Welcome to our Sixth Form
Our Sixth Form provides a unique, dynamic, enjoyable and highly personalised experience that produces outstanding outcomes in the classroom and across all aspects of School life. We pride ourselves on a truly inclusive and outstanding all-round education, combining the importance of academic rigour with extensive opportunities outside the classroom, all delivered by a dedicated team of high-quality professionals.
In 2021, almost 40% of A-Level grades awarded were an A grade or above, and two-thirds of all grades were B grade or above; seven of our outgoing Year 13 cohort achieving places at Oxford or Cambridge University. Our impressive academic performances are just one factor of the fantastic education provided at The Bishop’s Stortford High School Sixth Form as we ultimately pride ourselves on our ‘Black and Gold spirit’ which drives and inspires our community to do some truly exceptional things.
I do not know many state funded Sixth Form providers that: send all of their Year 12 out on adventure day to enable our students to make new friendships; reach the finals of national schools football competitions; provide 350 students on site weekly enrichment activities; reach the national school debating championships (beating Harrow in the semi-finals); have Sixth Form international trips to Poland, USA, Austria, France, Germany or Russia; give all students an opportunity to be on stage in a play or musical; hear from high profile speakers like Greg James or Huw Edwards; provide specialist one-to-one support for Post-18 applications and careers guidance; contains an one-site fitness suite and dedicated sports facilities; provide dedicated sixth form social and study areas; and enjoy and believe in putting its students first.
On top of all the brilliant things that are already occur in our special community, we are delighted to be moving to a new state-of-the-art new building in January 2023.
We offer you a flexible and wide range of options within our broad curriculum and our staff demonstrate a relentless commitment, empowering you to face life beyond The Bishop’s Stortford High School with confidence, resilience and enthusiasm.
You will be valued, challenged, nurtured and developed within the Sixth Form, and leave our school prepared to take your next steps within higher education or training, or to enter the world of work. We want to support you to become the best person that you can.
George Munro
Assistant Headteacher, Head of Sixth Form
Sixth Form – The Flagship of our School
We offer a great range of subjects to choose from and we would encourage you to choose the subjects which you enjoy the most and to play to your strengths, whilst also bearing in mind any career aspirations that you may already have. For example, if you wish to become a doctor you would need to study Chemistry and Biology. If you wish to become an engineer, studying Maths will be essential. However, if you are not sure what career path you wish to follow, select subjects that you enjoy or find interesting as we believe that our happiest students are our best performing and most motivated. Our own students are more than happy to share their reasons for selecting their subject combinations – so feel free to speak to them during our open evenings, guidance meetings and induction days.
When we come to create our timetable, we do our utmost to ensure that as many subject combinations as possible can be accommodated. To further enhance your curriculum, you will choose an Enhancement Option that is designed to prepare you for undergraduate study, leadership or employment. You can find more information about all our courses – and the GCSE grades that they require – in our Options and Subjects booklet.
Our most recent Ofsted report praised our exceptionally high quality guidance and, if you would like any advice on which subjects to choose, then you can contact the school and we would be very happy to talk through your options.
David- A-Level Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry
I have a great enthusiasm for maths and the sciences, so I always knew I wanted to go into engineering. My subject choices reflect my current interests, and my future career ambitions.
My appointment as Head Senior Student really excites me. By working with my team, staff, and students across the school, I aim to make a positive contribution to life at TBSHS, that will benefit students many years down the line. Having seen the impact previous senior teams have had, I believe my team and I can make changes that not only help the current students, but also make TBSHS a more exciting and welcoming place for prospective students. With exciting changes around the corner, I hope to be able to play a part in the transition to the new school site.
Brittany – A-Level Biology, Chemistry and Religious Studies
I always knew I wanted to go into the medical field hence my scientific subjects. But I wanted my last subject to explore different parts of my mind. After starting these courses I haven’t regretted it since.
“Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality” – Warren Bennis
“A leader…is like a shepherd. He stays behind the flock, letting the most nimble go out ahead, whereupon the others follow, not realizing that all along they are being directed from behind” – Nelson Mandela
Two inspiring quotes that will shape my leadership agenda as Head Senior Student of TBSHS. I feel privileged and honoured to have been given the platform to do so.
This starts with ensuring that every student feels they have a voice and are valued within the school community.
I intend to work with the Senior Leadership Staff, Staff, Students and Sixth Form Management Team to enhance the already amazing traditions we have in place whilst also implementing innovative ideas that will hopefully put our school at a global stage, where our core values of commitment, aspiration, respect, integrity, and community sit at the heart of what we do.
I will promulgate, entrench, and epitomize a culture that reflects the true spirit of TBSHS- respice, aspice, prospice.
Jemimah– A-Level Business Studies, Media Studies, Theatre Studies
I am both honoured and excited to take on this role as a member of the Senior Team. The opportunity of leading the Sixth Form Council allows me to listen to my peers and make improvements. I aim to contribute to the wider school community and follow in the footsteps of the previous Senior Teams, whilst introducing new ideas.
Isabel – A-Level Environmental science, Geography and Maths
My responsibilities as Deputy Senior Student means I marshal school events and marketing, which I am thoroughly looking forward to. One opportunity I am especially excited for is heading the launch of TBSHS Sixth Form social media this year and the enjoyment and challenges this will bring. I aim to represent the school well and implement new ideas into the school day, whilst collaborating with the Sixth Form Management Team, staff and students.
Alex– A-Level History, Politics and English Literature
I am extremely enthused and honoured to be taking on the role of Deputy Senior Student for the coming year. In my role as head of the Admissions and Alumni team I hope to make prospective students and teachers feel welcome here by giving them an insight into what it’s like to be part of this amazing ‘Black and Gold’ community which offers so much to all who are a part of it. But wider than this, I hope to improve the experiences of both lower school and sixth form students by creating a more environmentally friendly space for us to share.
Will – A-Level Politics,History and Maths
Being appointed as Deputy Senior Student in the new senior team is a great honour. Since joining TBSHS I have always seen previous senior students as Black and Gold role models who put themselves out there to improve the experience for all at this school. I will make it my utmost priority to ensure that this legacy is carried on, and that all students feel pride in being part of the community. As head of the Sixth Form Committee, I hope to create long-lasting memories of times at the school, which will ensure that all students feel a sense of belonging in what is a truly excellent school.
Dan– A-Level German, Economics and English Literature
I’ve always had an aim to join the financial sector, whilst also having a passion for exploring different cultures. Therefore my choices of A levels seemed the only suitable combination of all my interests.
