Sixth Forms in England
There are 4,706 open sixth forms on School Signal - 1,990 secondary, 1,948 other, 768 all-through. 91.2% of those in England were rated Outstanding or Good at their last graded inspection, against 92.5% of all schools.
Browse schools and colleges with sixth-form (16-18) provision across England by area. Compare A-Level results, Ofsted ratings and courses.
Ofsted grades: sixth forms and all schools
23.7% Outstanding against 14.4% across England.
- Outstanding793 (24%)
- Good2,263 (68%)
- Requires improvement264 (8%)
- Inadequate31 (1%)
- Outstanding2,939 (14%)
- Good15,991 (78%)
- Requires improvement1,432 (7%)
- Inadequate98 (0%)
- Outstanding
- 23.7%14.4%
- Outstanding or Good
- 91.2%92.5%
- Requires improvement or Inadequate
- 8.8%7.5%
Source: Ofsted, latest graded inspection per school (England)
Sixth Forms by stage
By nation: England 4,690, Scotland 10, Wales 6.
- Secondary1,990
- Other1,948
- All-through768
Where the most sixth forms are
Click an area to see every school there, with grades and results.
Choosing the right sixth form in England
Sixth forms in England offer 16-18 education through school sixth forms, dedicated sixth-form colleges, and further education colleges - each with its own culture, course mix and entry requirements. Most ask for a minimum number of GCSEs at grade 4 or above, with higher grades (typically 6 or 7) needed for individual A-Level subjects. Open evenings in the autumn term of Year 11 are the best opportunity to meet teachers, ask about courses and get a feel for whether a sixth form is the right fit. Applications typically open in the winter of Year 11, so it pays to research early and shortlist before the open evening season begins.
When comparing sixth forms in England, A-Level results - particularly the average points per entry and the percentage of students achieving AAB or above - give a useful measure of academic outcomes. University destinations matter too: look at how many students progress to Russell Group universities and what the UCAS support looks like in practice. Beyond results, consider whether a school sixth form or a dedicated sixth-form college suits you better - colleges often offer a wider A-Level and T-Level range, while school sixth forms provide continuity with a familiar environment. Use School Signal to filter by area, check Ofsted ratings, and compare the data side by side.
Browse sixth forms by area
Questions parents ask about sixth forms
How do sixth forms compare on Ofsted grades?
Of the 3,351 sixth forms in England with a graded Ofsted inspection, 23.7% were last graded Outstanding and 91.2% Outstanding or Good, against 14.4% and 92.5% for all graded schools in England. Grades date from different years, and Ofsted stopped giving new single-word grades in September 2024, so read each school's latest report too.
What is the difference between a school sixth form and a sixth-form college?
A school sixth form is attached to a secondary school and typically serves students already at that school, while a sixth-form college is a standalone institution open to students from any secondary. Colleges often offer a broader range of A-Level, T-Level and BTEC courses, but school sixth forms can provide a more familiar setting and stronger pastoral continuity.
What grades do I need to get into sixth form?
Most sixth forms ask for at least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Maths. Individual A-Level subjects usually have their own requirements - sciences and Maths commonly ask for a grade 6 or 7 in the relevant GCSE. Entry requirements vary between institutions, so always check the specific offer for each sixth form you are considering.
How do I find the best sixth form for getting into a Russell Group university?
Look at each sixth form's A-Level results and university destinations data - specifically the percentage of students progressing to Russell Group universities and the average A-Level points per entry. Strong UCAS support, a wide A-Level subject choice, and enrichment opportunities all make a difference when applying to competitive universities. School Signal surfaces this data for every sixth form so you can compare objectively.