Sixth Form

It is our belief that students should take a different perspective on school-life once they are in the Sixth Form.  No longer school children, now young adults, it is important that Sixth Formers feel that they have greater freedom and powers of decision-making.  As such, we believe the Sixth Form should take responsibility for leading their community, arranging their own events and activities and making the most of the warm, collegiate atmosphere at Sutton Valence School.

Ensuring that every student meets their academic potential is our principal objective.  During the Lower Sixth, a student will normally study four subjects to AS Level and usually three of these will be studied in the Upper Sixth to A Level standard.  As well as this academic programme, each student will have the opportunity to take part in General Studies and become fully involved in the cultural and practical activities on offer; a full sporting commitment is also encouraged.  See Sixth Form Options for further details.

Sixth Form boarders are given a greater degree of flexibility and freedom by the boarding houses, in recognition of the fact that it is important that students take time to unwind, relax and socialise after the intensity of the school day.  To this end we have designated times when Sixth Formers can visit the local pubs, though they can only buy alcohol if in possession of an SVS proof of age card.  Boarders are also able to go out for meals on weekends where appropriate, as well as taking part in the prearranged visits and activities for boarders on Sundays.

We are developing the role of the Sixth Form in shaping their social calendar over the next year.  Many Sixth Formers have already arranged challenging fund-raising events to support their own projects as well as charitable causes.  Many of these social events have proven to be genuine highlights of the school year.  The development of a Sixth Form social committee is well underway.  The representatives on that committee will take responsibility for developing cultural and social events that appeal to the whole cohort and allow each individual to wholly enjoy their time in the Sixth Form.

We regard Sixth Formers as role models and leaders fo the school community.  In addition to their informal responsibility as examples to younger students, some Sixth Formers play an important formal role as Prefects.  We are proud of our Prefect body, as they help to foster a caring, supportive environment throughout the whole school.

The Sixth Form Centre in the Cornwallis Building provides an academic focus for our AS and A Level students.  Recently renovated, it contains seminar rooms, private study areas, personal storage, reference library and wireless internet access.  TC's (the Sixth Form café) is a restful, social space furnished with leather sofas, bistro tables and chairs, newspapers etc and is open during break times and lunch selling freshly brewed coffee, tea and a range of snacks and fresh food and fruit.

Sutton Valence has built a proud sporting reputation and in recent years has produced male and female junior internationalists in hockey, rugby, biathle, canoeing and fly fishing.  Furthermore, we are fortunate to possess state of the art sports facilities including Astroturf hockey pitches, an indoor sports centre, a new indoor swimming pool, extensive playing fields, an enviable cricket ground and this year, a new athletics track (in conjunction with Maidstone Borough Council).

The new Baughan Theatre (and associated drama facilities) and the Music School provide an artistic and cultural dimension that promotes reliance upon others in working together for a greater whole, as well as encouraging leadership skills and enabling the confidence to offer an opinion. 

Above all, the Sixth Form at Sutton Valence is a friendly and dynamic place to be.  Our students develop into interesting, multi-skilled  adults with a good independent work ethic and a real sense of the importance of team work.  Over 90% go on to their first-choice university, with on average 80 offers being received from Russell Group institutions.

The Sixth Form leaflet may be viewed through the icon above.

Student views:

"I joined Sutton Valence in the Lower Sixth from another school.  It's a really friendly and welcoming place.  Class sizes are small so we get lots of support from our teachers."

"There are so many opportunities here.  The sports and drama facilities are amazing.  The Sixth Form is a busy, interesting place to be."

"Life in the Sixth Form is different from the rest of the school.  We are expected to work hard but we have more freedom and control over our time.  Staff treat us like adults."

Tom Hurrell, who left in 2011, on meeting the Queen: video

For further information on the benefits of joining Sutton Valence School for Sixth Form please contact Mr Adrian Wyles, Director of Sixth Form on 01622 845231 or Mrs Kathy Webster, Admissions Officer on 01622 845206. 

Scholarship details are available here.

Sutton Valence School,
Maidstone, Kent ME17 3HL
Tel: 01622 845200
Fax: 01622 844103
enquiries@svs.org.uk

Sutton Valence Preparatory School, Chart Sutton, Maidstone, Kent ME17 3RF
Tel: 01622 842117
Fax: 01622 844201
enquiries@svprep.svs.org.uk