The Sir John Colfox School has a combined sixth form with Beaminster School.  This gives us the opportunity to offer a wider range of courses and enrichment opportunities.  The teaching is shared between the two schools and students move between schools on a free bus.  Each AS and A level subject is for nine hours a fortnight which is a higher ratio of lessons than other schools in order to allow for transport time.

The Sixth Form is a lively, energetic community where students can achieve excellent academic qualifications.  "There is a very positive ethos which emphasizes and successfully promotes success in pupil's academic and personal development." Ofsted 2008.  Results in 2009

For the past 2 years the Sixth Form has been in the top 15% of schools nationally for the progress that our students make.  "Very good planning, effective questioning and high expectations lead to students learning at a good rate." Ofsted 2008.

A recent report looking at 250 schools nationally placed the Sir John Colfox fourth in the country for the progress students make in the Sixth Form.  This was the highest results for participating schools in Dorset.  These excellent results are due to the emphasis on high quality teaching in both schools, individual support for students and effective pastoral care. "Good teaching helps the student attain above average academic standards.  The outstanding range of high quality equipment and resources helps to create the right conditions for effective learning." The Sir John Colfox School Ofsted.

We have always encouraged a commitment to the community and to the service of others and diverse events such as the bi-annual trip to India (in support of a leprosy centre) and the introduction of the Higher level "Community Sports Leader" Award are offered as part of a varied programme of enrichment opportunities for our students.  Sixth Form students mentor younger students in the school and develop a range of responsibilities.  There is a wide range of extra-curricular activities on offer.  In the past students have gone to Barcelona, Venice and New York on cross-curricular trips. There are future plans to visit the Garrison School in Ghana and in 2011 an expedition in Kenya to participate in important sustainable community projects.

What Ofsted says:

"Students make good and often very good progress in the Sixth Form.  They value greatly the help and support they get from their teachers."

What the students say:

"The Sixth Form is great experience for university as you are treated more like adults, encouraged to work more independently and have more responsibility."

"I think the Sixth Form is hard work but you are given all the support and help you need.  It gives you something to aim for later on in life."

"The Sixth Form has some great facilities including a common room where you can relax and socialise, and a study room/computer room where you can "study".  Soon there may be a new computer room because the Sixth Form is very popular and more computers are needed for the expanding Sixth Form."

And from a Beaminster Student:

"The Sixth Form has been good because it's not like school in the sense of Year 11, but you are in a place in which you are comfortable, and this helps you work well.  It's been good being linked with Colfox, meeting new friends.  I enjoy the supportive attitude of my teachers and in particular my tutor.

I know people who have been to other schools/colleges and aren't really enjoying it.  I'm glad I stayed here and now have a good foundation to take me on to new experiences at university." "The school prides itself on the success rate of all that are entered for the examinations." Beaminster School Ofsted.

Find our more about the Sixth Form by clicking on the links below.

• Our Sixth Form - a video made by the students
• Sixth Form Brochure
• Beaminster School website