We’ve all been teenagers, so we all know that it may be an emotional roller coaster. And you know how important education is to your teen’s happiness if you have an adolescent at home. For this reason, we have researched the best sixth form colleges in London for our task. Depending on the student’s chosen path, these educational institutions, which represent the final one to complete a period of secondary education, serve as a bridge between school and university or working life.
The top sixth-form colleges in London
Table of Contents
1. Brampton College (Hendon)
Brampton College, located in Hendon, is a famous sixth-form college noted for its high academic standards and welcoming learning atmosphere. It provides a variety of A-level courses to prepare students for university and beyond, with an emphasis on personalized attention and targeted support to help students reach their greatest potential.
Here’s a summary of what I found about the college:
Academics: Brampton College is known for its strong academic record. They consistently achieve high results in A-levels and place students in competitive university programs like Medicine, Law, and Economics, small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and regular exam practice contribute to this success.
School Environment: The atmosphere is described as friendly and supportive, yet focused on academic achievement. Students are expected to be committed to their studies and participate in regular practice tests.
Extracurriculars: While academics are a priority, Brampton College also offers extracurricular activities.
Basic Information:
- Age range: 15-19 years old
- Gender: Co-educational
- Boarding: Not available
- Location: Hendon, London (Lodge Road, NW4 4DQ)
- Website: https://www.bramptoncollege.com/
- Phone number: 02082035025
2. London Academy of Excellence (Stratford)
The London Academy of Excellence in Stratford is a famous sixth-form institution renowned for its high academic standards and dedication to student achievement. Located in Stratford, it provides a rigorous curriculum and a supportive learning environment to assist students to thrive academically and prepare for their future ambitions.
Here’s what I found about LAE:
Academics: LAE has a reputation for academic excellence. Consistently ranking among the top sixth forms in the UK, they boast impressive A-level results and successful university placements. Small class sizes and a focus on independent thinking contribute to this success.
Ethos: LAE prioritizes accessibility and social mobility, aiming to provide a strong academic foundation for students from diverse backgrounds.
Wellbeing: The school takes student wellbeing seriously and was even shortlisted for the World’s Best School Prize in this category in 2022.
Basic Information:
- Age range: 16-19 years old
- Gender: Mixed
- Selective: No
- School type: Free school sixth form college
- Location: Stratford, London (Broadway House, 322 High Street, E15 1AJ)
- Headteacher: Alex Crossman
- Website: https://www.lae.ac.uk/
3. Orchard Hill College of Further Education
Orchard Hill College of Further Education is a dynamic educational institution committed to offering inclusive and empowering learning experiences for people with a variety of abilities. Orchard Hill College, with facilities around London and Surrey, provides a diverse choice of vocational courses, life skills programs, and supported internships customized to its students’ specific needs and objectives.
Here’s a breakdown of what I found about the college:
Mission:
- Provide life-changing learning experiences to students.
- Equip them with the skills to become independent members of their community.
- Prepare them for adulthood.
Programs:
Orchard Hill College offers a variety of programs to meet the individual needs of each student. These programs are designed to help students achieve their aspirations and goals as outlined in their Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
The college focuses on four main study programs linked to Preparing for Adulthood.
Pathways:
- Employment
- Independent Living
- Friends, Relationships & Community
- Good Health
Alongside these pathways, students develop core skills in areas like:
- Communication
- Problem-Solving
- Independence and Mobility
- Work Skills
- Managing Change
- Personal and Social Skills
Key Points:
Ofsted Rating: Outstanding (as of November 2019)
Locations: The college has nine vibrant college centers spread across London and Surrey.
Student Age Range: While a specific age range isn’t mentioned on their website, their programs seem geared towards young people and adults.
Website: https://orchardhill.ac.uk/
4. Ashbourne College (Kensington)
Ashbourne College, founded in 1981, is still one of London’s top-performing private sixth-form colleges. They take pleasure in their exam performance, personalized attention, and ideal location. All of this has inspired 54% of its graduates to attend Russell Group universities such as Oxford and Cambridge.
Here’s what I found about the college:
Academics: Ashbourne College focuses on preparing students for entry into top universities, particularly Russell Group universities. They boast a strong academic record with an average of around 47% A*-A grades in A-levels over the past decade. They offer both GCSE and A-level courses in a co-educational environment.
Student Body: The student body is international, with roughly 60% British students and 40% international students.
Supportive Environment: Small class sizes and individual attention are hallmarks of Ashbourne College. They aim to create an environment where students feel confident and take responsibility for their learning.
Location: The college has a prime location in central London, situated near the borders of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. This offers easy access to world-class museums, theatres, and other attractions.
Basic Information:
- School Type: Private sixth-form college
- Age Range: 16-19 years old (GCSE) and 17-19 years old (A-levels)
- Gender: Co-educational
- Boarding: Not available
- Location: Kensington, London (17 Old Court Place, London W8 4PL)
- Website: https://www.ashbournecollege.co.uk/
- Phone Number: +44 (0)20 7937 3858
5. Newham Sixth Form College (Newham)
Newham Sixth Form College (Newham) is a lively post-16 educational institution in East London. Newham Sixth Form College, which focuses on academic quality and student success, offers a diverse selection of A-level courses, occupational certifications, and enrichment activities. Through innovative teaching methods, customized support, and strong community collaborations, the institution provides students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to flourish in their chosen disciplines, seek higher education, or enter the workforce.
General Information
- Type: Sixth form college (Ages 16-19)
- Location: Plaistow, East London (Newham Sixth Form College, Prince Regent Lane, London, E13 8SG)
- Website: https://get-information-schools.service.gov.uk/
- Phone: 02074734110
- Email: info@newvic.ac.uk
6. King’s College London Maths School
King’s College London Maths School is a prestigious institution that focuses on developing mathematical talent and academic performance. Located in the center of London, the school provides a specialized curriculum focused on advanced mathematics and theoretical subjects. King’s College London Maths School offers a rigorous academic program, dedicated faculty, and cutting-edge facilities, providing students with a stimulating learning environment in which they can pursue their passion for mathematics and develop the skills required for future success in STEM fields and beyond.
Here’s some info about King’s Maths School:
- Mission: Widen participation in the mathematical sciences by supporting young people from backgrounds currently under-represented in these fields.
- Academics: King’s Maths School offers a rigorous curriculum focused on mathematics, with further maths as a compulsory subject. Students also take a smaller number of other A-levels, typically physics, computer science, and further economics. The school consistently achieves excellent results, with a high percentage of students going on to study mathematics at top universities.
- Admissions: The admissions process is selective and competitive, involving an entrance exam and interview.
- Extracurriculars: While academics are a priority, King’s Maths School also offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including a maths club, computer science society, and chess club.
Overall, King’s Maths School is a great option for highly motivated students with a passion for mathematics. If you are considering applying to King’s Maths School, it is important to be well-prepared for the entrance exam and interview.
7. Westminster City School Sixth Form (Westminster)
Westminster City School Sixth Form, located in Westminster, is a reputable educational institution that offers high-quality post-16 education. The sixth form provides a varied selection of A-level courses, occupational certifications, and enrichment activities to prepare pupils for higher education and future jobs. Westminster City School Sixth Form encourages students to achieve their goals and flourish in their chosen fields by emphasizing academic quality, customized support, and holistic development.
Here’s a breakdown of what I found about it:
Academics:
WCS Sixth Form offers a broad curriculum of A-levels across various disciplines. They emphasize preparing students for future studies and employment. This involves offering guidance on university applications, career advice, and opportunities for work experience.
School Environment:
WCS Sixth Form is described as having a supportive and focused environment. There’s a strong emphasis on academic achievement, but also on pastoral care to ensure student well-being.
Additional Details:
Gender: Mixed (accepts both male and female students)
Age Range: 16-19 years old
Location: 55 Palace Street, London, SW1E 5HJ
Website: https://www.wcsch.com/
Contact: Telephone: 020 7963 6300 or email l.young@wcsch.com
Here’s how Westminster City School Sixth Form compares to other schools you’ve asked about:
Similar to: Newham Sixth Form College (Newham) – Both are large, state-funded sixth forms offering a variety of A-level programs.
Different from:
- Brampton College (Hendon): Private college with a focus on competitive university entrance and smaller class sizes.
- London Academy of Excellence (Stratford): Free school with a selective admissions process but focus on social mobility.
- Ashbourne College (Kensington): Private college with a strong focus on Russell Group universities.
- King’s College London Maths School: Selective free school specializing in mathematics for students with a particular aptitude.
Overall, Westminster City School Sixth Form could be a good option for you if:
You’re looking for a state-funded sixth form with a variety of A-level subjects.
You value a supportive and focused learning environment.
You’re not interested in a selective admissions process.
8. Woodhouse College
Woodhouse College is a well-known educational institution located in North London. Woodhouse College, which offers a diverse range of A-level courses and enrichment activities, provides students with a strong academic curriculum and a supportive learning environment. Woodhouse College, with its dedicated professors, contemporary facilities, and commitment to excellence, prepares students for success in higher education and beyond.
Woodhouse College boasts a strong academic record with consistently high A-level results.
They have a focus on progression to top universities, including Russell Group universities, Oxbridge, and medicine courses.
To achieve this, they offer increased contact time with subjects (5 hours per week) along with extra subject tutorials and one-on-one sessions.
School Environment:
Woodhouse College describes itself as having a thriving and connected community where students feel supported and aren’t lost in a large crowd https://www.woodhouse.ac.uk/.
There’s an emphasis on pastoral care to ensure student well-being alongside academic achievement.
Additional Details:
- Age Range: 16-19 years old (Sixth Form)
- Gender: Co-educational
- Location: Greater London, London (exact address not publicly available for student safety reasons)
- School Type: 16 Plus (Sixth Form) College
- Website: https://www.woodhouse.ac.uk/
Here’s how Woodhouse College compares to other schools you’ve asked about:
Similar to: Brampton College (Hendon) and Ashbourne College (Kensington) – All three are private sixth forms with a strong focus on academic achievement and university entrance, particularly for competitive programs.
Different from:
Westminster City School Sixth Form (Westminster) and Newham Sixth Form College (Newham) – These are state-funded sixth forms with a wider range of student achievement levels.
King’s College London Maths School – This is a selective free school specializing in mathematics.
London Academy of Excellence (Stratford) – This is a free school with a selective admissions process but a focus on social mobility.
Overall, Woodhouse College seems like a good option for you if:
You are a high-achieving student aiming for top universities.
You value a supportive and academically focused environment with small class sizes and personalized attention.
You are comfortable with the fees associated with a private sixth-form college.
Keep in mind:
While Woodhouse College boasts a strong record, it’s important to consider your individual goals and learning style.
You might also want to compare Woodhouse College with other top sixth forms to see which best aligns with your needs and preferences.
9. London Academy of Excellence Tottenham
London Academy of Excellence. Tottenham is a prominent educational institution located in north London. The academy is committed to offering great post-16 education and offers a challenging academic curriculum with an emphasis on A-level courses and enrichment programs. With a focus on academic quality, customized support, and holistic development, the London Academy of Quality Tottenham prepares students for success in higher education and future jobs.
Academics:
LAE Tottenham boasts impressive A-level results with a high proportion of students progressing to top universities.
Small class sizes and a focus on independent learning contribute to this success.
The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving skills alongside core subjects.
Key Points:
- Age Range: 16-19 years old
- Gender: Mixed
- Location: Tottenham, London (within the new Tottenham Hotspur development)
- School Type: Free school sixth form college
- Website: https://www.laetottenham.org.uk/
- Headteacher: Sarah Jimenez
10. South Thames Colleges Group
South Thames Colleges Group is a renowned educational consortium in South London, consisting of many colleges committed to offering high-quality further and higher education. The organization meets the educational needs of people at all phases of their lives and careers by offering a wide variety of courses, occupational credentials, apprenticeships, and adult learning programs. South Thames Colleges Group focuses on excellence, innovation, and community engagement to provide students with the skills, knowledge, and experiences they need to thrive in their chosen industries and make important contributions to society.