Although the Sixth Form College is a concept that may seem new in Spain, the truth is that it is well established in the United Kingdom and plays a key role in the education of teenagers between 16 and 18 years of age. It provides them with the necessary tools to face the challenges they will have to overcome throughout their lives, both on a personal and professional level. 

It is an educational model that combines a solid academic base with a learning experience that is primarily focused on personal development and university preparation. At all times, it is committed to greater specialisation and more specialised support.

But what actually is a Sixth Form College And how does it differ from a conventional college? 

What is a Sixth Form College?

A Sixth Form College is an educational institution specifically for A-Level students. It is equivalent to the British Baccalaureate and corresponds to the last two years of compulsory secondary education in the UK. 

Instead of offering a general curriculum like traditional institutes, these schools opt for an advanced, pre-university model of education, based primarily on specialisation and personal development. To do this, students choose three or four subjects of interest which allow them to study specific areas in depth and to be better prepared for university.

Moreover, the atmosphere of a Sixth Form College is very different from that of a conventional school or institute. It is inspired by the university teaching model and goes beyond mere theoretical learning.

In this way, as well as striving for academic excellence, it also promotes the development of practical and critical skills, such as leadership, responsibility and resilience. 

Characteristics of a Sixth Form College

There are certain characteristics that differentiate Sixth Form Colleges from other models of secondary education:

  • Class sizes are small which encourages more personalised learning. Normally, classes do not exceed 10 or 15 students, which facilitates interaction between students and teachers and leads to more direct and personalised attention. This encourages learning and, at the same time, students feel less intimidated to express their opinions or ask questions compared to if they were in larger classes.
  • At Sixth Form Colleges, ICT plays a major role in the learning process, with devices such as iPads, learning apps and digital resources being commonly used. As a result, students are able to access information in a more dynamic way and prepare themselves for the professional use of technology in their future careers. 
  • The curriculum combines A-Levels with co-curricular activities, from leadership programmes to internships in sectors of professional interest. This allows students interested in medicine, for example, to enjoy a practical experience that enriches their profile.

Sixth Form Colleges in Spain

In recent years, the concept of Sixth Form in Spain has become increasingly relevant as an alternative to traditional baccalaureate institutes, allowing students to enjoy an authentic British College environment. 

In fact, the curriculum taught is the British National Curriculum, known as the English National Curriculum, which ensures that students receive a structured and internationally recognised education that facilitates their admission to universities both in Spain and abroad. 

One of the most prominent centres that has started to offer this type of education, focused on excellence and pre-university preparation, is Hastings School ( Madrid).

Hastings School, Sixth Form education that stands out

In Madrid, Hastings School offers an adapted version of the British Sixth Form College, providing an educational experience that goes beyond academic knowledge and is based on constant support and active learning. 

As such, students are not only taught subjects such as maths, science and humanities, but also participate in activities that promote critical thinking, creativity and responsibility.

But what makes Hastings School one of the best examples of a Sixth Form College in Spain? 

  • Firstly, the school’s commitment to the overall development of its pupils. In addition to A-Levels, the school offers mentoring programmes, where students can work on an individual basis with the support of teachers to address academic queries and receive guidance on their future projects. This helps young people to discover their talents and to define their academic and professional interests.
  • Our modern infrastructure and our firm commitment to the responsible use of technology are other hallmarks of Hastings School. All our students have at their disposal a wide range of technological devices which are used both in the classroom and in extracurricular activities. This facilitates learning and promotes the ethical and safe use of digital information. 
  • In addition, thanks to the guidance and resources provided by Hastings, many of our students are admitted to the best universities in the world which underlines the success of our methodology and the excellence of our team in developing citizens capable of engaging with the world.

In summary, Sixth Form College offers the opportunity to prepare for university in a professional and dynamic environment. It is an educational model with a strong focus on specialisation, technology and personalised attention. It is perfectly adapted to the interests and talents of each student and allows them to acquire essential skills for their professional and academic future. Without a doubt, it is the best investment for your children’s education.