Welcome to NUAST Sixth Form
We are delighted that you are considering NUAST Sixth Form as an option for your post-16 education.
I am incredibly proud to lead an outstanding provision, providing a top class education for the students of Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and beyond. Top flight education is going to open up opportunities at the cutting-edge institutions.
At NUAST16, we enable all students to fulfil their academic potential and go beyond what they thought possible. Specialist teaching staff, superb purpose-built facilities, an academically rigorous curriculum and expert support are the cornerstones that we provide young people with. Our professional pathways and super-curricular programme equip students to effectively prepare for post-18, whether that be to the country’s top universities or to a range of exciting apprenticeships.
Our students embrace the ethos of the academy and participate in a range of enrichment activities both within and beyond the school community. We have established strong links with the Queen’s Medical Centre and the University of Nottingham, and we have a number of industry partners. Many of our students volunteer supporting our local and school communities including mentoring our younger students.
If you would like any further information, help or advice in regards to NUAST16, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Cheryl Farrington
Assistant Head Teacher (Sixth Form)
About NUAST16
We are an outstanding STEM specialist sixth form which offers state of the art facilities and subject expertise.
If you choose to come to NUAST16, you will enter an environment where you will be professionals and role models for the school and the wider community. You will work in a highly aspirational environment that provides the support and structure to ensure you excel in your chosen field.
Whether you are considering going to university or down an apprenticeship route, we offer highly successful professional pathways to offer you a bespoke programme to create the best opportunities for you to succeed in your chosen area. We aim to provide excellent quality information and guidance to all of our students to equip them with the best possible foundations for their next steps after leaving NUAST16.
An Outstanding Sixth Form
NUAST16 is recognised as an outstanding Sixth Form by Ofsted.
Sixth Form students benefit from an exceptional provision including a high quality curriculum. Students also gain from a range of enriching opportunities. Many volunteer in the community and local hospital, for example. Leaders develop sixth-form students’ character exceptionally well.
A student who expressed a view typical of those of others said: “It’s a funky family — everyone is accepted and cared for, and it is a comfortable place to be.”
Life at NUAST-16
NUAST16 is an aspirational and ambitious sixth form. We pride ourselves in sharing our vision which is to support you in achieving more than you thought possible.
Being a sixth form student at NUAST16 means you are very much seen as a professional member of the school community which is reflected in our dress code.
Our sixth form students are actively involved in the leadership of the school. We have a sixth form student leadership team who work with the sixth form team, the academy’s senior leadership team and school council.
Our state of the art facilities coupled with expert staff allow us to offer a rich enrichment programme including Green Power and VEX robotics.
Student life chances are enhanced through a well established partnership with the universities of Oxford, Cambridge and Nottingham.
We have our eyes fixed on universities and apprenticeships. Aspiration is in our DNA!
Professional STEM Pathways
At NUAST16, we offer a wide range of subjects to select a bespoke programme of study suitable for your needs. These include a number of targeted career pathways, which run alongside our main offer.
Medicine
NUAST16 has an excellent track record of supporting students with medicine applications. Typically, the vast majority of our medicine/dentistry/pharmacology/veterinary students received offers from their choice of destinations.
We offer a personalised programme which includes 1-2-1 mentoring, personal development programme and a partnership with the University of Nottingham.
Subjects offered include:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Maths
- Psychology
Enrichment:
- Personal Development sessions to support application
- UCAT guidance
- Nottingham University taster sessions
- 1-2-1 mentoring from UCAS experts
- Mock interviews
Human Science
As part of our STEM offer, at NUAST16 we believe Human Sciences is a key component of our post-16 offer. Human Sciences is an interdisciplinary approach which enables students to study humans from multiple interconnecting perspectives across the biological and social sciences. These connections are essential for addressing major issues students face in a rapidly changing world.
We offer a wide range of subjects in this area, with highly experienced teachers, many of whom are examiners. This enables to offer the best support and advice for students pursuing a career in this area.
Subjects offered include:
- English
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Philosophy and Ethics
- Biology
- Maths
- History
- Politics
- Geography
Physics
Physics is central to understanding the natural world and supports many of today’s essential technologies. At NUAST16, our A-Level Physics course explores fundamental principles, from subatomic particles to cosmological scales.
The curriculum includes mechanics, electricity, thermodynamics, and quantum phenomena, alongside optional modules like Medical Physics and Astrophysics.
Strong links with the University of Nottingham provide access to undergraduate labs, enhancing practical skills. This hands-on experience, combined with our teaching and facilities, prepares students for university-level studies.
Subjects offered include:
- Physics
- Further Maths
- Biology
- Philosophy and Ethics
- Maths
- Computer Science
- Chemistry
Oxbridge Programme
NUAST16 offers extensive and experienced support in preparation for students who are applying to Oxford or Cambridge.
We have strong links with Peterhouse, Cambridge and Magdalen College, Oxford.
Our bespoke programme includes:
- Visits to Oxford and Cambridge
- Subject master classes
- Oxbridge Personal Development programme delivered by UCAS experts
- 1-2-1 mentoring for applications
- Mock interviews
Legal Programme
NUAST16 offers a wide range of subjects which are beneficial for students who are considering a career pathway within the legal system or a law degree. These subjects can help develop the key knowledge, skills and critical thinking required to excel.
The primary A-Level choices highly recommended are:
- English
- History
- Politics
- Maths
Secondary A-Level Choices for Law include:
- Geography
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Philosophy and Ethics
- Economics
- Business Studies
Super Curricular
NUAST16 Super Curricular is a key stepping stone to broaden students experiences and knowledge beyond their academic studies and give a broader insight into potential career and degree choices.
As young adults, it is important to consider particular passions, strengths and interests. We know that universities and industries take a holistic view of potential applicants, talking into consideration both academic and wider attributes.
Our Super Curricular programme supports students in ensuring they have the very best chance of succeeding in their chosen area of interest.
Enrichment activities include:
- VEX Robotics
- Greenpower challenge
- Leave your Legacy
- Young Enterprise
- Public speaking
- Warhammer Club
- QMC Volunteering
- Crest Award
- Maths and Physics Society
- Extended Project Qualification
- UKMT Maths competition
- Islamic Society
- Medical Society
University Applications
Ensuring NUAST16 students can access undergraduate courses at the very best universities is a key priority for the academy. As a specialist academy, we can offer the care, support and guidance students need to ensure they apply for the right courses, jobs or higher apprenticeships.
To ensure that our students receive the very best advice and guidance when applying through UCAS, we have teamed up with the University of Nottingham admissions team. They are providing training, advice and support to our students and staff, offering an invaluable insight into how to deliver the very strongest applications.
In addition, we have an experienced Assistant Head Teacher (Post-16) leading our sixth form, who oversees the induction, mentoring and academic progress of our students along with the wider team. Excellent support is also given with the UCAS process and employment/higher apprenticeship applications.
Higher Apprenticeships
The unique nature of the courses offered by NUAST16 mean that our students are well equipped to access university or higher apprenticeships. Unlike with UCAS, the pathway to securing a higher apprenticeship requires specialist knowledge and support.
At NUAST16 we not only have the experience to guide our students through that process but can use our unrivalled links with local business to access the very best apprenticeship opportunities in the region.
With so many of our business partners regularly visiting us, every day at NUAST16 is a potential job interview.
Each year, we have students offered work experience and company placements as a result of the enrichment activities which are the norm at NUAST16.
Biology
Business
Chemistry
Computer Science
Economics
Electronics
Engineering Design
English Literature
EPQ
Further Maths
Geography
History
Mathematics
Philosophy and Ethics
Photography
Physics
Politics
Product Design
Psychology
SociologyApply for a place
We are currently accepting applications for September for Year 12 students.
We understand that choosing the right post-16 provider is a very difficult decision. We would encourage you to come and meet us before making a final decision. The Sixth Form Team will always endeavour to be available to meet you.
By meeting one of the team, you can talk through any questions you might have and we can provide you with all the latest news regarding the exciting enrichment activities and industry links that make NUAST16 such a unique sixth form.
The actual application process for a place at NUAST16 is very straightforward. You can apply directly for Year 12 places using the application form below.
Entry requirements
We have general entry requirements for entry to study A-Levels at NUAST16 and some subjects have specific requirements (see the Course Guide for full details).
The general entry requirements for A-Level are at least five grade 6s across your GCSE subjects, including a grade 4 and above in both Maths and English.
Course requirements for vocational courses are five grade 4s with a grade 5 in Maths.