A Levels

Studying A Levels at Westminster Tutors Independent Sixth Form College

Joining our sixth form provides an ideal stepping stone to adult life and all that lies ahead. A level classes are taught either one-to-one or in very small groups by highly qualified and friendly teachers. The combination of informality with academic expertise means our students learn to enter into dialogue with their teachers and engage with them as adults. This provides an invaluable foundation for university life as well as the world of work.

Each student is assigned a personal tutor from the Senior Leadership Team, and we are unique in offering weekly individual mentoring to all of our students: this supports both academic and personal development. Our approach, combined with the collegiate atmosphere and intellectually engaging lessons, means that our students not only get the A level grades that win them places at the UK’s top universities, but also embark on their degree courses as confident, mature and independent learners.

This is not to say that all students wish to go on to university – for example we are seeing increasing interest in degree apprenticeships – and we also prepare our students for competitive job applications in an increasingly digitalised age. Expert careers and higher education guidance is provided on an individual basis throughout the sixth form, and all our advice and guidance is geared towards broadening opportunity and encouraging aspiration. We are rightly ambitious for each and every one of our students!

Apart from their A level courses, our sixth form students are joining a welcoming, diverse and inclusive college community. The college has a mature environment as we only enrol students in Year 12 and above, and we focus on the needs and issues of this age group. Since our ethos is built upon respect for the individual and others, we find little need to implement endless rules other than those that assure the safety and wellbeing of all. Our students’ attitudes and behaviour are excellent with no incidences of bullying being reported in recent years. Our kind, relaxed and friendly environment means newcomers quickly imbue the ethos of the college and their time with us becomes an exciting and positive journey towards adulthood.

Sixth formers are able to participate in a variety of study and interest groups, and social activities are arranged both by the students and the college. We offer a full PSHCE programme that is age-appropriate, relevant and challenging. Indeed, we often adjust the programme so that students are able to share ideas and discuss the most pressing issues of the day.

Enrichment opportunities abound, due to the talents of our staff and our location in central London. Year 12 students are able to pursue independent research by embarking on an EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) in an area of academic interest. There are also opportunities to join the Music department or take short Film courses at other colleges in our group. Many of our science and Maths teachers have research backgrounds and are able to devise research projects and other activities which give their students opportunities to explore beyond the confines of the A level curriculum.

A Level Courses – Entry Requirements

As we are a non-selective sixth form college, there are no specific entry requirements for our A level courses although some A levels require a foundation knowledge of grade 6 or higher at GCSE. The Principal interviews all prospective students and discusses their educational background and future aspirations in detail to make sure that an appropriate A level programme can be offered. Our aim is for each student to fulfil their academic potential, so we take care to consider realistic and achievable goals. If the Principal is satisfied that we are able to meet the individual needs of a student, a formal offer will be made to enrol at the college. During enrolment, references at the student’s previous school will be sought to confirm their suitability.

Study for your A Levels near your home

Westminster Tutors is well located in central London, so you can study for your A levels near your home. We are a short walk from South Kensington underground station, served by the District and Piccadilly lines. For students who live further away and have longer commutes, we can design flexible timetables to avoid early morning starts. There is also the option for online lessons in the event of travel disruptions and strikes. Regardless of whether you are studying online, in college or with a combination of the two, our teachers make sure that you are learning to the best of your abilities.