Miss Maria Townsend - Headteacher
As Headteacher, I am proud to introduce our Sixth Form, a place where students are known, valued, and challenged to be the best versions of themselves. Here at Barnwell we place great value on respect, responsibility, and aspiration, encouraging every individual to grow in character as well as achievement. Sixth Form is a time to step forward with confidence, take ownership of your future, and contribute meaningfully to the world around you. I am continually inspired by the ambition and integrity of our students, and I look forward to seeing all they will accomplish within school and beyond.

Mrs Jackie Johnson - Deputy Headteacher - Head of Upper Campus
Welcome to our Sixth Form – a friendly and supportive community where respect, responsibility, and aspiration guide everything we do. We believe in treating everyone with kindness, taking ownership of our learning, and aiming high in all our goals. Our staff are here to help you grow in confidence, explore your interests, and take on new challenges. Whether you’re heading for university, an apprenticeship, or straight into work, we’ll help you take the next step with pride and purpose. I warmly invite you to discover all that our Sixth Form has to offer and to join our thriving community.

Mr Carl Daly - Director of Post-16
Welcome to our Sixth Form, a place where ambition meets opportunity. I see the two years you spend with us as an exciting stepping stone, building on the knowledge and skills gained at Key Stage 4 and developing them in a more mature, academic context. Our aim is to support every student to grow in confidence, independence, and aspiration. Whether your future lies in university, apprenticeships, or employment, we are here to help you take that next step with integrity and optimism. We look forward to supporting you on your journey beyond school.

Why Barnwell Sixth Form?

Strong Academic Progression
The nature of Sixth Form learning means you’ll be taught by the very best subject specialists who are passionate and highly experienced in their fields. Our KS5 exam results have improved year-on-year for the past five years, reflecting our commitment to academic excellence. With a broad curriculum and strong local consortium partnerships, you’ll have access to over 40 subjects, including A Levels and vocational pathways, giving you the flexibility to shape your future.

Personalised Support
We provide personalised support tailored to you as an individual. Each week, you’ll take part in a mentoring session designed to help you develop key academic and social skills essential for your future. You’ll also receive termly one-to-one meetings, offering specific guidance to help you achieve your post-18 aspirations. If needed, we offer a private, on-site counselling service - free and easily accessible - to support your wellbeing.

Community and Aspiration Focused Culture
Throughout your two years in Sixth Form, you’ll have access to a wide range of exciting opportunities, including our annual Winter Wonderland trip and our bi-annual New York visit. Student-led events such as the Winter Celebration Show, the Sixth Form vs Staff Football Match, and Macmillan Coffee Mornings are just a few examples of how our Sixth Formers lead whole-school community and fundraising initiatives. From day one, you’ll experience this culture of aspiration when you attend our annual ‘Aspirations Conference’, where a variety of employers and universities visit to help you explore your ambitions and begin shaping your post-18 pathway.

Enrichment and Character Development
Second only to academic excellence, enrichment is valued as one of the most important aspects of Sixth Form. Enrichment is the engagement in activities beyond your subject curriculum that enable the development of key skills. These skills may include subject or industry specific technical skills, or an experience which develops your soft skills, these will be transferrable across industries. Our most impactful enrichment activities include: EPQ, work experience week, Zero Gravity mentoring, University of Cambridge Higher Aspiration scheme and supporting with KS3/4 lessons.

Modern Facilities and Resources
With your own exclusive area of the campus, our Sixth Form common room and study spaces provide the ideal environment to focus on academic progress while also offering a welcoming social space to relax during break and lunch times. Specialist departments have made targeted KS5 investments - such as advanced practical equipment for A Level Biology and Physics, and a dedicated art studio equipped with KS5-specific tools and software - ensuring you have everything you need to succeed.

Our Sixth Form Learning Journey