Sixth form

View our prospectus

Who are the key members of staff for the sixth form?

What is the dress code?
- No clothing with inappropriate/offensive logos, images or text
- No tops with spaghetti straps, tops that are low-cut or small crop-tops
- Skirts, dresses or shorts should be mid-thigh or longer
- Underwear should not be on display
- Footwear should be appropriate to your working environment
- Hats are allowed, but to be removed at the discretion of the member of teaching staff
This list is not exhaustive and you may be challenged on your clothing should it be considered inappropriate but not breaching the guidelines above.
Any questions please contact a member of the Lift Clacton Sixth form team.
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What careers support is available?
The over-arching goal of your sixth form study programme is to prepare you for your next step destination through a combination of high-quality qualifications and employability / life skills. Your next step might be:
- University - usually a 3 year undergraduate degree in a single or joint area of study.
- College - for more specialist training or to gain a specific qualification for your next-step career.
- Apprenticeship - learn and earn on the job.
- Full-time employment
Visit the Career Zone to discuss your options further. You can start your UCAS journey by clicking on the widget on the right or visiting www.ucas.com
Don't know where to start? Use the Careerometer tool below to explore and compare key information about occupations, help you learn about different occupations and identify potential careers. It provides access to a selection of UK headline data relating to pay, weekly hours of work and future employment prospects for different occupations, as well as description of the occupation.
Simply type in the title of the job you are interested in and the widget provides a series of options from which you can select the most relevant to you. You can then look up another two occupations and compare. You can also select ‘display the UK average’ and compare the information with the occupation you have selected.

How do I apply?

How many subjects do I need to choose?

What additional support do you offer?
Enrichment activities and personal development sessions are timetabled period 6 of every day. Students will have the opportunity to improve their study techniques, take part in whole school extra-curricular activities and study for the extended project qualification. Students will also have access to a study period or resit lesson during period 3.
Tutor time
All Lift Clacton Sixth students have tutor time in the morning for 40 minutes. You will have a dedicated tutor room located in the sixth form block, including a tutor board to keep a record of your achievements.
We have a team of experienced sixth-form trained tutors who are able to support with your applications, aspirations and general sixth form questions, as well as delivering the core wellbeing/PSHE/destinations sessions that are essential for successful progression into the wider world.
Please see the example focus areas opposite - this will vary from tutor group to tutor group. Each session will also include 20 minutes of reading for pleasure.

What is the difference between A-levels and BTECs?
Both A-levels and BTECs are two year courses. They can be studied in a range of subjects and many are continuations of subjects available to study at KS4. Level 3 vocational qualifications (BTECs) are available in a wide range of subjects. Students choose these courses if they are interested in learning more about a particular sector or industry. Some courses require work experience to be undertaken in a placement related to the area of study. They contain a larger amount of coursework than A-levels, however, A-levels have more externally examined content.

What are BTECs?
BTEC courses are high quality, hands-on qualifications grounded in the real world of work. You will learn by doing, and develop valuable employability skills that you will use throughout your future career or progression into university.
BTECs are developed in consultation with employers and higher education experts, so they can trust that anyone with a BTEC will demonstrate the high standards of knowledge, practical skills and understanding required for further study and employment.
What are BTECs worth?
At Lift Clacton Sixth Form, we offer BTECs in a variety of sizes to fit your timetable:
1 Block
Extended Certificate
Worth the equivalent of 1 A-Level.
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2 Blocks
Diploma
Worth the equivalent of 2 A-Levels.
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3 Blocks
Extended Diploma
Worth the equivalent of 3 A-Levels.
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What are A-Levels?
Advanced level qualifications (known as A levels) are subject-based qualifications that can lead to university, further study, training, or work. They usually focus on academic subjects, compared to vocational qualifications like BTECs, which are more practical.
If you’re not sure what career or job you want to do, studying a selection of A levels and/or BTECs can be a good way of keeping your options open.

What are T Levels?
T-Levels are exciting new courses designed to give you a head start in your career after GCSEs. They’re equivalent to 3 A Levels and created hand-in-hand with leading industry experts, so you gain the knowledge and hands-on skills that really matter.
If you’re passionate about shaping young minds, the T Level in Education and Childcare is a fantastic choice. You’ll explore important topics like child development, safeguarding, and special educational needs. You’ll also gain insights into the vital roles that families and support agencies play in a child’s life. As part of the course, you'll dive into fascinating subjects like social interactions, behaviour, and how language develops in children. You’ll also work on becoming a reflective practitioner—an essential skill in education.
Your journey will include specialising in Early Years Education, allowing you to explore your interests in greater depth and build the practical skills you’ll need for your dream job.
But it doesn’t stop there! You’ll spend 750 hours on a meaningful industry placement. Imagine working in a school or nursery, gaining invaluable real-world experience while developing the skills employers want most.
WHAT DOES AN INDUSTRY PLACEMENT INVOLVE?
If you choose the Early Years and Education T Level, you'll have the chance to work in a variety of inspiring environments, including:
- Nurseries
- Primary schools
- Pre-schools
We work with many local childcare and education settings - including; Whitehall Academy, St Clares Nursery and School, Little Pals, Oakwood infants, Clacton Montessori, Nanny Jenny’s, Alton Park Junior School, Little Jimmy’s, Holland Park Academy, Chestnut Grove Nursery and many more.
You'll get plenty of hands-on experience by:
- Helping children develop and learn
- Assisting with fun and educational activities
- Promoting a safe, supportive, and healthy learning space
- Observing and nurturing children's emotional well-being
- Collaborating with qualified early years educators
Throughout your placement, you'll be guided by experienced professionals who will help you apply what you've learned in the classroom to real-life situations.
Why It’s Worth It
- Build confidence and practical skills
- Boost your employability after completing the course
- Create valuable connections in the industry
This isn’t just about learning—it’s about preparing for a meaningful and rewarding career!
WHERE COULD THE COURSE TAKE ME?
Once you’ve completed your T Level, the possibilities are wide open. You could jump straight into a skilled role or continue your learning with a university degree or higher apprenticeship. Possible career paths include Early Years Educator, Learning Support Assistant, Teacher, Play Therapist, and so much more.
This course is your chance to make a difference while setting yourself up for a bright future.
Build confidence and practical ski
WHAT’S NEXT?
To discover more about the T Level in Education and Childcare, visit www.tlevels.gov.uk or contact our Curriculum Leader of Health & Childcare - Miss Bee at dbee@liftclacton.org