A Message from the Head of Sixth Form

It’s the best of both worlds. An excellent balance between developing independence and being challenged to achieve your best.

Our students tell us they welcome the academic focus and the support and guidance they receive, as well as the familiar timetable and having regular break and lunch times which are common for all students. Work hard and push yourself in lessons, then relax with a coffee and chat with friends during your break.

Beyond the classroom our sixth form offers you independence, flexibility and its own distinctive campus environment. You’ll find Marling is warm, friendly and welcoming, with a relaxed, informal and inclusive atmosphere: a place where you’re responsible for your own time and managing your academic and social life.

Studying A Levels in the co-educational environment of Marling Sixth Form is the perfect stepping stone between school and the post-18 world.

Whatever you are planning to study, Marling Sixth Form offers an exceptionally broad range of A Level subject combinations. We build our timetable around your choices, so you are not confined to fixed option blocks.

As well as A Levels you will take a breadth option such as Gold Duke of Edinburgh, Creative Writing, Geology, Classics, Core Maths or the EPQ. You’ll be supported by dedicated tutors and experienced A Level subject specialists, all committed to your success. To find out about our full range of A Levels and Breadth Options go to the Curriculum section.

We know that moving from school to Sixth Form can be a big change, so we’re here to support you—both academically and personally. Our dedicated team, including tutors, support staff, and Sixth Form leaders, are always available to help with anything from day-to-day worries to bigger challenges.

Every student is part of a tutor group, with daily check-ins and one-to-one support when needed. Whether it’s advice, wellbeing support, or help with transitions, we make sure you always have someone to turn to.

OUR OUTSTANDING FACILITIES INCLUDE:

• A purpose-built Sixth Form block with Lecture Theatre
• A two-storey study centre
• A Sixth Form Café and group study space
• A Creative Arts Building with Drama Studio

• Laboratories with university level science equipment
• Music Hall with music studios
• A modern gym and extensive sports fields.

Becoming a Sixth Former at Marling is not only about achieving good grades - it is also about embracing opportunities that will help students to grow as individuals as well as to develop the kinds of skills that universities and employers are looking for.

Increasingly, competitive universities want students who can demonstrate a real commitment to the subject they intend to study. Students need to show that they have gone beyond what they are taught in the classroom to develop their academic knowledge – this is what’s known as super-curricular.

Our students do this by completing the Marling Diamond programme, which brings together a wide range of super-curricular and extra-curricular clubs and societies, including sport, debating, drama, music, journalism & publishing and an evolving list of student-led activities.

Visit the Curriculum section to find out about Marling Diamond and the opportunities we offer. 

Taking on positions of responsibility is an important part of Sixth Form life and a wide variety of opportunities are available in the Sixth Form for students to develop and demonstrate their communication, presentation and teamwork skills, as well as their leadership potential.

All Sixth Form students are given the chance to apply to take on a role in the student leadership team or the School Council. Our student leaders play an important role in the school as a whole, acting as ambassadors at events, mentoring and guiding younger pupils and helping to run student voice activities.

 Follow this link to find out about our current team of student leaders: https://www.marlingsixthform.org/admissions#buddy-chat

Most of our students go on to university, and we’re here to help every step of the way. Our experienced team offers advice on applications—whether you're aiming for UK universities, studying abroad, or applying for competitive courses like medicine or veterinary science.

We also run a careers programme to help with CVs, job applications, and higher-level apprenticeships. You’ll attend university fairs, hear from guest speakers, and get support with work experience in Year 12—so start thinking early!

A Level students celebrate success

Marling students celebrated winning places on an impressive range of courses at destinations across the country. This is thanks to another strong year of A-Level results, with two thirds of exams at A* to B and 88% of exam results at A*- C.

A large number of students exceeded their predicted grades, with more than 30 attaining 3 or more A*/A grades, including some with 4 A* grades, and over half of all students attaining at least 1 A*/A grade.   

Many students matched or exceeded their offers from universities, including many of the highly selective universities including Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, LSE, UCL and other Russell Group universities.

Particularly exciting is the wide range of courses and destinations students are moving on to, from Physiotherapy at Birmingham and Veterinary Medicine at Surrey to Music at Goldsmiths, Biomedical Science at Brighton, History at Exeter or Criminology at Bristol. Other students have secured competitive Level 6 and Level 7 apprenticeships at companies including BAE Systems, KPMG and Tony Gee Engineering

Chanelle Wood achieved AAB grades to secure a competitive place studying physiotherapy at Birmingham. She was delighted with her results. She said

‘I was so nervous this morning because this is what I set my hopes on. I feel so happy and relieved. I can’t wait to get started!’

 Charlotte Jones is going to read History at Exeter, having achieved A*AA. She said:

‘I am so excited about starting my future and am really pleased with what I’ve achieved. It’s lovely to see so many happy people here this morning and to be one of them!’

George Herbert, who is also a very accomplished dancer, achieved A*A*A* and is going on to read Chemistry at Oxford. He described himself as ‘thrilled’ with his results and the future that awaits him.

Glory is delighted to be going to LSE to read politics and International relations. She said:

‘It’s been hard work but worth it. I am so excited about going to study at the London School of Economics in London. Today is a great day!’

Jake Kendall has won a place to study Material Science and Engineering at Imperial College with three A grades. Like Glory, he is really excited to be going to study at one of the country’s top institutions.

Olly Wills (A*BC) is thrilled to have secured a prestigious Level 6 apprenticeship in commercial real estate in Bristol. He said:

 ‘I am really looking forward to starting my future and am so grateful for the support I got at Marling.’

 Having won a number of national awards for Tennis, Charlie Denton continued his line of successes by achieving A*AA to gain a place to study Sports Management at Loughborough.

Louise Harris, Head of Marling Sixth Form, said, “It’s always great to see our students achieve their goals on A Level results day. There are so many stories of individual successes, including numerous young people who have overcome significant challenges to get to their next step. This tells a great story about the resilience of our students and the support they get from our staff.”

Duncan Cook, CEO and Principal said, “There has been a lovely atmosphere this morning, with so many students celebrating the results of their hard work. On behalf of all Marling staff I wish them all the best as they take the next steps toward their future. I’d also like to thank our staff for the amazing support they have given our students.”