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The Upper School
Sixth Form
The vast majority of our Year 11 pupils choose to continue into the Sixth Form. Here they are joined each year by roughly 50 talented students from other schools in the UK and overseas, who enhance the richness and diversity of the Sixth Form and help make it such a dynamic and stimulating environment.
An inspirational learning environmentPreparation for life beyond school
Learning skills for life
At the heart of all teaching and learning in the Sixth Form is the encouragement of intellectual development in preparation for life beyond school.
Our A Level and BTEC teachers encourage intellectual risk taking, and deliberately create an environment where students are expected to question, challenge and explore ideas.
Although every student has different abilities, talents and levels of confidence, we believe they all have a unique contribution to make and we ask them to aspire to the highest standards of which they are capable.
An all-round education
Clifton College provides a nurturing, dynamic and challenging environment for young people to become well-rounded and capable individuals, equipped to fulfil their own unique potential.
The extensive programme of sports, activities and events that take place outside of the classroom are more than just add-on extras; they form part of the well-rounded education that is fundamental to Clifton College.
In the Sixth Form, as throughout the Upper School, students lead busy, active and fulfilling lives, where they are able to hone existing skills but also discover new enthusiasms and talents.
Community in Sixth Form
The Clifton College community brings together girls and boys, day pupils and boarders, religious faiths and nationalities.
Unlike some schools, we do not offer Houses that are exclusively for pupils in the Sixth Form.
We believe that the sense of ‘family’ and the opportunities for leadership are best provided in a House with a 13-18 age range. However, we recognise that as a group the Sixth Form also needs to have its own identity and space, as reflected in the layout of most Houses. The Junior Common Room located in the Crypt also provides a communal area for Sixth Formers from every House to meet and socialise.
"Teachers are available for drop in sessions and exam technique. It has been incredibly helpful"
Year 13 pupil
"Teachers are available for drop in sessions and exam technique. It has been incredibly helpful"
Year 13 pupil
"Clifton is a very special place, and so much more than just a school. Having been here for a long time, the community and support is what makes it so unique. You are given freedom to try a whole range of activities which I never thought I would be able to try such as fencing, football, debate and more. You are encouraged and supported to try no matter the outcome, building confidence and amazing memories."
Year 12 pupil
"Clifton goes beyond houses with passionate teachers making lessons interactive for all. For me, I particularly enjoy biology and the school allowed me to find this passion which was particularly helped by my enthusiastic teacher who always bought positivity to the classroom making it a subject I now want to build my future around."
Year 13 pupil
"Clifton is a very special place, and so much more than just a school. Having been here for a long time, the community and support is what makes it so unique. You are given freedom to try a whole range of activities which I never thought I would be able to try such as fencing, football, debate and more. You are encouraged and supported to try no matter the outcome, building confidence and amazing memories."
Year 12 pupil
"Clifton goes beyond houses with passionate teachers making lessons interactive for all. For me, I particularly enjoy biology and the school allowed me to find this passion which was particularly helped by my enthusiastic teacher who always bought positivity to the classroom making it a subject I now want to build my future around."
Year 13 pupil
Academic enrichment and scholarship
Clifton College offers a wide range of academic societies in the Sixth Form which seek to enrich and develop students’ breadth and depth of understanding outside of timetabled lessons. There is also an extensive academic scholarship programme, incorporating a range of events and activities, such as national competitions (e.g. the UK Youth Rocketry Challenge), College competitions (e.g. the Stanley-Steadman Essay Prize) and a programme of visiting speakers.
Finding your niche
With student societies ranging from the Scientific Society to the Modern Foreign Language Film Society, student-led publications such as The Clifton Herald and The Clifton Scholar, regular guest talks by leaders in academia, business and the voluntary sector, subject conferences and inspiring trips, each student can find their true academic niche in the Sixth Form at Clifton.
Extended Project Qualification
Clifton College offers the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) for all Sixth Form pupils. Those enrolled receive instruction in indispensable academic and research skills, and the opportunity to apply those skills through completing an independently-driven research project which fosters genuine independent learning, research, and communication – all skills they will require for life after College.
Academic scholarship
In a very real sense, every student at Clifton College is an academic scholar, as all have the opportunity to be enriched and extended intellectually. Nonetheless, for those students especially motivated to shine academically there is our sector-leading scholarship programme. In the Sixth Form, this takes the form of the Kendrew Society.
"Self-discovery and personal development lie at the heart of any student’s journey through Clifton College’s Sixth Form, forming the basis of a happy and successful life beyond school. The opportunities provided by the College are boundless, both inside and outside of the classroom."
Nick Mills, Head of Sixth Form
Careers and Work Experience
In the Sixth Form, we aim not just to prepare students to access university; we aim to set them on their chosen path to a successful career.
We facilitate work experience opportunities for students throughout the year, both through our excellent links with the Old Cliftonian Society, as well as with local employers. All Year 12 students take part in work experience week at the end of the summer term.
Pupils are encouraged to visit our dedicated careers area for specialist careers advice and impartial guidance from our Head of Careers. The careers team also includes an International Universities Coordinator who supports pupils applying to higher education institutes, internationally.
Most Clifton College pupils go on to attend the university of their choice, be that internationally or in the UK. Advice is also available for those pupils who want to go directly into work, undertake an apprenticeship or consider taking a Gap Year.
A dedicated Careers department
Find out more
Committed to making education accessible
Scholarships and bursaries
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries to support talented pupils and ensure that a Clifton College education is accessible to all.
From academic excellence to sporting achievements and artistic talent, our scholarships reward potential in a variety of fields.
Additionally, means-tested bursaries are available to pupils who have been successful in obtaining a scholarship.
Clifton College has a rich and established heritage with the British Armed Forces and the families that serve within it. For 150 years our welcoming House staff have been supporting children with the Forces lifestyle.
We are proud of our school’s strong military tradition and that we are the school of choice for many HM Forces families and FCDO families. Our military community values the flexibility and individual support that our wrap-around care offers day, flexi-boarders and boarding pupils.
Come and see for yourself
We host a range of events throughout the year to help pupils and families experience life at Clifton College Upper School. We can’t wait to welcome you.
Open events
Experience Clifton College firsthand with a guided tour, meet key staff, explore our top-tier facilities, and get a real feel for student life.
Personal tour
Book a personalised tour with one of our staff members to explore the School and ask any questions specific to your child’s needs.
Video calls
We’d be happy to arrange a video call so you can learn more about Clifton College and have your questions answered from wherever you are.
Join the Upper School
Where next?
Quick links
Who we are
We aim to develop open-minded young people with a real understanding of the world around them, fully prepared for their future in a rapidly changing modern world.
Our community
Discover our supportive community for pupils, parents and staff alike.
A day in the life
Gain an insight into a day in the life of our dynamic Upper School.
Our spaces
Our distinctive, historic buildings provide an inspirational backdrop for learning, along with modern facilities and a state-of-the-art Sports Complex.