Whether you are new to Walton Academy from an external secondary school or currently in year 11 with us, thinking about your further education options can be overwhelming. To help you weigh up your options, some of our students have answered your frequently asked questions to support you in making your decision as to whether our sixth form is the best choice for you.
Our community
One of the things that makes Walton post 16 truly unique is its community. It’s diverse, inclusive, and progressive — a place where young people are empowered to be the leaders of tomorrow. Our students are critical thinkers, passionate learners, and change makers who are encouraged to challenge ideas and make a difference. At the same time, the community is tight-knit, with a real sense of people working together, supporting one another, and striving for the very best outcomes for everyone. This balance of ambition and togetherness creates an environment where every student can flourish.
Our facilities
Walton post 16 offers exceptional facilities designed to inspire and support every student. For those with a creative flair, our specialist arts provision includes a fully equipped dance studio, a professional-spec theatre and auditorium, photography dark rooms, and spacious art studios — making us the top choice if you’re passionate about the arts.
At the heart of our provision is the dedicated Post 16 Centre, located within the theatre complex. Here, students benefit from their own exclusive learning spaces, offering a balance of collaborative areas for group work and quiet study zones for focused learning.
STEM students benefit from a dedicated STEM building, alongside specialist faculty blocks across the site. The layout feels more like a university campus than a traditional school, with buildings organised by faculty. This gives you the freedom to move around the grounds independently, take breathers between lessons, and enjoy a more mature and inspiring environment.
Our outdoor spaces are equally impressive. With plenty of benches and seating areas, you can take your learning outside in the summer months. A newly developed garden, complete with fruit and vegetable plots, offers opportunities for students to get involved in hands-on projects while enjoying a calm and welcoming green space.
Our opportunities
We ensure that all students have access to an exceptional range of opportunities designed to enrich their education and personal development. Whether your interests lie in the creative arts, community service, or global exploration, there are numerous ways to get involved and grow beyond the classroom.
Our ATAAC enrichment programme allows students to take part as actors in staged emergency scenarios, supporting the training of emergency service professionals while developing confidence and teamwork. For those passionate about the arts, theatre productions offer roles both on stage and behind the scenes, with production positions especially popular for the wide skill set they build in organisation, leadership, and collaboration.
We also place great value on community engagement, with opportunities for outreach and volunteering that enable students to make a meaningful impact locally. A rich programme of trips and visits further enhances learning, from university open days and subject-focused excursions to international experiences such as World Challenge expeditions.
These opportunities are not only memorable but also instrumental in helping our students build valuable skills, broaden their horizons, and prepare for life beyond sixth form.
Putting you first
Our teachers are dedicated to doing what is best for you. At Walton, there is a focus on helping you discover your talents, develop your confidence, and use your voice to make a positive impact on the world and within your community.
While academic success and strong grades are highly valued, our staff believe that happiness and fulfilment are just as important. You won’t be pushed into a path simply because you excel in it; instead, you’ll be supported to pursue subjects and opportunities that inspire and motivate you. This balance of ambition and wellbeing ensures that you leave Walton not only with excellent results, but also with a sense of purpose and a genuine passion for your future.
Visit us
Choosing where to study for the next two years is a big decision — and the best way to know if Walton post 16 is right for you is to come and see it for yourself. Visiting gives you the chance to meet our staff, ask questions about the courses, and discover whether they are coursework-based, exam-focused, or a blend of both. You’ll be able to find out more about the modules on offer, where you’ll have the freedom to take greater ownership of your research and coursework, and learn about the curriculum-based trips that enrich your studies.
Equally important is experiencing the environment firsthand. Seeing our facilities in person allows you to ask: Do they meet my expectations? What matters most to me in a learning space? Did the staff and students make me feel welcome? These are the questions that can help you decide if Walton is the place where you’ll thrive academically and personally.
Be prepared to work hard
A levels are challenging, and it’s important to be realistic about the level of commitment they require. That’s why we encourage you to carefully consider whether your chosen courses are the best fit for you — both in terms of your strengths and your long-term goals.
At Walton post 16, you won’t be facing the journey alone. Our dedicated teachers and support staff are always on hand if you start to feel overwhelmed, offering guidance and strategies to help you manage your workload effectively. We want you to have a strong start and a successful finish to your studies, and that begins with making the right choices and being ready to put in the effort.
Post 18 options
There is no single route to success — it looks different for everyone. While many of our students choose to continue their studies at university, we make sure you’re fully informed about the wide range of post-18 options available, including apprenticeships, employment, and gap year opportunities.
Our support goes beyond simply presenting the choices. We provide tailored guidance to help you make confident, informed decisions about your future. This includes assistance with UCAS personal statements, interview preparation, and securing strong references. Whatever path you decide to follow, we’re here to ensure you leave Walton Post 16 ready to take your next steps with clarity and confidence.
