Academic results and future pathways

When you are comparing sixth forms, academic outcomes are usually the first thing you look at – and for good reason. Strong A-level or equivalent results show that students are challenged, supported and prepared for the next step, whether that is university, an apprenticeship or entering the workplace.

GDST sixth forms place academic ambition at the heart of school life, offering high-quality teaching and tailored support that helps girls achieve excellent grades and secure places at their first-choice universities. These final two years are designed to be intellectually stretching, with plenty of independent study and extension opportunities so that your daughter can demonstrate real depth in her chosen subjects.

Just as important as results are the destinations students move on to after Year 13. GDST leavers progress to a wide range of leading universities and competitive pathways, supported by specialist guidance for routes such as medicine, Oxbridge and degree apprenticeships.

Location, day-to-day life and wellbeing

Practicalities matter to families, and the sixth form’s location will shape your daughter’s daily experience. A long or complicated journey can quickly become tiring and may eat into valuable study time, co-curricular activities and rest.

With several schools across England and Wales, many families find there is a GDST sixth form within a manageable distance, combining academic ambition with a strong pastoral focus. Sixth form is an exciting, fast‑paced two years, and a supportive all‑girl environment where teachers know each student as an individual helps girls flourish academically while maintaining a healthy balance between studies, wellbeing and life beyond the classroom.

Subjects, choice and a tailored curriculum

Subject availability is a key factor when choosing a sixth form for your daughter. She needs access to the right combination of A-levels or equivalent courses to keep her preferred university and career options open.

GDST sixth forms offer a broad and carefully designed curriculum that allows girls to pursue their academic interests while developing complementary skills. Schools provide expert guidance at every stage of subject choice, helping students to understand how different combinations support routes such as STEM, medicine, the arts, business or law. Because each school tailors its provision to how girls learn best, your daughter benefits from courses and teaching styles that play to her strengths and ambitions.

Pastoral and academic support

In sixth form, high-quality support can make the difference between coping and thriving. Alongside outstanding teaching, your daughter will need encouragement, expert advice, and someone who knows when to push and when to step back.

GDST sixth forms are built around the idea of challenging and nurturing students in equal measure. They offer structured academic support, small-group help and mentoring, as well as one-to-one guidance around study skills, time management and exam preparation. Specialist programmes such as the GDST Oxbridge Conference, GDST LEAD (an entrepreneurship programme) and financial literacy courses give students targeted support in areas that matter most for their future.

Facilities and real-world opportunities

The right facilities help bring subjects to life and prepare students for the world beyond school. When you visit sixth forms, it’s worth looking beyond classrooms to see libraries, laboratories, creative studios, performance spaces and social areas.

A GDST sixth form education is “supercharged” by links with leading organisations such as the London School of Economics and Political Sciences, HSBC, NASA and Salesforce, offering real-world learning and mentoring beyond the classroom. These connections give your daughter access to talks, workshops, projects and placements that show how her subjects translate into future careers. The combination of strong on-site facilities and industry partnerships helps girls build confidence, independence and professional awareness.

Class environment and style of learning

Class size and teaching style directly affect how well a student engages with their courses. In sixth form, many young people value more seminar-style lessons, where they can contribute, discuss and ask questions freely.

GDST schools focus on how girls learn best, creating classrooms where students feel confident to speak up, take intellectual risks and stretch themselves. Teachers know their pupils as individuals and can offer personalised feedback, while encouraging independent thinking and self-directed study – key skills for university and the workplace.

Making the most of open events

Open days and sixth form information evenings remain one of the most helpful ways to decide whether a school is right for your daughter. They give you a chance to see teaching in action, talk to students and staff, and get a feel for the atmosphere and expectations.

GDST sixth forms run events that showcase not only facilities and results but also the wider ethos of each school. When you visit, you can ask about academic support, co-curricular opportunities, destinations and how the school works with parents across Years 12 and 13. It is also an opportunity for your daughter to picture herself there, imagine her daily routine and see whether she feels motivated by the environment.

Quality of teaching and enrichment

Great sixth form teaching is about more than subject matter expertise. It is about  inspiring students, encouraging them to question, and helping them to make links between what they study and the wider world.

Within the GDST family, teachers are part of a network of subject specialists and share expertise, resources, and best practice focused on educating girls. This collaborative approach means lessons are academically rigorous and tailored to stretch high achievers while supporting those who need extra help. Enrichment – from lectures and competitions to research projects and extended essays – helps girls go beyond the curriculum and stand out in applications.

Planning for life after sixth form

A good sixth form should keep your daughter’s future options as wide as possible. That means high-quality guidance on university applications, apprenticeships, employability skills and careers, as well as support with personal statements, interviews and admissions tests.

GDST sixth forms offer structured one-to-one mentoring on pathways beyond school and run specialist programmes for competitive routes. Students benefit from talks and networking with professionals across sectors including medicine, science and technology, arts and entertainment, business and finance, sport, education, sustainability and advocacy. This practical insight helps girls make informed decisions about their next steps and builds confidence in navigating a still unequal world.

Ethos, community and “gut feeling”

Beyond data and course lists, parents often talk about a “feeling” when they walk into a school. Your daughter should feel safe, known and encouraged; a positive, purposeful community makes it easier to work hard, take risks and grow.

GDST sixth forms are communities built around girls’ voices and leadership. Students take part in clubs, councils, societies and co-curricular activities that build friendships and confidence and help them balance academic demands with wider interests. Diversity, equity and inclusion are non-negotiable values, helping girls to feel they belong and can be themselves. Listening to your daughter’s instincts as well as your own can be a helpful final step in deciding which sixth form is the best fit.

Networks, role models and alumnae

One of the distinctive strengths of a GDST sixth form is the network your daughter joins. Upon leaving, students become part of the largest female network  of its kind in the UK, with more than 100,000 alumnae worldwide.

This network offers events, speaker programmes, mentoring, work experience, and career guidance, giving your daughter access to role models in every field from medicine and engineering to the arts, business, education and advocacy. Because GDST alumnae stay closely connected to their schools and to each other, today’s sixth formers benefit from real-world advice and opportunities that continue long after results day.