Chesterton Community College

At Chesterton Sixth Form we are committed to providing an academic, enriching and aspirational A-Level offer in the north of Cambridge city which builds on Chesterton Community College’s excellent provision, judged ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in 2017. We look forward to working with local stakeholders to develop a thriving community hub.

We use our exceptional pastoral model to provide personalised packages of care and support for all sixth form students, with an absolute focus on knowing and supporting our young people as individuals.

The student-centred approach to pastoral care at Chesterton continues at the sixth form. Tutors and teachers know their students extremely well, and we allow staff to dedicate additional time to building relationships founded on trust and support.

A dedicated sixth form tutor team allows small tutor groups the opportunity to meet with their tutor every day. The sessions are used as opportunities to check in with individuals; assist with concerns or worries; help with organisational elements of courses; provide time to chat with peers and a trusted adult.

Chesterton’s exceptional pastoral and safeguarding framework means we already hold the systems, expertise and dedicated staff team to provide the foundation for the full range of pastoral support necessary to look after every young person in our sixth form.

Looking after student wellbeing is our number one priority: our robust programme of internal and external wellbeing support, including a 25+ strong team of staff wellbeing mentors; access to counselling; a school-wide focus on mindfulness and self-care; access to dedicated NHS teams and services, and comprehensive signposting for additional support means we are already set up to continue with this at post-16.

We have a wealth of existing links with external mental health support services, in addition to well-trained and experienced staff in-house. We know that small changes in behaviour are often the first noticeable signs of an emerging issue: all staff at Chesterton are trained in recognising and immediately addressing signs of deteriorating mental health in young people, in order to put the most appropriate support in place straight away.

Students at Chesterton Sixth Form will benefit from exceptionally well-qualified, expert teaching staff working with small classes; an outstanding super-curricular offer designed to make the most of our proximity to Cambridge city; an approach to study which encourages independence, with the freedom to come and go from our campus during the college day; bespoke, individualised support with university and college applications throughout their time with us, and a wide range of opportunities to design, develop and lead on initiatives such as student executives and social committees.

Please contact us if you would like to discuss transport to Chesterton Sixth Form.

We provide all students with a comprehensive programme of one to one support in completing university applications in a wide range of specialist areas, run by expert staff.

Support will include:

• One to one academic mentoring from the start of Year 12
• Trips to university open days
• Small group sessions with visiting admissions tutors
• Regular sessions with subject experts to prepare for:
•     Oxbridge, veterinary science and medicine interviews
•     Russell Group applications
•     University entrance exams

Students will benefit from a comprehensive and bespoke package of careers guidance, which will encompass:

• One to one sessions focussed on students’ next steps
• Visiting speakers and workshops from outside providers
• Work experience opportunities in Cambridge and further afield
• Access to dedicated careers support staff throughout the year