Into Sixth Form
As boys enter the Sixth Form, they face important decisions about their academic paths and future aspirations. We guide them in approaching challenges and opportunities with both maturity and purpose.
Making the Right Choices
At this important time, a dedicated team works closely with each boy to help him make informed choices that will shape not only his Sixth Form experience, but also his life beyond Bedford.
Tutors continue to walk the academic journey with every boy. Alongside them are his Housemaster and Academic Year Head, as well as our Careers Team, including a professional careers consultant.
Every boy will benefit from:
- One-to-one mentoring and academic advice
- Regular careers talks and workshops throughout the Upper School
- Use of Unifrog to map and progress career journeys (with parental access)
- Focused modules within our Citizenship programme (PSHE)
- Wellbeing support through our pastoral care team
- Morrisby profiling in Year 10 to identify aptitudes and propose future options
- A dedicated Year 10 meeting to discuss academic leanings and support needs
- A formal, recorded interview with an independent careers adviser in Year 11
- A Year 11 Futures interview with a senior staff member to formalise choices
- Ongoing curriculum review meetings as needed in Year 12
Events That Inspire and Inform
Throughout the year, we host a variety of events designed to broaden horizons and spark ambition:
- Sixth Form Open Evening – A chance for boys and their families to explore subject options and hear from teachers and current Sixth Formers.
- Careers Fair – Featuring professionals from a wide range of industries, offering insights and networking opportunities.
- University and Apprenticeship Information Sessions – Helping boys understand the pathways available and what each entails.
- International University Roadshows – showcasing overseas opportunities and explaining process and requirements.
These events do more than inform—they empower boys to take ownership of their futures. And we work closely with parents as well, offering regular updates, informative events, and opportunities for one-to-one conversations with the Careers Team at Parents’ Evenings.
Leadership, Responsibility and Independence
Beyond academics, the Sixth Form offers boys the chance to step into leadership roles and take on greater responsibility. Opportunities include:
- Becoming a monitor (Bedford’s prefects)
- Leadership roles in their houses
- Playing in and captaining senior sports teams and leading musical ensembles
- Running clubs and societies, many in partnership with Bedford Girls’ School
- Mentoring younger boys within the vertical tutor group and house structure
With increased academic freedom comes more time for independent study and space for intellectual curiosity to thrive. Formal leadership training is also provided through three impactful courses that complement the academic curriculum.
