Academic Challenge Programme

As part of the academic support and enrichment offered in the Sixth Form, we run an impressive Academic Challenge Programme. It involves a timetabled series of over 20 weekly seminar-style sessions designed to extend learning, inspire curiosity and support university preparation.

Academic Challenge Seminars
These optional seminars, taken by many Lower Sixth Form students, are taught by specialist staff and offer pupils the chance to explore subjects beyond the syllabus. Each student selects the seminar that best matches their academic interests or potential university pathways, whether emerging passions or long-term ambitions.

The seminars are interactive and intellectually demanding, often involving pupil-led presentations, collaborative problem-solving and discussion-based exploration. Popular sessions include Maths for Engineering, Vet Med, Economics, Business and Management, Modern Languages, Law, History and many more.

The programme continues into the Upper Sixth Form, where the focus shifts to university preparation. Seminars support pupils through admissions tests, mock exam practice, interview coaching and subject-specific academic development.

"The Law seminars were incredibly helpful in preparing me to take the Law National Aptitude Test, and their adapted focus on interview preparation has been just as invaluable. I have benefitted greatly from the consistent support and knowledge of the teacher running it throughout the application process, and I now feel more confident when grappling with legal documents and concepts." 
Harry, Sixth Form pupil

Veterinary Medicine
Our Vet Med pathway is a particular strength of the programme. It combines rigorous academic preparation with hands-on practical experience. Alongside admissions test and interview preparation, pupils take part in activities such as:

• assisting with the Dissection Club
• learning to suture
• dissecting a piglet under expert guidance

This tailored approach has already resulted in 100% success at interview stage for Vet Med applicants, with continued support for those reapplying.