Alongside a wide curriculum encompassing academic, creative and sports subjects, we have a comprehensive enrichment programme designed to place our pupils in the best position possible for a variety of pathways after their time with us; be it in the world of work, or academia.
Sixth Form
Ages 16 – 18
Shaping Futures at Plymouth College
At Plymouth College, our Sixth Form is dedicated to nurturing individual talent and preparing pupils for a successful transition to the adult world. We offer a broad curriculum spanning academic, creative and sporting disciplines, complemented by a rich enrichment programme. This ensures pupils are well-equipped for diverse pathways, whether into higher education or directly into the world of work.
Our strong pastoral system, featuring small tutor groups overseen by senior staff, provides exceptional academic and personal support. Comprehensive UCAS and careers guidance is integrated, connecting pupils with valuable networks. We foster an environment of mutual respect where pupils, typically studying three A-Levels or our Sports Baccalaureate, work with teachers towards achieving their unique aspirations, supported by our dedicated Sixth Form Centre and abundant co-curricular opportunities.
Sixth Form Curriculum
Our Sixth Form curriculum is meticulously designed to inspire intellectual curiosity and thoroughly equip pupils for success in higher education and their chosen careers. The primary pathway involves studying three A-Levels, selected from a diverse range with considerable flexibility to match individual interests and aspirations. Small classes foster personalised attention and encourage lively academic debate, nurturing crucial independent thought and a spirit of enquiry.
Beyond their core A-Levels, pupils are strongly encouraged to broaden their horizons, often through the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), which significantly develops critical research and self-management skills. For those with a strong interest in sport and outdoor education, our vocational Sport Baccalaureate offers a dynamic BTEC-accredited alternative pathway with continuous assessment.
Crucially, all pupils benefit from expert, individualised university guidance, including tailored support for UCAS, Oxbridge, medical and international applications, ensuring they all confidently progress to their desired destinations.
Sixth Form Subjects
We offer a diverse range of A-Level subjects, From Mathematics and Sciences to History, Languages and Business, our curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity and foster critical thinking. Each subject is taught by passionate teachers, ensuring you receive expert guidance to excel in your studies.
Whether you’re aiming for top universities, competitive apprenticeships or a dynamic career, our A-Level subjects provide the flexibility to tailor your path.
Co-Curricular
Life in our Sixth Form extends well beyond the classroom, with a rich and varied co-curricular programme designed to foster personal growth, teamwork and enjoyment. Pupils have access to a wide spectrum of activities, from pursuing The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to engaging in numerous sporting opportunities, catering for all levels from general participation and fitness to high performance, including our exciting High-Performance Football Programme.
Our vibrant social calendar, organised by pupils themselves, features memorable events that build a strong sense of community. Creative arts, debating and many other clubs further allow pupils to explore passions and develop new skills. These co-curricular engagements are integral to a holistic Sixth Form experience, helping pupils become well-rounded and confident individuals.
Prefects & Additional Opportunities
Our Sixth Form provides extensive opportunities for pupils to develop leadership skills, take on significant responsibilities and make meaningful contributions to the wider school community. Formal leadership roles such as House Captains, Senior Prefects and members of the Sixth Form Committee allow pupils to influence school life, support their peers and act as role models.
Beyond these, there is a strong culture of peer support, with many Sixth Formers mentoring younger pupils academically, assisting with sports coaching, or providing guidance through initiatives like our Peer Listening scheme. Extensive volunteering opportunities, both within the school and in the local community, are actively encouraged. These experiences, coupled with a focus on developing independent learning habits, ensure our pupils cultivate essential life skills.
Careers & Onward Destinations
We are committed to providing exceptional guidance to ensure every Sixth Form pupil is well-prepared for their chosen path after Plymouth College. Our dedicated team offers comprehensive support for university applications, assisting with choices for UK institutions, including Oxbridge and Russell Group universities, as well as prestigious international universities, particularly in the US.
We also guide pupils exploring diverse future pathways such as degree apprenticeships, specialist colleges and direct entry into employment. Personalised careers advice, workshops, access to platforms like Unifrog and a strong OPM alumni network for mentoring and work experience all contribute to our pupils making informed decisions and achieving their ambitious goals. We celebrate their successes as they secure places on highly competitive courses and embark on exciting careers.
Pupil Testimonials
Hear directly from our pupils. Their personal stories and experiences offer genuine insight into our vibrant school community and the opportunities available to every pupil.
Tallulah Bryson (Leaver 2020)
I started at Plymouth College in Year 7 and I can safely say that that was the start of the best six years of my life. Having come from my local village school, I remember being nervous about joining a school separate from my friends at the time and I was unsure how I would deal with it. However, Plymouth College made me feel welcome from the start and I made friends quickly. The main reason I joined Plymouth College was because of my sport, I was a Pentathlete at the time and loved all kinds of sport. The school worked with me in order to balance my training with my lessons, maintain a good standard in both and I do not believe this would have been possible in any other school.
In my later years at the school, team sports such as Netball and Hockey were the main sports I had interests in. I gained so much confidence and skills, such as team work and communication that I have taken on into my time at University, having joined the University of Surrey Hockey team. Although teams sports was the main area in which I thrived, the schools ability to support and encourage students in all areas cannot go unmissed, as it has lead so many students to success.
Away from sport, the main thing I loved about Plymouth College was the small class sizes. The teachers also made it very clear that if I needed any extra help outside of teaching hours to explain something again or go over some extra practice questions, then they’d be happy to help and this helped me greatly. In Sixth Form, small class sizes also meant I could build good relationships with my teachers and have clear guidance with my work. The small community of Plymouth College allows for great friendships to be formed and there is an all round friendly atmosphere in the school.
I decided that I wanted to apply to university and start a degree, though I was unsure what to study to start with. The school’s support though applications and the UCAS process was incredible. To ensure that we got as many offers as possible, the Heads of Sixth Form and form tutors personally oversaw each and every part of our applications. This allowed me to study Psychology at the University of Surrey. I miss Plymouth College; the atmosphere was always happy and the teaching staff were always so friendly and keen to help. It has definitely been some of the best years of my life and I have had some amazing opportunities that I will never forget.
Hugo King (Leaver 2020)
I joined Plymouth College at the start of Sixth Form from a large independent school in Somerset and can honestly say it was the best two school years I had. Sixth Form is, of course, the most crucial period of any pupil’s school life and what Plymouth College enabled me to do was set a platform for myself to not only succeed in my A levels but also further on into higher education and my future careers. The one thing that set PMC apart from any other school I attended was the sense of community and family, both within my year group, but also to the wider pupil body and the teaching staff. The teachers and Sixth Form staff really care about you and go out their way to help in whatever way they can. This may be going through multiple university personal statement drafts, academic support sessions outside of class or just being there to talk to.
The university process of UCAS daunts many pupils going into Sixth Form but with help from the teachers, the UCAS process couldn’t be smoother or more rewarding. Despite the looming January deadline every year, it is thanks to the school that we are able to send so many pupils to Oxbridge and Russell Group Universities as well as a whole host of other top institutions, including a number of friends who have gone off to study in the US. Alongside the academics at Plymouth College, there is also the huge bonus of the co-curricular programs which encompass so many different aspects of school life whether that be sport, music, art, or a number of other things!
The varied range of opportunities is incredibly rare and allows any pupil to fully gain the benefits of school life outside of the classroom. I studied Economics, History and Geography for A-Levels and throughout both years I had immense support from my teachers in order to get grades I was proud of (A*AA). With the small class sizes and tailored teaching methods, Plymouth College allowed me to fulfill my academic potential to the highest level whilst also always allowing me to enjoy and thrive outside of the classroom. I am now studying PPE at Exeter University and thank Plymouth College for setting me up on this journey.
Tomasz Rapala (Leaver 2020)
I joined Plymouth College in 2018 for Sixth Form taking A-levels in Economics, History and Art. It was the start of an academic adventure and it is thanks to Plymouth College that I achieved a place at SGH Warsaw School of Economics, the number one institution for my course in the country.
Knowledge that I received in Plymouth is already serving me well in my lectures and I genuinely believe that it is because of the school that my transition into university life has felt so smooth.
I was welcomed into the school with open arms and settled so quickly. It is thanks to so much support from boarding staff, coaches, teachers and entire Plymouth College community I managed to develop my performance swimming career as well as strengthen my academic skills. Although I was only in Plymouth for two years, the place will hold many happy memories for me.
Hannah Heierhoff
I joined Plymouth College as a boarder for Sixth Form. Although I only spent two years at the College, I was really prepared for the future. When I arrived at Plymouth College, I didn’t know what I wanted to do or if and what I wanted to study. At the College, the staff, who were always very understanding and supportive, helped guide me through the different options and ultimately helped me realise what I wanted to do next.
I now study at Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts, USA and the skills I learned as a boarder at school have helped me get settled in my first semester here. Although the academic support is amazing, I loved my teachers, the best thing about the College is the sense of community. I made friends I am sure I will keep all my life.
In my time at Plymouth College I didn’t just learn about the Tudors, the intricacies of French grammar or how to do implicit differentiation, I learned skills such as self-organization, discipline, adapting to a new, international environment that will be valuable to me for my entire life. I am very grateful for the opportunities that the College has given me.
Ben Andrews
I studied at Plymouth College for A-Levels and am now a Business Support Executive at Arbuthnot Latham Private Bank. What I remember most about Plymouth College was the ability to manage my sporting and academic commitments.
The school allowed me to balance training and studying to be successful in both. Teachers supported, encouraged and pushed me to achieving a strong set of A-level results alongside becoming the U20 and U23 British Fencing Champion.