It is a privilege to lead and work with the Sixth Formers here at Marling School. Combining the best traditional values of an outstanding grammar school with the forward thinking innovation of an elite college, students here go on to achieve great success. Our curriculum is carefully chosen and matched to our ethos and academic standards, offering over 30 different A Levels, breadth options, enrichment and a commitment to the whole person.
All students that join us in Yr12 are new to the Sixth Form. One of the greatest strengths is the wide range of schools from which our students join us and the diversity of interests, talent and aspirations that make the Sixth Form such a thriving environment. Students achieve above and beyond their targets here at Marling - something I’m incredibly proud of. So, no matter whether you’re looking to join us with a mixture of grade 6s and 7s or ten grade 9s, you’ll receive the support, challenge and opportunities to make your dreams a reality.
After having read the information in here I sincerely hope you choose to visit us to get a flavour of all we have to offer. You will be assured of a warm welcome and a friendly greeting.
Mr Stephen Farr - Head of Sixth Form
ACHIEVE YOUR POTENTIAL
It’s the best of both worlds. An excellent balance between developing independence and being challenged to achieve your best.
Our students tell us they welcome the academic focus and the support and guidance they receive, as well as the familiar timetable and having regular break and lunch times which are common for all students. Work hard and push yourself in lessons, then relax with a coffee and chat with friends during your break.
Beyond the classroom our sixth form offers you independence, flexibility and its own distinctive campus environment. You’ll find Marling is warm, friendly and welcoming, with a relaxed, informal and inclusive atmosphere: a place where you’re responsible for your own time and managing your academic and social life.
Studying A Levels in the co-educational environment of Marling Sixth Form is the perfect stepping stone between school and the post-18 world.
A TAILORED CURRICULUM TO MATCH YOUR INTERESTS
Whatever you are planning to study, Marling Sixth Form offers an exceptionally broad range of subject choices. More than 30 A Level subjects are available, including 3 language choices and specialist subjects not generally available at other local sixth forms or colleges, such as Music or Music Technology. You can combine this with a range of breadth options such as Gold Duke of Edinburgh, Creative Writing, Classics, Global Perspectives or the EPQ. You’ll be supported by dedicated tutors and experienced A Level subject specialists, all committed to your success. To find out about our full range of A Levels and Breadth Options go to the Curriculum section https://www.marlingsixthform.org/curriculum#subjects-offered
EXCELLENT A LEVEL RESULTS
This year's A Level results were record-breaking and our best ever. 43% of exams were at the highest A*-A grades including 16% at A* which is well above national figures. The percentage of grades at A*-B was 69% and the pass rate was 99%. A large number of students exceeded their predicted grades including 6 students who achieved A* in every subject, 31 students achieved 3 A grade passes or better and nearly a third of students achieving at least 1 A grade. Most students have gone on to secure places at their first choice universities including many of the highly selective universities.
As well as outstanding attainment, Marling is particularly proud of its year on year positive Value Added score which checks if students are making progress. The Value Added measure compares students’ starting points at the beginning of Year 12 with what they achieve at the end of Year 13. The most recent Level 3 VA data ranks Marling as the 14th highest grammar school in the country and in the top 15% of all A Level providers nationally.
For many students, the transition from school to Sixth Form can be challenging. So Marling is committed to offering extensive pastoral care to do as much as possible to ensure the academic and personal well-being of every individual student.
Our Sixth Form team, including our Student Support Worker, Heads of Year 12 & 13, Head of Sixth Form, Form Tutors and Sixth Form staff are always available to help with anything from practical day-to-day issues to academic or personal challenges. Together we offer wide-ranging provision:
All students are assigned to a Tutor Group, led by a Form Tutor who they will meet twice each day, giving them the opportunity to discuss both academic and pastoral matters.
Every student should feel they have support and someone to turn to for advice and guidance, should they need it.
OUR OUTSTANDING FACILITIES INCLUDE:
TAKE A TOUR OF OUR SCHOOL BELOW
Becoming a Sixth Former at Marling is not only about achieving good grades - it is also about embracing opportunities that will help students to grow as individuals as well as to develop the kinds of skills that universities and employers are looking for.
Increasingly, competitive universities want students who can demonstrate a real commitment to the subject they intend to study. Students need to show that they have gone beyond what they are taught in the classroom to develop their academic knowledge – this is what’s known as super-curricular.
Our students do this by completing the Marling Diamond programme, which brings together a wide range of super-curricular and extra-curricular clubs and societies, including sport, debating, drama, music, journalism & publishing and an evolving list of student-led activities.
Visit the Curriculum section to find out about Marling Diamond and the opportunities we offer.
Taking on positions of responsibility is an important part of Sixth Form life and a wide variety of opportunities are available in the Sixth Form for students to develop and demonstrate their communication, presentation and teamwork skills, as well as their leadership potential.
All Sixth Form students are given the chance to apply to take on a role in the student leadership team or the School Council. Our student leaders play an important role in the school as a whole, acting as ambassadors at events, mentoring and guiding younger pupils and helping to run student voice activities.
Follow this link to find out about our current team of student leaders: https://www.marlingsixthform.org/admissions#buddy-chat
At Marling Sixth Form, we provide tailored support to advise and guide each student through the UCAS/university application process, as well as finding and applying for apprenticeships and full-time employment.
Our University and Careers Programme Includes:
Medics, dentists and vets
We have a well-established MEDSOC for students interested in studying medicine, veterinary science, medicine, nursing or any aspect of biomedical sciences. This is run by students with the support of Dr Warren, Head of Biology. We also run a dedicated support programme for students who want to apply to study medicine, veterinary science or dentistry at university. The programme involves providing advice on UKAT and BMAT preparation, work experience, personal statement writing, university choices and interview preparation. We work closely with the University of Bristol who run workshops for us on writing personal statements and interview preparation. The Biology department also run a very popular 'dissection club' which many prospective medics, vets and dentists attend.
Take a look at the Future Plans Careers and University Guide below, to find out more about the different pathways available after Sixth Form.