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Sixth Form

Student Support​

In CAST Sixth Form we strongly believe that good education should be available to all.  The transition from school to Sixth Form and beyond is an exciting time and one which brings many challenges. We aim to support and guide students every step of the way to bridge the divide between school, university and employment.

Pastoral support

Each student is assigned a Form Tutor.  Students meet their Form Tutors regularly for mentoring meetings and in Wider Curriculum sessions. The Head of Sixth Form works closely with Sixth Form students and Form Tutors to oversee their journey through CAST Sixth Form.  The Sixth Form pastoral team is strengthened by an experienced support team, including an Inclusion Coordinator, Pastoral Coordinator and Attendance Officer whose wealth of experience can provide additional support and guidance if required.  We also have access to professional counsellors if this is required.

Special educational needs and disability (SEND) support

Our dedicated SEND staff develop individual strategy plans with students and their families to ensure that classroom teachers are informed of the best teaching approaches. Specific support structures for those with local authority education and health care plans for high level needs are thoughtfully designed and delivered. Our aim is that all students have the skills necessary for a successful transition to university, apprenticeship or work when they leave CAST Sixth Form.  The SEND team also ensure that students have appropriate exam access arrangements where required.

Disadvantaged support (16 to 19 Bursary Fund)

The 16 to 19 Bursary Fund provides financial support to help students overcome specific financial barriers they may face that would prevent them remaining in education. We would strongly encourage all eligible students to apply.  The bursary fund is intended to help students with the costs of participating in education.  Bursaries fall into 2 categories.

Bursaries for students in vulnerable groups

  • In or recently left local authority care
  • Get Income Support or Universal Credit because they’re financially supporting themself
  • Get Disability Living Allowance (DLA) in their name and either Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit
  • Get Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in their name and either ESA or Universal Credit

Students who fall into one of the above groups are entitled to up to £1,200, please be aware decisions are based on students’ individual circumstances and their actual financial need.

Discretionary bursaries

Are based upon individual circumstances - this usually includes family income.

Funding is provided by the Education & Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) and administered by CAST Sixth Form. CAST Sixth Form carries out a financial assessment of each applicant and administers bursaries in line with the ESFA’s Bursary Fund Guide and as set out in the attached policy.

United Learning Hub

United Learning comprises: United Learning Ltd (Registered in England No: 00018582. Charity No. 313999) UCST (Registered in England No: 2780748. Charity No. 1016538) and ULT (Registered in England No. 4439859. An Exempt Charity). Companies limited by guarantee.
Registered address: United Learning, Worldwide House, Thorpe Wood, Peterborough, PE3 6SB.

Financial Accountability and Freedom of Information

United Learning