The ethos of the Sixth Form aims to create ‘successful independent learners’ with a broad curriculum offer to cater for highly academic Oxbridge and Russell Group candidates but also ranging to suit the needs of applicants who may need to boost their L2 learning before moving into L3 assessment. Our results over the past three years have been in the highest percentage of value added achievement in the country for which we have received awards and recognition from ALPS along with praise from UCAS/universities on the quality of personal statements. Overall, we aim to raise aspirations and support pupils to reach their goals. The curriculum offer includes a pastoral curriculum designed to enhance key skills and prepare our students to be both competitive and competent in the world of work, whether that is before or after they attend university.

On average between 60 and 70% of pupils enter further education establishments (in addition to approximately 10% taking a gap year) over the past years in a variety of places named in the selection below:

• Anglia Ruskin – Performing Arts, Photography
• Bath – Mathematics, Computer Science
• Bradford – Law
• Bristol – Physics                  
• Birmingham – English Literature, History, Drama and Theatre Studies
• Bournemouth – Journalism, Film
• Brighton- Neuroscience, Art, Nursing, PE, Teacher Training, Events Management, Engineering
• Bristol West of England – Engineering, Nursing
• Brunel – PE, Business Studies
• Buckinghamshire – Music Technology
• Cambridge – English Literature
• Canterbury Christchurch  - Teacher training, Nursing,  International Affairs, Geography, History, Criminology
• Chichester – Sport, Performing Arts, Dance
• Colchester - Drama
• Exeter – Geography, Mathematics, Physics
• Essex – Politics, Law
• Falmouth - Photography
• Goldsmiths – Product Design
• Hertfordshire – Creative Writing, Pilot Training
• Kent – History, Politics and international relations, Economics and politics, English Literature
• Laban Dance School
• Lancaster – Bio-medical Science
• Liverpool – performing arts
• Leeds Trinity – Forensic Psychology
• Loughborough – Business, Graphics
• Oxford Brookes – Architecture, Drama
• Portsmouth – Creative Writing, Drama, English Literature, IT, History, Mathematics, Business, Civil Engineering
• Ravensbourne – Art, Graphic Design, Media, TV production, Photography and Film
• Roehampton – Criminology, Drama, Primary School Education, Dance
• Reading – Psychology, English Literature, Mathematics, Geography, History, Economics, Politics, Geography
• Royal Holloway – Geography
• Royal Veterinary College – Animal Science
• Southampton – Mathematics, History, Sociology and Music
• Southampton Solent – Music journalism, Sports, Music and Fashion
• Sheffield – English Literature, Robotics
• Surrey – Drama and Theatre Studies, Nursing
• UCL – Biological Science
• University of East Anglia – Drama
• York – Business, English Literature

Additionally we have pupils leave to take up a variety of advanced apprenticeships or further training: electronics, carpentry, accountancy, pilot training, engineering, animal husbandry, performing arts, social work, and mechanics or to join the services.

All of our students complete regular voluntary work in the community and the school supporting literacy and EAL students and ensure they have work experience completed by the end of Year 12.  We provide opportunities to develop leadership, team work, physical recreation, team sport, presentation skills, interview skills, problem solving, debating, reading and researching, and participation in live show performances, dance competitions, music and travel abroad.  The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ ) is offered to all pupils at the end of Year 12 as a voluntary extra award as it is highly regarded by universities as a preparation for further study.  As a result of this our UCAS and job applications are fully developed to show an ‘all-rounder’ capable of academic study and social integration.  Our UCAS applicants are fully supported throughout the whole entry process including results day for adjustment and clearing if necessary.

Every year the Sixth Form raises over £2,000 for charity: our main link is with the ‘Teenage Cancer Trust’ but we also support the Rumanian Christmas Box appeal (sometimes our students help to deliver the boxes in the orphanages), and another charity nominated by Year 13 every year.  The Senior Prefect team, as well as supporting the school, organises social events for the Sixth Form on a regular basis, charity events, mentor and support Year 7 students, and complete leaver’s arrangements. An annual event is the Sixth Form leaver’s BBQ and ball to say goodbye in an often emotional celebration. Overseas trips include skiing in Year 12 at Easter and an African Adventure working and teaching to aid the community in the summer.

Charles Darwin School Sixth Formers are role models for the school, treated with respect and expected to act accordingly. We have a business dress code as we are a working environment, a code of conduct and achievement/attendance expectations. It is a Sixth Form that allows students to grow as individuals but with support and guidance from an experienced, exceptionally supportive and well-qualified teaching team. We welcome applicants who meet our entry requirements, who are prepared to show a willingness to study independently and have the ambition to meet their academic targets.