Academic

We are experts in teaching you, looking after you and supporting you

The next chapter of your life is one of the most exciting – and challenging – stages of your career. Our aim here is to help you flourish.

Academic standards are high: in the last four years 90% of A-level grades have been A*/A/B, with 65% achieving A*/A. Over 95% of Colfe’s leavers gain a place at their chosen university. In recent years, The University of Cambridge Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring – which produces the country’s leading analysis of the performance of independent schools – has concluded that pupils at Colfe’s make better progress during Sixth Form than the pupils of over 90% of English independent schools.

Students start Year 12 studying four subjects, continuing into Year 13 with all four or dropping one subject and continuing with three. Year 12 culminates in the Goldsmiths Colfe’s Interim Examination (GCiE). This exclusive examination is the product of a close collaboration between Colfe’s and Goldsmiths, University of London, and is registered with UCAS so that it can be referred to as part of a student’s university application. The GCiE encourages broad academic enrichment for students, and an informed choice of which subjects to take through to A-level in Year 13.

Students also have the opportunity to undertake an Extended Project Qualification which is an independent project-based research task presented in Year 13. Worth half an A-level, the EPQ qualification extends and develops students’ skills beyond the A-level syllabus, and is recognised by universities and employers.

Every student is viewed as an individual with individual needs. We offer small group teaching with space to develop your ideas and your critical thinking. Independence – the ability to learn, recall and use information for yourself – is the key to academic success at A-level and beyond.

But we don’t just throw you in at the deep end – you have one-to-one support from a form tutor and personal tutor. Personal tutors are responsible for monitoring academic progress, guiding you through the transition to A-level study and supporting you through university applications. They will support you to develop not only your study skills but your academic interests beyond the classroom.

We also run a bespoke Next Steps programme, providing training in essential study skills, and preparing you for life after Colfe’s – from writing a CV and cover letter to finding work experience and succeeding at interview.