Sixth Form (16-18)

Yarm Sixth Form blends grammar school traditions with the forward thinking and pioneering spirit of those who founded the school in the late 1970s.

Our students consistently achieve exceptional A Level results and are supported to flourish as young adults beyond the Sixth Form. All of this is possible in a well-structured and supportive environment. In short: educating for life.

Making the transition to an independent Sixth Form

Our Sixth Form is open to boys and girls from around the North East of England. Whilst the majority of our Fifth Year (Year 11) pupils continue into our Sixth Form, we have an additional quarter of pupils join us from other schools in North Yorkshire and County Durham.

Making the transition to Sixth Form, whether new to Yarm School or not, is supported by our pastoral care programme and student tutors. Yarm Sixth Form is a warm environment and students are made to feel at home as soon as they walk through the gates.

Academic success is incredibly important to us as a School, but equally we encourage students to enjoy the social side of Sixth Form. Throughout the year a number of activities and events are organised by and for the students…

The year begins with the annual First Week Barbecue. This precedes the first of the inter-house competitions: the Sixth Form only Tug O’War. Each House also traditionally organises a Sixth Form meal in the first few weeks of term.

We invited each tutor group to a special three-course lunch with the Headmaster during the Autumn Term. This is an opportunity to air their views on their first few weeks in convivial surroundings.

The annual Sixth Form Christmas Dinner is the biggest social event of the year. Students can dress to the nines for a top class meal and look back at the highlights of the preceding year.

Finally, the Leavers’ Dinner. This is a fitting farewell to the Upper Sixth as they begin their final set of examinations in May.

Sixth Form location and facilities

The School’s location is much appreciated, set in an open site under the shade of ancient trees and nestled by a beautiful stretch of the River Tees. We are also right in the heart of the historic market town of Yarm. Students enjoy the convenience of having the excellent High Street right on their doorstep. Furthermore, trips and excursions mean they can easily explore all that North Yorkshire has to offer.

The Sixth Form Centre is large and the School facilities are vast. Indoor and outdoor space is available to enjoy throughout the year, including two common rooms, a study area and a dedicated library. You can explore our grounds in your own time via our Senior School and Sixth Form Virtual 360 Tour.

Leadership roles and responsibilities

We aim is to prepare and nurture students for life beyond Sixth Form. Students are encouraged to take on positions of responsibility and we provide many opportunities for this. We challenge students to use their initiative, take on leadership roles and work as part of a team.

The ‘Take a Lead’ Programme and Peer Support Mentoring system both provide a guided opportunity for Sixth Form students to help and to support the younger members of the School community.

There is a Sixth Form Council with representatives from each tutor group. The Council meet to discuss Sixth Form matters and also send representatives to the whole School Council.

We select our team of Prefects from the Sixth Form students during the Lower Sixth Year. We then choose our School Captains and Vice-Captains. House Officers play a leading role in helping the Head of House to organise House activities.

The School Officers and Prefects work closely with the Headmaster and his Senior Management Team colleagues. They also support all other school staff, teaching and non-teaching. We see our Prefects as a group of young men and women who can help us to make this school an even better place; a happier, more caring, better behaved and more tolerant community.

Additional roles exist as captains of sports teams, in the School’s Combined Cadet Force, and in organising drama productions or music ensembles.

The best A-level results in Teesside and County Durham

Our academic standards are exceptional: we expect the best from our students and they rise to the challenge.

Our curriculum focuses on traditional A Level subject—the qualifications most in demand by universities and employers. Typically 80% of A Level grades are at A or B grade.

Students from Yarm Sixth Form go on to secure university places at the country’s top institutions. About 10% take up places at Oxford and Cambridge, reading a broad range of subjects from Maths and Engineering to English, Economics and Modern Languages. Medicine and Dentistry are also very popular courses, with on average 10-15% of our students securing places on these highly competitive courses.

Our students consistently benefit from the academic platform available, as well as the university and careers support on offer. The vast majority of our leavers move on to their first choice university.

Life in the Sixth Form is busy and exciting. If you’d like to find out more please see our upcoming events.