Our Sixth Form is a friendly, thriving and exciting place to study.

At the University of Birmingham School our vision is simple; that all our Sixth Form students get into their choice of University, vocational training or employment, and that they go there fully prepared and confident for the fantastic challenges and opportunities that await them.

Our Sixth Form is a friendly, thriving and exciting place to study. As a student here you will combine a busy academic timetable along with a choice of enrichment options, as well as Horizons lectures, sports clubs, volunteering opportunities and numerous trips to the University of Birmingham for lectures and workshops.

You’ll have the chance to take part in and lead enrichment activities in your time at our Sixth Form. These are not extra-curricular activities; they are embedded into the School day and are integral to life at University of Birmingham School. Enrichment gives you the opportunity to discover passions you never knew existed, time to continue pursuing an interest you already had, and valuable opportunities to connect with your peers and teachers away from academic study.

We have a wide-ranging selection of enrichment options that change with each term. In the past, enrichment options have included: politics and debating societies, American football, photography, learning about the stock market, running, exploring feminism, TED talks and many more. Students have also had opportunities to prepare alongside teachers for selection tests (UKCAT, LNAT etc.) for some of the most demanding courses at university.

Our extended enrichment afternoon on Fridays allows all students to undertake volunteering and work experience both within and beyond the school.

When you begin at University of Birmingham School Sixth Form, you will be allocated to one of our six Colleges. We have a series of College Events throughout the year, such as Bud’s Run, the Rugby Festival, Biology Week and Sports Day. These events are an opportunity to develop your character virtues, get to know your peers, and develop your leadership skills with the younger year groups in your College. Colleges compete throughout the year for the all-important College Cup, awarded to the winning college each summer.

We encourage Sixth Form students to explore and maintain their fitness and well-being through a variety of opportunities. We have a wide selection of activities on offer through enrichment, such as rugby, ultimate frisbee, volleyball, yoga, British Military Fitness and running. Sixth Formers also have the opportunity to become Sports Leaders and learn coaching skills, supporting physical education with younger years. Sixth Formers can also start sports clubs, with our basketball teams in previous years competing in regional competitions, and the Staff vs Sixth Form Varsity Basketball match. In addition, our Sixth Formers will benefit from facilities and expertise at the iconic new University of Birmingham Sport and Fitness club.

Sixth Form students are strongly encouraged to contribute to the musical life of the School. We currently have some very talented instrumentalists in the School and we hope our Sixth Form will contribute to our series of music concerts during the year, regardless of whether you have chosen to study music at A level. We work with the Birmingham Music Service to ensure continuity in music tuition for students who would like to have music tuition in School. Please contact Mr Norris for further details.

Through our partnership with the world-class University of Birmingham, you’ll benefit from the Horizons Series, visits from specific University departments, visits to lectures at the University, support from post-graduates and undergraduates, and a chance to get involved with volunteering at the Guild of Students. You’ll also benefit from the new University Sport and Fitness facilities.

As a Sixth Form student, you are given the opportunity to contribute to the leadership, management and on-going development of the School. This could be mentoring younger pupils; leading enrichment; representing your peers on the Guild of Students; taking part in College and whole School activities; being involved in the recruitment of teaching staff; and contributing to the development of teaching and learning. This list is not exhaustive and opportunities continue to arise as the School grows – we welcome suggestions and proposals from Sixth Form students for activities they would like to lead.

“I did running enrichment which was something I would not normally have done! I think the School has definitely improved my confidence a lot. I hated Sports Day in my old school but this year I love Bud’s Run and the Rugby Festival. I just find that it’s more about taking part, having a bit of a laugh, community spirit, and not just about who is the best. I was taught to run by a Paralympian athlete, which was obviously something unique and a great experience.” – Lydia Kendall

“Enrichment is education in a different way. It teaches you to pusue stuff you enjoy with a meaning, with a purpose.” – Aisha Mahmood