Sixth Form Years
Named the Best Sixth Form in Britain by The Week in September 2026, Ardingly College offers one of the leading Sixth Form experiences in West Sussex, combining academic excellence, exceptional pastoral care and outstanding preparation for university and beyond.
We see the Sixth Form years as the crucial bridge between school and adult life. As a leading day and boarding school in West Sussex, we have created a Sixth Form experience that encourages both independence and community.
One of the most distinctive features of Sixth Form life at Ardingly is Godwin Hall, our university-style residence for all Upper Sixth students. Whether day pupils or boarders, boys or girls, students come together in one shared House, creating a strong sense of camaraderie across the year group. We feel this environment allows students to take greater responsibility for themselves, develop skills for independent living and build lasting friendships, helping them make a confident transition from school to university and adult life.
Ardingly College - The Best Sixth Form in Britain
"At Ardingly's heart is exceptional academic breadth. Offering both A-levels and the IB Diploma with an average class size of just 10, students receive genuinely personalised teaching.
Academics
Ardingly College has outstanding academic results and we’re incredibly proud of what our students achieve in their A Levels and IB Diploma. Ardingly ranks as the top British boarding school for the IB and sits in the top 40 co-ed schools for A-levels, generating around 400 Russell Group offers alongside Oxbridge and Ivy League places annually. The broad choice of academic pathways we offer at Sixth Form enables us to cater to the individual interests and aspirations of each and every student at the College.
After Ardingly
It is clear, however, that exam results are not the only, or even necessarily the best, indicator of a student’s potential to succeed in the rapidly changing world we live in. For this reason, our Sixth Form programme includes a strong emphasis on Employability & Enterprise, developing crucial Life Skills and undertaking a wide range of leadership opportunities across the College. We also offer comprehensive advice and guidance on university applications from our team of experts to make sure every individual student achieves the future path that best suits their talents and aspirations.
Joining the College at Sixth Form
We are fortunate to welcome a talented cohort of new joiners into our Lower Sixth each year; some of whom join from other British schools and others who join from overseas, often attracted by the opportunity to study for the IB Diploma. For more information about joining Ardingly at this entry point please see our 16+ Admissions page and our Sixth Form Prospectus below.
I look forward to welcoming you in person to the Sixth Form at Ardingly soon!
Best wishes,
Karen Maurice-Jones
Head of Sixth Form
