Once Year 11 students complete their GCSEs, there’s a crucial next step they’ve got to take: deciding whether to go for sixth form or college. Whilst both options allow you to later pursue advanced study at university or beyond, there are many factors that set them apart, such as type of qualification, subject range, and environment structure.
Besides that, it’s important to know that this isn’t a simple two-way choice as there are actually three types of institutions where students can pursue further education, namely school sixth form, sixth form college, and further education college. If all of this sounds overwhelming and you’re now wondering “What is sixth form” or “What is the difference between college and sixth form?” — this article will dive deeper into what each option entails, including the pros and cons of sixth form vs college.
Key Takeaways
- Sixth form vs college is not a two-way choice; there are three main options: school sixth form, sixth form college, and FE/general college (plus boarding sixth form at independent schools).
- The key differences are class size, pastoral support, subject range, social environment, and whether boarding is available, not the qualifications offered.
- Universities do not formally prefer sixth form or college grades; personal statement quality and UCAS support are what determine university outcomes.
- Sixth form colleges may offer the widest A-level subject range; school sixth forms offer the strongest pastoral continuity; FE colleges offer the broadest mix of academic and vocational pathways.
- Boarding sixth form at an independent school is a distinct fourth option offering a new community, residential immersion, small classes, and intensive preparation for post-18 opportunities.
- Lord Wandsworth College welcomes external pupils into its boarding Sixth Form. Speak to the Admissions Team or visit Lord Wandsworth College to find out more.
What Is Sixth Form?
Sixth form refers to Years 12 and 13 — the two-year post-16 phase of secondary education in England, typically for students aged 16 to 18. It follows GCSEs and leads to A-levels, BTECs, or other Level 3 qualifications. Sixth form can take place within an existing school (a school sixth form), at a standalone sixth form college, or at a boarding independent school.
Read a more in-depth guide on What is Sixth Form here.
What Year Groups Are in Sixth Form?
Sixth form consists of two year groups: Year 12 (Lower Sixth) and Year 13 (Upper Sixth). Students usually begin at age 16 after completing their GCSEs and spend two years studying Level 3 qualifications before progressing to university, apprenticeships, or employment.
What Qualifications Do Students Take in Sixth Form?
Students most commonly study A-levels in sixth form, although some schools and colleges also offer vocational or technical qualifications like BTECs and other Level 3 qualifications including International Baccalaureates (IB). At school sixth form, most students take three subjects, allowing them to specialise in areas that align with their university and career ambitions.
What Is the Difference Between Sixth Form and College?
The main difference between sixth form and college is the learning environment rather than the qualifications themselves. For example:
- School sixth form: Part of an existing secondary school, offering a familiar structured environment.
- Sixth form college: A dedicated post-16 institution focused primarily on A-level study, with a wider subject range.
- FE / general college: A larger institution providing a mix of academic and vocational qualifications, giving students greater pathway choices.
Besides environment, the table below illustrates how sixth form vs college differs in terms of class sizes, subject range, boarding option, and more, across the three types of institutions for future education:
| Factor | School Sixth Form | Sixth Form College | FE / General College |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment | A-levels (primarily) | A-levels (primarily) | A-levels, BTECs, vocational |
| Class sizes | Small (10-15 typical) | Medium (15-25 typical) | Larger (20-30+) |
| Pastoral care | Strong — personal tutors, continuity |
Good — dedicated sixth form staff | Variable — less intensive |
| Subject range | Focused — 20-30 A-level subjects |
Wider — 30-50+ subjects |
Broadest — academic + vocational |
| Social environment | Known community, tight-knit |
New peer group, fresh start |
Most independent, diverse cohort |
| University support | Strong — dedicated UCAS guidance |
Good — large teams | Variable — can be less personalised |
| Boarding option | Yes (at independent schools) | Rarely | No |
|
Which do universities prefer? |
No formal preference — results matter |
No formal preference — results matter | No formal preference — results matter |
| Cost | Fees apply (independent schools) |
Free (state sixth form colleges) |
Free (state FE colleges) |
Teaching Style and Class Size — How Different Is It Really?
Class sizes are generally smaller in school sixth forms, with an average of 15 students per class. This allows teachers to pay more attention to each student whilst tailoring teaching methods to different learning styles. Meanwhile, colleges can accommodate larger peer groups and expect students to be more independent in managing their time and studies.
What Is a Sixth Form College? Understanding the Three Options
When families compare college vs sixth form, they’ll often notice that there are three post-16 routes to choose from: school sixth form, sixth form college, and FE / general college. To help you identify which path suits your child best, the table below highlights how each one offers a different balance of academic focus and independence.
| Type | What it is | Environment | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| School Sixth Form | Years 12-13 within an existing school |
Familiar school — same teachers, campus, peers | Continuity, pastoral support, boarding option |
| Sixth Form College | A standalone post-16 institution offering A-levels |
Larger, more independent, college-style |
Students wanting a new peer group, wider subject range |
| FE / General College | Further education college — A-levels, BTECs, vocational | Most independent, largest cohorts |
Vocational routes, BTEC, mixed programmes |
| Boarding Sixth Form (e.g. LWC) | Residential sixth form within an independent school |
Immersive — academic + boarding community |
Students joining from outside, full sixth form experience |
Do Universities Prefer Sixth Form or College?
Universities do not have a stronger preference for either sixth form or college applicants. Instead of focusing on the type of institution you attended, admissions teams tend to look at a student’s grades, subject choices, admissions test performance, references, and personal statements.
Which Produces Better A-Level Results — Sixth Form or College?
Neither sixth form nor college produces better results than the other. What matters more is the teaching quality provided by the institution, a student’s personal motivation, subject suitability, and pastoral support systems available. These factors can promote desirable academic outcomes more than whether a student opts for sixth form or college.
Is College or Sixth Form Better for Getting Into a Top University?
Both routes can help students secure places at top universities. However, the strongest predictor of success is not the decision between college vs sixth form, but the quality of academic support, guidance, and opportunities that allow them to thrive and do well. Hence, students applying for Oxbridge, medicine, law, or other competitive courses should look for institutions that consistently help students achieve high grades through dedicated mentoring, relevant enrichment opportunities, and proven university destinations.
Sixth Form or College: How to Decide
Still uncertain whether sixth form or college is the best route for your child? Try analysing or getting them to reflect on their learning style, preferred environment, level of independence, and future goals.
Use These Four Questions To Find the Right Answer for Your Child:
Go through these questions together to identify which setting between college vs sixth form is most likely to help them thrive.
| Question | If the Answer is… | Consider |
|---|---|---|
| Do they want continuity or a fresh start? | They prefer familiar teachers, routines, and friends | School Sixth Form |
| They want a new environment and wider social circle | Sixth Form College or FE College | |
| They want a fresh start with structure and community | Boarding Sixth Form | |
| What A-level subjects do they want to study? | They prefer focusing on a few subjects with more depth | School Sixth Form |
| They would like to have options and a wider subject combination | Sixth Form College | |
| How much pastoral support do they need? | They benefit from regular guidance and close monitoring | School Sixth Form or Boarding Sixth Form |
| They are confident working independently | Sixth Form College or FE College | |
| Are they aiming for highly competitive universities? | Yes, they are targeting Oxbridge and competitive courses like medicine and law | Institutions with strong mentoring, admissions support, and proven university outcomes |
| No, they are still exploring options or applying to a wider range of universities and courses | Institutions with broad subject choices and opportunities to explore different pathways |
Exploring sixth form options for your child? Lord Wandsworth College’s school Sixth Form offers a distinctive combination of A-level excellence, small classes, and a fully residential community.
A Third Option: Boarding Sixth Form at Lord Wandsworth College
One option is boarding school sixth form at an independent school such as LWC. It’s a distinct alternative that offers students a fresh beginning within a familiar structure and amongst peers they may already know.
Why Boarding Sixth Form Is Different From Both School Sixth Form and College
Rather than travelling back and forth to school or college every day, sixth form students at UK boarding schools like LWC get to enjoy a fully immersive environment where they live, study, and socialise within one close-knit community. It’s a solid way to develop confidence and greater independence whilst still being supported when needed. What’s more, there are often additional leadership opportunities and enrichment activities they can benefit from, prior to stepping into university.
LWC Sixth Form Results and University Destinations
LWC’s Sixth Form students achieved record-breaking A-level and BTEC results in 2025, where 81.4% were graded A–B.* These strong Sixth Form results, which also placed LWC in the top one per cent of schools and colleges nationally for progress made, has helped our students secure places at leading UK and international universities like the Russell Group, as well as for competitive programmes such as medicine, law, engineering, and business.
How To Join LWC Sixth Form From Outside the School
Students are welcome to join LWC’s Sixth Form cohort from other schools at the start of Year 12 (Lower Sixth). Applications should be submitted by the autumn of the preceding year, and students are required to complete an assessment or interview, where we don’t just look at grades, but your enthusiasm, passion, and potential as well. You may also apply for a scholarship in your chosen field. Families can learn more about our admission process and how to apply for Sixth Form here.
Ready to find out if LWC Sixth Form is the right fit? Come to an Open Event or speak with our Admissions Team. We will show you what a boarding school Sixth Form can offer — and help you decide if it is right for your child.