Join the Sixth Form
How to join our Sixth Form:
Our autumn Open Events are an opportunity for students and families to explore the Sixth Form, meet our teachers and current students, discover the subjects and courses available and find out more about the support, enrichment and opportunities that make up Sixth Form life at The Downs School.
Whether you are already a student at The Downs School or are considering joining us from another school, you are very welcome.
Sixth Form Open Evening
Thursday 12 November, 6.00–8.00pm
There is no need to register for our Open Evening. Come along to meet subject teachers, explore our facilities and talk to us about your plans for Sixth Form and beyond.
Sixth Form Open Mornings
Tuesday 17 November, 9.15am–11.00pm
Wednesday 2 December, 9.15am–11.00pm
​Booking form here: https://tinyurl.com/84duenv6
Our Admissions Timeline - November to starting in September
FAQS
We often get asked about these topics, please let us know if there is anything else you wish to know.
- Catchment areas do not apply in the Sixth Form, nor are we restricted on the numbers of students we are able to offer places to. We welcome new students from anywhere in the UK although no boarding options apply.
- Over 25% of new Sixth Form students have come from the Independent sector or other schools and you can be sure of a thorough introduction to The Downs School to make students feel at home quickly.
- Our pastoral care is recognised as outstanding by Oftsed and we have a dedicated team standing by to help.
More FAQs can be found on this page.
Our virtual Sixth Form Introduction presentations
As part of our on-going support for our Sixth Form students, the information below covers a wide range of topics about all aspects of Sixth Form life, as well as looking ahead to the next steps for students as they start to think about life after they leave The Downs School. Whether students go on to further or higher education, employment or self-employment once they leave us, we want their time at The Downs School to have provided them with the skills and knowledge to make the choices that are best for them. We also want to ensure that our parents and carers are armed with all the information they need to support the students. All the information below is relevant to students in Years 12 and 13.
If you have any further questions after watching the presentations, please contact us via email: sixthform@thedownsschool.org
Presentations
The presentations are as follows:
Below will also be a presentation from Ms Zhechkova from the Admissions Department at the University of Bath, covering a number of admissions topics.
University Admissions Insight from the University of Bath
Ms Petya Zhechkova, Student Recruitment Officer from the University of Bath, has kindly put together two presentations designed to help those students who wish to apply for any university. Petya has also advised that university admissions teams have a relatively quiet period in the Autumn, so a good time to email them!
Part One:
- How to choose the right course and the importance of prioritising the course first (over the university)
- How to choose a university (importance of location, environment, reputation, good subject teaching)
- Importance of attending physical in-person Open Days
- What students can do to improve their applications (EPQ, Work Experience, Super-curricular reading)
Part Two:
- University is so much more than simply studying a course (friends for life, learning new skills, learning to be independent)
- How parents can prepare their children for the transition to university
Useful Links
Documents
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| 2026 2027 TDS Sixth form Course Guide |
