Welcome to our Sixth Form virtual open day experience, a chance to learn about the teaching and learning opportunities we offer, the facilities we have available at Stephen Perse, and how we prepare our Sixth Form students for university and life beyond school.
We are proud of the academic achievement that Stephen Perse is renowned for and the accompanying wellbeing that is at the core of our vision for education. The coronavirus continues to restrict mass gatherings of people so here, online, is all the key information students and parents need to know about life in the Sixth Form at Stephen Perse.
Videos give you the opportunity to hear stories from current students and how their interests have developed alongside academic study. Hear from key staff about the choice we offer between A Level study or International Baccalaureate, the timetabled enrichment sessions we provide to explore new skills and interests, our Extended Project Qualification, and our guidance programme.
You can also learn about our boarding accommodation available exclusively for those in the Sixth Form who are studying away from home and how being at the heart of Cambridge brings additional benefits in terms of culture, knowledge and fun.
Welcome to our new campus
Mr Spencer Pinkus, Head of the Sixth Form, speaks about the excellent facilities available at the new campus to support both academic success and students’ social and wellbeing outcomes.
Academic Overview
This is the chance to hear from Mr Stephen Ward, Senior Deputy Head of the Stephen Perse Foundation and some thoughts about the year ahead for Sixth Form students as well as A Level study.
Why choose International Baccalaureate?
Hear why the IB is well-respected by universities across the UK and abroad, and how its broad curriculum approach offers the chance to study six subjects at two levels meaning that students can study new subjects at standard level to gain a taste of the subject.
Guidance and Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Meet Dr Allison Curry, Head of the Foundation’s Inspire and Guide and Careers Programme and Mr Christopher Woodey, the Stephen Perse Extended Project Coordinator.
Welcome from our Head of Sixth Form Mr Spencer Pinkus
Welcome to our co-educational Sixth Form community in the heart of Cambridge. Stephen Perse Sixth Form offers students the chance to succeed; to succeed in key exams, in university applications, in making the right career choice, but most of all to gain the building blocks to succeed in life.
A boarding experience designed for sixth form students
Located in the heart of Cambridge, our excellent boarding houses are tailored to the sixth form experience. We combine the best of the support and guidance of the traditional boarding school environment with the independence and freedom you need to succeed - you will be treated like the young adult that you are.
Anna's experience of being a boarding student
Find out from one of our students what it's really like to live in one of our boarding houses.
Inspiration and guidance
The guidance programme at the Stephen Perse Sixth Form aims to support students' university and course choices and provide the support and expert guidance to achieve individual goals.
Our A level students achieve exceptional results and go on to top universities
Study A Levels at the Stephen Perse Sixth Form to benefit from excellent teaching, small class sizes, and all the support, challenge and inspiration you'll need to reach your full potential.
A leading international qualification
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a leading global qualification, valued by universities and businesses all over the world. Stephen Perse students consistently achieve exceptional results and we have twice been named Sunday Times International Baccalaureate School of the Year.
Sport at the Sixth Form
There's a strong link between sport and wellbeing, so being active is an important part of life at the Stephen Perse Sixth Form.
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Main entrance
Science lab
Classroom
Library and study area
Common room
Dining room
Classroom
Hear from our current students who explain what it's like to study at the Stephen Perse Sixth Form and how their interests have developed alongside academic study.
Our Enrichment Programme
Our students benefit from an exceptional Enrichment programme with sessions twice a week that span a diverse range of skills and activities.
From sports to debating, and from performing arts to journalism, there are many ways to challenge yourself, try new things and extend your interests.
Here is a selection of podcasts with our sixth form students on a variety of topics from their campaigns to increase subtitles in cinemas for deaf children to the organisation and hosting of the Cambridge Model United Nations.
Ep.11 - What makes a good leader?
Join Head of Sixth Form Spencer Pinkus, as he leads a discussion with our Student President Team on the topic of 'What makes a good leader?'.
Ep. 27 - Campaign to increase subtitles in cinemas for deaf children
Join Stephen Perse Sixth Form student James as he talks to fellow student and campaigner Holly about her BBC Radio 4 interview, and working on the campaign to increase subtitles in cinemas for deaf children and families with the National Deaf Children's Society.
Ep. 1 - Cambridge Model United Nations
Join former principal Tricia Kelleher as she chats to Sixth Form student Justin about the recent Cambridge Model United Nations conference and the importance of collaborations between young people across the world.
As well as offering Drama as an academic subject at A Level we run a full programme of productions and enrichment opportunities throughout the year - these are open to all students, regardless of their subject choices. We have a fully-equipped main performance space, a black box studio, a green room and a state-of-the art control box.
DNA - February 2020
Rehearsed during enrichment lessons throughout the autumn term, the sixth form exclusive play was performed at the beginning of February to rave reviews.
Electra - November 2019
Senior and Sixth Form students collaborated to produce and perform a very dramatic and visually compelling production of Sophocles’ Electra. Our students choreographed the ghosts’ dance routines during enrichment sessions and the backstage enrichment group helped to create the fabulous costumes in the stark colour scheme of black, white and red.
Teechers - February 2019
‘Teechers’, by John Godber, is set in a rough comprehensive school in a fairly deprived area where three Year 11 students are coming to the end of their decidedly unimpressive school career. As a farewell gesture, they decide to put on a play for their favourite Drama teacher, Mr Nixon. Whilst ‘Teechers’ is essentially a comedy it also delivers some very strong social messages - all children deserve to be properly educated, regardless of their financial circumstances and all children deserve to be given opportunities to find and fulfil their potential.
Bugsy Malone - November 2018
Bugsy Malone by Alan Parker was a mammoth all-singing, all-dancing, all splurging, party-popper-tastic project involving a cast of 43 students from Years 10-13.
How many staff do we have?
There are 133 members of staff teaching across the Senior School and Sixth Form, with most teaching across both sites. They represent the full-time equivalent of 108 teachers, giving us a 1:7.3 pupil:teacher ratio.
What is the curriculum structure?
At Sixth Form we offer both A-levels and the International Baccalaureate programme, providing a wide range of courses which suit our learners. In addition we offer an International Foundation Programme for international students looking to take up places in UK Universities.
What are the headline exam figures?
Students consistently achieve outstanding exam results in GCSE, A-Level and IB examinations. In 2020, 73% of GCSE were grades 8 or 9, 61% of A Levels were graded A* or A and at IB 49% of all grades were awarded at Level 7 (the highest grade). These results place us 33rd in the national league tables.
Is boarding available?
Boarding is available from Sixth Form for all our post-16 programmes, including those who were day pupils in the Senior School, but feel the independence of boarding might suit them in their sixth form years.
Online admissions portal
Helen Roberts, Admissions Registrar, will talk you through our digital admissions process and show you how to use our online admissions portal. We use a paperless streamlined process where you complete forms, upload documents, schedule interviews and make payments whilst allowing you to track the status of your application at any time from any device.
Key dates and application process
Please click here for detailed information on the assessment process and the key dates and application deadlines.