Life in the
Sixth Form
Life in the Sixth Form at Kingston Grammar School is dynamic, challenging and deeply rewarding. These two pivotal years offer a unique opportunity for personal and academic growth. At KGS, we support our students every step of the way, offering a broad and stimulating curriculum, essential life skills, personalised careers and university guidance, and access to the expertise of our exceptional alumni network. Our students consistently achieve outstanding examination results and leave KGS equipped with the confidence, character and skills to thrive in the world beyond school.
Academic Life
Our Sixth Form offers a rich and academically rigorous experience. Students choose from 26 A Level subjects and are encouraged to develop intellectual independence through wider reading, discussion and independent study. Academic enrichment, specialist qualifications and extension opportunities ensure that curiosity is nurtured and ambition supported.
Academic Enrichment
Alongside their A Level studies, students broaden their intellectual horizons through our Academic Enrichment Programme.
Additional qualifications, specialist courses and a Sixth Form lecture series encourage curiosity, independent thinking
and engagement with ideas beyond the classroom.
The KGS Accelerator
A careers and futures programme with a difference.
Launched in 2025 and inspired by our accomplished alumni, the KGS Accelerator encourages students to think differently about their future pathways. Through TED-style talks and interactive workshops, students explore how to navigate opportunity, change and challenge in an increasingly competitive and digital world.
Futures
From first conversations to final offers, our Futures team supports students at every stage of their university and career planning. Individual guidance ensures that each student is confident and well-prepared for the next step.
Upper Sixth Lecture Programme
Our Upper Sixth Lecture Programme is a fortnightly series designed to support students’ personal development, broaden their perspectives and prepare them for life beyond school. Delivered by expert guest speakers, the programme challenges students to think critically, make informed decisions and develop the knowledge and confidence needed for adulthood.
The lectures cover a wide range of essential topics, giving students access to insights and guidance they may not encounter in their academic subjects. Recent themes have included:
- Financial Planning – understanding budgeting, loans, savings and responsible money management
- Safer Driving – developing awareness of road safety and responsible driving behaviour
- Mental Health and Wellbeing – strategies for managing pressure, maintaining balance and supporting peers
- Positive Voice and Communication – developing confident communication and self‑advocacy skills
- Personal Safety – practical advice on navigating new environments safely and responsibly
- Men’s and Women’s Health – essential health education to support informed, healthy choices
By engaging with this diverse programme, students leave the Sixth Form not only academically prepared but also equipped with the life skills and awareness they need to thrive at university and beyond.
Beyond the classroom
Sixth Form life extends far beyond academic study. Our students are trusted with a wide range of leadership responsibilities, including roles such as Prefects, Senior Prefects, House Captains and School Captains. They also have the opportunity to serve as Peer Mentors, supporting younger students and contributing to a caring, inclusive school community.
Alongside leadership, students take part in the Service and Volunteering programme and immerse themselves in a vibrant co-curricular programme. From music and drama to Young Enterprise and the Duke of Edinburgh Award, students are encouraged to pursue their passions, develop resilience and make a meaningful contribution to both the School and the wider community.
“The Sixth Form gives you real responsibility. Leading younger students and organising events has helped me grow in confidence.”
Pastoral care and Houses
Our vertical tutoring structure and small tutor groups of approximately 15 students ensure that every individual is known, supported and guided effectively. Each group is led by a tutor who is highly experienced in Sixth Form pastoral care and expertly equipped to guide students through the university application process, including UCAS and alternative post-18 pathways.
Daily contact with tutors, combined with a strong House identity, fosters a genuine sense of belonging, mentorship and shared purpose across year groups. This structure helps students feel connected, confident and fully supported throughout their Sixth Form journey.
Sport and Games
Physical activity is central to Sixth Form life at KGS. Our Games programme combines competitive team sport with lifelong physical activity, offering opportunities for students of all abilities to engage, compete and excel. Students who enjoy team sport can continue to develop their skills in disciplines such as hockey, netball, football, tennis and rowing.
Equally, for those whose interests lie beyond traditional team sports, we provide a vast array of alternative Games options. These include gym sessions, climbing, squash, padel, and even Real Tennis at Hampton Court Palace. With such breadth and variety, every student can find an activity that motivates them and supports their personal fitness goals.
We believe that working hard academically must go hand in hand with staying physically active. Regular exercise is an essential part of our wellbeing approach, helping students manage pressure, maintain balance and build healthy habits that last well beyond Sixth Form.
Sixth Form facilities
The dedicated Sixth Form building provides space for independent study, socialising and developing greater independence as students make the transition towards adult life. Our Sixth Form Centre, located just two minutes’ walk from the main school, includes a café, quiet and collaborative study areas, and specialist A Level teaching spaces.
Alongside their own centre, all Sixth Form students have full access to the entire school site. This includes our newly refurbished Science and Technology Centre, The Bridgen Centre, where those studying the sciences benefit from state-of-the-art laboratories and learning environments. Students studying Art and DT also make regular use of our specialist studios and workshops, enabling them to work creatively, experiment with materials and develop advanced practical skills.
Students enjoy increasing independence, including the opportunity to leave the site at certain times of the day to enjoy Kingston town centre, and a smart yet more relaxed uniform. Together, these privileges support a smooth and confident transition into adult life.
Join our Sixth Form
The Sixth Form at KGS offers academic challenge, personal development and preparation for life beyond school.
Our Sixth Form offers a rich and academically rigorous experience. Students can choose from 26 A Level subjects and are encouraged to broaden their intellectual horizons through independent study. Further details can be found in our Course Guide here.
