If you are considering a private sixth form college for September 2026 or beyond, attending an open day is the single most useful thing you can do. No amount of website research or prospectus reading replaces being in the building, talking to staff and students, and getting a feel for whether a college is right for you. This guide lists confirmed open day dates for private sixth form colleges across the UK, along with colleges that offer private visits year-round.
Upcoming Open Days: Private Sixth Form Colleges
The table below lists confirmed open day events at specialist private sixth form colleges. These are colleges where sixth form education is the primary focus, rather than independent schools that happen to have a sixth form attached.
| Date | College | Location | Event | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29 April 2026 | Ealing Independent College | London (Ealing) | Open Evening | 5:00pm to 6:30pm |
| 7 May 2026 | d'Overbroeck's | Oxford | Open Evening | 6:00pm to 8:00pm |
| 16 May 2026 | MPW Birmingham | Birmingham | Open Day | Contact for times |
| 16 May 2026 | Concord College | Shrewsbury | Open Afternoon | 2:00pm or 3:00pm |
| 26 May 2026 | Ashbourne College | London (Kensington) | Open Evening | 6:00pm to 8:00pm |
| 21 October 2026 | Ashbourne College | London (Kensington) | Open Evening | 6:00pm to 8:00pm |
Dates and times are correct at the time of writing. Always confirm directly with the college before attending, as schedules can change.
Colleges Offering Private Visits Year-Round
Many private sixth form colleges do not hold fixed open day events. Instead, they offer individual tours and meetings by appointment. This is often a better experience than a large group event, as you get dedicated time with senior staff and can ask questions specific to your child's situation.
| College | Location | How to Book |
|---|---|---|
| Westminster Tutors | London (South Kensington) | Call 020 7584 1288 or enquire online |
| MPW London | London (South Kensington) | Regular term-time open days; contact for dates |
| MPW Cambridge | Cambridge | Contact for available dates |
| Albemarle Independent College | London (Mayfair) | Contact admissions |
| Bales College | London (Kensal Green) | Book an individual tour online |
| LSI Independent College | London (Hampstead) | Call 020 7794 8111 or email admissions |
| David Game College | London (City) | Call 020 7221 6665 or book online |
| Brampton College | London (Hendon) | Call 020 8203 5025 or email |
| DLD College London | London (Westminster) | Email dld-admissions@dld.org |
| Cardiff Sixth Form College | Cardiff | Call 029 2049 3121 or email admissions |
| Greene's College Oxford | Oxford | Call 01865 664400 or email enquiries |
If a college you are interested in is not listed here, contact them directly. Most private sixth form colleges are happy to arrange a visit at short notice, especially during term time when you can see teaching in action.
Independent Schools with Sixth Form Open Days
Beyond the specialist sixth form colleges, many independent schools across the UK hold open days specifically for sixth form entry. These schools offer a different experience to a dedicated sixth form college: they are typically larger, with a broader age range and a wider set of facilities.
The table below lists confirmed sixth form open events at independent schools during the spring and summer of 2026.
| Date | School | Location | Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22 April 2026 | The Portsmouth Grammar School | Portsmouth, Hampshire | Senior School and Sixth Form Open Event |
| 25 April 2026 | Stowe School | Buckingham, Buckinghamshire | Sixth Form (16+) Open Morning |
| 28 April 2026 | St Christopher School | Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire | Senior School and Sixth Form Open Day |
| 6 May 2026 | The Portsmouth Grammar School | Portsmouth, Hampshire | Senior School and Sixth Form Open Event |
| 9 May 2026 | Uppingham School | Uppingham, Rutland | Visiting Day: Sixth Form |
| 9 May 2026 | Hurstpierpoint College | Hassocks, Sussex | Open Morning (13+ and 16+ entry) |
| 16 May 2026 | St Clare's, Oxford | Oxford, Oxfordshire | IB World School Virtual Open Day |
| 9 June 2026 | Halliford School | Shepperton, Surrey | Sixth Form in Focus |
| 18 June 2026 | Edgbaston High School for Girls | Birmingham, West Midlands | Senior and Sixth Open Afternoon |
| 17 September 2026 | Eastbourne College | Eastbourne, Sussex | Sixth Form Open Evening |
| 17 September 2026 | Tormead School | Guildford, Surrey | Sixth Form Open Evening |
| 19 September 2026 | St Clare's, Oxford | Oxford, Oxfordshire | IB World School In-Person Open Day |
| 22 September 2026 | Luckley House School | Wokingham, Berkshire | Sixth Form Open Evening |
| 23 September 2026 | Sir William Perkins's School | Chertsey, Surrey | Sixth Form Open Evening |
| 26 September 2026 | Leighton Park School | Reading, Berkshire | Sixth Form Open Afternoon |
| 1 October 2026 | Halliford School | Shepperton, Surrey | Sixth Form Open Evening |
| 10 October 2026 | Shiplake College | Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire | Sixth Form Open Event |
| 10 October 2026 | Tudor Hall | Banbury, Oxfordshire | Sixth Form Open Morning |
This is not an exhaustive list. Hundreds of independent schools across the UK offer sixth form entry, and most hold open events at least once a year. If you are considering a specific school, check their admissions page directly.
Private Sixth Form College vs Independent School Sixth Form
Both routes offer strong A-level teaching, but they differ in important ways. Understanding these differences before you visit helps you ask the right questions at each open day.
| Feature | Private Sixth Form College | Independent School Sixth Form |
|---|---|---|
| Age range | 16 to 19 only | Typically 11 to 18 or 4 to 18 |
| Class size | Usually 4 to 10 students | Usually 10 to 20 students |
| Culture | Everyone is new; adult environment | Mix of new and existing students |
| Focus | A-levels and university preparation | Broader educational experience |
| Flexibility | Retakes, one-year courses, mid-year entry common | Usually standard two-year courses only |
| Facilities | Teaching focused; fewer sports/arts facilities | Extensive campus, sports, and co-curricular |
Neither option is inherently better. It depends on what your child needs. Our guide on choosing a private sixth form covers the key factors in more detail, and our comparison of private vs state sixth forms is useful if you are still weighing up the independent route.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Attending an open day is only useful if you know what to look for. A few practical tips:
Visit during term time if possible. An open day gives you a curated version of the college. A term-time visit lets you see normal lessons, speak to students in corridors, and get a much more honest picture of daily life. Most private sixth form colleges welcome term-time visitors; you just need to book in advance.
Bring a list of questions. It is easy to get swept up in the tour and forget to ask the things that matter. Before you go, note down your top five priorities, whether that is class size, subject combinations, university support, or something else entirely.
Talk to current students. Staff will tell you what the college does well. Students will tell you what it is actually like. If an open day does not include time with students, that in itself is worth noting.
Compare notes afterwards. If you are visiting several colleges, write down your impressions immediately after each visit. By the third open day, earlier visits start to blur.
We have a full guide on what to look for at sixth form open days that covers preparation, red flags, and the questions that reveal the most about a college.
CIFE: A Useful Resource for Finding Colleges
CIFE (the Council for Independent Education) is the professional association for independent sixth form colleges. Their website lists member colleges across the UK, including many of the colleges in this guide. If you are looking for a specialist sixth form college outside the major cities, CIFE is a good starting point.
CIFE member colleges are inspected to the same standards as other independent schools and publish their results. Membership itself is a useful quality marker, though not every excellent sixth form college is a member.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit a private sixth form college?
The spring and early summer terms are the most popular times for open days. However, visiting during autumn term is equally valuable, particularly if you are considering a September start the following year. Many colleges also welcome visits during the summer holiday, though teaching will not be in progress.
Can I visit a college even if there is no open day scheduled?
Yes. Most private sixth form colleges offer private tours and meetings throughout the year. Contact the admissions team directly and they will usually arrange something within a week or two.
Should I take my child to every open day?
Take them to a manageable number, typically three to five. Beyond that, decision fatigue sets in and visits stop being productive. If you have more colleges on your list, narrow it down through online research and phone calls first, then visit your strongest contenders.
Are virtual open days worth attending?
They are a reasonable starting point for getting an overview and hearing from the principal, but they cannot replace an in-person visit. Use virtual events to shortlist, then visit in person before making a decision.
Is it too late to visit colleges for September 2026 entry?
No. Private sixth form colleges are accustomed to late enquiries and many have places available right up to (and sometimes beyond) results day in August. If you are choosing a private sixth form for September 2026, now is a good time to start visiting.
Do I need to book in advance for open days?
For scheduled open day events, yes. Most colleges require registration so they can plan the day. For private visits, booking is essential. Contact details and booking links are included in the tables above.
Open days are the most important step in choosing the right sixth form. If you would like to explore colleges listed on our directory, visit our colleges page to compare options, or get in touch if you need help narrowing down your shortlist.
Jonny Rowse
Education Editor
