Choosing a sixth form college in London can be tricky. There’s so much choice! 

With numerous top-tier institutions across the city, each offering distinct strengths and educational philosophies, finding the best fit can be a challenge.

From academically rigorous environments prioritising placements at prestigious universities, to innovative specialist centres with cutting-edge curriculums and nurturing communities – we’re here to help you navigate London’s diverse range of sixth form colleges.

We’ll explore the top ten sixth form colleges in London, helping you make informed decisions for your educational journey.

What are the best sixth forms in London?

London boasts some of the finest sixth form colleges in the UK, known for their excellent academic programs, supportive environments and wide range of extracurricular activities. Among the top ten are King’s Maths School, Newham Collegiate Sixth Form Centre, Harris Westminster and Ashbourne Independent Sixth Form College.

Whether you’re looking for a college with strong STEM programs, exceptional arts education or comprehensive student support services and opportunities for personal growth, there’s a sixth form for everyone.

Here are the top ten sixth form colleges in London, ranked by the percentage of pupils achieving A and A* grades at A Level.

1. King’s Maths School, Lambeth

Boasting an impressive 91% of grades at A*-A, King’s Maths School is the destination for aspiring mathematicians and scientists. Founded in 2014 and sponsored by King’s College London, this specialist school caters to students with a profound interest and talent in mathematics.

With 50% of students achieving straight A*s and over a third progressing to Oxbridge, King’s Maths School is a leader in post-16 STEM education. It offers unparalleled opportunities and pastoral support for its students  – and easily tops our list for academic achievement.

2. Newham Collegiate Sixth Form Centre (NCS)

In second place is Newham Collegiate Sixth Form Centre, another powerhouse of academic excellence. In 2023, 97% of A Level grades were A*-B, with 80% at A*-A. 

Established in 2014 and located in East London, NCS offers a challenging academic environment that fosters intellectual growth and ambition. The school prides itself on its combination of academic standards and a supportive environment that prepares students for top universities. 

An impressive 188 students achieved at least three A*-A grades in recent years, with many NCS alumni going to prestigious universities such as Oxbridge and the Ivy League.

3. London Academy of Excellence (LAE), Stratford

London Academy of Excellence in Stratford is a top-performing sixth form college that’s part of the LAE group. Achieving 92% of grades at A*-B and 65% at A*-A, LAE Stratford offers a curriculum designed to challenge and inspire its students. 

Founded in 2012, LAE Stratford collaborates with leading independent schools such as Eton College and Highgate School, providing students with exceptional resources and mentorship. These partnerships ensure students are well-prepared for higher education and the professional world, with many progressing to Russell Group universities.

4. Ashbourne Independent Sixth Form College

Situated in Kensington, Ashbourne Independent Sixth Form College has built a reputation for academic excellence and individualised teaching. With 77% of grades at A*-B and 54% at A*-A, the college emphasises personalised education with small class sizes and tailored support for each student. 

Established in 1981, Ashbourne offers a broad range of A Level subjects and prides itself on its vibrant and inclusive community. Approximately 60% of its students go on to study at Russell Group universities, reflecting the college’s commitment to academic achievement.

5. Harris Westminster Sixth Form

Harris Westminster Sixth Form, located in the heart of London, is a collaborative venture between the Harris Federation and Westminster School. With 73% of grades at A*-B and 49% at A*-A, it combines the best of state and independent education.

Opened in 2014, the college offers a rigorous academic program alongside a rich array of extracurricular activities, including debates, sports and arts. Its central location provides unique opportunities for cultural enrichment, making it a popular choice for ambitious students eager to make the most of the capital.

6. Woodhouse College, Barnet

Like many sixth forms on this list, Woodhouse College in Barnet is known for its strong academic performance and supportive learning environment. With 77% of grades at A*-B and 46% at A*-A, you’ll find a broad post-16 curriculum and extensive extracurricular opportunities. 

Founded in 1923, Woodhouse has a long history of academic success and a reputation for preparing students well for higher education – particularly Oxbridge entry.

7. Brampton College, Hendon

Brampton College in Hendon is a leading independent sixth form. With 74% of grades at A*-B and 44% at A*-A, it offers tailored support and small class sizes to ensure each student reaches their full potential. 

Established in 1989, the college provides a nurturing environment that encourages academic excellence and a balanced approach to learning. Over 60% of its students go on to Russell Group universities, reflecting the effectiveness of its individualised approach.

8. London Academy of Excellence (LAE), Tottenham

As the second LAE College on this list, LAE Tottenham is a highly ambitious sixth form. In 2023, its A Level pupils enjoyed 72% of grades at A*-B and 40% at A*-A. 

Opened in 2017 and partnered with Highgate School and Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, LAE Tottenham provides a supportive yet challenging environment for its students. The college focuses on preparing students for higher education and beyond, offering extensive pastoral care and academic support.

9. St Dominic’s Sixth Form College, Harrow

St Dominic’s Sixth Form College in Harrow offers a well-rounded education focused on developing the whole person – academically and personally. With 33.3% of 2023 A Level grades at A*-A and 61.9% at A*-B, it’s clear their approach works!

Founded in 1979, St Dominic’s is known for its inclusive environment and commitment to fostering student potential. The college also offers a range of extracurricular activities, ensuring students receive a balanced and enriching educational experience.

10. East London Arts and Music (ELAM)

Last but not least, we couldn’t not mention ELAM. This unique college is an industry academy located in East London, specialising in music, film and television production, and game design. 

Designed for 16-19-year-olds passionate about the creative industries, ELAM offers a distinctive curriculum that combines academic study with practical industry training. It’s difficult to compare directly with A Level results, but 60% of ELAM trainees (taking Level 3 Diplomas) received a Distinction* – the highest score possible.

With a focus on providing real-world experience and skills, ELAM prepares students for roles in the creative sector. The academy’s close ties with industry professionals ensures students have the latest knowledge and opportunities in their chosen fields. So if you’re hoping for a career in television, gaming or music, what are you waiting for!?

What is the top sixth form in London?

King’s Maths School is widely regarded as the top sixth form college in London. As we’ve seen, in 2023, students achieved an exceptional 91% of grades at A*-A. What’s more, over half of King’s Maths School pupils earned straight A*s. 

With a third of its students progressing to Oxbridge, King’s Maths School is the place to go if you’re interested in STEM. The school’s close affiliation with King’s College London also provides access to university-level resources and expertise, further enhancing your post-16 education.

Is King’s College London hard to get into?

Admission to King’s Maths School is highly competitive. Its popularity reflects its status as one of the top London sixth form colleges. So your GCSE grades need to be the best!

Prospective students must demonstrate strong maths ability through an entrance exam and interview. The school looks for candidates with a genuine passion for maths and a proven track record of academic excellence. 

For those interested in King’s College London university, the admissions process is equally rigorous, with a strong focus on academic achievement. For more information, read our UCL vs KCL comparison.

Is Harris Westminster Sixth Form good?

Harris Westminster Sixth Form is an excellent college known for its academic standards and supportive environment. 

We’ve seen how Harris Westminster students recently achieved 73% of grades at A*-B and 49% at A*-A, making it one of the top-performing sixth forms in London. So if you’re looking for an academically challenging yet supportive environment, you can’t get much better.

Harris Westminster’s unique partnership with Westminster School provides access to exceptional resources, including specialised teaching staff and extracurricular opportunities. Students are also exceptionally positive about their time there, testifying to its positive ethos.

Is sixth form harder than university?

Sixth form and A Level studies can feel challenging due to the depth of knowledge required. The focus on a narrow range of subjects (with most students taking three or four A Levels rather than seven to ten GCSEs) necessitates a high level of proficiency and understanding. 

So expect plenty of classroom sessions, homework, essays and coursework to help you get there. There’s no doubt, it’s a lot!

However, university education involves more independent study and research, higher-level analysis and a broader scope of academic exploration. While sixth form lays the groundwork for higher education, university demands greater self-discipline and a deeper understanding of complex topics. So overall, university is more academically challenging than sixth form. 

Focus on: The UCL Academy Sixth Form

We couldn’t talk about the best sixth forms in London without mentioning UCL Academy. While it may not sit among the top ten for A Level results, it’s an incredibly inspiring place to learn.

Students benefit from access to UCL’s world-class facilities and faculty, with an array of opportunities to enhance their skills and confidence. The academy’s unique peer-to-peer “learning sets” also ensure students develop the interpersonal skills to thrive academically and professionally.

Is UCL Academy Sixth Form good?

Among London’s many post-16 colleges, UCL Academy Sixth Form stands out due to its strong academic ties with University College London and its state-of-the-art facilities. Indeed, access to UCL’s resources and expertise significantly enhances students’ learning experience, providing opportunities that aren’t available at many other sixth form colleges.

Around 40% of UCL Academy A Level students go on to attend Russell Group universities, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence and student success. 

As well as academic success, UCL Academy’s focus on holistic development is particularly notable. It provides leadership opportunities including mentorship programs and community work, fostering a sense of responsibility and personal growth.

Can I get into UCL with bad GCSEs?

Both internal and external applicants to the UCL Academy Sixth Form must meet specific GCSE requirements: a minimum grade 5 in English and Maths, and a grade 6 in three other subjects. 

Additionally, each subject has specific entry requirements, detailed on the academy’s website. Meeting these criteria is essential for entry into the sixth form. 

These rigorous entry requirements ensure students are well-prepared for the challenges of A Level study and can thrive in an academically demanding environment.

Can I get into UCL with A*AA?

If you’d like to study at UCL (the university), you’ll be pleased to learn that A*AA at A Level is potentially more than enough to secure a place! UCL typically requires A Level grades ranging from A*A*A to ABB, depending on the course. 

For more information on UCL’s entry requirements and the application process, read our in-depth admissions guide to UCL. We’ve also got a complete guide to universities in London, including fees, reputation and rankings.

Are you considering sixth form in London? 

Choosing the right sixth form college is a crucial step in your academic journey. For personalised guidance and support with your studies, explore our academic coaching services. Whether it’s GCSEs, A Levels, exam strategy or personal statements and university applications, we’ll help you achieve your educational goals.