Consultation on Sixth Form Provision in Richmond Upon Thames

Overview

In December 2010, the Council decided to see whether it would be possible to set up viable sixth form provision in the eight secondary schools and academies within the borough (by 'viable', we mean that the provision would be sustained by sufficient student numbers to ensure  that a broad and attractive curriculum could be offered).

As part of that work, we wanted to know your views on whether or not establishing sixth forms would be a good idea and how they would have influenced your educational choices if they had already been established.

What happens next

An online survey of school and college students, parents and other local people in March-May 2011 showed strong demand for sixth forms to be established in the secondary schools and academies within the borough: 87% of the 1,325 respondents indicated that they would like to see school sixth forms in the borough, whilst 10% indicated that they would not.

What has happened as a result?

The borough's Sixth Forms Forum' consisting of: the headteachers/principals of the eight schools and academies and the Head of the Newhouse Centre; the principals of the two further education colleges in the borough; senior elected members; and senior officers, considered both an overarching feasibility report into the establishment of sixth forms and a more detailed report into the accommodation that would be required. Consequently, the Forum and the schools' governing bodies, approved in principle the proposals to establish sixth forms in the five non-academy secondary schools.

The Forum also agreed that the sixth forms would be established under the umbrella of Richmond upon Thames Post-16 Partnership', with a degree of commonality in various matters, such as marketing (with a combined offer matrix), the application process, daily and weekly curriculum structure, and enrichment. Work is ongoing to develop the curriculum offer and other aspects of the proposed sixth forms.

As a result of these developments, the Council (on 2 March 2012) issued statutory proposals to establish sixth forms at Christ's, Grey Court, Orleans Park, Teddington and Waldegrave.