Sixth Form

The Leighton Park Sixth Form combines the best academic progress in Berkshire with award-winning student personal development and sector-leading pastoral care, all within a kind, empowering and supportive learning environment and set in 65 acres of beautiful parkland.
See our Sixth Form Prospectus

Sixth Form at a glance
Take a look +

Click on the image to meet some of new Sixth Form joiners this year.

Leavers' Destinations 2023 +
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A stunning new Sixth Form Study Centre

Our new Sixth Form Study Centre and School Library will develop an historic building designed by one of the UK’s most celebrated Victorian architects, Alfred Waterhouse, and infuse it with beautiful study spaces and cutting-edge learning technology.

Our students already achieve the best academic progress in Berkshire – so we’re excited to see what they can do when they have a brand-new study centre, with every detail designed to support their success.

Find out more +
Groe Sixth Form Study Centre

Take a look around our new Sixth Form Study Centre and School Library

Why choose the IB Diploma Programme?

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is an excellent programme for students who love learning and whose interests span across the academic spectrum. It also suits students who don’t want to narrow their options down at this stage.

  • Two year academic programme
  • Study six subjects, three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level, with 24 choices
  • Includes a Theory of Knowledge module and an extended essay
  • Get points from all your subjects and co-curricular options
  • International outlook in subjects like History, English and Psychology
  • More emphasis on course work and interdisciplinary study
  • Highly valued by universities with 97% of admissions officers rating it the best preparation for university
  • The IB Diploma is highly regarded internationally.

Find out more about the IB Diploma Programme

 

Why choose A Levels?

A Levels are ideal if you excel in particular subjects and want to focus on these.

  • Two year academic programme
  • Students study three subjects in depth and can choose from 20 different options
  • Exceptional students may be able to study four A Levels with agreement from the Head of Sixth Form
  • Students are strongly encouraged to stretch themselves with the Extended Project Qualification
  • Subjects are predominantly assessed by exams
  • Students need to develop good time management skills to use study periods effectively
  • A Levels are highly regarded internationally.

Find out more about the A Level programme

Want to apply?

We’re a selective Sixth Form, so you’ll need:

  • A minimum of five GCSEs at Level 6 or higher
  • A minimum of Level 7 at GCSE in any subject you wish to study at A Level or Higher Level on the IB Diploma
  • A minimum of Level 8 at GCSE to study A Level Further Mathematics or Higher Level Mathematics
  • A satisfactory reference from your current school
  • An interview, even if you’re already studying with us.

Find out how to make an application

Austin Bursary Award

Austin Bursary Awards are available for Sixth Form students with particular academic ability and/or musical talent. These awards are means-tested and usually cover between 80-100% of the day fee for the two years of the Sixth Form. Eligibility criteria include:

  • Students are applying for the Leighton Park Sixth Form, for either our International Baccalaureate Diploma or A Level programme
  • Students are able to evidence a strong affinity with the School’s Quaker values, including but not limited to, having a determined desire to change the world
  • Students can show exceptional academic achievement and /or 
  • Able to demonstrate remarkable musical talent.

Find out more on our Bursaries page.

Oakleaf Leaf Personal Development Diploma
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The Oakleaf Diploma is our personal development programme in Lower Sixth. It provides opportunities for you to take your skills to the next level, forge lifelong friendships, as well as giving you the time and space to destil your sense of purpose.

The four key elements of the Diploma are:

  • Preperation for Adult Life
  • Ethical Changemaking
  • Academic Extension
  • Wellbeing
Find out more about the Oakleaf Diploma +
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Developing leadership skills

Programmes include:

  • Find out about our Sixth Form Oakleaf Diploma Programme
  • Aspiring High programme with pathways for applications to Oxbridge, Medicine, Law and Overseas universities
  • Leadership roles, such as a Prefect, Head of House, Peer Mentor, Student Council
  • Prefect and student leadership opportunities, including representing the School at events and to visitors
  • Sports Leaders Programme, coaching youth teams and teaching Key Stage 2 students to swim
  • Student-led co-curricular clubs, including our Amnesty International Club, Debating Club and our student-led charity – Amicus
  • University visits to Oxford, London and specialist institutions to meet former students who now study there
  • Sports, culture and languages international trips
  • JBH public speaking competition.
Ahmer Adnan smiling

“Sixth form at LP is a truly unique experience. In the classroom, teachers push you to your academic limits and provide support to develop you beyond them, fuelling a life long passion for your subjects and helping you achieve to the best of your ability. We are encouraged to think ‘outside the box’, beyond the syllabus and research topics of interest. Not only does LP develop you academically but also as a person.”

Ahmer | A*, A*, A*, A AT A LEVEL WITH AN A* EPQ | MEDICINE, IMPERIAL COLLEGE

Sixth Form subject videos
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Sixth Form at Leighton Park is all about you. You’re able to choose between A Levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and there are also a lot of subject choices in each programme. Our course finder lets you search or browse our different subjects and these videos let you learn more – straight from our teachers and students.

Our Psychology video is featured here but click the link below to see more.

See all our subject videos +
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Claire Gulliver, Head of Psychology

See what our Sixth Form students think

BECKY

A, A, A at A Level | POLITICS AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, UNIVERSITY OF EXETER

"My experience joining the Sixth Form was extremely welcoming and I felt that I was able to adjust to a new school really quickly. Of the two years I spent here, there was so much to get involved in, not just the academics, which created such an accepting and lively atmosphere in the school. The friendliness of the students and teachers provides a great environment for learning."
See more case studies +

Antonia

43 points at IB | Medicine, a university in Germany

"Being at Leighton Park school has helped me grow as a person in so many ways. At Leighton Park school everybody is accepted for who they are and gets supported in every possible way to achieve their goals. I will always remember those two wonderful years at Leighton Park school and the awesome community who supported me in every situation.“
See more case studies +

Shaun

A*, A, A at A Level | Politics and International Relations, UCL

“I like the relaxed atmosphere of the school, where I can fully express my personality and grow as a person. No other school that I know offers such diverse activities and such incredible trips and I am forever grateful that my parents are able to send me to a school like Leighton Park."
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Nikki

A*, A*, A at A Level - Music, Royal Northern College of Music

“What I really think makes Leighton Park different is that every single student’s individual experience can be tailored for what they love and what they are interested in. Everyone on the Park was so friendly and welcoming when I first joined."
See more case studies +

related articles

December 5, 2024

EPQ Expo 2024 +

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) Expo took over the Austin Lecture Theatre on Thursday 5th December as the Upper Sixth showcased their projects to the Lower Sixth and to staff. … Read More +

Politics Students in London
December 4, 2024

Politics in Action: Challenging Big Names +

On Monday 2nd December, our Politics students were brimming with questions as they headed to the annual Politics Conference at Westminster Hall, London. Head of Politics, Richard Duckett described the … Read More +

December 3, 2024

The Key to Happiness: Giving to Toys and Teens Appeal +

Our senior school student-led charity group, Amicus, has been gathering toys and gifts for young people across Berkshire in support of Reading Family Aid’s annual appeal.  The Toys and Teens … Read More +

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Shinfield Road
Reading
Berkshire, UK
RG2 7DE
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