Sixth Form

LIFE IN THE SIXTH FORM

The Sixth Form is the transition period from school to university or a career, from being a child to an adult. We aim to educate our students to reach their potential, learn the value of a well-balanced lifestyle and allow exploration, to make mistakes and learn in a safe environment.

Our Sixth Form offers students more autonomy and freedom than younger years, with small classes, the choice of subjects, and business wear rather than uniform.

Students leave us as confident, empathetic individuals, ready to take on the challenges of work, university or the many opportunities a gap year offers.

Students are encouraged to take responsibility, emphasising individuality within a sense of community.

We are justifiably proud of our examination results and university destinations, but these are by no means the only measure of our success; our purpose is to help our pupils grow as independent, confident individuals with ambition and purpose and the well-rounded education your child receives at Ryde ensures resilience, confidence and a desire to learn both in and outside of the classroom.

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We celebrate excellent A Level and IB results every year and students go on to Oxbridge, universities in the UK and abroad and a host of other destinations but we are also a community that upholds the traditional ethos of the whole school.

Embedded in the school motto, 'Ut Prosim', (service to others) our Sixth Formers are encouraged towards self-knowledge, good governance, academic excellence and leadership.

Ryde School Sixth Form pupils in a science lesson


We offer our students three routes to meet the challenges of the modern world:

  • The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), an invigorated and inspired curriculum.
     
  • A Level Plus, academic rigour of A Levels alongside enrichment options.
     
  • International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP), combining academic IB courses with professional qualifications.

We believe that pupils benefit most when they contribute fully to the extra-curricular life of the School.

Younger pupils are expected to try a range of activities whilst older pupils may follow more specific interests.

Most sports matches played against teams from the mainland occur on Saturdays and all pupils are expected to make themselves available to play in school matches on Saturdays during term time.

"The best part of the job is being in a position where I can advise on future pathways & help students with the tricky transition from children to young adults. Our students are open minded, listen to advice, and adapt better than any adults I know."

- Matt Windsor, Head of Sixth Form

The School Day

We welcome our pupils into school between 8.15am and 8.40am, ready for registration at 8.40am. The school day ends at 4.15pm. Clubs are available between 4.20pm and 5pm.

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The school day can be extended from 8am to 6pm: Breakfast Club is available in the dining room from 8am (pre booking is essential); Supper Club is available in the dining room until 6pm on Mondays through Friday (pre booking is essential).

There is no school on Saturdays, but pupil attendance is expected at the following events:

  • Open Mornings (October & February)
  • Speech Day (September) 
  • School Carol services (Autumn, Christmas, and Spring)

Those playing for sports teams may play fixtures on Saturdays. 

Lunch

The Sixth Form has two lunch sittings per day in the main Dining Hall. The Pavilion Coffee Shop is also available for lighter snacks and lunches from 10am and is also open for parents between 8am and 10am.

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Boarder students eat their breakfast, supper and weekend lunch in the Dining Hall and have well-stocked kitchens in both boarding houses to create snacks and other meals for themselves.

Most of our food is cooked from scratch by our skilled chefs, using fresh ingredients and sourced from preferred local suppliers.

We are also able to cater for special dietary needs (e.g., dairy/lactose intolerance, gluten-free). Please let us know when registering your child for Ryde.

Pastoral Care & The Sixth Form Team

The Form Tutor is central to our pastoral care in the Sixth Form, serving as the primary point of contact for parents and fostering open communication with pupils. Our goal is to nurture confident, compassionate, and globally aware individuals who embrace the school motto, Ut Prosim, "That I May Serve."

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School Houses organise various competitions, and support extends beyond Form Tutors and Heads of Year to include the Heads of Senior School, Pastoral Care, Section Heads, and Senior Teachers. Matron oversees in-house counselling, complemented by the Chaplaincy Team, teacher-coaches, and Independent Listeners.  

Tutor meetings allow students to discuss anything from current affairs to present academic progress. Our small tutor groups and dedicated tutor team allow for both support, inspiration and, often, a lot of good humour. They are also important in assisting students with university, apprenticeship or job applications. 

Sixth Form pupils receive coaching skills and training to lead and support younger students, with tutorial sessions to help with school routines and to provide friendly and accessible contact.

Placeholder image for video - Westmont building


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