With university entrance becoming increasingly competitive it's clear that sixth form is more than ever becoming the educational make or break time. While different schools have different strengths good independent school sixth forms provide year on year a reliable passport for many students to top grades and the most coveted university places. With a degree now far more of a common currency and the cost of a university education increasing it is even more important for students to ensure they aim to secure entry to good courses at respected institutions.

Statistics starkly demonstrate private school domination of Grade A achievement. Last year 50% of A levels sat in independent schools were passed at Grade A, compared with 20% in comprehensives. 31% of independent school candidates secured AAA compared with 10% across all state schools. Just as crucially, independent school candidates are much more likely to sit A levels preferred by leading universities such as Maths, Economics and French. Last year 35% of all Further Maths and Modern Languages entries were from private sixth forms and the Independent Schools Council predict that many of the new A* grades, awarded for the first time this summer, are likely to go to pupils at their member schools. In spite of efforts by Oxbridge to widen access to state school applicants 50% of its undergraduates remain privately educated. Other leading Russell Group and 1994 group universities also admit a disproportionate number of independently educated students.

Against such a backdrop then it is not surprising that post GCSE many parents consider moving to an independent sixth form in order to maximise student potential.

Alistair Brownlow, Co Principal, Rochester Independent College.