Sixth Form can use their mobile phones in Mackenzie and when paying for food at Daisies Cafe.
Open Days
You are allowed to attend no more than three Open Days or taster courses during school time in the Summer term of Year 12, or the Autumn Term of Year 13. You need to complete a purple Open Day form at least a week before, which needs to be signed by parents and teachers. Forms are available from the Sixth Form Office. We advise you to attend Open Days on the weekends where possible, to minimise impact on your learning.
Notices
Please check noticeboards and emails regularly for important messages. In particular, please look at the noticeboards outside the staff room. Students can use the boards in the Common Room for their own messages and posters.
Parking
You are not allowed to park onsite. Street parking is restricted between 1pm – 2pm on Carew Road and in the immediate vicinity, and traffic wardens are vigilant.
Remember, punctuality and attendance are important! We are asked to comment on these in UCAS and employment references.
Lesson Timings Registration Arrangements
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday
8.30am – 8.50am Personal Tutor Time
8.50am – 9.45am Period 1
9.50am – 10.45am Period 2
12.05pm – 1pm Period 4
Wednesday
8.30am – 8.50am
Personal Tutor Time
8.50am – 9.45am Period 1
9.50am – 10.45am Period 2
10.45am – 11.05am Break
11.05am – 12pm Period 3
12.05pm – 1pm Period 4
Friday
8.30am – 8.50am
Personal Tutor Time
8.50am – 9.45am Period 1
9.50am – 10.45am Period 2
10.45am – 11.05am Break 11.05am – 12pm Period 3 12.05pm – 1pm Period 4 10.45am – 11.05am Break 11.05am – 12pm Period 3 1pm – 2.05pm Lunch 2.05pm – 3pm Period 5 3.05pm – 4pm Period 6 1pm – 2.05pm Lunch 2.05pm – 3pm Period 5 3.05pm – 3.35pm Assembly/Tutor Time 1pm – 2.15pm Lunch 2.15pm – 3.10pm Period 5 3.15pm – 3.35pm Assembly/Tutor Time
PoweroftheThumb!
Registration
However, make sure you are in your form rooms by 8.30am. If you are late arriving to school then you are required to sign in at Main School Reception, writing down the actual time arrived and a specific reason for the delay You will not be able to thumb in after 8.30am - you must attend form time.
Taught Lessons
Registers are taken every lesson. Late arrival will be recorded. Class teachers are asked to alert unexplained absences to office staff, who then check individual music timetables, liaise with the nurse, confidential listener and library and consult signing out sheets.
Study Periods
You must sign in for every Period that you do not have a taught lesson. You must thumb in within ten minutes of the start of Period 5. If your Tutor is not there for your lesson you must still go to the lesson and you will be registered by a cover Tutor.
Where a Tutor is absent from school, Year 12 will be registered in the normal classroom by a cover Tutor. Year 13 students will be set work but may work independently. They are responsible for their own registration by signing the sheet at the School Office window, or with Mrs Ladwa in Mackenzie.
Your badge will let you in and out of the Mackenzie gate into Green Lane before and after official school hours, and within the lunch break. Outside these times you must use the main Eastbury Road entrance.
Lectures / Whole Year Talks
The norm is that students are registered as they enter the venue.
Signing Out for Lunch
If you want to go to Northwood during lunchtime, press # on the keypad and then place your thumb on the scanner. Don’t forget to sign back in again upon your return.
Thumb Scanners
There are three in Mackenzie and two near Main School Reception. These are for registration during the school day, and are not a substitute for registering with your Tutor in the mornings.
Code of Conduct
TheStHelen’scommunityisonein whichstaffandgirlsactwithrespect, courtesyandconsiderationforone anotheratalltimes.
• We think for ourselves and take responsibility for our own actions
• We try to understand and respect the views of people from all backgrounds, cultures and religions
• We believe that bullying is unacceptable in any circumstances
• We behave in the classroom in such a way as to make learning as enjoyable as possible for everyone
• We behave politely and sensitively to
everyone in the school community
• We look after our belongings, respect other people’s possessions, the school’s resources and our environment
• We act with the same courtesy and consideration towards other people both in and out of school
• We move purposefully and quietly around school, arriving promptly to registration, assembly and lessons
A successful learner:
• gets actively involved
• is original
• takes responsibility
• sees learning as a part of their personal development
• has the confidence to use their ability
• perseveres
• takes risks
• has the courage to tackle difficult challenges
• sets no limits to their learning
• learns how to think
• asks pertinent questions
• accepts failure as a possibility
• learns from mistakes
• reflects on how they learn best
• reacts positively to advice
Privileges and Responsibilities
Thereareanumberofprivileges:
• No dress code, apart from formal dress code for formal occasions. However, we do ask you to dress appropriately for school
• Use of the Common Room and study areas, and lounge and kitchen (but note that misuse will lead to their closure). It is not appropriate to take food or drink into classrooms, study areas and computer rooms
• Students may sign out at lunchtime to go into Northwood and purchase lunch, although participation in lunchtime activities is strongly encouraged. Study periods may not be used for any offsite activity, and students must not go offsite at any other time during the school day. Students are also welcome to sit outside during lunchtime. School lunches will continue to be provided unless a term’s notice has been given to opt out
• Private study time to develop wider reading and subject knowledge
• Early lunch, but only between 11.45am and 12 noon, if you do not have a lesson during this time
Therearealsoresponsibilities:
We wish to treat Sixth Formers as young adults, and in return we expect high standards in all aspects of your life and work, including:
• Dress – appropriate for a day of serious work. There are no strappy tops to be worn and no bare midriffs (dress code available on the Year 11 and Year 12 Team). On special occasions such as Open Day and Speech Day, smart business attire is required. This includes smart trousers or skirt, a blouse (or cardigan/blazer) and smart shoes. PE uniform is plain black leggings or shorts, plain white polo top and a plain black hoodie
• Behaviour – be considerate to others. Mobile phones, earphones and ear pods must only be used in the Common Room, and even then with restraint
• Work – you have worked hard to achieve the results to enter the Sixth Form, so ensure that you fulfil your potential. In particular, bear in mind how competitive entry to top universities can be
• Safety – you have a responsibility to ensure your own health and safety at School, along with everyone else’s. You must use authorised gates and walking routes around and to/from the site, and not cross car parks or vehicle entrances, especially outside the School Office
• Duties – Sixth Formers may be called upon to undertake supervision duties during lunchtime
• Keep left in the corridors, and do not block passageways or cause any potential hazards by leaving bags in unsuitable places
• Year 12 forms have opportunities to assist staff with running clubs and societies, general supervision and public relations activities. This is a great way of interacting with younger girls, and good experience on which to draw if you aspire to apply to be a Prefect!
• Smoking, vaping and the consumption of alcohol are prohibited during the school day, both on and offsite, as well as on the way to and from school. Smoking materials (including vaping) and alcohol must not be brought onto the premises
• Keep valuables secured in your locker or on you at all times
• Cars may not be brought onsite
Key Dates Year
Year 12 Pastoral Evening
September 2026
Into the Sixth September 2026
Parents’ Evening (online)
November 2026
Sixth Form Christmas Trip December 2026
13
UCAS Early Application Deadline (Medicine/Veterinary Sciences/Dentistry/Oxbridge)
October 2026
UCAS Non-Early Application Deadline
November 2026
Sixth Form Christmas Trip
December 2026
Higher Education Lauch Evening January 2027
Sixth Form Spring Formal March 2027
Internal End of Year Exams Immediately after Easter Break Spring Summer
A Level Mock Exams Immediately after Christmas Break Parents’ Evening (Face to Face)
February 2027
Sixth Form Spring Formal March 2027
ALevel Examinations (public exam period) May/June 2027
Please Note: Exact dates to be confirmed following any further guidance issued from Ofqual and the Department for Education. Leavers Day and Ball July 2027
And finally...
SixthFormisoneofthemostexciting,yetdemandingperiodsofyouracademiccareer.Itisastepping stonetouniversity,careersordegreelevelapprenticeships.AllthestaffatStHelen’sareheretohelp youfulfilyourdreamsandleavetheSixthFormhappy,proudandsecureinyourachievements.
Itisvitalthatyouarefullycommittedtoyourstudies,inschoolandathome;volunteering,work experienceandparttimejobscanteachvaluableskillsbutneedtobebalancedagainstschoolstudies, Co-curricularactivities,exercise,asociallifeandimportantly,agooddietandenoughsleep.
Atcertaintimesoftheyear,youwillhavetoprioritiseyourstudiesoveryourCo-curricularandsocial life:ifyouarestruggling,dotalktoyourtutor,ortoMrMaddranorMrsHayyan.Wecansupportyou academicallyandpastorally,andwilldosofromthemomentyouarrive,toyourfinaldayinschoolon ALevelResultsDay2027!
Enjoythenexttwoyearsandmakeeverydaycount–yourtimeintheSixthFormatStHelen’swill besospecialbutitwillpassveryquickly!