Sixth Form Pathways & Opportunities
Three Pathways. One Sixth Form.
At The John Fisher School Sixth Form, we recognise that every student has their own strengths, ambitions and aspirations. That's why we are proud to introduce three distinct pathways – Veritas, Vita and Via – each designed to provide students with the right opportunities, support and guidance to achieve their full potential.
Whether students aspire to attend university, pursue an apprenticeship or enter the world of work, our Sixth Form offers a supportive and ambitious environment in which they can thrive.
Alongside academic achievement, we place great importance on personal development, leadership and service, ensuring that every student leaves The John Fisher School with the confidence, skills and values to succeed in their next steps.
Explore Our Three Sixth Form Pathways
VERITAS
Our Flagship Academic Scholarship Pathway
Veritas is designed for academically ambitious students who wish to challenge themselves, develop their intellectual curiosity and prepare for highly competitive university courses and future careers.
Entry Requirements
Students must achieve:
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Six GCSEs at Grade 7 or above, including Mathematics and English Language or Literature.
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At least four GCSEs at Grade 8 or above.
What Does Veritas Offer?
Students on the Veritas pathway will be invited to study up to four A-Levels in Year 12, alongside an extensive programme of academic enrichment, university preparation, Catholic intellectual formation and leadership development.
Through the dedicated Veritas Scholars Programme, students will have opportunities to broaden their academic interests, develop independent thinking and prepare for the challenges of higher education.
VITA
Our Traditional Academic A-Level Pathway
Vita provides a strong academic foundation for students looking to pursue their chosen subjects in greater depth, develop their skills and prepare for university, apprenticeships or future employment.
Entry Requirements
Students must achieve:
What Does Vita Offer?
Students will study three A-Levels, supported by high-quality teaching, academic guidance and a wide range of enrichment opportunities.
Vita students benefit from the same supportive Sixth Form environment, pastoral care and personal development opportunities available across all three pathways.
VIA
Our Vocational & Blended Learning Pathway
Via offers a flexible and practical approach to post-16 education, combining career-focused qualifications with opportunities for further academic study.
This pathway is ideal for students who wish to develop practical knowledge and skills while keeping their future options open.
Entry Requirements
Students must achieve:
What Does Via Offer?
Students will follow vocational qualifications, with the opportunity to access selected A-Level subjects where subject-specific entry requirements are met.
The Via pathway supports progression into further education, apprenticeships and employment, helping students build the knowledge, skills and confidence needed for their future.
Veritas Scholars Programme
Inspiring Academic Excellence, Curiosity & Leadership
The Veritas pathway offers much more than the opportunity to study an additional A-Level.
Our Veritas Scholars Programme provides a dedicated programme of academic enrichment and personal development, designed to inspire intellectual curiosity, encourage independent thinking and prepare students for ambitious futures.
Through a range of challenging and rewarding experiences, students are encouraged to explore ideas beyond the classroom, develop leadership skills and broaden their understanding of the world.
Programme Opportunities
Students will participate in:
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The Veritas Programme – encouraging wider reading, discussion and critical thinking.
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University Visits & Academic Lectures – providing exposure to higher education and academic life beyond school.
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Specialist University Preparation – tailored support for students aspiring to Oxbridge, Medicine, Dentistry and Engineering.
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Leadership Opportunities – developing confidence, responsibility and valuable interpersonal skills.
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Catholic Intellectual Formation – exploring faith, reason, ethics and the wider questions that shape our understanding of the world.
Opportunities for All Students
While participation in the Veritas Programme forms a compulsory part of the Veritas pathway, many enrichment activities will also be open to students following Vita and Via.
We believe that academic curiosity, personal growth and ambition should be encouraged across our entire Sixth Form community, allowing every student to explore their interests and pursue their aspirations.
Caritas Service Programme
Faith in Action. Service in Practice. Leadership for Life.
At The John Fisher School, our Catholic values are at the heart of everything we do. We believe that education should not only develop academic knowledge but also inspire students to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Our new Caritas Service Programme is an exciting addition to Sixth Form life, placing service, leadership and personal formation at the centre of the student experience.
Embedded within the Sixth Form timetable, the programme provides every student with meaningful opportunities to serve others, develop essential life skills and put the values of the Gospel into practice.
How Does Caritas Work?
Every Sixth Form student participates in the Caritas Service Programme.
Throughout the programme, students rotate through three key strands, each designed to develop different aspects of service, responsibility and leadership.
1. In-House Service
Supporting and Inspiring Younger Pupils
Students take on mentoring and support roles within The John Fisher School, working with younger pupils through structured programmes focused on English and Mathematics.
These experiences help Sixth Form students develop patience, communication, confidence and leadership skills while making a positive contribution to the wider school community.
2. Community Service
Making a Difference Beyond the Classroom
Students have opportunities to work alongside local Catholic primary schools, charities, parishes and community organisations.
Through meaningful service, students develop a greater understanding of the needs of others and the importance of contributing positively to their local communities.
3. Christian Leadership & Formation
Developing Faith, Character and Purpose
Students explore the principles of Catholic Social Teaching and their relevance to modern life.
Topics include vocation, leadership, service and the relationship between faith and everyday decisions, encouraging students to reflect on their responsibilities to others and the wider world.
Preparing Students for Life Beyond Sixth Form
The Caritas Service Programme provides students with more than valuable volunteering experience.
By participating in meaningful service and leadership activities, students develop transferable skills, build confidence and create a portfolio of experiences that can support applications for university, apprenticeships and employment.
Above all, Caritas encourages students to become compassionate, responsible and confident young men who are ready to contribute positively to society.
Our Sixth Form Vision
Scholarship. Service. Leadership.
At The John Fisher School Sixth Form, our ambition extends beyond academic results.
Through our three pathways, dedicated enrichment opportunities and the Caritas Service Programme, we aim to provide every student with an education that nurtures academic excellence, personal responsibility, faith and character.
Our vision is simple: scholarship, service and leadership working together to form young men of faith, character and purpose.
Discover More About Our Sixth Form
Interested in finding out more about our pathways and the opportunities available?
Explore our Sixth Form prospectus or join us at an upcoming open event to meet our staff, discover our facilities and learn more about life at The John Fisher School.
VIEW OUR SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS (Link to be confirmed)