Welcome to the next chapter of your journey at Retford Oaks!

Starting sixth form is an exciting step. It’s a chance to become more independent, discover new interests, work towards your future goals and, of course, have a lot of fun along the way.

At Retford Oaks sixth form, we want you to feel supported, challenged and confident as you take your next steps. Our Head of Sixth Form, Mr James, puts it simply: be prepared to work hard and have fun! You can read more about Mr James and his goals for our sixth form in his Q&A.

More than just your subjects

Your studies are at the heart of sixth form, but there’s so much more to get involved in. From work experience and university visits to the Duke of Edinburgh Award, sports leaders, student voice, performance opportunities, charity work and our EPQ, our enrichment programme is designed to help you develop the confidence and skills you’ll need beyond the classroom.

You’ll also have dedicated support as you think about your next steps, whether that’s university, an apprenticeship, employment or another pathway.

A little more independence

Sixth form is a step towards the world of work and adulthood, so you’ll have more responsibility for your learning and your time. Our dress code reflects this, with students choosing their own smart, professional clothing while maintaining the high standards expected of our sixth-form community.

We also know that starting the next chapter can feel daunting. That’s why our doors are always open and our staff are here to support you. And if you’re worried about the practical side of sixth form, our FAQs cover many of the questions you might have.

Financial support is also available for eligible students through our sixth-form bursary, helping ensure that financial circumstances don’t stand in the way of making the most of your post-16 education.

Have your say – become a social ambassador

We also want our students to help shape the story of Retford Oaks sixth form.

We’re looking for sixth form social ambassadors who can share what life here is really like. This could mean writing a blog post about your experiences, sharing your advice for new students, taking part in social media content, talking about your subjects and enrichment activities, or simply helping us show prospective students what makes our sixth form special.

You don’t need to be a social media expert or an aspiring journalist – we want a range of voices, personalities and experiences.

Interested? Keep an eye out for more information about becoming a sixth form social ambassador, or speak to Miss Walton in the marketing office.

Your sixth form journey starts here

There’s no single route through sixth form and no single definition of success. We want you to make the most of the opportunities available, find what you’re passionate about and leave us feeling confident and prepared for whatever comes next.