Finding Your Best-Fit Sixth Form: The Questions to Ask on Open Day
Choosing the right sixth form college is a big decision. Whether you’re moving on from GCSEs or joining from another school, it’s important to find somewhere you feel you’ll learn, grow, and belong.
Open days are the perfect way to get a feel for a college, but to make the most of them, it helps to go in with a few smart questions. Here are some questions you should definitely ask to help you make the right choice.
1. What Are the Class Sizes Really Like?
Lots of schools say they offer “small classes”, but what does that actually mean? Ask how many students are typically in each class and how that affects the learning experience.
At Ashbourne, most classes have fewer than ten students, compared to the 20–30 you might find elsewhere.
This makes a huge difference. It means you can ask questions without hesitation, get individual feedback, and build strong working relationships with your teachers.You don’t want to be lost in a crowd, you want to be noticed, supported, and challenged. Small groups create the space for that.
2. How Does the College Track Your Progress?
It’s not just about where you start, but how much you improve. A strong college will have clear systems for monitoring your learning and keeping you exam-ready.Ask about assessments, feedback, and reporting. At Ashbourne, there are four half-terms, and every student takes part in a mock week once in each half term. These exam-style assessments help you stay sharp throughout the year and highlight areas that need attention through personalised reports.
This approach is one reason why Ashbourne ranks in the top
2.5% of schools and colleges in the UK for Value Added, meaning students consistently achieve far beyond their predicted grades. The focus isn’t just on results, but on steady, measurable progress.
3. What Is the College Culture Like?
Every college has a different atmosphere. Some are very formal, others more relaxed. Some are competitive, others collaborative. It’s important to find a balance that matches your personality and ambitions.
At Ashbourne, the culture is ambitious but friendly. Students work hard, but they also support each other. Teachers are approachable and invested in your success, and there’s a genuine sense of community. Unlike many schools, there is no uniform, and the timetable is flexible, giving students more independence and responsibility for their own learning. This freedom is an important part of the culture at Ashbourne, preparing students not only to succeed academically but also to thrive in a university-style environment.
This positive culture is reflected in the college’s Outstanding rating by Ofsted, which highlighted the quality of teaching, the supportive environment, and the outcomes students achieve. You want to be somewhere that pushes you forward while also lifting you up when needed.
4. What’s on Offer Outside the Classroom?
A sixth form experience should be about more than just lessons. Ask about extracurricular opportunities, clubs, performances, sports, trips, and leadership roles.
At Ashbourne, students can take part in everything from the annual Ashbourne Revue, to art, coding, Model United Nations, and much more. International trips and cultural events add to the experience, helping students develop confidence, independence, and lasting friendships. These activities are not just fun, they also strengthen university applications, showing that you’re a well-rounded student with interests beyond academics.
5. How Will They Help with University Applications?
Your A-levels are the launchpad for your future, so it’s vital to ask how the college supports students with university applications.
At Ashbourne, students benefit from dedicated UCAS guidance, and targeted preparation for competitive pathways like Oxbridge, medicine, and law. Many students go on to top Russell Group universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, Imperial, and LSE. The goal is to leave sixth form not just with great results, but with clarity and confidence about your next step.
One Final Insight
An open day is more than just a tour of classrooms, it’s your chance to picture your future. Ask the right questions, talk to students and staff, and notice how the place makes you feel. A good college should leave you with both answers and a sense of confidence about the path ahead.
At Ashbourne, that feeling comes from small classes, personalised support, and a community that helps students aim high. It’s where you can succeed academically, grow personally, and leave fully prepared for university and beyond.
1. What should I ask at a sixth form open day?
Focus on questions about class sizes, teaching quality, student support, extracurricular opportunities, and university application guidance. These areas will give you a clear sense of whether the sixth form college is the right fit.
2. Why are small class sizes important in sixth form?
Smaller classes mean more individual attention, personalised feedback, and stronger teacher-student relationships. This can boost both confidence and academic performance compared to larger classes.
3. How do sixth form colleges track student progress?
Most strong sixth form colleges use regular assessments, mock exams, and progress reports to monitor improvement. This ensures students stay exam-ready and can work on areas that need extra support.
4. What should I look for in a sixth form’s culture?
Consider whether the environment feels competitive, supportive, formal, or relaxed. The best sixth form for you will balance ambition with encouragement, helping you succeed academically while developing independence.