THE NEXT STAGE OF YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE
WHY JOIN OUR SIXTH FORM? TEN GOOD REASONS TO JOIN US FOR SIXTH FORM.
- Exceptional University Placement: Approximately 95% of our Sixth Form graduates progress to their chosen university, with over 33% heading to Russell Group universities and on average 10% securing places at prestigious institutions such as Oxford, Cambridge or top creative arts destinations such as Central St Martins.
- Historic and Inspiring Setting: Studying within the historic Battle Abbey provides a unique and inspiring backdrop, enriching the educational experience and instilling a sense of pride and tradition.
- Strong Community Ethos: Our nurturing environment emphasises kindness, compassion, and mutual respect, creating a supportive network where students feel a true sense of belonging.
- Leadership Development: Students have the opportunity to assume leadership roles such as Heads of House, Heads of Boarding, or Guardians, fostering skills in communication, organisation, and public speaking.
- Dedicated BAS Futures Mentor: Our Sixth Form Mentors offer personalised guidance throughout the university application process, subject selection, and other academic challenges, ensuring each student reaches their full potential.
- Sixth Form Hub: Martlet House, our dedicated Sixth Form Centre, features a Silent Study Room, a vibrant café, a common room with a multi-functional pool table, and a well-equipped gym, all designed to support both academic and social development.
- Holistic Personal Development: Given the diverse nature of our boarding and day students, we focus on developing self-confidence, personal responsibility, and leadership.
- Extensive Extra-Curricular Opportunities: With over 50 clubs offered weekly at no additional cost, students can engage in a variety of activities ranging from competitive sports to creative arts, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience.
- Professional Environment: While there is no formal uniform, students are encouraged to dress as young professionals, fostering a sense of responsibility, independence which prepares them for future workplace settings.
- Comprehensive Academic Programs: We provide a wide selection of over twenty A Level and BTEC courses, allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests and career aspirations.
HEADTEACHER’S WELCOME TO THE SIXTH FORM
“What first attracted me to Battle Abbey School was the friendly, welcoming character of the school community. There’s a real sense of staff, students and families all pulling in the same direction and this strong sense of community sees our pupils achieve highly. Sixth Form students are very quickly feel at home as everyone is welcoming and friendly. Our family ethos and values of Belonging, Aspiration and Service ensure that tolerance, discipline and dedication are corner stones of what it means to be a Battle Abbey student.
The Sixth Form experience at Battle Abbey School is as unique as the building itself. Students split their time between the Abbey and the School’s dedicated Sixth Form Centre, Martlet House on Battle High Street. Most students take three or four A Levels and many also complete an EPQ (Extended Project Qualification, which is particularly valued by Universities for developing techniques such as public speaking and research).
As a parent myself I know how important it is for our children to feel happy, supported and, particularly at Sixth Form, be given the opportunity to grow and flourish. The expectation on Sixth Formers is high but comes with great reward.
Sixth Formers are expected to lead by example and many occupy positions of responsibility such as Subject Bronze or Guardian, the Battle Abbey equivalent of Head Boy and Girl. There are greater opportunities to have your say in Pupil Council and take a real lead in curating and managing school events, and even the direction of the school. Above all it is about empowering and supporting students.
Academic achievement is important and students excel in their chosen subjects here. There is also strong academic and pastoral support to monitor their progress and ensure they reach their full potential by the time the exams come. They are also helped to develop a range of strategies that will prepare them for life after the Abbey, such as a growth mind-set and resilience.
Battle Abbey Sixth Formers are easy to pick out for their confidence and dedication and they leave Battle Abbey as well rounded individuals. We strive to inspire our students to be compassionate leaders and global citizens who want to go on to make the World a better place.
Many of our former Sixth Form students come back to talk to Sixth Form groups about their experiences at University, or indeed their eventual career, and many come back to work for the school. In a world where youth culture is increasingly transient the stability and home-from-home that the Abbey provides ensures that the pupils have a stable base on which to grow.”
Hannah Blake Headteacher
38% of grades at A* – A
62% of grades at A*– B
87% of grades at A*- C
“Battle Abbey Sixth Form is a friendly and welcoming community which yields a supportive network of students and staff alike, allowing pupils to thrive both academically and socially. This stage of life is key in maturing and developing into young adults, and Battle Abbey School supplies the perfect environment for this, providing students with independence and responsibility. Our Sixth Form Centre, Martlet House, is well suited to the students’ needs, whether it be for independent studies in the Silent Study Room, or a chance to relax and socialise in the café, common room or spacious garden. The facilities here are almost entirely centred around the Sixth Form experience, with the area also boasting a multi-functional pool table in the common room and a well-equipped gym for students to use at their leisure.
Along with Martlet House, which is situated just over the road from the Abbey, there are also designated spaces within the main school building for Sixth Form students. These include another common room and silent study room which provides students with the liberty to choose where to spend their free time, whether it be in Martlet House, the main school or elsewhere in the town of Battle – providing they sign in and out with their lanyards.
We believe that a well-rounded education extends beyond the classroom, and our Extra-Curricular Program is a vital part of each pupil’s growth. With over 50 clubs offered weekly (completely free of charge) there really is something for everyone. From competitive and social sports such as swimming, football, hockey, and volleyball, to relaxing teddy bear-making or engaging in financial trading simulation games, we cater to a wide range of interests and talents.
Our music and drama departments are equally impressive, running talented choirs, multiple orchestras, and private lessons with incredibly skilled teachers. Sixth Form students regularly participate in concerts, productions, and recitals, with many performing at local events such as the Hastings Music Festival.
Additionally, our top-tier coaches provide specialized training sessions in various sports during lunch breaks, after school, and even before the school day begins, ensuring that students can continuously improve and excel.
For those with a passion for academics, opportunities for intellectual growth exist in the masses. Our academic journal, The Gateway, provides a place to dive deeper into potential degree subjects whilst also improving and demonstrating essay-writing skills. Societies such as the Battle Broadcasting Club (BBC), Philosophy Society, and World Literature Society encourage students to broaden their knowledge and cultivate skills that will help them well beyond their school years.
In Sixth Form, students are offered the opportunity to undertake leadership roles such as: Heads of House, Heads of Boarding, Bronzes (a Prefect equivalent) or Guardians – Battle Abbey’s unique title for Head Boy(s) and Head Girl(s). Bridging the gap between staff and pupils, these roles encourage individuals to develop their leadership skills in a supportive and enriching environment. Providing positive change to the school community, leadership roles emphasise the student voice, enabling individuals within the school community to be listened to and recognised. With the responsibility of guiding younger years as a friendly face, the Sixth Form integrate with the whole school, immersing all pupils into the warm sense of community that Battle Abbey uniquely offers.
Responsibilities include organising the Sixth Form Balls, supporting younger years and spreading enthusiasm throughout the school for the house-based competitions. Representing the school in a variety of events, these leadership roles provide an exciting opportunity to develop communication skills across a wide age range, growing confidence in public speaking and organising events.
Battle Abbey School is a nurturing environment with a strong support system, and the wellbeing, growth and development of each individual is key. The academic staff also enable pupils to further their ability in all subjects as they are committed to providing an excellent education, with extra support sessions always being available if students are struggling.
Additionally, the chefs at Battle Abbey really are the best in the business. They always have biscuits on hand whether you need a sugar boost or are just feeling hungry! When it comes to making your time at Battle Abbey Sixth Form even more enjoyable, Annie, our Chef at Martlet House, never fails to bring joy to your day with her endless supply of sweets treats such as cakes, biscuits or cheese toasties, providing the perfect study snack. She is always introducing interesting new dishes and new cuisines and will cater for all needs.
The community at Battle Abbey School is a fantastic opportunity for students to embrace their individuality whilst still feeling a true sense of belonging. During House Time, Sixth Form students are given the chance to engage and build relationships with younger students in their house, creating a real sense of family throughout. This strong family ethos at Battle ensures that you will always be supported and that someone will always be looking out for you.
We hope to see you in the Abbey in the near future and that you will enjoy your time here as much as we have.”
Battle Abbey School Guardians 2024/2025
Our Sixth Form curriculum is designed to challenge, inspire, and prepare students for life beyond the Abbey school. Whether our students aim for university, apprenticeships, or the world of work, our curriculum supports each student’s unique pathway. Academic excellence and exceptional pastoral care is at the core of our provision. Subjects are taught by passionate specialists who bring depth and expertise to their teaching, encouraging critical thinking, independent learning, and intellectual curiosity. Small class sizes mean students receive personalised attention and meaningful support, ensuring they reach their full potential. Beyond academic study, our Sixth Form programme includes enrichment opportunities such as the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), leadership roles, and community service. These experiences develop key skills in research, communication, and teamwork—essential for success in higher education and the workplace. Our Sixth Formers also benefit from a dedicated careers and university guidance programme, helping them navigate applications, prepare for interviews, and make informed decisions about their future. With high expectations, individual support, and a forward-thinking curriculum, our Sixth Form provides the perfect environment for students to grow into confident, capable young adults ready for their next chapter.
wMartlet House, our dedicated Sixth Form Centre, sited just a stones throw fron the ABbey Gatehouse,offers a vibrant, quirky environment with spaces where students can relax, work and study. Designed to reflect the transition from school to adulthood, it provides a more mature, university-style setting that encourages independence, self-motivation, and responsibility.
Within Martlet House, students enjoy access to study areas, a common room, a cafe with utside decking and garden and break out rooms and lecture spaces. All tailored to the needs of Sixth Form life. Whether collaborating on projects, attending workshops, or relaxing between lessons, Martlet House supports both focused learning and the community spirit that makes our Sixth Form such a unique proposition.
The Centre also serves as a hub for careers guidance, leadership development, and enrichment opportunities, with regular careers talks, mentoring, and university preparation sessions taking place throughout the year.
Martlet House empowers students to take ownership of their learning while preparing confidently for the next stage of their education or career journey.
The unique location of our school on Battle High Street offers a wealth of benefits to our Sixth Forn students with access to shops, coffee shops and other High Street amenities including a direct trainline to Hastings and London. Being part of the town’s daily life fosters strong community connections. Pupils develop a sense of civic responsibility and pride through participation in local events, volunteering opportunities, and partnerships with nearby businesses and organisations. Parents also benefit from the convenience of our central location, with easy access to shops, cafés, and transport links. This accessibility encourages regular engagement between home and school, strengthening the supportive network around each child. Our High Street presence reinforces our role as a vibrant, inclusive school that is both academically ambitious and firmly rooted in its local community.
The social side of Sixth Form at Battle Abbey School is vibrant, inclusive, and an essential part of the student experience. Life beyond the classroom is enriched with a calendar full of events, trips, and activities that help students relax, build friendships, and enjoy their final years at school.
Regular social events, such as Sixth Form dinners, themed evenings, and the highly anticipated leavers’ ball, create lasting memories and a strong sense of community. Students also enjoy more informal time together in Martlet House our dedicated Sixth Form Centre, where they can socialise, study, and collaborate in a relaxed, mature environment whilst opportunities for cultural enrichment, team-building, leadership roles, pupil mentoring and community outreach ensure the Sixth Form remain fully integrated in the school.
The ,majority of our Year 11 transfer to our Sixth Form for Year 12 where our supportive, friendly atmosphere ensures all Sixth Formers feel connected and many make lifelong friends.
Our Sixth Form consistently achieves very strong academic outcomes, reflecting the dedication of our students and the expertise of our teaching staff. With a broad range of A Level subjects on offer, students are supported to pursue areas they are passionate about, with many achieving results that exceed national averages.
Small class sizes and specialist teaching ensure that every student receives personalised attention, helping them to reach their full potential. Regular progress tracking, one-to-one guidance, and tailored academic support allow us to respond quickly to individual needs and ambitions.
On any given year around 30% of our cohort go on to Russel Group Universities whilst around 10% reach Oxford and Cambridge. In total 9 of our students go on to secure places at top universities in the UK and abroad, as well as competitive apprenticeships and specialist training programmes. Our academic success is not only measured by grades, but also by the confidence, independence, and intellectual curiosity our students develop—preparing them exceptionally well for the demands of higher education and the wider world.
yRecent University Destinations include: Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial, UCL, Warwick, Exeter, Lancaster, Reading, Durham, Southampton, Bath, Leeds, Manchester, St Martins, Edinburgh, Royal Holloway, Kings College London, The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and the Courtauld Institute of Art among others.
Recent courses students went on to study: Architecture, International Relations, Costume and Performance Design, Law, Ancient History, Anthropology, Cyber Security, Urban Planning, Psychology, Economics, Midwifery, Aeronautical Engineering, Liberal Arts, Neuroscience, French & German, Marine Biology, Physiotherapy, Environmental Geology, Medicine, Forensic Science and Astro-Physics among others.
At Battle Abbey School, Sixth Form students are encouraged to take on meaningful leadership roles that help them grow into confident, responsible young adults. These opportunities are a vital part of Sixth Form life, allowing students to develop key skills in communication, teamwork, and decision-making.
The School Guardian positions, which are effectively Head Boy and Head Girl roles, are hotly contested in the summer term of Year 12 with the four positions contested by anywhere between 8 and 10 candidates on any give year. The Guardians are ably supported by a selection of other roles of responsibility including Heads of House, subject Bronzes as well as positions on the school values team.
Battle Abbey School Sixth Form students lead by example, represent the school at events, and support younger pupils throughout the school community. Sixth Formers also contribute through mentoring schemes, helping younger students with academic work or offering pastoral support. Leadership extends beyond formal roles. Students lead clubs and societies, organise charity initiatives, and represent the school in debates, conferences, and community outreach. These experiences promote independence, initiative, and a sense of service.
By offering a wide range of leadership opportunities, we prepare our Sixth Formers not just for academic success, but for confident, active participation in the wider world.
