Choosing a Sixth Form School After GCSE Results Day

Most students receiving their GCSE results would have chosen their subjects in year 8 - 9. At this stage in the life of a teenager, many would not have a definite ideal of what they would like to do in the future. By the time they are in year 11, they have a better idea of the subjects they enjoy more and those they expect to perform better in. These usually inform the subjects they will pursue at A Levels or IB.

Got the grades you needed?

If you have achieved the target grades for your chosen subjects, congratulations! This puts you in a good place to choose where you want to study.

At this stage, a number of students want a change in environment if they have been in the same secondary school for many years. Many also decide to stay in their current schools especially as sixth forms are often in a separate area of schools. If you have been attending a single sex school, having a mixed sixth form can provide that change in environment without changing school.

Before making your final decision on which sixth form to go to, revisit your initial decision making process, with regards to Applying for Secondary School or Sixth Form. Do you come up with the same conclusions? Consider changes in personal circumstances, review the school's latest performance and any updated Ofsted Inspection reports.

What happens when expectations do not align with performance on results day?

If you have missed your subject target grade on results day, making decisions about your education or career path after receiving results can be very daunting. This is not helped by the fact that the current system does not allow time to reflect before making decisions that could impact on your ability to stay in line with your career aspirations.

If you're in a situation where you're contemplating changes after results day, here are some steps you might consider:

Reflect on Your Goals: Take some time to reflect on your long-term goals and aspirations. Are the results you've received aligning with these goals, or do they necessitate a change in direction?

Assess Your Options: Consider the various paths that are available to you based on your results. If you didn't achieve the desired outcomes, explore alternative options that could still lead you toward your goals.

Research Alternatives: If you're considering changing your educational or career path, research the options available to you. Look into different courses, programs, or job opportunities that could be a better fit for your interests and strengths. What subjects do you need to take a A Levels / IB to be able to pursue them.

Seek Guidance: Reach out to mentors, teachers, career counselors, or professionals in the field you're interested in. They can provide valuable insights and advice about your potential choices.

Evaluate Pros and Cons: Make a list of the advantages and disadvantages of each option. Consider factors like job prospects, salary potential, job satisfaction, required qualifications, and personal fulfillment.

Consider Long-Term Impact: Think about how your decisions now will impact your future. Will the changes you're considering lead to better opportunities down the line? Will they align with your values and ambitions?

Practical Considerations: Take into account practical matters such as financial implications, location, and the time required to pursue a new path.

Set Realistic Expectations: Understand that making changes after results day might involve challenges and adjustments. Be prepared to put in the necessary effort to succeed in your new endeavor and networking in a different field.

Stay Flexible: Life rarely follows a linear path. Be open to adapting your plans if circumstances change or new opportunities arise.

What if I am not ready to make changes to my chosen career path?

There are a number of reasons why students miss their target grades but schools usually show no flexibility in accommodating missed targets. Nevertheless, consider the below:

Contact your existing and any schools you applied to with your results.

You have nothing to loose by enquiring, especially if you are just under the grade boundary. You are more likely to be successful with the least popular subjects as the school may have a need to increase the intake for the year.

Review your list of schools.

You would have made a list of possible schools at the beginning of the application process. This is the time to review that list to identify those with lower grade boundaries. Contact them directly to see if the have spaces in your chosen subjects. It may not be your chosen school but it will keep you in line with your aspirations. You will also have to put the work in to ensure you hit that grade over the next two years.

Consider the next level.

Think carefully about what you will do if you pursue your current subjects and do not meet the target grades to access your chosen career path at University. Choose your subjects carefully to allow for some flexibility at the next level.

Consider different routes to access your career path.

If you are decisive on your career path, apprenticeships are often overlook by academics but are a great way to pursue a career path. We are all gifted in different ways. Some learn well in an academic environment, some learn better hands on.

Remember!

It's okay to make changes if your initial choices didn't yield the results you were hoping for. Many successful people have faced setbacks and made adjustments along the way. The key is to approach any changes with careful consideration and a positive outlook toward achieving your goals.