Just as no two students are the same or learn in the same way, at Oakham we believe in the importance of offering different pathways for post-16 study, so that all our students can reach their potential and are well-prepared for life beyond School.
Upper School (Sixth Form) students choose one of two academic pathways; they study stand-alone qualifications from a choice of A-levels and BTECs, or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).
Download our Upper School Choices Booklet
US Subject Choices Grids
"The Upper School is an exciting time for our students; it is an opportunity to delve deeper into subjects you enjoy and to explore new ones. It is also a chance to take on new responsibilities and give back to the School community.”
Our teachers are well-qualified and motivated to teach both qualifications to the same high standard. We do not advocate one qualification over another; the beauty of offering such choice is that friends and siblings can continue to study together whilst following different pathways.
Whichever route they choose, we provide a wealth of curriculum opportunities for our Upper School students. These range from society talks and presentations, through to opportunities to study a chosen subject beyond the bounds of the syllabus. Such exploration may be for academic curiosity or in the pursuit of an additional qualification.
We help our Sixth Form students to develop their independent study skills and take increased personal responsibility for their success through a series of academic enrichment events, workshops and team-building and leadership days.
Beyond the classroom, all students in Form 6 (Year 12) and Form 7 (Year 13) are involved in a range of co-curricular opportunities, as well as taking on House or whole-school leadership responsibilities. In preparation for life outside School, students wear business suits to classes in place of school uniform, and they are encouraged to use the full range of study spaces available beyond the classroom; from silent, independent study in the Library to more collaborative work in the bookable meeting rooms and social hubs.
In their final year, Form 7 move to the Chapel Close campus where they live and work together as a whole year group; girls move to Round House and boys to School House. Here they enjoy increased freedom to become independent and socially responsible, whilst remaining integral members of the the wider School community.
