Welcome to the website for Shaftesbury and Sturminster Sixth Form. We are a collaboration between two successful North Dorset Schools coming together to create what we believe is a very special place to learn. We hope that the information below will help you to understand a little more about what we believe and what we do. If you would like to find out more please contact us.

A Supportive  Environment

We believe that Shaftesbury and Sturminster Sixth Form is the ideal size; large enough to offer a wide range of courses, small enough that you feel part of a community where you are known and supported.   Every student is part of a small form with a specialised Sixth Form tutor. As well as registrations every student has a regular one to one tutorial.  This support helps students successfully make the step from GCSE to Sixth Form studies.

We believe that one of the keys to academic success is to help students form a clear plan for where they want their Sixth Form education to take them.  All students have a Personal Learning Portfolio which helps them to plan for the future and also allows them to work with subject teachers to set personalised targets and track their academic progress.

An International Perspective in the heart of the West Country

The Sixth Form experience at Shaftesbury and Sturminster offers students the chance to develop their understanding of the world around them, not just through lessons but through practical experience and personal relationships.

Each year the boarding house at Shaftesbury School brings students from around the world to study in the Sixth Form. Studying with students from Europe, Asia and Africa gives students a wider perspective on the world and allows them to learn how people from other countries perceive Britain.

The Sixth Form also has strong links with Msaada, a local charity founded by a group including journalist Fergal Keane, which works in Rwanda. Each year the students raise funds to support the work of Msaada, and then a group of Sixth Formers travel to Rwanda where they see how the money is spent and contribute to the charity’s work.

Sixth Form students describe travelling to Rwanda as a life changing experience, and following this students have given presentations on Rwanda at venues ranging from local primary schools to the Global Student Forum in London.

A Tradition of Success

The Sixth Form can trace its origins back to the creation of the Grammar School in Shaftesbury in 1630.  Today our dedicated and experienced team of teachers is committed to ensuring that every student achieves their full potential.

Our latest report by the independent ALPS organisation puts us in the top 20% of schools nationally for A-Level value added while our curriculum review has seen us expand significantly the range of Level 2 courses offered. Therefore, whether you are aiming for Oxbridge or to enter employment after Sixth Form, Shaftesbury and Sturminster Sixth Form will help you make the best of yourself and achieve the qualifications you need.

A 21st Century Learning Experience

Both schools have been recognised for their use of ICT – Sturminster Newton through the award of Specialist Status in Computing and Mathematics while Shaftesbury has recently received the prestigious ICT Mark.

All students have access to an e-mail account and Virtual Learning Environment which can be accessed at home and in school.  Classrooms are equipped with the latest computer software such as Office 2010 and students have access to dedicated Sixth Form study rooms with networked computers.  The Sixth Form also has a video-conferencing room, allowing subjects such as Accountancy and Law to be delivered via distance learning.

How the Partnership Works

The partnership works through a common timetable which allows students based at either school to access lessons at each institution.  Lessons are usually in two hour blocks and there is a free bus service connecting the two sites between each block. As well as being members of the joint sixth form, students are still members of one school community or the other, and each have access to social and study facilities and play a leadership role in their own school.