Sixth Form Hertfordshire

Choosing the right sixth form is one of the most important decisions a young person will make. At St Columba’s College in St Albans, we offer something genuinely distinctive. Our Sixth Form Hertfordshire families trust is far more than an academic stepping stone. It is a community where students are known, valued, and treasured.

We believe that the sixth form years should be transformative. So, we have built an environment where academic ambition and personal growth sit side by side. Every student who joins us enters a place where their potential is actively nurtured and their individual journey truly matters.

A College Within A College

Our Sixth Form operates as a thriving community within the wider college. Students step into a senior role, and consequently, they begin to lead from the front. They take on responsibilities, mentor younger pupils, and develop the confidence that prepares them for life beyond school.

Furthermore, our students benefit from a culture of high expectation and genuine care. We do not simply teach students to pass exams. We educate them for life, shaping resilient, kind, and ambitious young adults who go on to make a real difference.

Exceptional Academic Results

Academic achievement is at the heart of what we do. Our results speak clearly. A high proportion of A Level grades are awarded A* to B, and a significant number reach A* to A. These outcomes reflect both our students’ hard work and the excellent teaching they receive throughout their time with us.

Additionally, our students secure places at some of the country’s most respected institutions. A strong percentage gain entry to Russell Group and top ten universities, including Loughborough and Bath. Several students who choose to study in the United States receive scholarships or bursaries, which is a remarkable achievement and a testament to how well prepared they are.

Our apprenticeship outcomes are equally impressive. Columbans have gone on to secure apprenticeships at organisations such as Amazon, PwC, and Transport for London. So, whatever path a student chooses, we help them get there.

Personalised Pastoral Care

Academic success matters enormously, and equally important is the pastoral support that underpins it. At St Columba’s, every student is personally known by their teachers and pastoral team. We take the time to understand each individual, their strengths, their challenges, and their ambitions.

The Good Schools Guide has praised our “exemplary pastoral care and great teaching” alongside our emphasis on co-curricular life. That recognition reflects what we strive to deliver every single day. Parents and students alike consistently tell us they feel genuinely supported and cared for throughout the sixth form journey.

A Rich Co-Curricular Life

Life at our Sixth Form extends well beyond the classroom. We offer a wide range of co-curricular activities that help students grow in confidence, develop new skills, and form lasting friendships. Whether through sport, the arts, community service, or leadership programmes, there is something meaningful for everyone.

Moreover, students in our Sixth Form take on leadership roles across the college, from house captains to mentors and representatives. These experiences build real-world skills that universities and employers actively look for. Consequently, our students leave with not just strong grades but well-rounded profiles that set them apart.

Careers Education That Makes A Real Difference

We take careers education seriously and integrate it throughout the sixth form experience. Our dedicated programme, Careers Education Every Step Of The Way, ensures students receive the guidance, insight, and exposure they need to make confident decisions about their futures.

We bring in industry speakers, facilitate work experience, and support students through university applications, UCAS, and apprenticeship pathways. As a result, students leave St Columba’s with clarity about where they are heading and the skills to get there.

For further information on how sixth form education in the UK is structured, the UCAS website offers a clear overview of A Level pathways and progression routes.

St Albans: An Ideal Location In Hertfordshire

Our college sits in the heart of St Albans, one of Hertfordshire’s most vibrant and well-connected towns. Students travel to us from across the county and beyond, and we offer excellent transport links to make the daily commute straightforward.

The location means students enjoy the best of both worlds: a close-knit school community in a beautiful setting, and easy access to London and the wider region. For families searching for sixth form Hertfordshire options that combine quality education with accessibility, St Columba’s is a compelling choice.

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Our Values Shape Everything We Do

St Columba’s College is guided by a strong ethos rooted in our Catholic values. We welcome students of all faiths and none, and our community is richer for that diversity. We believe that education is about creating a life, not simply making a living.

Those values run through everything we do, from the way teachers engage with students to the way students treat one another. Kindness, integrity, and service are not just words here. They are lived daily by every member of our community.

Get In Touch

We would love to welcome you and your family to St Columba’s College. The best way to experience our Sixth Form is to visit us in person and see our community for yourself.

To book a visit or find out more about joining us for Year 12, please contact our admissions team. We are always happy to answer questions and help families feel confident about their next steps.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Serving students from St Albans and Hertfordshire and the following areas:

Baldock, Barnet, Berkhamsted, Bishop’s Stortford, Borehamwood, Broxbourne, Bushey, Cheshunt, Chorleywood, Croxley Green, Elstree, Harpenden, Hatfield, Hemel Hempstead, Hereford, Hitchin, Hoddesdon, Letchworth, Potters Bar, Radlett, Rickmansworth, Royston, Sawbridgeworth, South Oxhey, St Albans, Stevenage, Tring, Waltham Cross, Ware, Watford, Welwyn Garden City