Our Sixth Form’s strength comes from its small integrated set-up, small class sizes and from our stepping stone to university approach.
There is a huge range of subject combinations and interests that students pursue. The broad and varied co-curricular programme provides you with opportunities to apply your skills and knowledge, really ‘get under the skin’ of academic subjects or add another string to your bow while developing valuable qualities for life beyond school.
There is a good influx of new Sixth Formers into the Lower Sixth alongside those who have joined the school in earlier years. You will enjoy the chance to be part of the vibrant global community in our Sixth Form Centre where boarders and day students share study rooms, classrooms and social spaces. You will develop your confidence as an independent learner, carefully curate your plan for your future alongside experienced tutors and make the most of events in and around school to help prepare you for life beyond Badminton.
In the background, we provide a strong network of Subject Teachers, Sixth Form Tutors, House Staff and Specialists. The Sixth Form Team keep a close eye on your development, ensuring that support is put in place when the need arises. Our Higher Education and Careers Officer (HECO) is also a key figure in Sixth Form life. Based in the Sixth Form Centre for easy access to support and guidance, the HECO leads our ‘Broadening Horizons’ programme, coordinating a wealth of higher education information and training opportunities as well as access to internships, apprenticeships and work experience.
Teaching works on a university-style tutorial and seminar model. Subject sets can range from around five students up to around fifteen. Our teachers have come here because they enjoy this interactive, discussion-based method of working. It’s a hugely rewarding way to teach and to learn, and it’s also one of the key reasons why Sixth Formers here are so successful in reaching their chosen universities and succeeding when they are there.
The Sixth Form Centre's large, comfortable common room sees girls catching up on current affairs (newspapers are delivered regularly), stilling their minds with jigsaws, discussing their latest essay or just curling up on the sofas and enjoying some conversation and coffee.
The smaller common rooms and ‘brew rooms’ are also a welcome space for friends to meet or individuals to take time out from study. Day Girls have their own study areas for use during study periods, breaks and after school. Sixth Form Boarders have study bedrooms upstairs in the Sixth Form Centre. All students have access to a kitchen allowing them to prepare their own meals and snacks should they chose to top up the delicious lunch provided in the dining hall.
The pastoral care in 6th form is amazing. Without fail, there is always a member of staff around who will listen to you, support you where you need it, or even just have a quick chat to check in!
Neela, Rendall House Captain
What I enjoy about my studies in the Sixth Form at Badminton:
What I’ve loved most about studying in the Sixth Form is the freedom and ownership I’ve been given over my learning. There’s a real sense that we’re being treated as young adults, which motivates me to push myself further. I genuinely enjoy my subjects and the academic culture here, there’s a buzz around learning that’s hard to describe but easy to feel. Whether it’s revising together in the study rooms or bouncing ideas off each other in the Sixth Form Centre, it’s a space that makes you want to be productive. I’ve also found that the teachers are incredibly passionate and open to discussion, which makes lessons feel collaborative and thought-provoking.
What I appreciate about the pastoral care in the Sixth Form:
The pastoral care in Sixth Form is something I’ve come to truly value. It’s not just about checking in when something’s wrong, it’s consistent, proactive support. Whether it’s academic advice, help with managing stress, or just someone to talk to, there’s always someone available and ready to listen. I’ve appreciated the balance between emotional support and guidance for the future, from being introduced to our careers advisor to having open, honest conversations with staff about our aspirations and worries. It feels like we’re being prepared for life after school in every sense - not just academically, but emotionally too.
How I have found the Higher Education support valuable:
The Higher Education support has been invaluable to me. It’s made the whole university process, something that once felt overwhelming, feel structured and achievable. From personalised advice on my university and course choices, to help refining my personal statement, and even guidance on work experience opportunities that will strengthen my application. I feel like the school understands that each of us has a unique path, and they’re committed to helping us carve it out in a way that feels authentic and ambitious.
How my co-curricular activities have enriched my Sixth Form experience and supported my long-term goals:
Co-curricular life at Badminton has been where I’ve been able to really be myself. Whether it’s founding a Spanish choir club, singing in concerts, or taking part in Model United Nations, I’ve found joy and purpose outside of the classroom. I’ve loved expressing my passion for languages through music, and activities like drama productions, tennis matches, and the netball trip to Shropshire have brought balance and energy into my school life. These opportunities have allowed me to develop skills like teamwork, confidence, and resilience, that will stay with me for life.
Being one of the Head Girls has been especially meaningful. It’s taught me how to lead by example, how to listen, and how to bring people together across year groups. Leadership is woven throughout the Sixth Form - whether through house captains, sports captains, or simply stepping up to organise events - and it makes us feel trusted and empowered. Events like Sixth Form Entertainment and Creative Day give us the space to have fun and let off steam, which is so important during A-levels. There’s something magical about getting to act silly with your friends and bring out your inner child one last time before adulthood kicks in. All of this fun, leadership, learning, makes Sixth Form a place I love deeply and a time I’ll always look back on with pride.
Sara, Head Girl
Download our Sixth Form Prospectus
Badminton School, Westbury Road, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, BS9 3BA
T : +44 (0)117 905 5200
