Stepping into Sixth Form

Head Girl Arabella and Deputies Krishna, Dalola, Daisy, Anika and Rhea share their advice on the transition into Sixth Form and how you can make your experience as fulfilling and positive as possible.

KRISHNA: An important decision you will already be thinking about are your subject options. For me, narrowing down my choices was extremely difficult. I couldn’t decide what I wanted to spend my time studying, whilst simultaneously considering requirements for university courses. The advice I had been given was to study what I loved; and I achieved a subject combination that I looked forward to.

DAISY: At GCSE, you have to balance a wide range of subjects whereas at A Level, you focus on a select few in much greater detail. Whilst this does mean an increase in workload and step up in difficulty, that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Academic challenge is something to be embraced. You have to remember that your peers will be going through the same process and your teachers will help you to gradually adjust to the demands of A Level study.

ANIKA: As you step into Year 12, it’s important to remember that Sixth Form is a marathon, not a sprint. Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed; focus on prioritising your workload. Your teachers understand the challenges you face, so don’t hesitate to talk to them. The most important thing is to manage your energy, take things one step at a time, and keep the bigger picture in mind.

RHEA: When I was at the beginning of Year 12, the most repeated advice I heard was the importance of using your free periods productively. My advice would be to take advantage of the library and silent study areas. I found I was much more productive when I focused this time on homework or revision, and it greatly benefited my work. Although I would say, don’t put too much pressure on yourself to use every single free period studying.

DALOLA: As important as your work is, it is equally important to embrace the fun and balance your work with relaxation and socialising. The first year of Sixth Form will go by quicker than you think, so make use of this time and get stuck in with all the different extra-curriculars exclusive to Sixth Form life. These experiences will create treasured memories with your friends and help you to acquire new skills and broaden your knowledge.

ARABELLA: An understated but significant change you will experience during Sixth Form is in your friendships. You will form new bonds with people who share your interests and enthusiasm for your subjects, and spending time in the common room allows you to mix with people in a new way. For me, Sixth Form has made any friendship groups or circles redundant. Now, I have a network of friends spanning though the year group.

From managing your studies to getting involved in school activities, there is certainly lots to think about in Sixth Form, but know, you will be supported at every step.

We encourage you to embrace every opportunity and every challenge, and importantly, enjoy yourself along the way.

Please contact us at admissions@wgs.org if you are interested in joining our Sixth Form in September 2025.