Choosing which sixth form is best for your child is no mean feat. Parents may be questioning: is boarding school a good idea?
Alexandra Collingwood, Head of the Sixth Form at Ackworth School, says: “Going to a boarding school gives your child just the right amount of freedom.”
“Whilst it is vital for sixth formers to gain independence during these two years, I think it’s better for parents and teachers to stay involved in educational supervision to some extent.”
What are the main advantages of a boarding school for sixth form students?
Alexandra believes that a boarding school environment provides the right balance of support and freedom.
“A-levels are hard,” continues Alexandra. “They are the most intellectually-challenging thing these students will ever encounter; they need guidance to be able to succeed."
“At a boarding school, you have the advantage of a 360-degree approach to support. So many students require extra help, in their learning and in life. Students who board have access to a strong support system, both in school and the boarding house.”
Many independent boarding schools boast incredible facilities, all of which may contribute to a prosperous sixth form education.
“We have a state-of-the-art gym, sports hall, tennis courts and music centre with 10 Steinway pianos set in phenomenal picturesque 18th Century grounds. It is a truly beautiful setting to learn and relax,” says Alexandra.
Students who board at Ackworth School have access to tutors ‘out of hours’ during designated prep (study) time. An open-door policy and digital learning approach (all students are issued with iPads and technology is embedded into every lesson) means that teachers and tutors are only a message or email away.
Is Ackworth School sixth form right for my child?
“Ackworth School is an international community. Students benefit from a real family feel and the opportunity to mix with people from all different backgrounds, ages and places. It’s a home away from home.”
Sixth form students at Ackworth School also take part in their bespoke Oxbridge Pathways Programme, focused on helping students gain acceptance to the most prestigious UK universities.
“The wellbeing of our students is what we hold to be the most important factor in an education,” stresses Alexandra.
“Unless a student is happy, they are unlikely to reach their full potential.”
“Our students consistently perform better than what their targets and previous academic performance indicate that they should. It’s what I’m most proud of here at Ackworth,” she concludes.
Head to www.ackworthschool.com/key-stages/sixth-form or check out ‘Top 5 benefits of a boarding school for sixth form students’ for more information. Contact them on 01977 233600 or admissions@ackworthschool.com.
Visit the school for their next sixth form open day.
Find them at Ackworth, Pontefract, West Yorkshire, WF7 7LT
