The decision between private and state sixth form education is significant, with implications for your academic experience, university prospects, and family finances. Both routes can lead to excellent outcomes, but they offer distinctly different experiences.
This guide provides an honest comparison to help you determine which option best suits your circumstances and aspirations.
Class Sizes and Individual Attention
Private Sixth Forms
Class sizes typically range from 6 to 12 students, with some colleges offering even smaller groups for certain subjects. This means:
- More opportunity to ask questions and engage in discussion
- Teachers can identify and address individual weaknesses
- Greater flexibility in pacing and depth of coverage
- Stronger relationships between students and teachers
State Sixth Forms
Class sizes vary considerably but often range from 15 to 25 students. While larger classes present challenges, good state providers:
- Employ effective teaching strategies for larger groups
- Offer additional support sessions outside class
- Provide online resources for independent study
- May stream students by ability in some subjects
Academic Results
The Numbers
Private sixth forms generally achieve higher A-Level results on paper. Many report 70% to 90% A* to A grades, compared to the national average of around 27%.
However, context matters:
- Private colleges often select students based on predicted grades
- Some are highly selective about exam entries
- State schools educate students across the full ability range
- Value-added measures may tell a different story
What This Means
Strong results at private colleges reflect a combination of:
- Academically able student intake
- Smaller class sizes enabling more support
- Greater resources and facilities
- Focused, exam-oriented teaching
Top state sixth forms also achieve excellent results, with some grammar schools and sixth form colleges matching or exceeding private sector averages.
University Preparation
Private Sixth Forms
Many private colleges excel at university preparation, offering:
- Dedicated Oxbridge preparation programmes
- Medicine and Law application support
- Personal statement workshops
- Mock interview practice
- Entrance exam preparation (MAT, LNAT, BMAT)
- Guidance from staff with admissions experience
State Sixth Forms
Support varies significantly between providers. The best state options offer:
- Structured UCAS support for all students
- Oxbridge programmes (often shared across schools)
- Partnerships with local universities
- Careers guidance and work experience help
Students at state schools may need to be more proactive in seeking support, particularly for competitive courses.
Facilities and Resources
Private Sixth Forms
Investment in facilities is a key selling point. Expect:
- Modern, well-equipped science laboratories
- Extensive library and study spaces
- Up-to-date IT resources
- Comfortable common rooms and social areas
- Often located in attractive buildings or grounds
State Sixth Forms
Facilities vary enormously based on funding and location:
- Some newer academies have excellent facilities
- Older buildings may be dated but functional
- Shared resources across year groups
- Variable IT provision
The quality of state facilities has improved significantly in recent years, though disparities remain.
Pastoral Care and Wellbeing
Private Sixth Forms
Strong pastoral support is a hallmark of private education:
- Lower student-to-staff ratios
- Dedicated personal tutors
- Regular one-to-one meetings
- Counselling services often on-site
- Proactive monitoring of student wellbeing
State Sixth Forms
Pastoral care is provided but often stretched:
- Form tutors with larger groups
- Less frequent individual contact
- Counselling services may have waiting lists
- Students expected to be more independent
The Social Experience
Private Sixth Forms
The social environment differs markedly:
- Smaller, more intimate community
- May lack diversity in backgrounds
- Less exposure to different perspectives
- Strong alumni networks
State Sixth Forms
State settings typically offer:
- Greater social and economic diversity
- Larger peer groups
- Experience navigating varied social situations
- Reflection of broader society
Cost Considerations
Private Sixth Form Fees
Expect to pay between £15,000 and £35,000 per year for day attendance, with additional costs for:
- Exam fees (sometimes included)
- Books and materials
- Trips and enrichment activities
- Uniform or dress code requirements
Two years of private sixth form typically costs £30,000 to £70,000.
State Sixth Form Costs
State education is free, though families still face costs:
- Transport (can be significant in rural areas)
- Books and stationery
- Optional trips and activities
- Appropriate clothing
These costs are generally modest compared to private fees.
Making the Decision
Consider Private If:
- Your child would benefit from smaller classes
- You want intensive university preparation
- Academic results are a top priority
- The investment is affordable without excessive strain
- Your child thrives with more structure and attention
Consider State If:
- Strong state options exist in your area
- Your child is self-motivated and independent
- Social diversity is important to you
- Finances are a significant consideration
- Your child prefers a larger, more varied environment
The Middle Ground
Some options bridge the gap:
- State grammar schools (where available)
- Selective state sixth form colleges
- Scholarship places at private colleges
- Part-funded bursary options
Conclusion
Neither private nor state sixth form is universally "better." The right choice depends on your child's needs, your local options, and your family circumstances.
Visit both types of provision, speak to current students and parents, and consider what environment will help your child thrive academically and personally.
The most important factors are often not about private versus state, but about finding the specific college or school where your child will be happiest and most successful.