Choosing where to spend Years 12 and 13 is one of the most important decisions a young person will make. It shapes not only A-level results, but also the friendships, confidence and independence that students carry with them long after they leave. So, what is life actually like inside an independent sixth form in Surrey? Here is a real day in the life at Surbiton High School Sixth Form — from the first bell of the morning to the quiet hum of the study area in the afternoon.
The day begins: assembly, form time and a close-knit community
A typical day in the Sixth Form begins with assembly and form time. With smaller form groups, students quickly build close relationships with one another and with their Form Tutors. It is a welcoming and relaxed environment where connections develop naturally through conversation and shared experiences.
This matters more than it might first appear. Students joining us in Year 12 — whether moving up from our own Senior School or arriving from elsewhere — particularly value the opportunity to get to know others quickly. It helps them settle confidently into Sixth Form life and feel part of the community from the very beginning. For families comparing private sixth forms in Kingston upon Thames and the wider Surrey area, that sense of belonging is often the deciding factor.
Lessons: small class sizes and genuine academic depth
After form time, lessons begin. Smaller class sizes allow for real academic depth, cultivating engaging discussions and deep dives into the topics that genuinely interest students. Teachers are passionate and approachable, encouraging students to seek support whenever it is needed.
There is a particular character to learning at this level. Our teachers recognise that Sixth Form students are mature and independent, and they foster a strong culture of focused study — one in which students feel both challenged and supported in equal measure. It is the kind of environment that has helped establish our reputation as one of the good sixth forms in Surrey for students who want to be stretched without being overwhelmed.
Beyond the classroom: extracurricular life
A sixth form education is about far more than lessons, and beyond the classroom there is a huge range of co-curricular opportunities available. Whether through rowing, hockey, tennis, drama, music, or one of the many other clubs and societies, students are encouraged to pursue their interests and build friendships across different year groups.
One of the things that makes our independent school in Surrey distinctive is the strong sense of cohesion between the Sixth Form and the lower school. Older students mentor, coach and perform alongside younger ones, and that connection is hugely enriching — a genuinely valued part of the social fabric of school life.
Free periods, facilities and the freedom of Sixth Form life
Free periods provide flexibility throughout the day, and learning how to use them well is one of the most valuable lessons of all. Students can balance focused work in the dedicated Sixth Form Study Area — a calm, quiet space designed for independent study and concentration — with time in the Common Room, where they can chat with friends, enjoy the café, and take a break between lessons.
The Sixth Form also organises events exclusively for its students, such as a recent ‘Yo! Sushi’ pop-up, which add to the lively and sociable atmosphere. During free periods, break and lunchtime, students can enjoy the freedom that comes with Sixth Form life, too. In the summer months, many take the opportunity to walk down to the river, sit by the water in the sunshine, and enjoy a welcome change of pace during the school day. It is this blend of independence and structure that sets a private sixth form experience apart.
Leadership and super-curricular opportunities
There are also many opportunities for leadership across all areas of school life. Students can take on responsibilities through sport, the arts, committees and wider school initiatives, helping them to develop the confidence, teamwork and communication skills that universities and employers value so highly.
Alongside this, the Sixth Form offers a wide range of super-curricular opportunities, including programmes such as our Oxbridge Programme, which engages students with considered, bespoke guidance for the most competitive university applications. For ambitious students choosing between sixth forms in Kingston upon Thames and across Surrey, this depth of academic support can make a real difference.
Why choose Surbiton High School Sixth Form?
Overall, the Sixth Form at Surbiton High School combines focused learning with a genuine sense of fun and community. With incredibly supportive teachers and pastoral leaders, excellent opportunities both inside and outside the classroom, and a balance of independence and guidance, it is a genuinely lovely place to study.
As an independent senior school in Surbiton, in the heart of Kingston upon Thames, we offer families across Surrey a private sixth form that takes both academic ambition and student well-being seriously. If you are exploring the best sixth forms in Surrey for September, we would love to show you around in person.
Ready to see it for yourself? Book a visit to our Sixth Form or explore Sixth Form admissions to find out more.
