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London’s best sixth form colleges and sixth forms
If you’re relocating to London with a child in their early/mid-teens, you’ll want to help them make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Education will play a huge role in their journey to happiness.
That’s why we’ve swatted up on some of the best sixth form colleges and sixth forms in London – so you can help them find one that’s right for them.
These educational institutions, which cater for the final 1-3 years of secondary education, bridge the gap between school and university or the world of work.
If your family is relocating to the UK from overseas, you might also want to explore this guide to family immigration on our sister site. It covers the essentials of bringing your family to the UK.
What you’ll learn in this quick guide
- The difference between sixth form colleges and sixth forms
- Information about five of the best private and state-funded sixth form colleges and sixth forms in London, including:
– Recent A-level results
– University places
– Ethos
- FAQs
Sixth form colleges and sixth forms: what’s the difference?
To avoid any confusion, let’s explain the difference between a sixth form college and a sixth form.
A sixth form is part of an independent or state secondary school, while a sixth form college is a standalone institution specifically for post-16 education. Despite this fundamental difference, they have key similarities:
- They typically accept students aged 16 to 19.
- They allow students to continue their education after completing their GCSEs and achieving the required grades.
- They focus on preparing students for further academic study at university or entering the workforce.
There are approximately 380 sixth form institutions in London, serving around 165,000 students – the majority of which are school-attached.
The 5 top sixth forms and sixth form colleges in London
London Academy of Excellence (Stratford)
The London Academy of Excellence (LAE) in Stratford is a highly selective state-funded sixth form college. Since being founded in 2012, it has built a national reputation for academic excellence, consistently producing outstanding A-level results that place it near the top of the national league tables.
In 2024, LAE’s students achieved remarkable success: 32% of all A-level grades awarded were A*, and 72% were either A* or A. This exceptional academic performance enabled 40 students to secure places on competitive medical courses, while 25 earned offers from Oxford and Cambridge. Additionally, more than a third of students progressed to prestigious London universities, including Imperial College, University College London (UCL), the London School of Economics (LSE), and King’s College London.
Central to LAE’s continued success is its distinctive ethos. As the school describes: “Students and staff alike come in each day with a desire and intent to stretch themselves and share their fascination for their subjects. A love of learning for its own sake is at the heart of every lesson.”
This culture of intellectual curiosity, combined with expert teaching and strong pastoral support, provides an inspiring environment where students are empowered to achieve their full potential.
Link to The London Academy of Excellence school’s website: https://www.lae.ac.uk/
Ashbourne College (Kensington)
Ashbourne College was established in 1981, it is a leading independent school with a co-educational sixth form that consistently ranks among the highest-performing institutions in the capital. The college distinguishes itself through exceptional exam results, highly personalised teaching, and an enviable central London location.
This winning combination enables a significant proportion of students to gain entry to top-tier universities, including prestigious Russell Group institutions such as Oxford and Cambridge. Over the past decade, Ashbourne has achieved an impressive 51% A*/A average at A-level, placing it firmly within the top 5% of UK schools and colleges for ‘value added’ performance.
Ashbourne fosters a welcoming and supportive academic environment, blending an informal yet disciplined approach that encourages both independence and academic rigour. Small class sizes – typically fewer than 10 students – ensure each student receives individualised attention and tailored support.
This commitment to excellence was recognised in its most recent Ofsted report (2021), with the college was awarded an Outstanding rating. Inspectors highlighted: “Pupils respect their teachers. They enjoy professional relationships. Staff have high aspirations for all pupils. In return, pupils are ambitious and driven to achieve the best possible results.”
Beyond academics, Ashbourne offers a vibrant extracurricular programme and dedicated university preparation support. This helps students to develop confidence, broaden their interests, and achieve their full potential in both their studies and future careers.
Fees:
- Home student per term: £12,650
- International student per term: £13,750
- Plus £325 exam fee per A-level subject
Link to The Ashbourne College school’s website: https://www.ashbournecollege.co.uk/
Newham Sixth Form College (Plaistow)
Newham Sixth-form College is located on a dedicated single-site campus in Plaistow, Newham Sixth Form College – known locally as NewVIc – stands out as one of London’s largest and most dynamic state-funded sixth form colleges. Firmly embedded in the local community, the college is dedicated to driving social mobility and equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive in modern society. By fostering strong partnerships and embracing innovative teaching methods, Newham works closely with the wider community to create a supportive and forward-thinking learning environment.
As a fully inclusive institution, Newham Sixth Form College welcomes students from a wide range of backgrounds, abilities, and aspirations. Its commitment to student success is reflected in consistently strong academic outcomes. In 2024, 55% of A-level grades achieved were between A* and C, with 26% reaching A* to B – a testament to the college’s high standards and dedicated staff.
The college’s forward-looking educational philosophy is encapsulated in its vision: “Our vision is for NewVIc students to become successful citizens through excellent education and by celebrating everyone in our diverse community.” In addition to academic excellence, Newham places a strong emphasis on personal development, inclusion, and preparing students to play active and positive roles in an ever-changing world.
Link to The Newham Sixth Form College website: https://www.newvic.ac.uk/
Brampton College (Hendon)
Brampton College is a co-educational independent day school and sixth form in Hendon, north London. Consistently recognised for its academic excellence, Brampton has been one of the highest-performing sixth forms in London for over two decades, according to the Department for Education (DfE). Nationally, it ranked 3rd in the 2020 DfE performance tables, a testament to its sustained academic success. In 2024, 54% of students achieved A*/A grades, 81% secured A*-B grades, and 74% progressed to prestigious Russell Group universities.
The college’s sixth form combines a rigorous academic curriculum with a supportive and informal learning environment, allowing students to thrive both academically and personally. Individualised support, one-to-one mentoring, and a range of activities help nurture students’ confidence, resilience and independent learning skills. This enriching environment thoroughly prepares them for university and beyond.
Brampton College is located on a modern, purpose-built campus featuring outstanding facilities, including:
- Four fully refurbished science laboratories
- A spacious art studio
- State-of-the-art computer suites
- A dedicated GCSE centre
- A well-stocked library
- Comfortable student common rooms
- Multiple breakout areas that encourage collaborative learning and relaxation.
Fees: Annual fees (including VAT) for a two-year A-level course are £29,153.
Link to The Brampton College website: https://www.bramptoncollege.com/
Westminster City School Sixth Form (Westminster)
Westminster City School is an independent Christian foundation secondary school for boys’, with a co-educational sixth form. Situated in the heart of London, the school enjoys an enviable location surrounded by some of the UK’s most iconic landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey. This central setting not only offers a vibrant cultural backdrop, it provides students with unique opportunities for personal and academic enrichment.
The school prides itself on delivering a high standard of academic excellence, supported by a dedicated team of staff who offer outstanding pastoral care and guidance. In addition, Westminster City School benefits from strong links with local businesses, organisations, and institutions, which help to broaden students’ horizons and prepare them for future success.
In 2024, 58% of sixth form students achieved top A*/B grades, with 83% securing grades between A*/C. These impressive results enabled more than half of students to gain places at Russell Group universities or within the UK’s top 25 higher education institutions.
Fees:
- 16+ day pupils: £15,894 per term
- 16+ boarding pupils: £20,995 per term
Link to The Westminster City School’s website: https://www.wcsch.com/529/welcome-1
FAQs
> Do I have to pay for my child to attend a sixth form college or sixth form?
Sixth forms at state-funded secondary schools and state-funded sixth form colleges are free. Meanwhile, sixth forms at independent schools charge fees.
> What courses do students study at sixth form colleges and sixth forms?
Students generally study for A-levels (Advanced Level), BTECs (Business and Technology Education Council qualifications) and T Levels (Technical Levels).
> What qualifications do I need to get into sixth form college or sixth form?
Most require at least 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A*/C equivalent). Some subjects may require higher grades.
> When should my child apply for A-levels?
Applications usually open in the autumn of Year 11 (around September to December). Deadlines vary by institution. Always read the admissions policy on the institution’s website before applying – and if in doubt, contact them.
> How many A-levels do students usually take?
Most students take 3 to 4 A-levels.
> Can pupils change subjects once they start at a sixth form college or sixth form?
Most allow some changes early in the first term, but it depends on availability and timetable constraints.
Resources
- Simply London – Top state schools in London for A-Levels
- Types of London sixth forms
Consult with Simply London
Consult with Simply London for personalised guidance and support on the admissions process. Using our knowledge and experience, we can help your child select and apply for top-performing sixth colleges and sixth forms that meet their requirements.
Contact us today to learn how we can help make school search smooth and stress-free. We’ve helped so many families to find their ideal school in London, find out what some of them have to say about our services here.
Need help bringing your family to the UK? Our sister site Simply UK Visa offers expert guidance on family immigration – because getting settled starts with getting here.
Article published in July 2025.
