Sixth form

About us

Our Sixth form is designed to offer students an outstanding educational experience in a modern and inclusive setting. We recognise that every student is unique, and our curriculum reflects this, providing flexible pathways that support different talents, ambitions and career aspirations.

Academic excellence is at the heart of what we do, but we believe education goes beyond the classroom. Our Sixth form experience includes leadership opportunities, enrichment activities, and a strong sense of community, helping students develop the skills and confidence they need for university, apprenticeships or employment.

Support is central to our approach. Our dedicated team of Sixth form staff and tutors provide tailored academic and pastoral guidance, ensuring that students are well-equipped for their next steps. Whether you aim for a competitive university, a professional career or a vocational route, we are committed to helping you succeed.

With a strong focus on personal growth, curiosity and resilience, we prepare students not only for academic success but for life beyond Sixth form.

UCAS & Y12-Y13
The world of work

Enrichment Learning support Higher education

16-19 Bursary Fund

The 16-19 Bursary fund provides financial support to eligible Sixth form students to help with the costs of studying. The bursary is available to students who meet certain financial criteria and can help with expenses such as travel, meals, equipment, and other essential study-related costs.

There are two types of bursary available:

Vulnerable Groups Bursary

Available to students who meet the general eligibility criteria as set out in this policy. It is a limited fund determined by the EFA and can provide up to £1200 per year or pro-rata in the case of short courses.:

Are currently in care or have recently left care
Receive Income Support or Universal Credit in their own name and are financially independent
Receive Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment alongside Employment and Support Allowance or Universal Credit in their own name

Discretionary Bursary

Available to students from lower-income households who face financial barriers to education. Eligibility is based on household income and/or receipt of means-tested benefits. Funding may be available to support costs such as:

Travel expenses
School meals (if not eligible for Free School Meals)
Essential course equipment, books, and stationery
Curriculum-related trips and activities
University and apprenticeship interview travel costs
Subject-specific materials and uniform for work placements (where applicable)

Bursary awards are subject to conditions, including good attendance, engagement with studies, and adherence to Sixth Form expectations.

Additional support may be granted for curriculum related activities such as trips; such support will be agreed by the Bursary Application Panel.

Eligibility & Evidence
In order to be eligible to receive a Bursary, you must be 16 or over and under 19 on the 31st August in the academic year you start your course and meet the YPLA residence requirements as set out in the document Funding Guidance.

‍Vulnerable Bursary:
Is available to any of the following students that are - currently in care or a care leaver. - receiving Income Support or Universal Credit in your own name. - receiving both Employment Support Allowance and Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payments
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Discretionary Bursary:
‍Is available to those students who currently receive Free School Meals or have received school meals within the last six years.
Any young person meeting general eligibility requirements and facing financial hardship due to exceptional reason or circumstances change can apply to access hardship funds on an individual basis by submitting an application in writing.

All applications to access the 16-19 Bursary Fund must be supported by appropriate evidence. Copies will be taken by the school for audit purposes, all of which will be treated as confidential. For those applying for a Discretionary Bursary confirmation from the local authority of entitlement to Free School Meals will be checked.

Payments
Subject to meeting all the requirements, payments for the Vulnerable Bursary will be awarded when requests for items are submitted by the student. For those eligible for the Discretionary Bursary, students will have the facility to purchase items through the school that aid their learning, such as transport costs, meals, books, equipment and trips. There are also certain conditions the student must meet each week in order to receive on-going bursary payments, these are highlighted in the Bursary Contract which the student has agreed to.

‍Application
Applications for a Bursary must be submitted as early as possible. A Bursary application form and other relevant documentation can be obtained from the Finance team / 6th form team. Consideration must be given to assisting any young person to make an application where they are unable to do so due to a level of learning difficulty and/or disability. All applications for either Bursary will be assessed by the Finance Team. The team will review the application and any supporting evidence and the student will be notified of the outcome within 2-3 weeks of receipt.

Appeals & Confidentiality
If a student is not happy with the outcome of their application, they should write to the 6th form team outlining their reasons why. The Bursary panel will then discuss your appeal and respond within two weeks of receipt. All applications and supporting evidence will be treated as confidential during processing, payment and storage. If it is required, the school may need to obtain additional information to reach a decision. The student will be kept informed of the reasons why this is necessary prior to sharing any information further.

The 6th Form Team
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Chris Trace
Assistant Principal & Director of 6th Form
Mr Trace is the Director of the Sixth Form and an Assistant Principal. He graduated from St Mary's, Twickenham with a BSc (Hons) in Sport Science and English last millennium and has been teaching ever since, although when he was younger and fitter he was a semi-professional rugby player. Having taught in Wandsworth for 15 years, he started at RPA in 2015 as Head of Year 7 teaching Science and PE. He now teaches KS3, KS4 & KS5 Biology and Science, and recently completed a course called Chemistry for Non-Specialists but he doesn't know what that now makes him.Mr Trace is ferociously proud of the achievements of the Sixth Form and the continual growth in all aspects of it. He is in a really lucky position because he really does love his job!

Hannah Smith
Assistant Principal & Head of 6th Form

Ali Mir
Sixth Form Administration & Attendance

Keira Pritchard
Careers Leader
Ms Prichard is a BA (Hons) theology graduate of Manchester University. She has an HND in dance and a Level 6 Careers Guidance qualification. Her career to date has been richly varied and she has worked in hospitality, tourism, care, construction, administration, performing arts and education.She joined the staff of Lift Richmond Park in 2009, taking charge of careers education, advice and guidance, apprenticeship, employer links, work experience placements, employability training and UCAS guidance.

Frequently asked questions

What makes us different from other providers?
- The outstanding quality of our teachers
- Our focus on creativity both in the curriculum and in our practice
- The breadth and personalisation of our provision
- Our genuine inclusiveness
- The strong relationships between staff and students
- Our commitment to ensuring our students leave school prepared for life, higher education and fulfilling employment opportunities
- Our beautiful site and our recently redeveloped, well-equipped 6th form block.
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Lift Richmond Park's aims for students
We aim to make our Sixth Form students:
- Autonomous, skilled, rounded and socially responsible young adults who are fully equipped for the modern working world
- Able to demonstrate rigorous academic practice and enabled to achieve their best outcomes
- Able to access a quality progression route with students aspiring to high quality degree courses, achieving their ambitions and well prepared for Undergraduate learning whilst others are successful in securing high quality apprenticeships/ work or further education
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Why choose Lift Richmond Park Sixth Form?
Our vision is to create autonomous, skilled, rounded and socially responsible young adults fully equipped for the modern working world
We work hard to be an outstanding sixth form with a strong Oxbridge legacy and the first choice in our local community. The Lift Richmond Park Sixth Form is known for its curriculum offer, its range of creative and enriching activities, its inspirational teaching and the highly personable ethos we create. Our students develop skills for life and a love of learning. They will leave Lift Richmond Park as remarkable young citizens, well prepared for higher education or the world of work.

Will there be a uniform?
There will not be a school uniform for RPA 6th form students. This is one area in which the 6th Form Council have had significant input and it has been decided that a ‘smart casual’ dress code will be adopted to reflect the increasing maturity of students. However, students dressing inappropriately will be challenged. See dress code for further information.
- We expect our students to maintain a casually professional appearance at all times.
- We do not allow either dress nor personal grooming that would cause offense or shock to anyone in the school community.
- Clothing should not be inappropriately tight fitting.
- We reserve the right to send any student who breaches these conditions home.
- No midriff on show
- No off the shoulder tops
- Only knee length shorts for girls and boys
- Skirt length should fall at your fingertips when standing.
- No underwear should be visible.
- No inappropriately low cut tops
- No tracksuits except for Duke of Edinburgh activities or unless students have a practical lesson that day
- No leggings on their own- they need to be covered with a long top/jumper
- Clean, neat training shoes may be worn in an understated design and colour palette.
- No ripped jeans
- No ripped tights
- No face piercings - you may have one nose piercing
- No stipulations are made regarding hair cut or colour
Please remember that it is up to members of staff to determine if you do or do not successfully adhere to the criteria outlined above.
The sanctions for not following or meeting these guidelines are dependent upon individual circumstances but could include: being sent home to change; receiving a no notice detention (NND); beginning the Stage Process (a Sixth Form report); or being placed into the AIC.

Will there be trips?
Lift Richmond Park strongly believes that cultural enrichment, travel and simply broadening horizons should be a key element of a 6th form that strives to provide its students with the most rewarding and exciting learning experience. Over the past few years, students in Lift Richmond Park have enjoyed many highly successful visits to broaden their curriculum. It is part of our commitment that Lift Richmond Park 6th formers will continue to be provided opportunities for exploration and adventure as well as enrichment opportunities that will directly support their study. Pandemics do tend to limit these trips to an extent though!

Will we have independent study time?
There will be independent study time on your timetable as this is a vital element of Post-16 study. Brand new facilities will ensure that you are provided with an ideal learning environment in which to work. Staff will be able to offer guidance and there is a Sixth Form Resource Centre tailored to your needs.
As part of the Lift Richmond Park Sixth Form Induction Programme, you will receive training in study skills to help you maximise your Independent Study Time as this is one area that students new to Post-16 study often find challenging.
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How many courses will I be able to study?
One of the benefits of attending Lift Richmond Park Sixth Form is the personalised learning programme that we will offer students alongside excellent careers advice. As part of the application process, you will have the opportunity to discuss with staff the best route for you, taking into account your academic strengths, interests, learning styles and aspirations. We would recommend that if you are unsure of your preferred subject, you begin on 4 courses until the first assessment window which is normally around the October half term.
It is always easier to drop a subject at this stage than start a new one already 6 weeks behind! University courses only require 3 A Level grade or the equivalent in UCAS points. Rest assured that these questions will be thoroughly discussed at interview as part of our commitment to ensuring you receive the best possible preparation for the next stage in your career.
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