SHIRLEY HIGH SIXTH FORM 

BEST RESULTS EVER SUMMER 2026

‘The sixth form is very effective and students reach high levels of attainment’. 

‘Students leave with good grades, which enable them to secure places at sought-after universities and employers’. OFSTED

2024

2026 Shirley High Sixth Form results:

53% of our students gained grades A*- B

100% pass rate on all BTEC qualifications 

84% of Students gained their firm choice University

Thank you for your interest in the Shirley High Sixth Form. We are proud of our reputation as a caring Sixth Form, which consistently provides high-quality Post-16 education and produces excellent outcomes for students. 

 At Shirley High School, our vision is to create an environment which joins pastoral care and academic outcomes hand in hand to ensure all students leave the Sixth Form making empowered, informed and ambitious choices about their future:

Empowered: You will be fully prepared and confident to take on ‘The Real World’ after Sixth Form regardless of your chosen destination.

Informed: You will understand all the available options for your life after Sixth Form and you will have made the best choice for you.  

Ambitious: You will be challenged to ensure you are pushing yourself to be the best version of you. 

Our most recent years have seen a consistent increase in students applying and successfully securing places at Oxbridge and Russell group Universities. In the last 3 years, we have seen our first Shirley High School student achieve a place at Cambridge University and another of our students make history in being the first Shirley High student to secure a place studying medicine at Queen Mary’s London, one of the most competitive fields in the country. It is our aim to increase this year-on-year and support students towards successful applications to the best Post 18 establishments across the country.

With a purpose-built Sixth Form block, provision at Post-16 offers an extensive range of A Levels (including Sciences and Humanities) alongside an exciting range of BTEC level three extended diplomas.  As a centre for excellence in the Arts, we offer first-rate performing arts facilities and a wide range of extra-curricular and enrichment opportunities. These include boxing, fitness, debating, sports coaching, music production/recording and work experience or voluntary work. There are numerous leadership roles available, including Student Mentor; Subject Ambassador; Prefect/Senior Prefect; House Captain; Anti-bullying Ambassador and School Council Representative.

We offer a range of pathways that run alongside our academic studies which are funded for students to enrich, grow and develop in that field. These include a Performing Arts Scholarship, an academic Scholarship and several Sports Academies. 

We offer students support at every stage of their journey. Our pastoral and well-being provision aims to support all Post-16 students as they deal with the challenges that life can present. Students have access to on-site counselling should they need it. We also have a full-time Learning Mentor as well as an Assistant Head of Year who provide both pastoral and academic support, whilst we have an array of extra tuition opportunities available for students in need.

Every student has the opportunity for 1:1 independent careers advice with a careers' advisor who works on-site as part of the Sixth Form team. As well as personalised support with UCAS and apprenticeship applications, if a student has an interest in Oxbridge and Russell group pathways, they will be able to access our personalised support programme with specialist teachers that have experienced that journey themselves. This range of support leads students to successfully make the transition to university, apprenticeship or work.

Mrs V Murawski – Assistant Principal (KS5)

 

Head Student – Ceren Parlak

My name is Ceren, and I am currently studying Psychology, Health and Social Care, Drama and Turkish in Sixth Form and in the next year, I see myself studying paramedic science at university. I have developed a broad range of transferable skills that will support my academic progression and prepare me for the demands of studying Paramedic Science at university.

Having attended Shirley since Year 7, I have consistently felt supported, encouraged and guided by my teachers throughout my time at the school. My education at Shirley has been instrumental in shaping my academic aspirations and personal development. The support I have received throughout my time at Shirley has encouraged me to challenge myself and pursue opportunities beyond my comfort zone. It has strengthened my confidence as a learner and given me a clearer sense of direction as I prepare to progress into higher education and pursue my future career. I am confident that the foundations I have established throughout my time at Shirley will provide me with the skills and mindset necessary to succeed in higher education and progress towards my future career.

Alongside my academic work, I have also benefited from a variety of enrichment opportunities, including practical sessions such as cooking and driving theory, as well as online courses and the Oxbridge pathway. These opportunities have allowed me to develop skills that extend beyond the classroom while also giving me greater insight into the expectations of university and future employment.

Taking on the role of Head Girl has given me the opportunity to contribute positively to the wider Sixth Form. I want to encourage students to engage with school life beyond their lessons and make use of the opportunities that can support their personal growth. I also aim to represent the student body responsibly, ensuring that different perspectives are heard and that students feel supported as they prepare for their next steps beyond Sixth Form.