Ursuline Academy Sixth Form Prospectus

Sixth Form Prospectus

Message
from the
Headteacher
As the proud headteacher of this academically thriving
institution, I extend a warm welcome to all prospective students
and families considering 6th form at the Ursuline Academy. At
our school, we foster a nurturing and inclusive environment,
embracing students from diverse backgrounds and beliefs. Our
commitment to equity ensures that every individual is valued
and celebrated.
“We have a dedicated and
passionate team of specialist
teachers who work tirelessly to
provide an excellent education
for our students. Our students
have consistently achieved
great results, and we are proud
to say that our sixth formers
go on to attend some of the
most prestigious universities in
the country as well as exciting
higher-level apprenticeships”
- Headteacher
At Ursuline, we uphold the core value of Serviam, and we
are dedicated to nurturing young women who are not just
academically driven but also compassionate, forgiving, generous
in spirit, and resilient. Our aim is to develop individuals who are
not only active participants within our school community but
also agents of positive change in the wider world.
By joining our 6th form, students become part of a larger global
network of Ursuline schools, united by a shared mission. Our
collective focus encompasses academic excellence, service
inspired by the teachings of St. Angela Merici, exceptional
pastoral care, and the cultivation of young leaders.
Within our 6th form, students will discover a pathway to an
excellent education and promising future prospects. Our
community is one where students flourish both academically
and socially. We are immensely proud of our extensive alumni
network, where many former students return to inspire our
students. Our alumni have embarked on successful careers
spanning the realms of Arts, Law, Medicine, Engineering,
Education, and beyond.
Here at Ursuline Academy, we empower our students to set
ambitious goals and provide unwavering support as they
embark on their journeys towards university courses and higher
apprenticeships. Join us, and together, we will help you become
the best version of yourself, shaping a bright future full of
promise and possibilities.
Fiona Stone BSc (Hons) MA NPQH
Headteacher

Our Mission
“Act move, believe, strive, hope, cry out to him with all your
heart, for without doubt you will see marvellous things…”
– St Angela Merici
The Ursuline Academy Ilford is a community of faith, love,
kindness and service. Guided by Gospel values and the Holy Spirit
we strive to create an inclusive environment where our diverse
community of young women can reach their full potential in all
their endeavours.
We are inspired by the witness of St Angela and our vibrant
community of faith, whose motto ‘SERVIAM’- I will serve, will
empower us all to play our full part in society.
To help bring this about Governors, leaders, teaching and
support staff commit themselves to:
• Recognising the value and God given uniqueness of every
student we teach and responding sensitively to their needs
and talents
• Ensuring equity in all we do and that equality of opportunity is
available to all;
• Providing opportunities to enable all students to develop and
grow intellectually and spiritually
• Building a community based on justice, trust, cooperation
and courtesy
• Inviting parents and carers to play an active role in their
daughter’s development, academically, socially, spiritually
and morally
“The Ursuline Academy Ilford
is a melting pot of different
cultures, religions and races,
this environment creates a
unique and stimulating learning
experience. This school has
instilled in me the core values
and qualities needed to flourish
both academically and socially”
- Head Girl

What’s special
about our
6th form?
There are a several characteristics and qualities that make
our sixth form unique and an excellent choice to pursue your
studies. Our sixth form is small with less than 200 students
across years 12 and 13. This allows us to get to know our
students well and provide teaching and support that is tailored
towards individual need. Our sixth form is all girls and, therefore,
provides a different atmosphere to the majority of mixed
sixth forms.
Whilst our sixth formers enjoy a range of freedoms and
privileges compared with the lower school, our students
still experience a full school day with clear structures and
expectations that support them to work hard and achieve their
full potential. One such example is the provision of structured
study time during the day where students are given guidance
on study skills and similar topics as well as having time in a
purposeful and quiet environment to develop good study habits
of their own.
“Do something, get moving.
Be confident, risk new things,
stick with it and then be ready
for big surprises”
- St Angela
There are extensive opportunities to go beyond the curriculum
and take part in enrichment and extracurricular activities
and this is something we strongly encourage. Several sixth
form students take on leadership roles each year which gives
further opportunity for personal development and important
experiences as students prepare for the next stage of their
educational or career journey.
Our students achieve well and go on to a wide variety of post
18 courses and opportunities with recent examples including;
study at elite universities such as Cambridge, studying highly
competitive courses such as medicine and entering sought after
apprenticeships with well-known finance companies in the city
of London.

Curriculum
The Sixth Form curriculum is an inclusive and inspiring offer
that is accessible for all students, ambitious, provides stretch
and challenge and is coherently planned to support students in
realising their full potential and in developing their talents.
The UAI Sixth Form offers a broad and rich curriculum with over
20 A level and Level 3 vocational subjects available for study.
This enables our students to choose and experience a tailored
curriculum that builds on their talents and strengths. Alongside
superb teaching, students will develop transferable skills to
support personal progression and pathways to the next stage
of their education and to enable them to become a successful
adult in working life and modern society through the variety
of enrichment opportunities on offer. Sixth Form students are
encouraged to join the Head Girl Team; take part in various
enrichment sessions and activities; apply to be on the Mentor
scheme to support lower school students and even lead and run
their own clubs doing something they love.
The UAI Sixth Form offers a diverse, broad and balanced range of
subjects of both academic and applied courses at level 3. These
courses have been planned and developed to allow all students
the opportunity to become experts within the subject and to also
develop transferable skills, supporting progression to the next
stage of further education and for a successful adult and working
life in modern society. The Curriculum has been well designed
and developed to prepare all students for higher education or
training courses which meet the needs of students and prepare
them with the skills required for local employment sectors.
The high quality of teaching in the Sixth Form leads to excellent
outcomes for all our students. Lessons are knowledge rich to
ensure our students are secure, developing and mastering across
their studies. Embedded throughout the Sixth Form curriculum,
our expert teachers and leaders personalise learning for each and
every student and encourage self-reflection and target setting for
maximum progress. Wider reading and research play a vital role
in each student’s journey with flipped learning providing
the ultimate springboard towards becoming an expert and
gaining independence.
“I chose to stay in the sixth form
because I felt like the school
provided a foundation for me to
build on, mentally emotionally
and socially. Being treated like
an adult has allowed me to grow
from a girl to a well-educated
and respectful woman”
- Year 12 Student
Celebrating
Success
We take immense pride in the accomplishments of all our
students. Throughout our rich history, we have consistently
guided young women towards the top universities, where
many have studied on the most prestigious courses. In recent
times, there has been a growing trend of students gaining
access to higher apprenticeships, marking a testament to their
determination and potential.
At Ursuline Academy, we stand by our commitment to nurturing
success in every student, regardless of their initial starting point.
We are so proud of those who achieve remarkable success in
their academic journeys, and we are unwavering in our dedication
to support every young woman to reach her fullest potential.

Tailored
Support
The Ursuline Academy Ilford is committed to ensure the
inclusivity and wellbeing of all of our students by providing all
the necessary support for young people with SEND.
Our students are invited to participate in discussions about
their aspirations, their needs, and the support that they require
in order to help them meet those aspirations. This support
promotes independence and enables our students to make
good progress towards their future goals, ensuring they live
independent lives as productive members of their community.
The Sixth Form Team in collaboration with the SEND Team will:
• Assess all the relevant information from the student, the
school and other identified professionals – this is then
discussed with student and parents
• Develop a support plan with the student which may include
assistive technology
• Ensure this plan is understood and implemented by all the
stakeholders of each individual student’s education particularly
subject Teachers
• Continue to review the effectiveness of the support plan in
the context of the student’s progress and future aspirations,
making adaptations where necessary
• Review exam access arrangements from key stage 4 and
ensure these are carried forward into key stage 5 where
appropriate as well as new referrals being considered
• Wellbeing support offered to pupils when required including
access to the school counsellor
“Leaders have developed an ethos
that encourages all to recognise
and value individuality”
Enrichment
We have ambitions for all our students to discover who they can
be and experience all and more that life can offer. At UAI 6th
Form, enrichment plays a fundamental role in developing each
and every young person in our care and we are proud to offer
a diverse and varied range of opportunities both within and
beyond our Sixth Form.
The Enrichment Programme offers all students in the 6th Form
an exciting range of non-examined activities to get involved
with, enabling them to develop valuable skills and qualities to
help prepare them for the next stage of their lives. The aim is
to provide students with a broader experience than just the
learning that takes place in the classroom.
All students are encouraged to immerse themselves in a
personalised enrichment programme that not only adds depth
to their studies but also allows them to flourish.
We are proud that our programme encompasses all areas of
our curriculum and some of the courses may lead to an external
accreditation. Our enrichment offer includes activities such as:
• EPQ - an A-level standard standalone qualification designed to
extend and develop abilities beyond the A-level syllabus and
prepare for university or future career
• Volunteering for Peer Mentors - mentoring younger students
• Subject Ambassadors Mentoring – academic peer mentoring
to enable students to work collaboratively to achieve success
• Sports Ambassadors
• Attending a university day at one or more of the
Russell Group universities
• Attending the annual UCAS Discovery Event in London
which provides students with the opportunity to meet over
100 universities, colleges, and apprenticeship employers
face-to-face
• Mindfulness and wellbeing club
• NHS cadets
• Newsletter
• Ted Talks
- OFSTED

“I chose not only to stay in a
good school that can provide me
with all I need to go onto further
education but I chose to stay
in a community where I know I
can reach my fullest potential in
an environment where I’m not
restricted in any way”
- Year 12 Student

“We are very pleased and
grateful for the care that our
daughter receives in school.
She has grown in confidence
and enjoys being at Ursuline”
- Parent
Pastoral Care
For students to flourish during their time in the sixth form, it is
crucial that they are happy, safe and motivated within school.
The Pastoral team within school ensure that this is the case.
All students begin the day by meeting their form tutor and
completing registration. This provides an important daily
contact and the form tutor’s role is to help students with any
issues or concerns they have, pass on important information
and ensure a positive start to the day. The form tutor will also
deliver our PSHE curriculum once a week and ensure that
form time is used productively to help students develop into
confident and competent young adults. An initial example is a
focus on adapting to sixth form life and developing good study
skills and habits. Support with applying to university or other
future pathways and preparing to manage personal finances and
manage workload and stress are just a few examples of areas
where students will receive structured guidance and support.
The team of tutors are led by our Head of Year 12 and Head
of Year 13. These colleagues coordinate the pastoral care of
all sixth formers. This may include contacting parents and
meeting if there are concerns about a student’s progress or their
wellbeing. The Head of Year will work with colleagues to closely
monitor progress in the sixth form to enable early and pro-active
intervention if there are any issues. Where a student has specific
needs or differing requirements to help them achieve their full
potential, the Head of Year will work closely with our Assistant
Headteacher SEND and Inclusion to ensure that a bespoke plan
is put in place and enacted.
The pastoral team also monitor attendance closely and will work
with students and their parents to support improvement in this
crucial area where necessary.
Our safeguarding team, led by the Pastoral Deputy Headteacher
will respond rapidly to any concerns surrounding a student’s
safety or wellbeing. This may involve working with and referring
to outside agencies and we also have the services of a school
counsellor where required.

“I left the Academy at the end of
Year 11 but came back again soon
after because I honestly missed
the comfortable feeling I used
to get coming into the school
community everyday. I feel
happy coming to school again
and am in the right mindset and
environment to learn”
- Year 13 Student
Facilities
Located in its own block, away from the main school, Hume
House provides a calm and exclusive space for our Sixth Form
students. There is a dedicated quiet study room together with a
more informal café’ area. Both rooms have PCs and a printer for
students to use.
The Café’ is open from 8am each day and serves a selection of
hot and cold drinks and snacks. Sixth Form students are also
welcomed to use the main Dining Hall where a variety of popular
hot dishes, including at least two vegetarian and a halal option,
are served each day. A selection of sandwiches, wraps and salads
are also available along with a variety of soft drinks.
There is also an additional large study room in the main building
where students are welcomed to use school laptops with access
to the school Wi-Fi.
Study skills
Independent Study is important in the Sixth Form and we
encourage our students to develop their engagement with
their subjects by engaging in and practising a range of different
approaches to independent study.
All Sixth Form students participate in our Study Skills programme
on a weekly timetable to develop their independent learning
abilities. Sessions are run by an experienced member of staff,
aimed at exposing pupils to a range of different approaches to
independent study in order to play to their individual strengths.
Note-taking, self-organisation and revision techniques are
covered among a range of other topics to facilitate A Level study.
These provided Study Skills sessions help students to make
progress in their subjects and develop ownership over their own
learning and future success.

Scholarship
The Ursuline Academy Ilford provides Academic scholarships to
students with outstanding GCSE results. The scholarship is
“We
intended
have
to aid our
a dedicated
most able students
and
in reaching their
full potential.
passionate team of specialist
There are two levels of scholarship:
teachers who work tirelessly to
Scholarship 1
provide an excellent education
for our students. Our students
have consistently achieved
Scholarship details:
great results, and we are proud
to say that our sixth formers
go on to attend some of the
most prestigious universities in
the country as well as exciting
higher-level apprenticeships”
Eligibility – For students who enrol in the sixth form to study 3
GCE A’ level subjects and who have achieved 8 or more passes at
GCSE at grade 7 or better including English and Maths.
• £500 in year 12 which is split over two payments of £250 made
to the student’s bank account (the first at Christmas and the
second at Easter). Whilst students can spend the money as
they choose, it is intended to support them with their studies
by paying for books / equipment or by enabling them to take
part in extracurricular activities / university open days / work
experience etc.
• Priority access to trips and events aimed at the most able
students (e.g. Oxbridge visits / Russell Group university
sessions etc.)
• Mentoring and guidance throughout the sixth form to assist
them with their next steps
- Headteacher
• Tailored support for university admissions tests e.g. UCAT,
LNAT, MAT etc.
Equity and
inclusion
At the Ursuline Academy Ilford we value and celebrate the
diversity of our school community and are committed to
ensuring that we are a fully inclusive organisation that prioritises
equity for all. We are determined to ensure that all members of
the school community have an equal opportunity to maximise
their potential, are valued equally and are treated with respect.
As a faith school, the gospel values of Justice and Integrity are
at the heart of our commitment to our Diversity, Equity and
Inclusion work, and provide the foundations for the everyday
workings of the school.
Working within a safe, welcoming and stimulating environment,
which embraces diversity and promotes respect, helps students
Message
fulfil their academic potential and become thinking, questioning
and caring members of society.
from the
Headteacher
As the proud headteacher of this academically thriving
institution, I extend a warm welcome to all prospective students
and families considering 6th form at the Ursuline Academy. At
our school, we foster a nurturing and inclusive environment,
embracing students from diverse backgrounds and beliefs. Our
commitment to equity ensures that every individual is valued
and celebrated.
“The level of support and
encouragement from staff and
students made my decision to
return easier - and I don’t
regret it at all”
At Ursuline, we uphold the core value of Serviam, and we
are dedicated to nurturing young women who are not just
academically driven but also compassionate, forgiving, generous
- Year 13 Student
in spirit, and resilient. Our aim is to develop individuals who are
not only active participants within our school community but
also agents of positive change in the wider world.
By joining our 6th form, students become part of a larger global
network of Ursuline schools, united by a shared mission. Our
collective Scholarship focus encompasses 2 academic excellence, service
inspired by the teachings of St. Angela Merici, exceptional
pastoral
Eligibility
care,
– For
and
students
the cultivation
who enrol
of
in
young
the sixth
leaders.
form to study at
least 3 GCE A’ level subjects and who achieved 6 or more passes
Within at GCSE our at 6th grade form, 7 or students better and will at discover least grade a pathway 6 in English to an
excellent and Maths. education and promising future prospects. Our
community
Scholarship
is
details:
one where students flourish both academically
and socially. We are immensely proud of our extensive alumni
• £300 in year 12 which is split over two payments of £150 made
network, where many former students return to inspire our
to the student’s bank account (the first at Christmas and the
students. Our alumni have embarked on successful careers
second at Easter). Whilst students can spend the money as
spanning the realms of Arts, Law, Medicine, Engineering,
they choose, it is intended to support them with their studies
Education, and beyond.
by paying for books / equipment or by enabling them to take
Here part at in Ursuline extracurricular Academy, activities we empower / university our students open days to / set work
ambitious experience goals etc. and provide unwavering support as they
embark • Priority on access their journeys to trips and towards events university aimed at courses the most and able higher
apprenticeships. students (e.g. Russell Join us, Group and together, university we sessions will help etc.) you become
the
• Mentoring
best version
and
of
guidance
yourself,
throughout
shaping a bright
the sixth
future
form
full
to
of
assist
promise
them with
and possibilities.
their next steps
Fiona Stone BSc (Hons) MA NPQH
Headteacher

Morland Road, Ilford, Essex, IG1 4JU
T: 020 8554 1995 • E: enquiries@uai.org.uk
www.uai.org.uk
Headteacher: Fiona Stone BSc (Hons) MA NPQH