At Barnwell Sixth Form, we are committed to creating a supportive and enriching environment where every student can thrive academically, personally, and socially. Our comprehensive approach combines structured mentoring, tailored wellbeing services, and a strong focus on inclusivity to ensure that all learners feel valued and empowered. Through close collaboration with parents and dedicated staff, we provide the guidance, resources, and opportunities students need to succeed and prepare confidently for life beyond school.

Mentoring, Tutor Time and One-to-One support

Students take part in a structured programme of tutor time and mentoring, which includes a year-long focus on ethics, morals, and spirituality. This helps build character, promote British values, and deepen understanding of the world around them. Additionally, students receive tailored post-16 advice on navigating adult life - for example, a six-week financial literacy programme that teaches budgeting, saving, and managing everyday financial challenges. Once per term, students attend a one-to-one meeting with Sixth Form staff, where both pastoral and academic progress are at the heart of the conversation.

Wellbeing Services

We offer a bespoke counselling service where students can self-refer without needing consultation with the school, ensuring barrier-free access and full autonomy over how they engage with support. In addition, all Year 12 students take part in a six-week Wellbeing Champion programme - delivered in partnership with Bloom Mental Health charity - which equips them with the tools to manage their own wellbeing and support their peers as young adults.

Safe and Inclusive Environment

“Pupils with SEND are well-supported and they access the same ambitious curriculum as their peers.”

Ofsted, 2019.

Barnwell is recognised for its inclusive support of all students, and this continues into Sixth Form. We have a dedicated member of the Learning Support Team assigned specifically to support KS5 students. Learners can choose to access additional support, replicating the provision available at KS3 and KS4. Our Student Leadership Team also includes a Diversity and Equity Representative, whose role is to raise awareness and lead initiatives that promote inclusivity across the school.

Parental Engagement

We are proud to be accredited by ParentKind as a parent-friendly school. In Sixth Form, parents can expect regular updates through our weekly Sixth Form Bulletin, sent to students, parents, and staff. Additionally, our Year 12 and Year 13 Information Evenings provide valuable insight into what to expect in the year ahead. Parents also receive termly, individualised updates on their child’s academic progress, and our KS5 Parents’ Evening offers the opportunity to speak directly with subject teachers. We recognise the importance of a strong school-family partnership in supporting student success, which is why we actively encourage parental involvement in school events - whether attending our Macmillan Coffee Morning or cheering on the Sixth Form vs Staff charity football match.

The following websites all offer free information, support and guidance:

KOOTH - Online support community for young people

BROOK - Free & confidential sexual health and well-being experts

CHILDLINE - Free & confidential helpline for children & young people. Calls do not show up on mobile phones or landline bills

FRANK - Honest information about drugs

RELATE - Children & young people's counselling

SAMARITANS - Free phone line to talk any time you like, in your own way and off the record - talk about whatever's getting to you. You don't have to be suicidal. Call free on 116 123
Email: jo@samaritans.org

THE KITE TRUST - Free one to one support for LGBT + young people
Call 01223 369 508

WOMENSAID / REFUGE - Domestic abuse advice
Free 24 hour call line (calls will not show up on BT landline phone bills) 0808 2000 247
Email: helpline@womensaid.org.uk