Sixth Forms in County Durham

About sixth forms in County Durham

Sixth forms in County Durham provide 16-18 education through school sixth forms and dedicated sixth-form or further education colleges, each offering a different mix of A-Levels, T-Levels and BTECs. Entry requirements are set by each institution and typically depend on GCSE grades - most ask for at least five passes at grade 4 or above, with higher grades required for individual subjects. Course availability varies considerably across sixth forms in County Durham, so it is worth checking whether the specific A-Level or vocational subjects you want are actually on offer before you apply. Open evenings in the autumn term of Year 11 are the best chance to ask questions in person and compare the teaching environment, support offer and facilities.

When comparing sixth forms in County Durham, start with A-Level results - the average points per entry and grades at AAB or above give a consistent measure to work with across different institutions. Look at university destinations too: progression to Russell Group universities and the quality of UCAS guidance can vary significantly between a school sixth form and a standalone sixth-form college. Application deadlines in County Durham typically fall in the winter of Year 11, so shortlist early, attend open evenings and use School Signal to compare the data in one place.

Choosing a school in County Durham

Whether or not County Durham has schools of a particular type, the same fundamentals help you compare your options. Ofsted judgements - Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement or Inadequate - summarise the quality of education, behaviour, personal development and leadership. A rating is a useful starting point, but bear in mind that some schools have not been inspected for several years and that a single word cannot capture everything about a school.

For secondary schools, Progress 8 is often more revealing than raw results. It measures how much pupils improve between the end of primary school and their GCSEs, so a school serving a less advantaged community can still post strong progress. Attainment 8 shows average achievement across eight GCSEs, and the percentage of pupils reaching grade 5 or above in English and maths is a useful benchmark. For 16-18 study, look at A-Level and applied-course results and where students go next.

Beyond the data, look at how places are allocated when a school is oversubscribed and whether your address is likely to secure one, the range of subjects and activities on offer, the sixth-form provision if you are planning ahead, and travel and transport. Above all, visit. An open day tells you more about a school's atmosphere, pastoral care and whether it will suit your child than any league table can.

Frequently asked questions