If your child is sitting GCSEs this summer and you are considering a private sixth form for September 2026, the timeline can feel unclear. When should you visit colleges? When are application deadlines? What happens on results day?
This guide breaks the process down month by month, from now through to the first day of term. Whether you have been researching for months or are just starting to explore your options, this timeline will help you stay on track.
Where You Should Be Right Now: April 2026
Easter falls on 5 April this year, which means your child is likely in the final stretch of GCSE revision. That does not leave much time for sixth form research, but there are a few things worth doing now.
What to do this month
- Shortlist three to five colleges. Use the comparison tool on this site to narrow down your options based on location, subjects offered, and results. You do not need a final decision yet, just a working list.
- Check open day dates. Many private sixth forms hold spring or early summer open events. Some also offer individual tours by appointment. Our guide to what to look for at open days covers the questions worth asking.
- Review subject availability. If your child has a specific A-Level combination in mind, confirm that each college on your shortlist can deliver it. Timetable flexibility is one of the key advantages of private sixth forms, but it is still worth checking.
- Understand the fee structure. Costs vary significantly between colleges. Our guide to fees and financial aid explains what to expect and what additional costs to watch for.
May 2026: Exams Begin
GCSEs typically start in the second week of May. During this period, your child's focus should be entirely on their exams. But there are background tasks you can handle as a parent.
| Task | When | Who |
|---|---|---|
| Attend any remaining open days | Early May before exams start | Parent and child |
| Request prospectuses from shortlisted colleges | Anytime in May | Parent |
| Check entry requirements for each college | Mid-May | Parent |
| Note application deadlines (if any exist before results day) | Mid-May | Parent |
| Research boarding options if relevant | Anytime in May | Parent |
Entry requirements
Most private sixth form colleges ask for a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 5 or above, with grade 6 or 7 in subjects the student wants to study at A-Level. Some of the more selective colleges, particularly those with strong Oxbridge track records, may ask for higher grades.
However, private sixth forms are generally more flexible than state schools on entry. If your child narrowly misses a grade threshold, many colleges will still consider them based on interview performance and overall potential. This flexibility is one of the reasons families choose the private route.
Boarding or day?
If you are considering boarding vs day, May is a good time to have that conversation. Boarding adds a significant cost but also provides a structured study environment, social integration, and practical independence before university. Our guide covers the trade-offs in detail.
June 2026: Post-Exam Planning
Once exams finish (usually by late June), your child will have several weeks before results day. This is the ideal window for:
- College visits. If you could not attend open days earlier, book individual tours. Seeing the campus, meeting tutors, and getting a feel for the environment is important. Your child should be the one asking questions at this stage.
- Conditional applications. Some colleges allow you to apply before results day with a conditional offer based on predicted or expected grades. This gives you a secured place and reduces results day stress.
- Exploring alternatives. If your child is considering A-Level retakes or is unsure about their path, this is the time to discuss options openly. Private sixth forms are well set up for both first-time A-Level students and retake students.
Questions to ask during visits
When you visit a college, these are the questions that reveal the most about whether it is the right fit.
- What is the average class size for A-Level subjects?
- How is student progress tracked and reported to parents?
- What university application support do you provide?
- How do you handle it if a student is struggling with a subject?
- What enrichment or extracurricular activities are available?
- Can I see the sixth form's exam results broken down by subject?
The answers to these questions will tell you more than any prospectus. Pay attention to how openly staff discuss results and how specific they are about support structures.
July 2026: Decisions and Preparation
By July, you should be moving from research to decision-making.
Narrowing your shortlist
If you have visited three to five colleges, you will likely have a clear front-runner by now. The decision usually comes down to:
- Subject availability and teaching quality for your child's specific combination
- Location and commute (or boarding suitability)
- The feel of the place. This is subjective but important. Your child needs to feel comfortable enough to ask questions in class and engage with the community
- Cost and value. The most expensive college is not always the best fit. Compare what is included in the fees across your shortlist
Preparing for results day
Have a plan for both scenarios: your child meets their expected grades, or they do not. Private sixth forms are experienced at handling both situations on results day itself. Many hold dedicated enrolment days where families can come in, discuss results, and confirm places on the spot.
If your child is at a state school and considering switching to a private sixth form, it is worth informing the current school's sixth form before results day. This avoids an awkward conversation when they are expecting your child to enrol.
August 2026: Results Day
GCSE results day in 2026 falls on Thursday 21 August. This is the pivotal moment.
If grades meet expectations
Contact your chosen college to confirm the place. Most will have a process for this, often a phone call or online form on the day. If you made a conditional application in June, the college may contact you directly.
If grades are lower than expected
Do not panic. Private sixth form colleges are often more flexible on results day than state school sixth forms. Call the college directly and explain the situation. Many will still offer a place, possibly with adjusted subject choices or additional support in the first term.
This flexibility on results day is one of the most significant practical advantages of the private route. Our guide on GCSE results day and switching to a private sixth form covers this in detail.
If grades are higher than expected
If your child has outperformed expectations, it may be worth reconsidering colleges you previously ruled out. Some of the more selective private sixth forms will have places available even after results day, particularly if a student's grades demonstrate clear ability.
September 2026: Starting Sixth Form
The first day of sixth form is a significant transition. Private sixth form colleges typically handle this well, with structured induction programmes and smaller group sizes that make it easier for new students to settle in.
What to expect in the first few weeks
- Induction and orientation. Most colleges run a dedicated induction period covering timetables, expectations, and introductions to tutors.
- Baseline assessments. Some colleges assess students in the first week to identify any gaps from GCSE and tailor support early.
- Personal tutor meetings. Your child will usually be assigned a personal tutor who meets with them regularly throughout the year.
- University planning begins early. If your child is aiming for competitive courses like medicine or Oxbridge, preparation starts in the first term, not the second year.
The Full Timeline at a Glance
| Month | Key Actions |
|---|---|
| April 2026 | Shortlist colleges, check open days, review subjects and fees |
| May 2026 | Attend remaining open days, check entry requirements, research boarding options |
| June 2026 | Visit colleges individually, submit conditional applications |
| July 2026 | Finalise shortlist, prepare for results day, inform current school |
| August 2026 | Results day: confirm place, discuss options if grades differ from expectations |
| September 2026 | Start sixth form: induction, baseline assessments, meet personal tutor |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it too late to start looking at private sixth forms in April?
No. April is a perfectly reasonable time to begin your research. Many families start later than this, particularly those who were initially planning to stay at their current school's sixth form. Private sixth form colleges are accustomed to receiving enquiries right through to results day.
How much does a private sixth form cost?
Fees vary significantly depending on location, whether the student boards, and the college itself. As a rough guide, day fees typically range from £15,000 to £25,000 per year, with boarding adding £10,000 to £20,000 on top. Our fees and financial aid guide breaks this down in more detail, including bursaries and scholarships.
Can my child switch to a private sixth form even if they have a place at a state school?
Yes. There is no obligation to take up a state school sixth form place. You can apply to private colleges in parallel and make a final decision on results day. It is courteous to inform the state school if you decide not to take their place, but there is no formal process required.
Do private sixth forms accept students who want to retake A-Levels?
Yes. Many private sixth forms specialise in A-Level retakes and have dedicated programmes for retake students. This is actually one of the most common reasons families choose the private route.
Will my child settle in if they are joining a new school at 16?
This is one of the most common concerns parents have, and it is understandable. The good news is that sixth form is a natural transition point. At most private sixth forms, the majority of students are new, which means everyone is in the same position. Smaller class sizes and personal tutor support also make the transition smoother than it would be at a larger institution.
How do I know if a private sixth form is the right choice for my child?
Our guide to choosing a private sixth form walks through the key factors: subject availability, class sizes, pastoral support, results, and value for money. The best way to find out is to visit. No amount of research replaces seeing the college in person and talking to the staff who would be teaching your child.
Jonny Rowse
Education Editor
