Student Correspondent feature – October 2025
Maisie C, WG6 Correspondent, is in Year 13 at WG6 and has written an article to support students when considering their ‘next steps’ after GCSEs.
Being in Year 11 can be extremely daunting, you’ve got exams coming up and your future laying in the palm of your hand. You’ve probably started hearing a lot about next steps, open days, and subject choices — and if you’re anything like I was, you’re probably feeling a mix of excitement and panic; choosing what to do next can feel huge, especially when everyone around you seems to have their future planned already. But here’s the truth, while it may seem that way, it’s likely that everyone around you is in the exact same boat!
When I was deciding, the first thing I looked at was subjects. Sixth form is your chance to focus on what you really enjoy, so pick courses that genuinely interest you, not just what your friends are doing, because after the first week I had made lots of new and interesting friends whom I spend lessons with. Honestly, I think it has been incredible for my close friendships to not be in lessons with them – it’s given us all space to branch out and meet new people, giving us independence and pushing us outside of our comfort zones! Then there’s the environment. Every sixth form has its own vibe. Some are super academic and fast-paced; others feel more laid-back and personal. Ask yourself what kind of learner you are. For me, I knew I wanted teachers I could talk to easily and a place that felt familiar rather than overwhelming, and ultimately that’s why I decided to stay at WGSG for my A Levels.
It’s also worth checking how those subjects are taught too – some places are more exam-heavy, while others give more coursework or practical options. There is no right or wrong way, just the way which will be most beneficial to you in the long run! Open days are honestly the best way to figure this out. Go and talk to current students – they’ll tell you the truth about the workload, how supportive the teachers are, and what student life feels like day-to-day. It’s also important to think about support. Sixth form can be challenging at times, so find out what help is available, both academically and emotionally. Some places, like WG6, have incredible mentors and wellbeing teams, that can make a massive difference when things get tough. Then there’s the practical elements – which sounds boring, but trust me, it matters. Think about how far you’ll have to travel, what the facilities are like for your subjects, and whether it’s somewhere you can imagine spending most of your week. Going to sixth form can feel like a full-time job at times, so picking somewhere you will feel comfortable and can see yourself spending time at is the best way!
And of course, there’s the social side. Sixth form isn’t just about studying – it’s also about growing up, meeting new people, and figuring out who you are. Some people love the idea of a completely new start, while others prefer to stay somewhere familiar. For me, I decided to stay at Wilmington for sixth form. It offered the subjects I wanted (Business studies, Psychology and Media Studies), and I already felt comfortable here.
I knew the teachers, the environment, and the people – and that made the step up to sixth form a lot less scary. A lot of people told me to go somewhere new, but I realised I didn’t have to sacrifice familiarity to get a good education. Staying where I already felt supported has honestly helped me settle in and focus on doing my best. That being said, college or moving to a different school is a completely valid choice too. If you prefer a more hands-on or practical approach, or you want to study something vocational like sport, or health and social care, college might be the perfect fit – and that’s totally okay. Whether you choose a sixth form or college, the most important thing is picking the place where you’ll be happy and motivated to learn. So don’t worry too much about making the “perfect” choice. Visit places, ask questions, and listen to your instincts, you’ll know when somewhere feels right – and that’s probably where you belong!
Save the Date – our WG6 Open Event is on Wednesday 3rd December! More information and booking will be announced soon.
