Student Life

Your Future Starts Here

Strong academic results, modern facilities and opportunities that take you beyond the classroom. At Rivington & Blackrod Sixth Form, you’ll find the space to work independently, explore your interests and build your future.

With dedicated study pods, your own Common Room and Bistro, and a wide range of personal development opportunities, life here is about achieving your ambitions and enjoying the experience along the way.

Whether you’re continuing from Rivington & Blackrod High School or joining us from elsewhere, you’ll become part of a welcoming community where you’re known as an individual and treated as a young adult.

Your Space to Study and Socialise

Our modern Sixth Form facilities give you a choice of spaces to focus, collaborate and unwind between lessons.

• Study pods and quiet working areas for focused independent study

• ICT facilities and dedicated study rooms to support coursework, research and revision

• A Sixth Form Common Room to catch up with friends and relax

• Your own Bistro serving hot and cold food, with vending machines also available

Our four-day taught week includes a structured independent study day, giving you greater responsibility for your learning while helping you develop the organisation and time-management skills needed for your next step.

Opportunities Beyond Your Courses

Your Sixth Form experience should give you more than qualifications. Our enrichment and personal development programme offers opportunities to discover new interests, take on responsibility and gain experiences that strengthen university, apprenticeship and employment applications.

The programme evolves each year, with recent opportunities including:

Explore Your Future

• Visits to universities including Manchester, Cambridge and Lancaster

• A partnership programme with Lancaster University, offering mentoring, residential visits and access to a bursary

• Attendance at the Royal College of Surgeons Conference for aspiring medics

• Mentoring and careers guidance from a partner at a leading Manchester law firm

• Work placements in local primary schools and care homes

Broaden Your Horizons

• International trips and exchanges, including New York and Ann Arbor, Michigan

• Educational visits to Krakow and Auschwitz

• Visits to Parliament, meeting our local MP and observing Prime Minister’s Questions

• Conservation programmes with Lancashire Wildlife Trust

Get Involved

• Football and netball in the North West Colleges League, alongside other sporting opportunities

• Drama and music productions

• Direct entry to the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award

• Leadership, mentoring and coaching roles within the Sixth Form and wider school community

There are also opportunities to extend your academic interests through Further Mathematics and additional qualifications.

Independence, with Support When You Need It

Greater independence comes with knowing there’s someone to turn to. Our experienced team will get to know you, help you stay on track and support you in making informed decisions about your future.

You’ll have a dedicated tutor who acts as your mentor and adviser, alongside access to guidance on academic, personal, health and financial matters.

Regular feedback and progress reviews help you understand how you’re doing and where to focus next. When it’s time to move on, we’ll support you with university applications, apprenticeships and employment options, including guidance during results and post-results periods.

Your views help shape the Sixth Form experience, from facilities to enrichment. We want you to feel confident contributing ideas, taking opportunities and making the most of your time here.

Sixth Form Bistro

Open from 10am to 2pm, our dedicated Bistro serves a range of hot and cold meals, giving you a convenient place to pick up lunch or take a break with friends.

Cashless payment is available, and vending machines can also be found in the Common Room.