Huxlow & Rushden Academy Sixth Form Prospectus, 2025
SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS
Huxlow Academy & Rushden Academy are part of the Tove Learning Trust –a highly successful and growing multi-academy trust
Our Values
BREADTH
Taking advantage of economies of scale we are able to offer our students a broad and flexible curriculum designed to develop them academically, culturally and personally. PARTNERSHIP
We have a commitment to shared ownership, responsibility, and accountability.
RESILIENCE
We support and prepare our students to make the transition from school to the world beyond. Our collegiate environment produces independent learners with resilience, tolerance and mutual support and cooperation
ASPIRATION
We set high expectations and are ambitious for our students in all they do.
Head of Sixth Form Welcome
Dear parents, carers and students,
We are in a privileged position to be part of a fantastic Sixth Form Team bridging across the two schools. Our aim is to provide an environment that is professional, motivating and aspirational, whilst always supporting individual students to reach their full potential and next steps in life.
As young adults who are getting ready to make their own way in the world, it is important we support them not only academically but pastorally too, to become well rounded citizens, and this comes through knowing our students well. Our main focus is achieving strong individual outcomes, and this is more likely with personalised support and a sense of belonging to a strong community.
We offer a programme of support for next steps, whether that is university, apprenticeship or employment; we help each individual decide on the right future path for them and how to get there.
We look forward to welcoming you.
Mrs A Owen and Mrs J Holmes
Mrs A Owen Director of Sixth Form - Rushden Academy
Mrs J Holmes Director of Sixth Form - Huxlow Academy
One Trust, Two Schools, One Vision of Excellence “ “
Sixth Form Life
A significant proportion of our Year 11 students continue their education into the Sixth Form and they are joined by an increasing number from other schools and locations.
Independent Study
Level Three study (A Level and BTECs) is hard work and all students are expected to work independently outside of their classes. We ask all students to plan their time each week, with a ‘To Do’ list and designated time for specific tasks, including revision right from the start. We also deliver session on key study skills to support students in their transition from GCSE. Independence, organisation, and motivation are key.
16-19 Bursary
PSHE
Sixth Form students will attend ‘Assembly’ sessions on a weekly basis. These will include topics such as managing finances, learning to drive, voting, the law, sexual health, CV writing, and many more. We feel these sessions are invaluable in educating students on important subjects that they need to be aware of as they grow up and become adults in our current climate. PSHE lessons are delivered by both teaching staff and visiting professionals, offering a range of specialist knowledge on a variety of different topics.
A Government funded financial support bursary is available to eligible students whilst they study with us at Sixth Form. It is intended to help students overcome barriers to participation so that they can remain in education and assists with cost such as travel, food, books and equipment. Full details and guidance are available on the school websites.
Ofsted 2025 - Huxlow Academy “ “
Sixth form students, are well prepared to make decisions about their lives beyond school
The head of Sixth Form has a really supported me through my UCAS application, helping with my personal statement and course choices “ “
“ “
One thing I love about Sixth Form is the wide variety of subjects, I thoroughly enjoy all of mine, particularly since they all go together so well, but it was good to be able to have lots of different courses to choose from and it is also nice to have friends in different subjects
Pastoral Care
Each student in the Sixth Form is assigned a Form Tutor whose priority is the general well-being of the students in their care.
Tutors are the first line of contact and support as they take a holistic approach to the progress of each young person in their Tutor Group. On a regular basis, tutors monitor subject progress data and have follow up discussions with students.
They know students well, as they usually remain with the tutor group for both years of Sixth Form. Form Tutors liaise directly with either the Head or Assistant Director of Sixth Form. Together, they provide the key links between home and school.
With competition for both university and employment rising, it is vital that young people have a range of skills to give them a chance of securing their chosen course of profession. We offer the opportunity to apply to the Lessons from Auschwitz Project and Salt of the Earth Charity residential in India. Both Huxlow Academy and Rushden Academy are also officially licensed centres for the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.
Each Sixth Form study area is for the exclusive use of the Sixth Form students and provides a pleasant and quiet place to work, with computer facilities, toilets, lockers, drink making facilities and a microwave. The Sixth Form Office has an open-door policy and is accessible directly within the study areas.
All students have weekly assemblies and PSHE lessons. This is an opportunity for students to explore a number of themes and issues in preparation for adult life.
We recognise that our students have a diverse range of interests, talents and abilities and that they have many different ambitions. For all our students, whatever their choice is, we aim to provide an effective foundation to the next stage in their lives.
Ofsted 2025 - Huxlow Academy “ “
Students in the sixth form speak highly of the pastoral support they receive
Students agree that the sixth form is a positive environment which they really value. They appreciate the support they get from mentors and benefit from the expert subject knowledge of their teachers
Ofsted 2022 - Rushden Academy
Course Entry Requirements
In order to obtain a place at Huxlow and Rushden Academy 6th Form, students are required to have 5 GCSE grade 9-4 (or equivalent), including GCSE English or Maths.
All students are also required to meet the specific course entry requirements detailed across in addition to the entry criteria.
GCSE English & Maths Retakes
Students who achieve 5 GCSE grade 9-4 or equivalent AND a grade 3 in English OR Maths will still be allowed to study at Huxlow and Rushden Academy Sixth Form.
Students who have achieved a grade 3 will have compulsory English OR Maths GCSE lessons added to their timetable in addition to their selected course options.
Students who achieve below grade 3 in English AND Maths will not eligible for entry to the sixth form.
Failure to meet the above entry criteria will result in not gaining a place Huxlow and Rushden Academy 6th Form.
SUBJECT QUALIFICATION
Applied
Fine
Chemistry
Early Childhood Development
English Literature
Further Maths
Geography
Health & Social Care
History
grade 4 or above, grade 5 in science
4 or above
5 GCSE’s grade 4 or above, grade 7 in Maths
Level 5 GCSE’s grade 4 or above
5 GCSE’s grade 4 or above
GCSE’s grade 4 or above Maths
Performing Arts
Photography
Physics
Psychology
Sociology
Sport
GCSE’s grade 4 or above, grade 6 in Maths
grade 4 or above
GCSE’s grade 4 or above, including a GCSE in a creative subject
5 GCSE’s grade 4 or above, grade 6 in Maths and grade 5 in science
5 GCSE’s grade 4 or above
5 GCSE’s grade 4 or above, grade 5 in science
grade 4 or above, 2 sciences required if PE not studied at GCSE
Option Blocks - A Level & BTEC
Students must choose a minimum of 3 courses and a maximum of 4, selecting from blocks A to D. You can mix A Level and BTEC courses as desired. It’s not necessary to choose a subject from every block. You have the option to select either the BTEC ‘Triple’ Sport or Performing Arts course, or a ‘Single’ course along with two A Levels.
For BTEC courses, if you wish to complete the double qualification, you need to choose both the single and double option.
If you are selecting Further Maths, please choose both the Maths options from block E.
A LEVELS
All courses in the prospectus and combinations of courses are subject to having viable numbers apply and are also subject to any potential Government changes.
BLOCK A
BLOCK B
BLOCK C
BLOCK D
BLOCK E
Application Process
Applications to Huxlow and Rushden Academy Sixth Form must be submitted online through the ‘Sixth Form’ section of our school websites.
Closing date for applications is 28th February 2026
For more information visit www.huxlow.northants.sch.uk www.rushden-academy.net
SEPTEMBER 2025
Introduction to Sixth Form Assembly
13 NOVEMBER 2025
Sixth Form Open Evening Presentation at 6pm and 7pm
NOVEMBER/ DECEMBER 2025
Academic discussion –students have a meeting with Sixth Form staff to discuss options
FEBRUARY 2026
MAY / JUNE 2026
Application deadline 28th February 2026 and Conditional offers made
GCSE exams –Good Luck!
W/C 29TH JUNE 2026
Induction days for all applicants
2 - 3 JULY 2026
20 AUGUST 2026
SEPTEMBER 2026
As part of the induction into the Sixth Form. We invite Year 11 students to attend a residential trip to the University of Kent
GCSE Results Day – All applicants confirm their place and subjects with the Sixth Form team – in person, via email, on the phone
Join Huxlow and Rushden Academy 6th Form and start your next exciting adventure
