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Growth, opportunity and success

The Sixth Form Experience

The Wycombe Abbey Sixth Form experience is an exceptional one; it is about helping our pupils to become future ready by building strong academic foundations and developing their personal qualities. At its core, it is driven by our unwavering commitment to knowing and understanding each pupil as an individual, ensuring they are equipped to pursue their passions with confidence as they step into the world beyond our School. We encourage pupils to embrace academic challenges both within and beyond the classroom, relish independent study, and navigate the university admissions process successfully, whatever their chosen pathway. Our nurturing, close-knit boarding community plays a vital role in this process, allowing pupils to forge lasting friendships that reach beyond the walls of Wycombe Abbey and to broaden their horizons through their various co-curricular pursuits. We are very proud of our Sixth Form pupils, and it is an absolute pleasure to support them during their final two years of School life.

From the Director of Sixth Form, Jacky Tidbury


As Director of Sixth Form at Wycombe Abbey, I am proud to offer a nurturing and dynamic environment that empowers each pupil to reach their fullest potential. With exceptional academic opportunities, extensive co-curricular activities, and robust support systems, we ensure a well-rounded experience and prepare our girls to excel in their final years at school, in higher education, and beyond. By fostering key communication and critical thinking skills, pupils develop their own interests, pursue independent study with confidence, and make informed decisions which will shape their futures. They take the lead in different aspects of school life, from being role models within our boarding community to fulfilling official positions of responsibility, all the while making genuine, lifelong friendships and flourishing as curious, creative and independent young people.

Join our Sixth Form

Girls progress into the Sixth Form from our Upper Fifth, but we also accept external candidates who are currently studying at another school. If you are interested in the Sixth Form at Wycombe Abbey, our Admissions Team is on hand to help guide the application process. We host a number of coffee mornings throughout the year that you are invited to attend, or you can book an individual tour and meet with the Headmistress.

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Unlocking potential

The Sixth Form Curriculum

We pride ourselves on the variety of subjects and co-curricular provision that an education at Wycombe Abbey can provide, especially in the Sixth Form.

Pupils usually study four A level subjects in Lower Sixth and continue with either three, or all four, in the Upper Sixth. All A level courses follow a two-year, linear structure, with examinations at the end of Upper Sixth.

Alongside this core academic provision, pupils take part in our award-winning enrichment scheme, The Carrington Programme, and have the option to either work towards the Extended Project Qualification or the University Preparation Project, which both provide an opportunity for pupils to undertake a piece of independent, original research. Girls in recent years have completed projects on the rise of the USA as an economic powerhouse in the late 19th century, the transition of Romania from communism to the present day, the political apparatus in Aristophanes’ comedies, the use of algae as a biofuel, and the theme of hierarchy in 1970s British sitcoms.

SIXTH FORM COURSE GUIDE  EXAMINATION RESULTS

Support in Sixth Form

Pupils benefit from a range of support covering all aspects of their Sixth Form experience. Along with the Sixth Form Leadership Team, specialist Sixth Form Tutors provide day-to-day support on both academic and pastoral aspects of School life, as well as playing a key role in the higher-education process.

Jacky Tidbury read Classics and completed her PGCE at Queens’ College, Cambridge. She has held a variety of academic leadership positions in high achieving schools and completed the National Professional Qualification in Senior Leadership in 2014. Jacky joined Wycombe Abbey in September 2014 as Head of Classics and, in addition, acted as Overseas Pupil Coordinator from 2020 to 2021 and then Senior Researcher – International Schools from 2021 - 2023. She is responsible for all aspects of the Sixth Form experience at Wycombe Abbey.

Olly Murphy read Classics at Balliol College, Oxford. He joined Wycombe Abbey as a Teacher of Classics in January 2013, and completed a Graduate Teacher Programme during the same year. He acted as EPQ co-ordinator from September 2016 to September 2024, and as Acting Head of Classics from April 2016 - March 2017. He also initiated the University Preparation Programme and has been a Sixth Form Tutor since September 2013. Olly is responsible primarily for the Carrington Programme, the School’s in-house Sixth Form Enrichment provision, as well as the induction of Lower Sixth pupils.

Emma Bowen read History at the University of Oxford and went on to do a part-time MA in History of Art at the University of London whilst teaching History at Magdalen College School, Oxford. She joined Wycombe Abbey in 2013 as Head of History of Art and has since held a variety of roles focusing on work with the Sixth Form, including Deputy Head of Sixth Form (Enrichment). As Head of Higher Education she is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the School's UK Higher Education preparation and applications. 

Rebecca joined Wycombe Abbey as Housemistress of Clarence and Teacher of Music in 2022. She read Music and completed her PGCE at the University of Cambridge. Prior to joining Wycombe Abbey, Rebecca was previously a Housemistress at King’s Ely and has worked in boarding and pastoral care since graduating from university.

Kenny Scupp read European History at Keene State College and earned his Master of Education at Northeastern University. He has held a variety of admissions enrolment positions with colleges and universities in the United States. Kenny joined Wycombe Abbey in 2024 as the Head of US and International Universities. He provides comprehensive support for the international university application and search process, overseeing the four-year international university pathway, advising on standardised test preparation, and working closely with the Sixth Form girls to guide them in building their university lists and the development of robust applications. He draws on his 10+ years of experience working in US university enrolment and admissions, as he guides pupils through often complex process of applying to universities abroad.

Anna-Juliette joined Wycombe Abbey in January 2024, having joined us from Uppingham School where she was also a Deputy Housemistress, Head of Academic Scholars and Teacher of Modern Languages. After working in Seville during her gap year, she read Arabic and Spanish at the University of Cambridge, living and working in Jerusalem, Ramallah and Amman during her year abroad. Upon leaving university, Anna-Juliette worked for a political think tank and a consultancy prior to moving into education and completing her PGCE.

Future ready

Sixth Form Enrichment

Wycombe Abbey’s Sixth Form offers many opportunities to extend and enrich learning experiences, skills and abilities, and personal development. The goal is to support pupils in discovering their aspirations and developing the necessary tools to achieve them beyond their time at Wycombe Abbey.

The different strands of Sixth Form enrichment are designed to enhance pupils’ education beyond their formal studies, helping them to develop essential life skills, broaden their experiences, and prepare for university and careers. This includes:

  • Personal Development – Leadership opportunities, confidence building, and self-awareness activities.
  • Academic Extension – Debating, guest lectures, research projects, and additional qualifications.
  • Community Engagement – Volunteering, charity work, and mentoring younger pupils.
  • Health and Wellbeing – Sports, mindfulness, and mental health support.
  • Career and University Preparation – Work experience, internships, networking events, and university application guidance.

A fundamental aspect of their Sixth Form experience is equipping all pupils with the skills and knowledge necessary to identify and pursue the most suitable higher education path for them, and we take immense pride in the achievements of our pupils transitioning from school to university. Each year, approximately one-fifth of our year group secures places at Oxford or Cambridge universities, while others embark on a tremendous variety of courses at other Russell Group institutions including Imperial, UCL and Durham. Increasingly, a significant number of pupils also choose to explore new experiences in the United States and other international destinations.

UNIVERSITY DESTINATIONS

Throughout the Sixth Form, we support our pupils in their higher education preparation in a variety of ways.

In addition to A level subjects and co-curricular pursuits, Sixth Form pupils participate in our bespoke, timetabled University Preparation lessons. In the Lower Sixth, pupils are taught in broad faculties whilst they refine their university course; then in the Upper Sixth, they are taught by subject specialists from each department. This rigorous academic programme is underpinned by three key principles of interdisciplinarity, collaboration, and challenge, and is intended to be holistic, equipping pupils with the experience and skills required not only to attain places at top institutions but also to thrive once at university.

All Lower Sixth pupils take part in Future Ready Days, which include a variety of sessions including completing their UCAS application and workshops to advise on writing their Personal Statement, an immersion day with the relevant department tackling subject-specific tasks, and the chance to hear from recent Wycombe Abbey Seniors about their experiences at different universities.

For the Upper Sixth, we host the Academic Forum, inviting pupils from local schools to participate in a day of activities, including university-style seminars, an inter-disciplinary quiz, and presentation challenges.

The US and International Universities Office offers international education and application support to pupils from the Lower Fifth to Upper Sixth. Our aim is to raise awareness of the diverse global higher education opportunities available to girls upon leaving Wycombe Abbey. With the United States being the primary international destination and over 20 girls applying each year, the department has developed a programme designed to guide pupils through the US university application process. Emphasising early planning, holistic development, and continuous support from faculty, staff, and alumnae, the programme includes key activities such as evaluating extracurricular activities, developing thoughtful university lists, writing and editing personal statements, coordinating standardised test strategies and tutoring, and providing opportunities for pupils to speak with university representatives. We provide extensive support to all pupils applying to global institutions and ensure pupils are well-prepared and competitive applicants for such universities.

The Carrington Programme cultivates skills and knowledge in a range of areas, including leadership, critical thinking and study skills, whilst also providing in-depth preparation for higher education and future careers. Developed with the principle that our role extends beyond the promotion of academic excellence to ensure that girls are prepared for the many challenges that they will face in their personal and professional adult lives, the programme aims to develop the pupils’ abilities in many of the following skills:

  • Leadership, responsibility and global thinking,
  • Confidence and self-reliance,
  • Creativity and vision,
  • Critical thinking and intellectual curiosity.

Some of the programme is delivered in taught sessions whilst other elements are delivered in talks by Wycombe Abbey teachers and guest speakers, which have included climate scientist and record-breaking explorer Felicity Aston MBE, mental health campaigner Natasha Devon, and pioneering sailor and leadership coach Vicky Ellis. In the Upper Sixth, pupils choose three elective courses that appeal to them; options have included ‘An Introduction to Political Philosophy’, ‘Upcycling Workshops’, ‘The Ethics of AI’, and ‘Mathematical Programming’. Throughout the Sixth Form, pupils will also take part in a range of annual, immersive educational experiences, often with pupils from other schools. These include the Communications Conference, the Wycombe Management Conference and the Leadership Summit.

Our Careers Department ensures all pupils have access to a wealth of information which will prepare them for the future. Throughout the year, pupils are invited to Career Spotlights talks, the annual Career Seminar and a dedicated space to research and talk about the many different options for the future.

Work experience is actively encouraged. Placements are valuable in allowing pupils to investigate careers and opportunities, assist career planning, build self-confidence, self-esteem and interpersonal skills, and help support university applications.

Careers Guidance and Work Experience at Wycombe Abbey

A strong leadership and service ethic is an intrinsic part of Wycombe Abbey life. Each of the programmes available offers girls an opportunity to serve others, share gifts and talents, and discover how rewarding this can be. Leadership skills are developed and girls become active and responsible global citizens who are inspired to make a positive difference to the world.

From being Head Girl or a School Prefect to leading a society or taking responsibility for a specific area of life within a boarding house, there is a plethora of opportunities to learn more, do more and contribute to the Wycombe Abbey community.

Leadership Opportunities

Building lifelong friendships

Boarding in the Sixth Form

Boarding in the Sixth Form at Wycombe Abbey offers a unique experience. In Lower Sixth, pupils continue to live in, or for those joining at 16+, move into, one of the Senior Houses: Airlie, Barry, Butler, Campbell, Cloister, Pitt, Rubens, Shelburne or Wendover. All girls in the Lower Sixth share a living space called Mons (Monitors) as they serve as role models for the younger girls in House; they take an active part in House activities and enjoy time together with girls in younger year groups. Day Boarders are also attached to a Senior House, which enables them to integrate fully into life at Wycombe Abbey. The Houses are very much part of a pupil’s Wycombe Abbey identity, which continues for many years after leaving the School.

The Senior Houses

The Upper Sixth sees the transition to Clarence House when the entire year group come back together for their final year at School. Whilst Clarence operates as one large, stand-alone boarding house, it consists of ten smaller houses with individual bedrooms and a shared kitchen space. This prepares pupils for independent living once they leave School as they manage their house budget, learn to cook and even do their own laundry, all the while supported by a dedicated team of House staff.

Life in Clarence

Explore, grow, achieve

Co-curricular Opportunities

Alongside academic lessons, there are many opportunities to delve into something beyond the classroom. Girls can take part in sport, drama, volunteering, the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, or even learn a new language.

Co-curricular opportunities

Sixth Form pupils also have numerous opportunities to socialise and collaborate with peers from other schools, including local boys’ schools, through joint events, academic partnerships, and extra-curricular activities. Whether participating in debates, sports competitions, shared learning initiatives, or social gatherings, these interactions help foster new friendships, broaden perspectives, and develop essential teamwork and communication skills. Joint ventures with other schools include the Wycombe Management Conference with the Royal Grammar School High Wycombe, lacrosse matches with Eton and socials with various schools such as Harrow, especially the ever-popular Caledonian Society balls with Eton and Winchester.

Opening doors to success

Admission to the Sixth Form

We warmly invite you to consider joining our vibrant Sixth Form community. Here at Wycombe Abbey, we believe that the next stage of your educational journey should be as rewarding and fulfilling as possible.

Our Sixth Form offers an exceptional environment where you can thrive both academically and personally. With a wide range of subjects, fantastic facilities, and a team of dedicated teachers, we are committed to providing an enriching experience tailored to your individual needs and aspirations.

Choosing the right Sixth Form is a significant decision, and we understand that it’s about finding the perfect fit for you. That’s why we invite you to come and visit us, meet our inspiring staff, and feel the unique energy that makes our school so special.

Join our Sixth FOrm

Support Beyond School


‘Many pupils cite the friendships formed here as their greatest legacy, staying in touch with one another long after leaving. This supportive network encourages collaboration, personal growth and a strong sense of belonging—qualities that continue to shape our journey beyond Wycombe Abbey as we become Seniors.’ - LVI Pupil

Wycombe Abbey Seniors Network

News from the Sixth Form

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