SIXTH FORM

Welcome to the Sixth Form

Welcome to the Sixth Form at the Royal Alexandra and Albert School.

We’re a mixed-gender state boarding school with a sixth form in Reigate, Surrey, (within easy reach of London and the South East of England) for students aged 7-18 years, where parents pay for the wrap-around care and the education is funded by the government. That means our charges are considerably lower.

With 190 students (boarding and non-boardng combined) in the Sixth Form, we’re small enough to care for each student but big enough to offer a diverse community of students from many different backgrounds.

We have impressive academic results. In recent years our students have secured places at some of the country's best universities, including Cambridge, Bristol and Durham.  Students go on to study a wide range of subjects including the highly competitive courses of Medicine and Veterinary Science.

Nevertheless, we recognise that not all Sixth Formers want to go to university so we offer courses that open doors to other career paths including higher level apprenticeships.

So, what can you expect when you join the Sixth Form?

To follow a tailor-made course of study

You’re an individual with your own aspirations. You need to follow a path that will take you where you want to go. The Sixth Form team knows that every student is different, wants different things, and has different goals - each student needs to follow a course of study that is best suited to them. The Sixth Form offers over 20 A Level and BTEC courses that will develop students’ interests and talents. Take a look at your options here. We’re sure you’ll find courses that will interest you and propel you to achieve your best.

To become a leader

We recognise the importance of leadership skills and how these will help you as you progress through life.

There are plenty of opportunities around the School and in the Sixth Form to help you develop as a leader: you can become a Prefect and take a central role in School; become a member of Sixth Form Committee and drive change; run an activity for younger pupils; or help organise events, such as Gatton’s Got Talent and the Prom.

To broaden your horizons

The Sixth Form offers a Sixth Form Lecture Programme, which covers subjects such as mental health, budgeting, entrepreneurship and politics. The guest speakers and topics covered in the Lecture Programme change every year, but you’ll also receive plenty of guidance about university and apprenticeships choices.

To join a community

You probably have never thought about the importance of community. It’s often overlooked, but it’s an incredibly important factor to your enjoyment of Sixth Form. Community at its best is about support, encouragement and a sense of belonging.  At the Royal Alexandra and Albert School, the Sixth Form is part of the bigger school community but it has its own identity. Sixth Formers have their own co-curricular activities, events, trips, privileges and boarding accommodation. The Sixth Form also has its own hub, the Bernard Sunley Sixth Form Centre, a dedicated building for Sixth Formers to study and socialise. You can do group work, study independently in silent areas, or relax in the common room and café with your friends.

To gain independence

Be it the world of academia or the world of work, you’ll need to stand on your own two feet to succeed. Learning to be an independent student – an independent person! – is key. Boarding is an opportunity to gain greater independence and learn responsibility within a caring, nurturing environment where staff can offer you support and guidance before you set off into the adult world.

To be aspirational

The Sixth Form team aims to instil in students an aspirational mind-set. Whether you aspire to be a doctor, a teacher, a business owner, or have the aspiration to pursue a career in the arts or the army. It doesn’t matter what the aspiration is, what matters is that you aim high.

But there’s still time to work all of that out. For now, if you aspire to be a student at the Royal Alexandra and Albert School, why not apply? Click here.