Welcome from the Head of Sixth Form

The Sixth Form at Ashcroft Technology Academy has a strong academic ethos and offers an environment in which students are supported to achieve the very highest levels of academic achievement. Following their Sixth Form studies, our students typically progress to Russell Group universities, studying a range of academic courses. Our students are well prepared to meet the challenges that these courses present as a result of the knowledge and skills they develop during their time in the Sixth Form. 

The Academy has an established reputation for excellence in teaching, learning and results and we are proud of the achievements our students make each year.  We have inspiring resources for your continuing studies, high-quality, research-led teaching, and we offer a broad curriculum with an extensive range of courses. 

The successes our students achieve have been recognised both locally and nationally.  We are especially pleased to have won the Wandsworth Pupil Achievement Award for highest A - Level results in Wandsworth borough every year since 2013. We have also been recognised at a national level with an award for the excellent progress our Sixth Form students make (the Learning Plus UK student progress award). These awards are testament to this being a Sixth Form where the combination of hard work and outstanding teaching allows students to reach their full potential. 

The Academy was one of the first schools in the country to be inspected under Ofsted’s new and more demanding inspection framework. Inspectors were hugely impressed with the Academy and the outcome reflects this. Ofsted rated the Academy Exceptional in five areas, the most any school has been awarded under the new framework. 

Ofsted states that “We only award this grade when we see practice that is among the very best nationally, which should be shared with other schools or providers to help them improve.” 

I am particularly pleased to share the judgement for our Sixth Form, which was rated Exceptional.  

Inspectors found that: 

“There is an ambitious and well-structured post-16 study programme that prepares students so well for university, apprenticeships and employment.”

“The delivery of the post-16 curriculum is of a consistent high quality. Teachers explain concepts clearly and check understanding regularly, so students build confidence and achieve excellent results.” 

“Leaders monitor progress closely and intervene quickly when needed, ensuring that all students achieve well.” 

“Careers education is comprehensive and begins early, with impartial advice, employer-led events and targeted workshops.” 

“Sustained high expectations, expert teaching and strong pastoral care mean that students leave Ashcroft well prepared for their next steps and for life beyond school.” 

This judgement sits alongside Exceptional ratings for Achievement, Curriculum and Teaching, Attendance and Behaviour and Leadership and Governance, illustrating the strength, ambition and consistency of education that students experience at the Academy. 

Sixth Form students have the choice of two programmes of study: A-Levels or the International Baccalaureate, the latter of which is a broad and highly-regarded qualification, offered mainly in the independent sector. A-Level students typically study three subjects, with the option open to students who study Maths and Further Maths to study a fourth subject to maintain a good balance. In addition to their A-Level and IB courses, all Sixth Form students follow a weekly pastoral programme, which includes comprehensive guidance on UCAS preparation, career pathways, and support with their own personal and academic development and independent study skills.  Furthermore, our extensive super-curricular programme in the Sixth Form provides supplementary opportunities and encouragement to our students who intend to apply to the most prestigious universities in the UK and abroad. This includes the opportunity to complete an Extended Project Qualification in a subject of a student’s choosing and to participate in our support programme for aspiring Medics and Oxbridge candidates.  

The Academy has recently increased the teaching time allocated to A-level subjects by 25%. This investment of time represents a significant commitment by the Academy to make sure that students who study here are supported to give of their best with the best possible preparation for their exams.  

In the Sixth Form, you will develop your academic independence and take responsibility for your own learning; however our teachers, tutors and Sixth Form Management Team are outstanding and always willing to help, support and advise. We also recognise the importance of learning beyond the classroom and so you will find a superb range of super-curricular and extra-curricular activities available for you to participate in and enjoy during your time in the Sixth Form. 

We look forward to welcoming you to the Sixth Form at Ashcroft Technology Academy and working with you in pursuit of your ambitions. 

Mr J Hetherington

Deputy Principal – Head of Sixth Form 

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