Sixth Form Prospectus
At our Sixth Form, we believe in nurturing the whole person - academically, spiritually, and personally. Rooted in our Catholic ethos, we offer a supportive and inclusive environment where every student is encouraged to grow in confidence, character, and faith.
Our mission statement, “Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world ablaze,” inspires students to discover their unique purpose and use their talents to make a positive impact. We are committed to helping each individual flourish, not only in their studies but also as compassionate and responsible members of society.
Admissions Criteria
All students are considered on their individual merit and situation, the general admissions criteria is a guide to support your choices. Students will be offered a place at Byron Sixth Form on the provison that they meet the following criteria: At least five grades at 4+ and a minimum of a Grade 5 at GCSE in the subject they want to study (a grade 6 or higher at GCSE will be required for science and mathematics).
A curriculum that inspres and equips.
We offer a broad and carefully curated selection of high-quality, widely recognised academic, vocational, and technical qualifications. These courses reflect our commitment to excellence and are designed to meet the diverse interests, strengths, and aspirations of our students.
Thanks to our flexible curriculum, students can personalise their programme of study by combining different qualification types. This approach ensures that every learner can pursue a pathway that suits their individual goals - whether that’s university, further education, advanced modern apprenticeships, or direct entry into employment.
Our subject offering is thoughtfully selected, taking into account the subjects students have previously enjoyed and the qualifications that open doors to future success. We aim to provide a curriculum that not only challenges and inspires but also prepares students for life beyond Sixth Form - academically, professionally, and spiritually.
In addition to outstanding teaching, we provide dedicated time and space for private and independent study. Sixth Form students benefit from access to a large, modern ICT suite, designed to support focused learning and the completion of directed study tasks. This environment encourages self-discipline, responsibility, and academic growth — all within a nurturing community grounded in our Catholic values.
A-Level Courses
Art and Design
Biology
Chemistry
Computer Science
English Literature
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Geography
History
Mathematics
Further Maths with Newcastle University)
Music
Philosophy and Ethics
Physics
Product Design
Psychology
Spanish
Level 3 BTEC Courses
Business Studies
Health and Social Care
Sport
Enrichment: Forming the whole person, preparing students to be future ready.
At Byron Sixth Form, we believe that education extends beyond the classroom. Our enrichment programme is designed to develop the whole person — spiritually, socially, and intellectually — in line with our Catholic ethos.
If students have a passion or interest not currently offered, we actively support them in developing and leading new enrichment activitiesencouraging initiative, creativity, and leadership.
Our enrichment programme also includes PSHE and comprehensive preparation for life after Sixth Form, including support with university applications, careers guidance, apprenticeships, and degreeapprenticeships. We work closely with university partners and employers to provide meaningful, bespoke experiences that help students make informed choices about their future.
Through volunteering, enrichment, and academic extension opportunities, students are empowered to grow in confidence and character. Many of our students are selected for prestigious national programmes such as OxNet and The Sutton Trust’s Pathways to Medicine, reflecting the high calibre of our Sixth Form community.
At Byron, Sixth Form is not just about academic success - it’s about discovering your purpose, developing your passions, and preparing to make a difference in the world.
At Byron Sixth Form, we pride ourselves on supporting students to outstanding destinations.
At Byron Sixth Form, we are proud of our students’ ambition to make a meaningful difference in the world - a reflection of our Catholic values of service, compassion, and excellence. Many of our students pursue careers in medicine, nursing, midwifery, and primary education, driven by a desire to serve others and contribute to the common good.
Our students consistently achieve places at top universities, including the University of Oxford, Durham University, University of St Andrews, University of Sheffield, Newcastle University, University of York, and the University of Leeds. Alongside academic pathways, we also celebrate those who secure exceptional apprenticeships, such as with Accenture, in dental nursing, and on accelerated degree programmes in occupational therapy.
Careers guidance and personalised support
We are committed to ensuring every student is fully informed about the wide range of opportunities their qualifications can unlock. Our careers programme encourages students to explore their interests and keep their options open, with tailored support to help them make confident, well-informed decisions. Every student benefits from:
One-to-one independent careers advice
Visits to local universities and employer events
Opportunities to experience real working environments
Guidance on university, apprenticeship, and degreeapprenticeship applications
Through strong partnerships with universities and employers, we provide bespoke and meaningful encounters that prepare students for life beyond Sixth Form. Whether aiming for higher education, vocational training, or the world of work, our students leave Byron equipped to thrive - academically, professionally, and spiritually.
We are proud to be part of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust.
We are a Catholic multi-academy Trust and currently have thirty schools, five secondary schools (four with sixth forms), and twenty five primary schools (14 have nursery provision). The Trust covers the east part of the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, we have schools in East Durham, South Tyneside and Sunderland. Our family of schools work closely together so that can pupils can flourish. As part of the Trust effective transition is supported by our close relationships, and pupils benefit from a shared, progressive curriculum and common expectations. Find out more: www.bccet.org.uk
We have 30 schools in our Trust
14,000 pupils in our family of schools
1,338 staff in our Trust
The support of a caring school; the independence of being a young adult.
At Byron Sixth Form, we are deeply committed to the wellbeing and success of every student. Rooted in our Catholic values of compassion, respect, and service, we provide a nurturing environment where students feel safe, supported, and empowered to thrive.
Our dedicated pastoral team works closely with students to ensure they receive the guidance and care they need - academically, emotionally, and spiritually. Whether it’s help with managing workload, navigating personal challenges, or planning for the future, we are here every step of the way.
We offer:
Individual mentoring and pastoral support
Regular progress reviews and academic coaching
Access to mental health and wellbeing resources
Support for students with additional needs
A welcoming and inclusive community where every voice is heard
Our Sixth Form is more than a place of study - it’s a place where students are known, valued, and encouraged to become the best version of themselves. We believe that strong relationships, built on trust and mutual respect, are the foundation of personal growth and academic success.
At Byron, you are never alone. You are part of a community that walks with you, celebrates your achievements, and supports you through every challenge - helping you to flourish in all aspects of life.
Step 1
What are your predicted GCSE grades?
Which subjects do I really enjoy?
Where will these subjects lead to?
Step 2
Consider your interests (there is a lot to be said for doing something you enjoy)
Consider your strengths and weaknesses (how do you learn best)
See individual subject pages for detail on assessment and course content.
Step 3
What qualifications do you need for career options?
What qualifications do you need for college or university courses?
It is vital that you research as thoroughly as possible the entry requirements for your chosen or possible career path.
Step 4
Make sure you take up all the advice and help offered by school over the coming months.
Choosing the right course at sixth form is very important.Obviously, it is very important that you choose a programme of study which is suited to your own individual aspirations, we are aware that this is not always as easy as it seems.
