Results, Careers & Further Education | Sixth Form | Denstone College | Staffordshire

RESULTS, CAREERS & FURTHER EDUCATION

As a pre-university school, the Sixth Form at Denstone provides a focused and supportive environment within a broader Sixth Form experience, equipping students with the knowledge, guidance and opportunities they need to make informed decisions about their future. This is complemented by a rich programme of co-curricular activities and a well-balanced Shape of the Week, ensuring students develop both academically and personally.

Pupils leave Denstone each year well prepared for leading UK and international universities, including Oxford, Cambridge and the Russell Group. This success reflects not only strong academic performance but also the wider development gained through life in the Sixth Form, including leadership and service, sport, and the arts.

Most pupils achieve their first-choice university, with over 70% progressing to Russell Group or Times Top 20 universities each year. These outcomes are supported by a strong culture of aspiration, underpinned by excellent pastoral care and a clear focus on future pathways and outcomes.

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Pupils are regularly successful in securing places on highly competitive degree courses. To support this, we offer a wide range of career experience opportunities, including in-house seminars and events as part of our broader co-curricular programme. These are further enhanced by the work of the Denstone Association, which connects students with Old Denstonians across a range of professions and facilitates valuable work experience opportunities.

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of students pursuing degree apprenticeships. This reflects the growing recognition of alternative pathways and is fully supported within our careers and further education provision. Students have secured highly competitive opportunities with organisations such as J.P. Morgan, AstraZeneca and JCB, gaining valuable experience that combines academic learning with practical application.

Throughout a pupil’s time at the College, we provide a comprehensive and structured careers programme. Students receive specialist one-to-one guidance on subject choices and career planning, delivered through the tutorial system and supported by Heads of House. This guidance is embedded within the weekly timetable and wider Shape of the Week, ensuring consistent and personalised support.

Academic tutors play a key role in helping pupils navigate decisions around subject choices, university applications and career aspirations. This holistic approach ensures that every student is supported as an individual within the wider Sixth Form curriculum.

In terms of higher education applications, universities from the UK and overseas regularly visit the College to speak with students and parents. Visits to institutions are encouraged, and each student receives tailored advice to ensure their application is both ambitious and competitive. This personalised approach reflects the strength of our Sixth Form support systems.

Parents consistently value the comprehensive results day service we provide. Developed over many years, this ensures that every student receives expert guidance and reassurance at a crucial stage in their journey, supported by our strong emphasis on pastoral care and individual support.

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Exam Results — 2024

Oxbridge

Denstone College has a long and proud tradition of preparing pupils for applications to Oxford and Cambridge. This forms an important part of our academic culture and sits within a wider commitment to academic excellence and future pathways.

In recent years, pupils have secured places to study subjects including Medicine, Law, Natural Sciences and Mathematics. Each year, a cohort of Sixth Form students prepares to make competitive applications, supported by a well-established and rigorous programme.

Our Oxbridge preparation builds on earlier academic enrichment and is enhanced by a wide range of opportunities within the co-curricular programme. Pupils attend specialised sessions, engage in intellectual discussion and benefit from one-to-one support, all within the supportive framework of pastoral care.

Students are also invited to take part in ‘Discussion Dinners’—formal yet engaging occasions designed to develop confidence in presenting ideas and debating complex topics. These experiences contribute to the broader Sixth Form experience, helping students develop the skills needed for success at the highest level.

Those who proceed with an application are assigned a specialist mentor, who provides ongoing support throughout the process. This includes preparation for entrance examinations and multiple mock interviews, ensuring students are fully prepared while also supported through the challenges of the process. This balance reflects the College’s commitment to both academic success and wellbeing.

As part of our wider commitment to education, Denstone also supports pupils from local state schools by offering access to elements of the Oxbridge programme, extending the impact of our educational and community values.

For more information about our Oxbridge Programme, please contact dbaker@denstonecollege.net

University Destinations 2025