School sixth forms: Typically, they offer a smaller range of A-Level subjects and subject combinations, focusing mainly on academic routes.
Colleges: Nottingham College offers a vast array of courses beyond A Levels. From vocational courses and apprenticeships to foundation programmes and full degrees, students can choose a path that aligns with their interests and career goals.
If A-Levels are a route your child is considering, then our High Pavement Sixth Form offers a large range of subjects and can support most course combinations too.
School Sixth Forms: A Levels are academically rigorous and only suit those who are confident with exams and controlled assessments. If your child is looking for practical, hands-on learning experiences, they may be suited to another type of course.
Colleges: Nottingham College emphasises practical learning with strong links to local employers and numerous work placement opportunities and social action projects. This hands-on approach ensures students gain real-world experience, making them future-ready!
School Sixth Forms: The environment often mirrors lower school years, with a structured day in a school-setting.
Colleges: Colleges provide a more adult learning environment, helping students transition smoothly to higher education or the workforce. Nottingham College offers award-winning support services, including careers advice and wrap-around support, fostering independence and growth while ensuring students have the guidance they need whenever they need it.
School Sixth Forms: Students typically attend the same school they’ve been in for many years.
Colleges: Nottingham College has central campus locations throughout Nottingham with excellent transport links. Financial support is available for transport and meals for eligible students, ensuring that accessibility is not a barrier to education!
School Sixth Forms: Opportunities for re-sitting exams or changing courses might be limited.
Colleges: Nottingham College offers support for re-sitting essential subjects like maths and English. Additionally, we offer various internal progression options! Many of our students start with us as school leavers and stay with us, progressing to an apprenticeship, higher level or university level course, ensuring students can continue their education regardless of their initial results.
If your child is considering A Levels and wishes to progress to university, our brand-new Strive programme at our High Pavement Sixth Form could be a great option for them. The programme provides dedicated application support and interview prep for those wanting to progress onto a competitive university course in the future.
School Sixth Forms: The student body is usually very similar previous school-years as it consists of students from the same school.
Colleges: Colleges attract a diverse range of students from different backgrounds and schools, providing a richer, more inclusive learning environment, the chance to meet new people and make friends for life. This diversity helps students develop social skills and broadens their perspectives.
Both school sixth forms and colleges have their own merits, but colleges like Nottingham College offer unique advantages that can significantly benefit your child’s educational journey. With a wider range of courses, hands-on learning, strong support systems, and an adult learning environment, colleges provide a comprehensive and flexible education that prepares students for future success.
Explore Nottingham College and see how we can help your child achieve their educational goals.
