Welcome to The Abbey Sixth Form
Sixth Form will probably be the best experience of your school career. At The Abbey you will be part of a bustling, energetic and purposeful environment. Students are ambitious and motivated: it is a place where bright young minds work together to achieve academic excellence every day.
This drive and commitment is complemented by the equally important qualities of kindness and care. The Sixth Form Common Room is a joyful place, welcoming and accepting in equal measure.
Our Sixth Form Centre is bright, stunning and stylish. With space to relax, a cafe, and purpose-built classrooms and study areas, students take the lead in their own learning and enrichment and wider activities. The choice of co-curricular is vast. From Gold Duke of Edinburgh, to Social Enterprise, to Model United Nations, and all sorts in between, there are plenty of possibilities. As School Officers, Sixth Formers spearhead events and school life. These adventures enhance the leadership skills which will prepare you so well for life beyond.
Our Sixth Formers are comfortable in their own skins: it’s obvious in the way they relax in the Common Room. We value friendship highly and understand that being happy is the foundation of success. We are proud of our diverse student body and are interested in hearing every student’s voice. We understand that good mental well-being, personal fulfilment and a sense of hope and possibility are what make the Sixth Form an exciting and supportive environment.
I encourage you to come to The Abbey and let us show you around. I hope that you get the same feeling that I did on my very first visit. There is a particular buzz and warmth, an atmosphere and energy, which you can only experience in person. I would be delighted to welcome you.
Mrs Charlotte Hart
Director of the Sixth Form
“Achievement becomes a natural process of growth and curiosity. Seeing it happen is magical.”
Sixth Form Options
Joining the Sixth Form
Your journey to Sixth Form is a hugely important part of your journey through school. We want everyone to feel welcome, prepared, secure and happy in their transition to Sixth Form, whether they are coming from Year 11 at The Abbey or joining us from elsewhere.
We aim to make this transition as smooth as possible: so whether it’s feeling comfortable with the subjects you’ve chosen, getting to know the Sixth Form Centre, or connecting with our Sixth Form students and staff, we’ve got you covered.
All students come together after GCSEs before the longest summer holidays of your life! We welcome you together a day getting into the groove of Sixth Form.
Once Sixth Form begins there’s loads to help you settle in...
Welcome to Sixth Form Day
All students come together after GCSEs for a day to get into the groove of Sixth Form and make friends.
Induction Day
Come in one day before the rest of the school arrives to meet your tutor, orientate yourself in the Sixth Form Centre and get pre-term admin sorted.
Team Building Trip
It’s important that you take time out to enjoy yourself, so at the start of term we head offsite to enjoy the company of friends in a more relaxed setting.
New Students Tea Party
If you were new to us in Year 12, this is an opportunity to get together with other new students and share your experiences of the first few weeks over tea and cake – we all love cake.
Movie and Pizza Night
Our final Induction Activity. You, friends, a great movie, a comfy sofa, pizza, popcorn and sweets… Enjoy!
Life in the Sixth Form
What makes Sixth Form so different from the rest of the school is the focus we put on socialising outside of class. Whilst our students work hard, they also play hard!
Whether it’s heading to the theatre to see world class musicals like Hamilton, Wicked or Six, or having a pyjama party in the common room after hours, we love to have lots of fun hanging out together.
Throughout the year we host socials with Reading School, including quizzes and BBQs which are always popular.
The year is topped off in Lower VI with a residential trip to a university city. Recently we have been to Bristol, with students completing a treasure hunt around the city, showcasing their skills with some amazing karaoke and culminating in a visit to the university itself.
For Upper VI, the event of the year is the Leavers’ Ball, an amazing occasion for all students to celebrate the end of their time at The Abbey. Dressed to impress, the dance floor is always buzzing and the students top off the night by presenting awards that always raise a smile.
