Learning in its widest
sense

Whether you’re moving up from our Senior School or joining us from elsewhere, our Sixth form offers a highly distinctive, coeducational experience.

Sixth Form life involves a great deal more than simply academic study. An outstanding Sixth Form provides an environment for learning in its widest sense: it enables students to acquire knowledge and skills, and to learn more about themselves as individuals.

The essential ingredients of the Sixth Form at GSAL can be summarised very briefly: small class sizes, a wide choice of subjects and activities, a superb custom-built Sixth Form Centre, a highly dedicated team of teachers and advisers – and a student body characterised by its extraordinary energy, intelligence and camaraderie.

Exam results amongst the best in the country

You can choose from nearly 30 ‘A’ Level subjects and our exam results are consistently among the very best in the country. We have highly qualified specialist teachers, enhancing your chances of winning a top university place.

Recent inspections have highlighted our teaching staff as one of the great strengths of the school. They are all highly qualified and experienced academics, with in-depth subject knowledge to put at your disposal. The relationships between staff and students are based on mutual respect and a commitment to fulfilling your potential. In many ways, they define the Sixth Form experience. You won’t wear school uniform – instead, we expect you to dress in a manner that is appropriate for a professional environment.

Tremendous extra-curricular opportunities

You will also have superb extra-curricular opportunities. We provide the chance to excel in your passion, to participate or simply to try something new. You can also develop your skills as a leader or manager by running clubs and teams for younger pupils. If you join our Sixth Form, we expect you to take responsibility for yourself, to study hard and make the most of what is on offer. Where this may lead is up to you!

All students are members of a small tutorial group, with a staff tutor providing general academic and personal support. We also have dedicated staff providing personal advice on careers, university courses and Oxbridge entry.

Our Sixth Formers are ambassadors for the school, and this also provides many opportunities for leadership. You may for example be asked to show visitors around the school, run House events, organise assemblies and activities for your faith, or help supervise younger pupils.

Case Study
Chessy, Head Girl, 2011/2012

Being part of a community has always been a focus of the School and is something that helped me get to know lots of people with different interests across all year groups. This sense of togetherness instilled particularly through the House system in Sixth Form also extends later to wider community service.

The duties in Sixth Form gave me a sense of responsibility and allowed me to get to know the new Year 7s from September and act as a role model for them.

There were also opportunities for me to get involved with some of the younger students in the music department, working with them weekly and watching them develop not only as musicians but as young men and women.

These communities are an essential part of School life and it has been an honour to take such an active part in them.