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Guidance & Pastoral Support
Known as individuals. Supported to succeed.
Sixth Form is an exciting time of growing independence, new opportunities and important decisions. At Hockerill, we combine high academic expectations with personalised guidance and pastoral care, ensuring students feel supported as they develop the confidence, responsibility and independence needed for life beyond school.
Our relatively small Sixth Form is a particular strength. Students are known as individuals, relationships develop quickly, and support is readily available. We recognise that young people develop at different rates and aim to provide the right balance of guidance and independence for each student.
A Warm Welcome and a Supportive Community
We want every student to feel part of Hockerill from the outset, whether they are continuing from Year 11 or joining us from another school.
Our Sixth Form Induction Day, held after GCSE examinations in the summer term, provides opportunities to meet staff and fellow students, experience taster lessons, explore the College and become familiar with the routines and expectations of Sixth Form life. It is also an important opportunity to make new friends and feel confident about starting in September.
Support extends beyond our staff. Year 13 students help welcome new students during induction, while those holding leadership positions provide encouragement and positive role models throughout the College.
Looking after one another is part of Hockerill's ethos. We encourage students to show kindness, respect and responsibility, contributing to a community where everyone feels welcome, valued and supported.
Personalised Pastoral Care and Mentoring
Every student belongs to a small tutor group of approximately 12–15 students, led by a teacher experienced in Sixth Form education. Form Tutors provide daily guidance, monitor academic progress and wellbeing, and act as the first point of contact for students and parents.
Each year group also has a dedicated Head of Year, with an office located within the Sixth Form Centre. This accessibility, together with the close-knit nature of our community, means that Heads of Year quickly get to know their students and are available to offer advice and support when needed.
Our Sixth Form Administrator provides an additional point of contact, helping with everyday enquiries and arranging meetings with key staff. The Director of Sixth Form oversees the wider provision, supported by subject teachers and the College's pastoral teams.
Alongside these arrangements, our Sixth Form mentoring team offers individual meetings to review progress, discuss challenges and agree practical next steps, particularly following assessments and internal examinations.
Academic Guidance and Progress
We encourage students to take increasing responsibility for their learning, supported by regular monitoring, constructive feedback and individual guidance.
Academic progress is reviewed throughout the year, enabling staff to recognise achievement, identify concerns early and provide additional support where appropriate.
Parents and carers remain important partners in this process. Regular reports and an annual Parents' Evening provide specific feedback on achievement, progress and areas for improvement, with additional communication where needed.
Students also benefit from an annual Information, Advice and Guidance meeting with an appropriate member of staff, helping them reflect on their progress, aspirations and future plans.
Personal Development and Wellbeing
Personal development is an important part of the Sixth Form experience. Through our enrichment programme, students participate in dedicated Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education lessons, exploring age-appropriate topics that support informed decision-making, healthy relationships and preparation for adult life.
Visiting speakers and wider enrichment opportunities encourage students to broaden their perspectives, develop their strengths and contribute positively to the College community. Further details can be found on our Sixth Form Life page.
We recognise that students sometimes need additional support, whether with academic pressures, personal circumstances or emotional wellbeing. Our Sixth Form team works closely with the College's wider pastoral and safeguarding staff to provide appropriate guidance and assistance.
Students with special educational needs or disabilities can access support through our SEND Department, including appropriate learning support and, where applicable, examination access arrangements. Families are encouraged to discuss individual needs with the department.
Further information about safeguarding is available in the Safeguarding section of our website. Boarding students also benefit from additional support through their boarding houses and dedicated staff, as explained on our Sixth Form Boarding page.
Financial Support – 16–19 Bursary
We recognise that financial circumstances can sometimes create barriers to education. Eligible students may receive assistance through the government's 16–19 Bursary Fund, which helps with essential costs associated with continuing in education.
Depending on individual circumstances and assessed financial need, support may be available towards transport, books, equipment, essential course-related activities and other educational costs.
Applications are considered individually, and students can also apply if their financial circumstances change during the academic year.