Sixth Form
Welcome to the Sixth Form
Ryde School Sixth Form is an important time in our students’ school experience as they transform from old children to young adults.
This process involves recognising who they are as a person and understanding the wider world around them, all whilst making decisions about their future and studying for challenging academic exams. What’s more, they also need to enjoy life in their late teens.
It is a time full of opportunities and challenges, and our mission is to provide personalised, targeted guidance for every student, whether pastoral, academic, or future pathways.
There is something for everyone, no matter what our students’ interests and ambitions are. We are a place where our students can push outside comfort zones, try new things, make new discoveries and, importantly, take risks and make mistakes within a safe learning environment. Whilst we recognise that academic achievement is a crucial element of our Sixth Form, arguably the young adult emerging at the end of the two years is as important.
Communicative, collaborative, kind, interesting, and adventurous in spirit – the type of person that would pass the all-important ‘Trans-Atlantic Test.’ Would you like to sit next to this person on a flight across the Atlantic?
Employers are increasingly seeing this as the most important factor in a future world. If someone can’t work with other people, they can be of no use in the workplace, no matter their academic prowess. We are a place where our students can push outside comfort zones, try new things, make new discoveries and, importantly, take risks and make mistakes within a safe learning environment.
We support our students in becoming the best possible version of themselves; and to enjoy the process along the way.
Mr Matt Windsor
Head of Sixth Form
I am a strong believer in ‘one size fits nobody’ and even though we all live within the same school values, individuality can be expressed in many ways. There is something for everyone, no matter what our students’ interests and ambitions are.
Our Three Academic Pathways
To ensure every individual can pursue their specific strengths and long-term goals, students select one of three pathways:
This pathway allows pupils to focus deeply on specific disciplines that reflect their personal interests and career ambitions over a two-year period, culminating in examinations at the end of the Upper Sixth.
- Academic specialisation: Pupils choose traditional A Level subjects to build a deep foundation in their chosen fields.
- The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ): Highly valued by universities, the EPQ gives pupils the opportunity to conduct independent research, developing essential skills essential for successful undergraduate-level study.
- Enrichment options: Alongside core studies, students can select additional elements to broaden their skill set, such as an IB course, AS English Language, IELTS preparation, a cookery course, or Theory of Knowledge.
Universally respected by premier universities both in the UK and globally, we are proud to be a World IB School. The IBDP offers exceptional breadth without sacrificing academic depth. It explicitly embeds critical thinking and independent learning into the daily routine.
- A balanced framework: Pupils study six subjects – three at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL) – selected from distinct groups including languages, sciences, individuals and societies, mathematics, and the arts.
- The IB Core: Central to the programme is the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge (ToK), which together foster much valued experience of advanced research and critical enquiry.
- Varied assessment: Approximately one-third of the total assessment is based on coursework, rewarding consistent dedication and structured research throughout the two years.
The IBCP is an innovative pathway designed for students who wish to combine academic study with practical, real-world professional qualifications. It is highly effective for preparing students for both direct industry entry and university study.
- Specialist pathways: Career-related study is delivered through distinct BTEC pathways in Business, Sport, Performing Arts, or Art & Design.
- Theoretical grounding: To maintain academic breadth, pupils complement their BTEC studies by taking two Higher Level or three Standard Level IB courses.
- Core competencies: The programme includes a dedicated core focused on personal and professional skills, ensuring pupils are exceptionally well-equipped for employment and lifelong learning.
Results
Consistently, our pupils, or young adults, achieve their best at Ryde School.
of grades at A*-A
of grades at A*-B
point average score in IB Diploma Programme (IBDP)
Our dedicated Sixth Form team know every pupil and ensure that they are supported and empowered to achieve this. Our pupils leave Ryde with the confidence to go on to the next step in their lives be it university, College, apprenticeship or something equally exciting and rewards.
Future Destinations
Whether our Sixth Formers aspire to join top-tier university courses, secure coveted degree apprenticeships, or enter specialised professional training, our team provides the expert tailored support needed to get them there. From dedicated pathways for Oxbridge, Medicine, Law, and international applications to dedicated career planning, we ensure every student is fully prepared for their next step.
Our graduates progress to excellent universities both in the UK and overseas, while others excel at world-renowned specialist institutions such as Central Saint Martins for the Arts, or the UK’s premier music conservatoires and performing arts institutions.
