Distinctive sixth form offer

High quality teaching in a close-knit community was the key takeaway for visitors attending Toll Bar Sixth Form’s Autumn Open Event.

The distinctive offer was promoted alongside other benefits to post-16 study at the New Waltham college.

Executive Principal Philip Dickinson said the aim was to give students the best of both worlds, blending the independence of a college environment with the support of a school.

"Our sixth form has a distinctive feel, and our sixth formers are a hugely valued part of our wider school community," he said.

"Students benefit from our superb Sixth Form site, excellent teaching, and many opportunities beyond the classroom. Those who join the sixth form from the main school also benefit from continuity and the relationships built with staff over time.

Head of Sixth Form, Christina Hook spoke proudly of the Sixth Form’s inclusive and welcoming environment, with students joining from a wide range of schools from across the local area.

"This is a close-knit community of aspirational students focused on achieving high quality onwards destinations," she told visitors.

"As well as excellent academic outcomes, our Sixth Form offers exceptional support and guidance, with opportunities for personal, as well as academic, growth. This includes paid internships, work experience, trips abroad and university visits."

Mrs Hook pointed to the highly sought-after apprenticeships and places at top universities secured by Year 13 students this summer after successful A-level outcomes.

They had been the first group of Toll Bar Sixth Form students to have benefited from a partnership with the Elephant Group, an organisation aimed at supporting students to access top-third universities.

New courses in Dance and Criminology, which have enhanced the sixth form’s offer, both saw 50% of students achieving A- A* grades in their first sets of results this summer.

Toll Bar Sixth Form works collaboratively with external partners, and many of these were on hand to discuss future career paths with students.

Highly impressed with the facilities, staff and evening was Saima Sharif, accompanied by twin daughters Mariam and Sophia, both studying GCSEs in Year 11 at Waltham Toll Bar. Son Sully is also currently in Year 13 at the sixth form.

"We really enjoyed the evening," she said. "The twins want to go to the sixth form here. They’re looking forward to taking the next step and I think it’s a natural process to come here.

"It was a well organised event with one-to-one time with teachers to explain things.

"Mariam and Sophia would like to study Biology and Chemistry. For the third option, they had been thinking Business Studies but liked the sound of English Language and Literature.

"They were also taken with Psychology, Sociology and Criminology so the evening opened up new options in terms of their third choice of A-level.

"Sully really enjoys it here and is studying Criminology, Geography and Biology. I am just happy that they are here."

Year 11 at Waltham Toll Bar, Emma Hamill, is looking to transfer to the sixth form.

"The opportunities are great and I like the idea of knowing my teachers already," she said.

One of the many helpers at the event was Omar Elkatkat, who is in Year 13. He said: "Toll Bar Sixth Form provides positive challenges for those wanting to excel in their education."

The sixth form is part of Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust, and welcomes students from across the region and beyond.

Any queries about applying or any questions about further study in general can be directed to the sixth form team via (01472) 500505, or emailed to enquiries@TollbarAcademy.co.uk.