7 Reasons Why A Change At Sixth Form Might Be Good For Your Child
Moving to a new school after GCSEs is far more common than many parents realise. Whether your child wants to swap a single-sex school for co-ed, switch between the state and independent, move from day to boarding, or simply start afresh, sixth form offers a natural opportunity to make a change.
But is it the right move? managing editor of The Good Schools Guide, Melanie Sanderson, gives seven good reasons why changing school for sixth form could be worth considering.
1. Your child can choose the courses that suit them best
The biggest reason to change schools is often the simplest: your child’s current school doesn’t offer the subjects or qualifications they want to study.
Perhaps, if it’s an option, they would prefer the broader curriculum of the International Baccalaureate rather than specialising at A level. Maybe they want a more practical route such as BTEC or T levels, or simply a wider choice of A levels than their current school can provide.
Education usually becomes much more tailored to individual interests and future ambitions at sixth form, so it’s worth finding a school that can support those goals.
2. A new start can boost confidence and motivation
For some teens, the opportunity to start afresh is exactly what they need.
New teachers, new classmates and a different environment can help students leave behind old labels, broaden their friendship groups and approach their studies with renewed enthusiasm.
Doing so isn’t a cure-all, however. If your child is unhappy at their current school, it’s important to understand why before assuming that changing schools will solve the problem.
3. The school or college may be a better fit for university or career ambitions
It may feel early to be thinking about life after sixth form when GCSEs have only just finished, but post-16 choices can have a significant impact on future opportunities.
If your child is aiming for Oxbridge or a highly competitive course like medicine or veterinary science, for example, look carefully at a school’s track record in supporting successful applicants. Equally, if university isn’t part of the plan, ask what support is available for degree apprenticeships and other post-18 pathways, including support for those wanting to enter the workforce.
You can find the latest information on a school’s Oxbridge, medical school and non-university destinations in the ‘Exit’ section of The Good Schools Guide school reviews.
4. Boarding can help prepare students for greater independence
Sixth form is by far the most popular time to board. It really works well for children who want to dedicate time to studies but also their social life and many families see it as a stepping stone to university life.
Sixth form boarders generally enjoy greater independence than younger boarders while still benefiting from pastoral support, clear routines, meals and laundry.
Boarding school education does not have to break the bank. There are around 30 state boarding schools in England, many of which have an intake at sixth form. Fees are charged to cover bed and board but the standard school day is state-funded so the overall cost is a lot more affordable than a traditional private boarding school.
If you’re considering full boarding rather than weekly boarding, ask how many sixth formers stay at weekends and what activities are organised outside lesson time. Our writers always recommend looking at boarding house noticeboards to see what weekend life is really like.
5. A different sector may offer new opportunities
Moving between the independent and state sectors is becoming increasingly common.
For some families, changing from private to state school is driven by affordability. Others are attracted by high-performing state sixth forms and sixth form colleges that offer excellent results alongside a broad range of subjects.
The move to sixth form college can also appeal to teenagers who are ready for a little more independence. Students joining from private schools often appreciate the more relaxed approach to rules and the greater autonomy they are afforded in managing their timetable. Plus, no uniform is considered a real boon for those arriving from a blazer-and-starched-collar type of school.
Conversely, some families choose to move from state to independent education for sixth form, perhaps to benefit from smaller class sizes or specialist teaching. If fees are a concern, it’s worth investigating bursaries, as some schools reserve financial support specifically for pupils joining in the sixth form.
6. Sixth form is one of the easiest points to join a new school
Unlike moving schools mid-year, sixth form entry usually brings a sizeable intake of new students.
Before applying, ask how many external pupils join each year. Where a significant number of students are new, it is often easier to build friendships and settle into school life because everyone is starting together.
If you’re visiting on an open day, ask about opportunities for new pupils to become prefects, student leaders or take on other positions of responsibility.
7. It’s an opportunity to think carefully about the future
Changing school for sixth form shouldn’t be a decision based solely on reputation or league tables.
Start researching in the second half of year 10 so you can attend open days and understand each school’s entry requirements. Check which GCSE grades are needed for your child’s chosen subjects, as the more academically selective sixth forms often require grade 7 or above, with grades 8 or 9 commonly expected for subjects such as maths and further maths.
Look beyond exam results too. Consider the school’s culture, pastoral support, university guidance, enrichment opportunities and whether your child can genuinely imagine themselves being happy there for the next two years.
Changing schools for sixth form won’t be the right decision for every family, but for many students it provides the chance to study the subjects they love, prepare for the future and make a confident start to the next stage of their education.
Melanie Sanderson, The Good Schools Guide
Since joining The Good Schools Guide in 2013, there is hardly a corner of outer London and the home counties that Melanie has not visited, notepad in hand. She has prolifically reviewed prep, grammar, state and independent day and boarding schools across the area and is well connected with head teachers, registrars and local parents – crucial for an inside scoop (and the occasional last minute interview or entrance exam). A former PR agency director, Melanie relishes putting her consultancy skills to good use to respond to families’ individual briefs, helping them achieve clarity in what can be a bewildering process. As a mum of two sons, has first hand experience of the perils of independent school admissions at prep, 11+ and 16+ as well as state school applications and the dark art of securing a place at grammar school, and loves using this experience and her writer’s insight to help clients solve their own educational dilemmas. An education consultant since 2014, Melanie has worked with many families tackling international and UK relocations, education planning, troubleshooting and, sometimes, simply providing a calm sounding board. She was appointed managing editor of The Good Schools Guide in 2019.
Originally Released On 12 August 2026