About our Sixth Form
At our Sixth Form, our priority is that every student feels happy, known and supported — because we believe that’s when students thrive. Our Sixth Form offers a real opportunity for all students to achieve success.
We offer a broad and flexible curriculum, expert teaching, and strong pastoral support — all within a welcoming, close-knit community. Students leave us as confident, capable young adults, academically successful and ready to take their next steps.
Our Sixth Form is built on strong relationships and shared values. Students benefit from:
- Specialist subject teaching in small groups
- A separate Sixth Form Centre, including:
- Specialist science laboratories
- Sixth Form common room
- Sixth Form-only computer rooms for vocational learning
- Access to the library and private study areas
- A dedicated pastoral manager, based full-time in the Sixth Form Centre, available throughout the day
- One-to-one academic and pastoral tutorials
- A broad enrichment and personal development programme
- Leadership opportunities through mentoring, ambassador roles, and the Sixth Form Council
- Full access to our brand new 4G sports pitch for curriculum and recreational use.
Our community is shaped by our HEART values — Honesty, Effort, Ambition, Respect and Teamwork — which are embedded in daily Sixth Form life. These values guide how students learn, lead, and contribute to the wider school.
In July 2023, our Sixth Form was judged to be Good by Ofsted, who recognised the strength of our teaching, leadership and student experience. This reflects the rapid progress we are making as a school and the high standards we are committed to maintaining.
Student Life
We are proud to offer a Sixth Form experience that feels personal, aspirational, and inclusive.
Students regularly tell us what they value most:
It is small and has a community feel.
You feel known — and supported.
We are treated as young adults.
There are so many chances to lead.
Lessons are strong and teachers genuinely care.
We encourage all students to take an active role in shaping Sixth Form life — from joining the Student Leadership Team or mentoring younger peers, to volunteering in the local community and contributing to school-wide events.
Specialist Pathways: FC Evolution Football Programme
Notley High School & Braintree Sixth Form is delighted to host the FC Evolution Football Programme, a high-performance football and education pathway open to Sixth Form students.
The programme includes:
- Elite Coaching: Delivered by UEFA-qualified FC Evolution coaches based full-time onsite
- Progression Pathways: University play, U.S. scholarships, coaching qualifications, and trials
- Structured Player Pathway: Balances academic study and sport with clear progression from grassroots to senior football
Academic & Sporting Balance:
- Flexible timetable
- EPQ and coursework integrated with training sessions
- HEART values underpin personal growth and team culture
Facilities:
- Access to full-size 4G pitch
- Gym and fitness integration
Specialist Pathways: Dance
Our Dance course is available as a vocational qualification or enrichment.
- Practical focus on technique, choreography, and performance
- Studio-based lessons with professional facilities
- Performances, productions and creative showcases
- Excellent preparation for careers in teaching, fitness, or performing arts
Dress Code
Our dress code at the sixth form is modest, appropriate and professional. We want our students to be comfortable and feel able to express themselves somewhat whilst still adhering to the dress code criteria. The sixth form are role models for the younger students at Notley High School and thus adherence to the expectations of modesty, appropriateness and professionalism is important.
This dress code is designed to guide students on the expected standards of dress and appearance. It is not exhaustive in defining acceptable and unacceptable standards of dress and students are expected to use common sense in adhering to the principles underpinning the code.
Dress code expectations:
In general, clothing should be in a good state of repair.
Trousers: smart trousers. This includes jeans that do not have rips.
Shorts: Smart knee length shorts are permitted.
Tops: Smart t-shirts are acceptable and tops should be of appropriate length in order to cover the midriff. Jumpers are allowed. Smart jackets and cardigans are also able to be worn.
Skirts and dresses: dresses and skirts should be of an appropriate length (no shorter than fingertips).
Footwear: shoes and trainers are acceptable as long as they are in a good state of repair.
Hair and accessories: hair should be neat and tidy. Jewellery, make up and fake nails are permitted but may need to be removed in certain learning environments.
Your lanyard and ID badge is a non-negotiable and should be worn around your neck at all times.
Please avoid:
Any clothing that is see-through, strappy, strapless, crop etc. Clothing should be modest.
Jogging bottoms and leggings unless for PE practical lessons. Clothing should look professional.
Clothing which advocates illegal acts or hate crimes, or any clothing that references drugs, profanities or shows any other inappropriate imagery. Clothing should be appropriate.
Flip flops, crocs, sliders or very high heels.
Denim shorts.
Any questions regarding the sixth form dress code should be directed to the Deputy Head of Sixth Form, as should any queries about reasonable adjustment on medical or religious grounds. If the dress of a student is deemed to not meet the criteria, the student may be asked to go home, regardless of cost or distance in order to change.
