Choosing the right place to study is a huge decision as it can affect not only the next two years, but also influences the career pathway that you choose to follow for the rest of your life. At Leigh Academy Tonbridge, we aim to develop skilled and educated young people in an environment that helps you to secure the university or career of your choice. If you join us you will study in a spirited, friendly, supportive and inspiring Sixth Form with excellent facilities.
Leigh Academy Tonbridge is a fast-paced and exciting place to study; the teachers are excellent, the students are friendly, and you can develop personally as well as academically. The Sixth Form aims to provide all students with the experience, skills and qualifications needed for the university or career of their choice.
We think it is important to recognise that post-16 education is a journey, and that every student follows their own individual route or path to reach their particular goal. Throughout their time studying in the Sixth Form, students have access to good class sizes, excellent pastoral support, a broad programme of study and comprehensive university and employment advice and guidance.
Students across the cohort achieved an average of a C grade (including equivalents). Performance in the vocational qualifications was particularly strong with students in the double business BTEC and Cambridge Technical sport achieving an average grade of a Distinction*. Mr Crow, Principal, said: “I am absolutely delighted for our students. They have worked exceptionally hard over the last two years to achieve some brilliant results and are going on to some very exciting destinations. The students have been an incredible asset to Hayesbrook for the last seven years and we are very proud of the fine young men that they have become!”.
I am delighted that you are considering embarking on your Post 16 journey here at Leigh Academy Tonbridge. We are incredibly proud that students leaving our Sixth Form at the end of Year 13 are so focused and successful in embarking on the University course or career of their choice. This is entirely down to their drive and determination, but is also mirrored by the hard work of the Sixth Form staff to really help students realise those dreams. We have high aspirations for all our students and offer small classes and experienced teachers who deliver high standards of teaching to support students reach their academic potential.
Louise Hubbard, Director of Sixth Form
Leigh Academy Tonbridge Sixth Form will provide an environment where students can achieve their best and where students can learn about responsibility. The Sixth Form Study Area is a space reserved solely for the use of Sixth Form students. The Sixth Form social space is another area completely reserved for you to use. This is a bright, modern space with ample space for independent and collaborative study. There is a kitchen area where students have access to complimentary hot and cold drinks and the facility to prepare and heat hot food. Located right next to the canteen the Sixth Form students can order food or drinks from both the canteen and the café.
Many of the other excellent facilities you will access depend on the subjects that you chose to study. If you choose to access a Sports related course you will benefit from the school Gym, sports hall, sports computer classroom and the 3G all weather pitch.
All student’s at Leigh Academy Tonbridge are given a Chromebook for the duration of their time at the academy. They are expected to bring this fully charged every day. These are to be used in lessons and for independent study only.
In the Sixth Form you will have the opportunity to really enjoy a very different experience to that of being in Year 11. You will have more freedom to study, independence and the chance to be trusted to manage yourself as an adult. Your teachers will develop a new working relationship with you, with smaller classes that makes learning at Leigh Academy Tonbridge far more personable. You will benefit from in school and home elected study sessions that enable students to have the freedom and responsibility to manage deadlines and complete assignments to that of the highest standard. Unlike KS4, you will have a number of hours each week dedicated to private study. Each student is provided with a Private Study Guide that for each subject details and guides you in the independent learning and wider reading required for your chosen courses.
With extra responsibility it is important not to forget that Sixth Form students need to be supported over the two-year courses to maximise their potential. Across the two-year period students will be closely monitored and staff are able to respond with personal learning checklists and interventions through targeted study sessions if the need arises. You will benefit from a 1-1 mentoring conversation with your tutor each week, who will track your progress and be able to facilitate extra support if required.
Personal development is a key feature of your sixth form experience and as a member of the Leigh Academy Tonbridge Sixth Form you will have the chance to complete work experience and further enrichment opportunities such as the Extended Project, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and FA coaching qualifications.
Students in the Leigh Academy Tonbridge Sixth Form also benefit from exceptional cultural and educational opportunities to broaden the mind and examples of visits to oversee environments support this. Previous sixth form students have visited Thailand, Cern, Berlin and Iceland as part of the opportunities associated with their academic A level courses or World Challenge expedition. Our curriculum offer enhances students’ personal and interpersonal development, with an emphasis on experiential learning. We encourage our students to be individuals and to take responsibility for their own choices as well as teaching them tolerance and respect towards others. We develop our students to be citizens of the world: To be active, compassionate, lifelong learners and to develop the confidence to know and understand their own worth and purpose.
