Book for our Discovery Mornings

Discovery Mornings are a chance to explore the Schools on a normal working day.

You and your family will tour the School in the company of one of our pupils and will meet the Principal and senior team over tea and coffee.

Junior School (Reception – Year 6):
Wednesday 15 May 8.45am – 10am

Senior School (Year 7 – Year 11):
Wednesday 15 May 10am – 11.30am

Spaces at a Discovery Morning are limited so that you can have as much time as you need to see the School at your own pace and discuss your child as an individual.

Our Ethos

Embracing the individual to create a place for all 

On this page

Welcome to Stamford Sixth Form
"Laying foundations and fostering interests lies at the heart of our outstanding school. We encourage and embrace the individual; truly a place for all."

Andy Murphy
Head of Sixth Form

Our Ethos

Academically, Stamford will help you thrive, nurturing and supporting you so that you can achieve your full potential in our vibrant co-educational community.

Stellar teaching staff and small class numbers, combined with innovative technology, all contribute to the high-quality learning experience that allows each and every one of our students to flourish.

We inspire self-confidence, allowing you to flourish, embraced by our supportive community, we invite you to come and join our exemplary Sixth Form. 

"The breadth of activities and interests across the board offers a kaleidoscope of opportunities. We have three very different boys and all found their place here, and found their own distinctive paths." 

Parent Students in Year 12 and 13

Our Aim

Our aim is that every student;

  • takes the lead in their own education
  • develops the ability to be aspirational and think for themselves
  • embraces innovation
  • becomes rounded and grounded, ready for their future
  • finds fulfilment through their friendships, families and relationships
  • is respectful and inclusive
  • is bold and resilient, ready to take their next steps in the world
Bespoke Experience

At Stamford, you will experience a bespoke Sixth Form experience that plays to your strengths.

We won’t judge you against archaic measures of worth, or limit your creativity and individuality. Instead, we will value you for your individual strengths, passions and personality, your attitude towards others, and the effort you make to be your best self. You are the only one of you. The Sixth Form at Stamford will help you unlock your future self.

Curriculum

We offer 28 different subjects at A Level, as well as 3 BTECs in Applied Science, Sport and Business and 1 Cambridge Technicals course in Digital Media.

This variety means you can choose the subjects you love and that will best equip you with the knowledge and qualifications you need for a happy future. You will have access to a highly professional and supportive careers programme, which will give guidance to match your skills and interests to your options.

Freedom to Learn

You will have the support you need to take responsibility for your own studies. 

You will have the freedom to drive your own learning, to manage your own free time, and to establish your own balance of studies, activities, socialising and relaxing.

Outside lessons, you will have the choice to study in the café culture of Stamford, spending time in our spaces or making the most of the focus and inspiration afforded by our study spaces.

Looking Beyond

Our teachers understand that you are a young adult, and no longer a child.

You will have all the support you need to take your next steps, but you will have the independence to make your own choices. We respect your views and opinions, and will help you to find the right track as you navigate the challenges that life will throw at you.

Extended Studies

At Stamford, our additional A Level, AS and BTEC courses give you more flexibility over what and how you learn.

Sixth Form is about far more than just achieving the qualifications that unlock your next steps in life. Complete an Extended Project Qualification in a topic of your choosing, or take part in the Community Sports Leader Award.

“Intellectual curiosity is strongly promoted and pupils show great perseverance in solving problems and responding to challenges, encouraged by an environment where individual success and enterprise are fostered and celebrated.” 

ISI Inspectors, 2017

“Much success is achieved in national academic competitions in subject areas ranging from science and mathematics to the arts and design and technology. Pupils achieve excellent results in debating, subject Olympiads, Arkwright Scholarships and national essay competitions.” 

ISI Inspectors, 2017

“Pupils form a community which cares about wellbeing and safety for all. The school’s excellent pastoral care system sets the tone and encourages and enables pupils to speak up if they or their counterparts need support or guidance.” 

ISI Inspectors, 2017

Learning Development

Part of our tailored and personal offering at Stamford is to help all students achieve academic success.

We recognise that students may need additional academic support and guidance in their learning, regardless of whether they have a related diagnosis or not. The aim of our Learning Development team is to help boost self-esteem and build academic competence so that students can become confident, independent learners able to achieve their full potential.

Our Learning Development team has a wealth of experience, and the team includes a lead SENCO (Specialist Teacher) and a Deputy SENCO, as well as a number of Learning Development Assistants who work with students throughout the school. This means we can closely tailor the support we offer to the requirements of our students and provide various levels of support according to need. This may include Learning Development Assistant’s delivering ‘live time’ support in lessons, students attending weekly small group literacy, numeracy or study skills interventions, or students having a slightly reduced timetable with Learning Development lessons becoming part of their curriculum.

We have an open-door policy, so all students are welcome to drop in if they have any concerns about their progress or attainment.

We also collaborate closely with subject teachers and academic departments to identify students who may benefit from support with their studies. We would also encourage parents to get in touch with the SENCO or Deputy SENCO if they have any concerns about their child’s learning needs.

We believe that building resilience is the pathway to academic success for students who face challenges with learning, so we focus on promoting self-esteem as well as developing academic competency when working with individuals or small groups. Students are encouraged to focus their attention on the effort and progress they are making in the knowledge that these key ingredients determine successful outcomes.

Enthusiasm and brave experimentation are at the heart of what we do.
Support and Pastoral Care

We believe you learn best when you’re happy and confident.

Our excellent tutor system and pastoral care programme understands the challenges you face. We can provide sensible, practical and relevant help and support.

Navigating friendships and relationships, learning the life skills and the communication techniques that will stand you in good stead for the rest of your life and underpin your wellbeing, will be part of your daily learning.

Sixth Form life is a vital experience in its own right – but it is also the time in your life when you prepare to become an adult, and take the steps that will inform your future life and career.
Friends and Fellows

Life at Stamford is a busy; every step is taken with friends.

With around 400 students in our Sixth Form, across Years 12 and 13, you will find like-minded people who share your passions and your outlook on life. We are here to share your highs, and be there when you encounter bumps in the road.

You will achieve things you never dreamed of, and you will encounter experiences and opportunities that will shape your whole future. 

Boarding

To simplify life, you can opt to board with us – full time, flexi or as and when you need it.

Your experiences in boarding will help you learn the skills you need for living away from home, and to adjust to the new challenges of living with other young people in a safe and supportive environment.

Surface Pro 7+

Every school student, from Year 3 upwards, is issued with a Microsoft Surface Pro 7+

Embracing Innovation

One of our core values at Stamford is to embrace innovation. 

Each student is equipped with the right technology to enable them to get the best out of their classroom learning. We have a fantastic custom-built Design Studio and state-of-the art equipment to allow students the opportunity to let their imagination lead the way. We very much believe that technology should and can aid educational learning.

Dr Aubrey-Smith's Report

At Stamford we recognise the enormous benefits of technology.

This view is endorsed by an independent research project led by Dr Fiona Aubrey-Smith (named by Education Business as one of the fifty most influential people in education in 2022).

The report states that 93% of our students were very pleased to have a central storage place for all teaching materials. It goes on to say that devices provide flexibility and allow your child to develop their digital fluency that equips them for higher education, the workplace, and a lifelong learning journey.

Co-curriculum

You will have access to over 400 options of co-curricular activities, including Sport, Music, Drama, Debating and Outdoor Education.


Some courses will help you achieve UCAS points towards university entrance, and all of them will add to your skills and experience, and help you learn more about who you are.

Sixth Form isn’t just about studying, as well as trying new experiences, finding hobbies and passions that you will carry with you throughout your life. It’s about developing skills in teamwork and leadership, making lifelong friends and having the opportunity to become a specialist in something you love.

The Arts

We encourage your child to foster a life-long interest in the arts.

Art

Stamford Arts Department provides a vibrant and varied art education that strives to develop curious, creative and informed pupils.

The Art Department is made up of six specialist teachers whose backgrounds include Architecture, Illustration, Fine Art and Sculpture and our amazing technician who helps to realise the technical ambition of our students. The Art Department leads trips regularly to London, Yorkshire and Cambridge, and abroad, most recently to Paris.

Arts

Dance

Dance at Stamford goes beyond the curriculum

For our Nursery, KS1 and KS2 students we offer Dance as a lunchtime club, with KS1 and KS2 being taught by dance teachers from The Welland School of Dancing. In line with the national curriculum, our KS3 students cover dance within their PE curriculum, which is taught by the Stamford PE teaching team. Dance is offered as an option for students at KS4 and KS5, which again is taught by dance teachers from our local dance school, The Welland School of Dancing.

Additional co-curricular Dance provision and opportunities are available too, provided in a combination of both the Drama and Sports departments. 

Arts

Drama

Our Drama Department is vibrant and inclusive

Every child, whether they are a performer, director, choreographer, designer or technician, is encouraged, and we develop their creativity and collaboration in all areas. 

We offer a range of performance opportunities for all levels of ability, with informal and formal shows, along with House drama and dance competitions. At all levels there is the opportunity for your child to take part, should they wish to. We believe that all performance is valuable, whether it be in the large-scale senior musical or a one-off presentation of curriculum work.

We also have a scholars' programme that nurtures our gifted and talented students. 

Arts

Music

Music flows throughout our Stamford Schools

The 20 strong music department teach across the Nursery, Junior, Senior and Sixth Form. Our ethos at Stamford is to engender a lifelong love of music. For students to appreciate all styles and genres of music, to remain active participants performing in instrumental ensembles and choirs throughout their lives, and for students to support the arts by attending concerts and festivals. 

Our breadth of offering within music is broad, with academic music from reception until Year 9, GCSE Music, A-level Music and Music Technology.