LEARNING FOR LIFE SIXTH FORM/COLLEGE


WHEN students received their GCSE results last month, many of them were thrilled and delighted with their clutch of good grades. But for some, results day was a day of disappointment – and the panic of what to do next. When pupils move up from primary to secondary school, for many it’s a ‘done deal’ that they will carry on their studies into sixth form.


The town’s new academies still offer this choice but some of the grammar schools operate a


minimum entry requirement for students – and those who don’t gain sufficient A*-C grades at GCSE generally aren’t allowed to stay on for their final two years. Fortunately, this is rarely the end of the road.


A move into another school sixth form, an academic route at college – or a vocational course, perhaps as part of an apprenticeship – are all available in Maidstone, while students prepared to travel further afield or into the City might opt for a specialist course in music, drama, sport or the arts.


Maidstone is blessed with a wealth of good schools, however, and most of them specialise in one aspect of education these days, so it’s wise to ‘shop around’ to find the sixth form which best suits your needs.


Swadelands at Lenham is renowned for its sporting prowess, while


Invicta Grammar School is a specialist school for business, maths, computing and languages. Across town, Maidstone Grammar School for Girls has been a specialist school for science and maths since 2003, while Maplesden Noakes specialises in business and enterprise and has strong links with the local business community.


Many students thrive in a college atmosphere, which is very different to school.


One advantage of a college over school is that terms tend to start later and be more in line with university terms, which gives you more time to decide precisely what you want to do – and then apply for a place.


Even after results day, it’s not too late as only a few of the most sought-after courses tend to be fully booked.


A spokesman for Mid Kent College said: “It’s never too late to make a decision that will change your life for the better.


He added: “MidKent College is now the destination of choice for


St Simon Stock Catholic School “A very


“A You


ry good school with outstanding fe ( fs


are warmly invited to our Open Evening: Tuesday 6th October 18:00-20:00


Headteacher’s address at 18:00 and 19:30 OpenMornings:


Wednesday 7th & 21 ts Commencing at 09:00


October Sixth Form Open Evening:


Thursday 19th November 18:00-20:00 Headteacher’s address at 18:00


A Christian learning community with high academic standards and excellent pastoral care. Oakwood Park,Maidstone, Kent,ME16 0J


0JP www.ssscs.co.uk 01622 754551 22 Maidstone Town October 2015 ding features” Ofsted Report 2010)


further and higher education students of all ages, as well as being a great alternative to school sixth forms.


“We have hundreds of part- time and full-time courses to choose from.”


If you decide the world of academia is not for you, colleges also offer a refreshing choice of options, which can lead to a rewarding career, whether it be in business, beauty, engineering or electronics.


And apprenticeships offer the best of both worlds as they allow you to gain new skills AND get paid at the same time!


An enthusiastic student with a passion for his or her future career can often find this to be the most fulfilling way forward.


Whilst schools naturally put great store on GCSE grades, these are just one step on the ladder to success.


You’re never too old to learn – and it’s never too late, as the scores of mature students who attend colleges of further education will testify!


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