About our Sixth Form
At our Sixth Form, our priority is that every student feels happy, known and supported — because we believe that’s when students thrive. Our Sixth Form offers a real opportunity for all students to achieve success.
We offer a broad and flexible curriculum, expert teaching, and strong pastoral support — all within a welcoming, close-knit community. Students leave us as confident, capable young adults, academically successful and ready to take their next steps.
Our Sixth Form is built on strong relationships and shared values. Students benefit from:
- Specialist subject teaching in small groups
- A separate Sixth Form Centre, including:
- Specialist science laboratories
- Sixth Form common room
- Sixth Form-only computer rooms for vocational learning
- Access to the library and private study areas
- A dedicated pastoral manager, based full-time in the Sixth Form Centre, available throughout the day
- One-to-one academic and pastoral tutorials
- A broad enrichment and personal development programme
- Leadership opportunities through mentoring, ambassador roles, and the Sixth Form Council
- Full access to our brand new 4G sports pitch for curriculum and recreational use.
Our community is shaped by our HEART values — High expectations, Effort, Active listening & learning, Respect and Teamwork — which are embedded in daily Sixth Form life. These values guide how students learn, lead, and contribute to the wider school.
In May 2026, our Sixth Form was judged to be Expected Standard by Ofsted, who recognised the strength of our teaching, leadership and student experience. This reflects the rapid progress we are making as a school and the high standards we are committed to maintaining.
16 to 19 Study Programmes
Every student in our sixth form follows an individual study programme that meets the Department for Education's 16 to 19 study programme requirements. Each programme is built around the student's prior attainment and their intended destination, whether that is university, an apprenticeship or employment.
Core qualifications. Each student has a core aim made up of substantial qualifications: three A levels / a combination of A levels and Level 3 vocational qualifications. The full list of A level qualifications are here and vocational qualifications are here.
English and maths. Students who have not yet achieved grade 4 in GCSE English or maths continue to study the subject, with at least 100 taught hours a year in each, until they achieve it.
Work experience. All students complete a one-week placement in Year 12 of 5 days, alongside employer encounters such as talks, mock interviews, workplace visits.
Personal development. Beyond their qualifications, students take part in tutorial programme, PDT, enrichment, EPQ, volunteering, student leadership, which develops the character and skills they need for their next step.
Careers and progression. Students receive impartial guidance on university, apprenticeships and employment, including UCAS support, one-to-one careers interviews. See our careers programme here.
Planned hours. Full-time programmes provide at least 580 planned hours each year.
To find out more, contact sixthform@notleyhigh.com
Student Life
We are proud to offer a Sixth Form experience that feels personal, aspirational, and inclusive.
Students regularly tell us what they value most:
It is small and has a community feel.
You feel known — and supported.
We are treated as young adults.
There are so many chances to lead.
Lessons are strong and teachers genuinely care.
We encourage all students to take an active role in shaping Sixth Form life — from joining the Student Leadership Team or mentoring younger peers, to volunteering in the local community and contributing to school-wide events.
Dress Code
Our dress code at the sixth form is modest, appropriate and professional. We want our students to be comfortable and feel able to express themselves somewhat whilst still adhering to the dress code criteria. The sixth form are role models for the younger students at Notley High School and thus adherence to the expectations of modesty, appropriateness and professionalism is important.
This dress code is designed to guide students on the expected standards of dress and appearance. It is not exhaustive in defining acceptable and unacceptable standards of dress and students are expected to use common sense in adhering to the principles underpinning the code.
Dress code expectations:
In general, clothing should be in a good state of repair.
Trousers: smart trousers. This includes jeans that do not have rips.
Shorts: Smart knee length shorts are permitted.
Tops: Smart t-shirts are acceptable and tops should be of appropriate length in order to cover the midriff. Jumpers are allowed. Smart jackets and cardigans are also able to be worn.
Shorts, skirts and dresses should be of an appropriate length that supports a professional learning environment (they should be at least knee-length and shorts/skirts should be smart and not ripped, distressed or excessively faded)
Footwear: shoes and trainers are acceptable as long as they are in a good state of repair.
Hair and accessories: hair should be neat and tidy. Jewellery, make up and fake nails are permitted but may need to be removed in certain learning environments.
Your lanyard and ID badge is a non-negotiable and should be worn around your neck at all times.
Please avoid:
Any clothing that is see-through, strappy, strapless, crop etc. Clothing should be modest.
Hoodies are not permitted.
Jogging bottoms and leggings unless for PE practical lessons. Clothing should look professional.
Clothing which advocates illegal acts or hate crimes, or any clothing that references drugs, profanities or shows any other inappropriate imagery. Clothing should be appropriate.
Flip flops, crocs, sliders or very high heels.
Denim shorts.
Any questions regarding the sixth form dress code should be directed to the Deputy Head of Sixth Form, as should any queries about reasonable adjustment on medical or religious grounds. If the dress of a student is deemed to not meet the criteria, the student may be asked to go home, regardless of cost or distance in order to change.
