Life at Sibford

The support whilst writing my personal statement for UCAS has been phenomenal. Multiple drafts were edited and handed back to me so quickly and in so much detail. The help I had in its structure has made me immediately secure and stand out in group university interviews.

I was at Sibford for 7 years, but the final two years in sixth form were some of the happiest times I’ve had. The small community meant I built strong bonds with almost everyone in my year, but also made friends I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. One of the best elements of Sibford Sixth form was the support from all my teachers. Once again the small classes meant that each teacher knew me very well and could guide and help me on my journey to university. Cate, in particular, was incredible when helping with my application and personal statement. However, she was also always there on an emotional level, and her door was always open, even if it was just for a cup of tea. This is a quality that was carried through all my teachers, and something which was very special to Sibford, as you could see they truly did care (even recognising the value a piece of cake can have occasionally). For me, the drama department offered great opportunities, and without the continual support and influence of Neil I may not have had the ability to go onto study the degree I am. My time at Sibford Sixth Form gave me not only A-Level results I am very proud of, but also taught me the value of friendship and acceptance. Most importantly it made value learning as something more than a way to pass exams.

Phoebe Edmonds, Studying Applied Theatre and Community Drama, at Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA)

Before Sibford, I did not know a Sixth Form could consist of such a close-knit, family-like community. The school cherishes and praises every students’ unique qualities and helps them to further these skills through caring and personal tutoring.

Meeting for worship, though daunting at first, encapsulates the ethos of Sibford - everything is calm, your sense of self is equally as important as your education and help, if you need it, is there for you. I have never had friends as close as those I've met at Sixth Form, and the level of education given here is invaluable. 

Both my tutor and my head of Sixth Form provided me with invaluable support with my UCAS application. Following this 1:1 support I gained a offer from my dream University.

I never thought this would be achievable but due to my personal statement my lower predicted grades were overlooked. I am an incredibly creative student and due to the support in Sixth Form I have been able to excel in the creative subjects. Although I thought Drama and Textiles would be challenging in lockdown I have improved due to the incredible interactive support from my teachers.

Sibford Sixth Form has provided me with an enjoyable learning space in which I have received excellent support and also been able to pursue projects with support from teachers.

My UCAS support has been incredible, I have received a lot of 1:1 time from Cate the Head of Sixth Form even though I am sure she is always busy she always makes time to look over everyone's application individually. I sent many drafts to Cate and always received very insightful feedback after each draft. I also received lots of very helpful advice around the whole process.

I was involved in receiving a gold crest award for making a fusor as part of a team. I feel very privileged to have had this opportunity and been able to receive this award all of which wouldn't have been possible without our head of physics making us aware of it and also assisting us with pursuing the project. 

I have also received lots of pastoral support towards helping me with my UCAS application when I have needed it and even when I didn't, I felt that if I did I knew that there would have been people prepared to help and listen.

Sixth Form has provided me with an incredible bunch of friends and a support team, who ensured my Sixth Form experience was the best it could be. I will be leaving Year 13, with wonderful memories, good results and a clear view of the next 3 years. 

Both my tutor and the Head of Sixth Form worked with me on my personal statement and my UCAS & UCAS applications. They both worked on countless drafts of mine to ensure they were the best it could be. They provided me with support and were online if I needed help at any stage during the week/weekends. Cate stayed after school with me, to meet deadlines and offer guidance. I really wouldn’t have got as many offers if it wasn’t for the structure, support and kindness of the staff at Sibford.

I feel I made the best decision to stay on for Sixth Form at Sibford. I have received learning all throughout both lockdowns and my teachers have offered me incredible and uplifting support which I cannot begin to explain how much I benefited from.

I’ve found this routine and constant contact has made my lockdown experience a lot more manageable and has allowed me some structure to my every day. 

In Sixth Form I have always been encouraged to take part in every extracurricular activity I have had the opportunity to, whether that be related to my A Levels or sports. As a result, I completed a MOOCS course about the health effects of climate change which boosted by UCAS application, taken part in a course ran by the Royal Youth Institute as well as a number of other sporting opportunities. These include going to Holland on a hockey tour where we had the opportunity to play local teams and also becoming the Sixth Form sports captain, which has created countless more opportunities for me.   

With help from my tutor and Cate in perfecting my UCAS application, I received offers from all of my choices, 4 of these offers came in less than 5 days after submitting my applications.

Sibford's small class sizes allowe for 1:1 support which was one of the reasons I chose to come in Year 7 and stay on for Sixth Form.

There is a lovely and welcoming school environment. the Sixth Form especially feels like one big family, with everyone willing to help or chip into something when needed.

When I came to Sibford school I found it very easy to settle in due to having smaller classes. I also found it very beneficial for my learning because it meant that when I was struggling with work I could very easily get help from the teacher.

I chose to stay at Sibford for Sixth Form because of the small community and the feeling that everyone knows each other and has good friendships.  

I have been at Sibford since year 7 and decided to stay on for Sixth Form. It is such a welcoming and friendly environment and really makes you feel as though you have a home away from home. The Sixth Form teachers are the most supportive people and have helped me through my academic and personal difficulties tremendously. The teachers always have your best interests at heart. They are helping each and every one of the Sixth Form students through the most stressful and intense time of their school career, they really help to make it feel bearable and achievable. 

Sibford School is a welcoming and supportive school. When joining in Year 11, right in the middle of GCSE’S, Sibford welcomed me in and didn’t hesitate to try and get me back on track in all my subjects. I will be forever grateful for that and for all the support of the teachers and Toby Spence, Head. I have since stayed on for Sixth From and have really enjoyed my time. We are a very tightknit group and it feels as if we are all one big family, and I will definitely miss Sibford when I leave at the end of this school year.

Sibford School is a welcoming and supportive school. When joining in Year 11, right in the middle of GCSE’S, Sibford welcomed me in and didn’t hesitate to try and get me back on track in all my subjects. I will be forever grateful for that and for all the support of the teachers and Toby Spence, Head. I have since stayed on for Sixth From and have really enjoyed my time. We are a very tightknit group and it feels as if we are all one big family, and I will definitely miss Sibford when I leave at the end of this school year.

Sibford Sixth Form has been very helpful to me, the transition from GCSE’s to A Levels and BTEC’s was very good and was made easy and not overwhelming. The staff in the Sixth form are very supportive and will give up their time to help you. Cate Mallalieu-Needle and Darren De Bruyn have been great for me and for my UCAS application by putting in a lot of their own time and effort during holidays and weekends to help me get to the next stage in my life. The sport afternoon at Sibford has been really helpful for me as you forget any school related work and it is a time when you can have fun with your friends whilst at school.

Sibford School has been a home to me for the last 5 years. I have learnt so much over my time here and it has helped me become the person I am today. The school is very encouraging and it will always try and help their pupils. Throughout my time here I have become more independent thanks to the boarding aspect of the school which helps students get ready for the real world. I have developed many skills here which I will be taking to university with me.