We are delighted that you are interested in our Sixth Form. Welcome to our information pages. The Sixth Form at Richard Hale School is a highly successful co-educational community of over 300 students that will allow you to build on your previous education in preparation for the next step in your life, whether this is university, an apprenticeship or employment. We are proud that 90% of our students who apply to university achieve their aim to study at their first choice of institution. More and more students are choosing alternative post-18 routes and you can read more about their fantastic achievements under the Destinations tab. Every year around 80% of our Year 11 students remain at Richard Hale for their post-16 studies. We welcome applications from students who have completed their GCSEs at a wide range of schools, mainly across Hertfordshire and north London. Our Sixth Form has a vibrant and friendly atmosphere, buzzing with energy – we share and support your aspirations. Students are encouraged to participate in opportunities to develop as individuals, academically and socially. Our academic framework offers a degree of freedom of choice, alongside increased responsibility to further develop as an independent learner. A Richard Hale Sixth-Former has access to:
- A wide choice of post-16 subjects, including A Levels and BTEC qualifications, catering for a range of ability and interests
- A breadth of Enrichment opportunities, extending skills beyond your chosen subjects: the EPQ; Core Maths; Language for Business and the Sports Leader qualification.
- Equality of opportunity, irrespective of gender and where you took your GCSEs
- Experienced specialist teachers to help you succeed at the highest level and achieve your aspirations
- A high level of support and guidance from an established pastoral team, headed up by our Heads of Year and post-16 dedicated Welfare and Support Officer
- A rigorous system of monitoring, allowing you and your parents/carers access to achievement and performance data at any time
- A Sixth Form Centre with seminar and teaching rooms and indoor and outdoor private study areas where you will be supported in your independent learning by our Sixth Form Study Support Officers
- A comprehensive careers programme, including specialist support for university, apprenticeship and employment applications
- Dedicated support for applicants to Oxbridge, medical or veterinary science courses
- Opportunities to enjoy a wide range of activities, including extra-curricular sport, music, drama, debating, coding and problem solving.
- Senior Student Leadership positions that enable you to develop transferable leadership skills beyond your studies. Students present in assemblies, run initiatives and House events for our younger students.
- The Duke of Edinburgh award, which is thriving here at Hale. Many students choose to develop their resilience, skills and leadership by completing their Silver and Gold awards.
- A school that recognises your needs and provides an environment where your voice is heard and valued.
We sincerely hope that you will join us to undertake your post-16 studies. We are proud of all that our Sixth Form students achieve and how they conduct themselves both at school and in the wider community. Our school values apply in the sixth form, just as they do in the lower school. We expect all sixth form students to:
Respect Others
Aim high
Show Commitment
We challenge all of our students to move out of their comfort zone so that, on completion of their post-16 studies, they will have developed a wide ranging skill-set that is vital for success in the modern world. We welcome students who are committed to achieving their personal best, those whose approach and motivation allows them to use their time well. Richard Hale is immensely proud of the traditions and values that are an integral part of the whole school. An example of this is that you will join the same House as any members of your family who were previously at the school. We look forward to seeing you join us to complete your post-16 studies and are confident that you will fulfil your potential whilst under our care.
Mrs Lucy Gallagher
Deputy Headteacher
Have a read of what the students have to say about life in sixth form…
Life at Richard Hale Sixth form is ideal for students looking to further their education at a school with a reliable support system, high-quality teaching and a real sense of independence. After just once year at this Sixth Form, my interest in the subjects I study has grown exponentially due to the learning environment here, curated by not only the teachers but my peers also, leading to invaluable experience in forming working relationships and also lifelong friendships.
I chose to stay at Richard Hale in the Sixth Form because of the positive relationships I had already forged with my peers and with the staff and these relationships have been further enhanced in Year 12. The transition from GCSE to A Level was daunting but the subject teachers were supportive and enthusiastic and made it very straightforward. KS5 has continued to build on all my previous positive experiences at Richard Hale and the extra-curricular and super-curricular opportunities are excellent. Richard Hale offers a fantastic learning environment at A Level.
Since joining Richard Hale, my teachers and peers have helped me to settle in at the start of the year. This school has challenged me in my subjects but in a good way as I am improving each week. Privilege passes are available at Richard Hale which allows for us to have a lot more freedom on and off school grounds. You will also have the opportunity to meet new friends and enjoy your sixth form life with friendly people surrounding you as Richard Hale is a positive environment for everyone.
Sixth Form at Richard Hale is not only challenging but also enjoyable as it gives you the opportunity to learn, in both lessons and study periods, and spend time with peers and friends, at break and lunchtime. Once you have earned your Privilege Pass, you can also leave school at lunch and go home if you don’t have a lesson after lunch – I think this system works very well for Y12 students. I decided to choose Richard Hale as my post-16 option as I believe it is the best school that is suited to me, as I have been at the school since Y7 and thoroughly enjoyed it.
The Richard Hale Sixth Form has provided an excellent opportunity for me to develop independent skills. More student led learning, combined with time for independent study periods have allowed me to develop organisational skills, which has had a positive effect on my attitude towards exams. I chose to study here because I was attracted by the quality of teachers and support available and would encouraged people to seriously consider RHS Sixth Form.
The excellent support that members of staff provide has allowed me to flourish during my time in Sixth Form and achieve goals I had never thought possible. The in-depth post-18 guidance has given me the confidence to pursue the subjects I love and clearly laid out the steps I need to take to succeed.
Extremely welcoming school where everyone has a strong passion for learning, and teachers push all students to the best of their ability. For me I joined due to the unrivalled passion which Richard Hale have in their sports as this strongly related to me as a person and I believe I make 100% the correct decision to be a part of Richard Hale school.
I am very happy with my decision to switch to Richard Hale for Sixth Form because it was an easy and smooth transition where I found myself very welcomed to the school. I find study periods really productive, mainly due to the fact they are overseen by a teacher, and I think the school offers loads of extra opportunities like senior student roles and setting up societies.