Sixth Form study is both challenging and extremely rewarding. It is the culmination of your school career and preparation for the next stage of your life as an independent, confident adult.

Working at this level will provide you with the opportunity to enjoy and study subjects in depth. Making the right choices about your options and learning how to manage an increased workload is fundamental to your success. We take pride in the level of support we give every individual throughout their Sixth Form journey, and know that if you work hard, you will do very well. In addition to your academic studies, we offer a huge number of opportunities to explore other interests and develop transferrable skills that will help you grow in confidence and enhance your employability.

Although we are a relatively small school, we do have a thriving and successful Sixth Form, with a large percentage of our students choosing to stay at Anthony Gell School. We also warmly welcome students, from other schools, who meet the entrance criteria and wish to move to Anthony Gell for their post-16 study.

Results

The sixth form students at AGS in 2023 have once again achieved impressive results; results closely matching, and in many cases bettering, those achieved by students in other excellent schools across the country.

These young people have grown and developed during their time at AGS and have contributed a great deal to the success of the school. They have experienced learning in and outside of the classrooms and will have many memories of activities, trips and events, which will have helped them to develop their wide range of skills and talents. Friendships have been forged which will last a lifetime and they have made a lasting impression on all who had the privilege to work with them. 

The excellent examination results mean that almost all of the AGS Year 13s have secured a place on their preferred course at their first choice University. A small number have chosen to progress on different pathways, including a few who have been successful in gaining places on higher level apprenticeships.

We very much look forward to hearing about their future successes.

Entry

The Sixth Form at Anthony Gell School is open to all students who have completed Level 1/2 qualifications and who show the aspiration and industry to profit from further study.

In addition to the prospectus there are some key meetings to assist the decision making process. These include the Sixth Form Open Evening and Year 11 parents’ evening.  All Anthony Gell students in Year 11 will also be timetabled for individual interviews with senior staff to discuss options on a one-to-one basis.  Students from other schools are welcome to visit during the day and talk to staff individually about courses.

Learning Mentors

We have a dedicated Sixth Form study centre, with access to laptop computers and WiFi. This is staffed by our Sixth Form Learning Mentors. Our Learning Mentors provides support to our Sixth Form students with many aspects  of their Sixth Form study including proof-reading coursework, study skills, support with UCAS and other applications. The study room is open to all Sixth Form students and we encourage students to use it to complete work and access support.  Studying A ‘Levels requires a lot of independent study and the workload is much more than for GCSEs; using this room and others in school for study periods, is a good way to effectively manage independent study.

Post-16 Education at AGS

There are many reasons for staying at AGS after the age of sixteen.  These are some of the most common:

  • Preparation for entry to Higher Education (University, or other Higher Education providers).  Advanced level qualifications, or other Level 3 qualifications are essential for this.
  • Preparation for employment/Apprenticeships at the age of 18 in fields of work where Level 3 qualifications are required or helpful.
  • Improving the qualifications gained in the examinations taken at the age of 16, so as to be eligible/better prepared for particular fields of employment or courses of study.

Why AGS?

There are a number of advantages, depending on the circumstances and requirements of individual students. The most important are:

  • Courses available – We offer a wide range of Advanced level subjects and opportunities for ‘retakes’ in GCSE Maths and English.  We have very flexible arrangements for combining these to suit the individual student.  Results are consistently strong.  There are wide opportunities for enrichment in our local community through work experience, Young Enterprise, involvement in sports, the arts and service in and outside of school.
  • Staff – In many cases the staff know you already and know where you might be likely to have difficulties and where you might excel. They will certainly know the work you have done previously and be very familiar with the courses you have followed in previous years.
  • Friends – Staying on at school means that you will have an opportunity to remain with your friends who are also joining the AGS Sixth Form.
  • Travel to school is easy for most students, particularly those in Wirksworth or areas served by the contract buses.  Although bus travel may now incur some costs, these will almost certainly be no more than travelling to Buxton, Derby or Chesterfield and, for most, there will be a considerable saving of time.

For further information on any aspect of sixth form study please contact to our Director of Sixth Form Mrs Julia Moseley – jmoseley@anthonygell.co.uk