Course Choice
Unlike some other sixth form colleges, we offer the opportunity to take any combination of 30
A level/Applied subjects, and we organise our timetable to avoid subject clashes. In addition, students can choose from 11
Level 3 Extended Diplomas including BTEC and University of the Arts London courses, along with
4 T levels. We also have
Level 2 and
Foundation options available.
Outstanding Results
Our high quality of teaching, facilities and academic support help every student get the best grades possible, and succeed. In 2024, we continued to achieve excellent results:
- 98% pass rate in A level, BTEC, CTEC and UAL level 3 courses, with 47% of those students achieving high grades.
- 96% of our 400+ UCAS applicants progressed to university - far higher than most colleges
- We are ranked the 2nd best sixth form college in the UK for student progression to university based on prior attainment
Ofsted rated ‘Good with Outstanding Features’
Following an inspection in November 2023, Ofsted graded St Francis Xavier Catholic Sixth Form College good with outstanding features.
Personal development and provision for learners with high needs were both graded outstanding, while good grades were received for quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, leadership and management and education programmes for young people.
With all areas being graded good or outstanding, the report contains many positive findings. Inspectors were particularly impressed by the
'welcoming nature of the college', the
'well-qualified teachers with strong subject knowledge', the
'exceptionally high quality' tutorial programme and the way
leaders and managers 'rigorously monitor the quality of education they provide.'
Full details and the link to the report can be found at
https://www.sfx.ac.uk/about-us/ofsted
Facilities
Our facilities are second to none, including our library, gym, sports grounds, music and media studios, chapel, and onsite Costa.
Student Enrichment
Student Enrichment plays an integral part in our student programme. Examples include:
- Speakers - we have a rich programme of visiting speakers (approximately one a week) across departments and topics. Recent speakers have included Lord Professor Robert Winston, Cephas Williams & Chuka Ummuna.
- Educational outings - these have included the Model United Nations conference in New York, a visit to the CERN particle accelerator in Switzerland and an English Literature trip to Paris. We also organise visits to university taster days and trips to the theatre, museums & exhibitions.
- Sport – all students are encouraged to get involved in our sports programmes. This include use of our amazing sports facilities such as our fitness suite, sports hall and outdoor pitch; joining our many and varied sports clubs & teams such as football, basketball, netball, hula, trampolining, table tennis and box-fit; and participating in sports trips including ice-skating, rock climbing and Go-Ape.
- Clubs & Groups - we have many clubs and groups, including our Student Union with a student-elected President and Vice President representing the students’ needs and interests, and contributing to decision making as Student Governors.
- Young Enterprise - we support students in entering the national Young Enterprise competition, where they set up and run their own business for a year, St. Francis Xavier have a track record of consistently making it to the Central London finals.
- Student Ambassadors - students with exemplary behaviour, attendance and punctuality are able to join our team of student ambassadors. The ambassadors represent the College at open days and interview evenings, along with a range of other activities, including photoshoots and supporting with social media campaigns.
Academic & Careers Support
Our teachers go above and beyond to ensure all of our students get the most out of their education. Plus, our dedicated academic and
careers support teams help every student to reach their full potential, and achieve their desired next steps. We cover the full range of support needed, from those needing help to stay on track, to
special support for Oxbridge and Russell Group applicants, and those going on to study medicine.
“The teachers helped me to achieve the highest grade possible”, Jannifer, former UAL Creative Media student (Distinction) now at University of Greenwich
“Teachers were hands on and incredibly supportive”, Kike, former Eng Lit (B), History (B), Politics (A) student now at University of Kent
Progression to University
The proportion of our students who go on to study at university is higher than many other sixth form colleges. In 2023, 95% of our UCAS applicant students went on to study a wide variety of courses at university and higher education institutions across the country.
“SFX truly helped me to get into university”, Joshua, former Sociology (B), Politics (B), History (C) student now training to be a lawyer
Student Support
We take the physical and mental health of our students seriously, and offer a full range of services designed to help foster wellbeing at the college. We have an excellent
pastoral care system. Each student has a Personal Tutor to guide them alongside their subject teachers. We have a specialist welfare team; together with the Designated Safeguarding Officer, there is a College Counsellor and a Student Welfare Officer on hand to support students experiencing personal worries or concerns. We also have an
Additional Learning Support team who are there to help students with specialist learning needs, as well as any student who is struggling academically.
Catholic Ethos
As a Catholic school we support and promote values such as kindness, inclusion and respect for everyone; and we pride ourselves on having a vibrant and supportive community. We warmly welcome students of all faiths and no faith. For those who want to make use of them, we have an on-site Chapel and Muslim & Multi-Faith Prayer Room.