Sixth Form | Denstone College | Staffordshire

SIXTH FORM


As an independent school, we have the freedom to be innovative, and so we offer a curriculum experience that offers more than just a focus on GCSE and A level courses.

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A Warm Welcome

All Sixth Form students at Denstone study three or four subjects in their Lower Sixth, with most opting to continue with three subjects in the Upper Sixth. There are currently 21 different subjects available in the Lower Sixth, alongside the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), which sits within the College’s wider co-curricular programme and encourages independent research and academic curiosity.

Beyond the classroom, students benefit from a rich and varied Sixth Form experience. Opportunities within life in the Sixth Form ensure a balance between academic study and personal development, while a strong emphasis on co-curricular activities allows pupils to explore interests ranging from academic societies to outdoor pursuits. The shape of the week is carefully structured to support this breadth, giving students the time and flexibility to engage fully in all aspects of school life.

Sport plays a central role in many students’ routines, and the Sixth Form sport programme offers both competitive and recreational opportunities to suit all abilities. Alongside this, creativity is actively nurtured through the Sixth Form arts provision, with opportunities in music, drama, and the visual arts enriching students’ cultural and creative experiences.

As students grow in confidence, they are encouraged to take on positions of responsibility through leadership and service opportunities, contributing to the wider school community and developing key life skills. This is supported by a strong network of pastoral care, ensuring that every student feels supported, known, and able to thrive during their time in the Sixth Form.

As students look ahead to life beyond Denstone, they can take advantage of a vast array of support in their important UCAS decisions. Specialist staff, including the Head of UCAS and Careers and the Oxbridge Admissions Tutor, offer expert guidance alongside academic tutors and subject staff. This comprehensive support is reflected in our results, careers and further education outcomes, with students progressing to a wide range of leading universities and career pathways.

As an independent school, we have the freedom to be innovative, and so we offer a curriculum experience that goes far beyond a focus on GCSE and A Level courses—preparing students not just for exams, but for life beyond Denstone.
 

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The LIFE programme is formally timetabled throughout the Lower Sixth. LIFE focuses on developing skills in Leadership and Innovation, equipping students to be Future-ready with Enterprise capability. The World Economic Forum, in its The Future of Jobs, has pinpointed the skills most prized by employers of the future and these range from complex problem-solving, critical thinking and creativity, to people management, emotional intelligence and cognitive flexibility. Essentially LIFE will encapsulate three key skill areas:

  • Financial capability: the ability to manage finances and to become questioning and informed consumers of financial services
  • Business and economic understanding: the ability to understand the business context and make informed choices between alternative uses of scarce resources
  • Communication skills: the ability to persuade, resolve conflicts, develop emotional intelligence and articulate complex ideas concisely

The programme offers lectures, seminars, further research opportunities, experience days, visits, and collaborations. It draws upon our alumni and parent networks, integrating with the careers and university preparation we already offer. Exposure to these valuable life skills will aid in developing confident, financially mature and self-sufficient young people who are equipped to maximise any opportunity that comes their way. The programme will run alongside the many enrichment and extension opportunities.

The freedom to be inventive in our offering extends down throughout the year groups in a number of exciting ways.

“Denstone has embedded a confidence to have a go at new academic and sporting challenges and experiences.”

Denstone Parent

LIFE IN THE SIXTH FORM


DENSTONACITY IN ACTION

 

See what Denstonacity really means through the lens of our Sixth Form students, where you’ll meet the incredible individuals who bring our school to life!

Dive into their stories of passion, achievement, and ambition, and get a glimpse of the dynamic energy that drives our community. Each bio is a snapshot of a unique journey—explore and be inspired!

A GLIMPSE INTO SIXTH FORM LIFE


Keep up to date on life in our Sixth Form, with academic achievements, sporting success and pupils excelling in the arts, we always see examples of Denstonacity in action.

  • Mon, 20 Apr 2026

    Looking Ahead: A Strategic Investment in Land and Learning

    At Denstone, we have always believed that the most important educational decisions are those taken calmly, deliberately and with the long view in mind.
    Denstone College is pleased to announce the acquisition of a neighbouring farmhouse and surrounding land, a rare and carefully considered opportunity that strengthens the long‑term future of our school.

  • Tue, 27 Jan 2026

    Denstone Drinks

    Denstone Drinks: Join Us for an Evening of Connection
    Throughout the year, we take Denstone Drinks on the road, visiting both local and regional venues. We warmly invite current, former, and prospective Denstonians and their families to join us for an evening of conversation, drinks, and canapés.
    Our Head, Lotte Tulloch, and Deputy Head, Jackie Plewes, together with other members of staff, look forward to reconnecting with familiar faces and meeting new members of our community.

  • Thu, 14 Aug 2025

    Denstone College Launches Exciting Partnership with Sophie Beech (OD)

    Denstone College is delighted to announce a new partnership with Sophie Beech (OD), a distinguished alumna, Warwickshire Academy Cricketer, and current player for Worcester Women’s Cricket. Sophie, who completed her Upper Sixth Year at Denstone in 2025, is now a student at the University of Nottingham, where she continues to pursue her academic and professional cricketing ambitions.

Discover your Denstonacity

WHERE NEXT?