Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Sixth Form College is a community of approximately 1300 students, based in South London. We are specialists in post-16 education, offering a wide range of A levels, BTECs, UAL Diplomas and T Levels, all of which are taught by teachers who are experts in their fields and in state-of-the-art facilities. We have a diverse student community, with young people travelling from across London and beyond to attend.
The College is proud of the work it undertakes to improve the social mobility of its students, and the proportion who go on to study at university is higher than many other sixth form colleges. Significant numbers of our students live within geographical areas rated by the Index of Multiple Deprivation as the most deprived, and the College is committed to removing barriers to learning for all. We understand that there are particular challenges for students who have experienced a ‘looked-after’ environment and offer the following support:
Transition to college: We recognise that choosing the most suitable college and courses can be difficult, and there are many opportunities for prospective students (and their carers and support workers) to visit the College prior to enrolment. These include open events, interview days and new student taster days. After students enrol, they can take part in a wide range of activities to help them settle in and get to know new people. These include sporting activities, contributing to numerous clubs and groups, and participating in college trips such as the annual visit to the Model United Nations conference in New York, which has been running for several years.
Financial support: There are two types of bursary administered by the College: the Discretionary Bursary and the Defined Vulnerable Groups Bursary. The funds from both of these bursaries will typically be used by the College for:
- Educational books and equipment for students’ specific courses
- Food whilst at College
- Trips and visits that are essential to a student's programme of study
- Travel to or from College, where the eligible student does not already receive free travel
- Industry or work-related placement costs
- Authorised university visits (e.g. university interviews, residentials, taster sessions)
- Digital device loan, such as an iPad or laptop
Along with other students, Looked After Children and Care Leavers can receive help with applying from the College.
Pastoral support: We have an excellent pastoral care system. Each student has a Personal Tutor to help them, alongside their subject teachers. We have a specialist Welfare team, College Counsellor and a Student Welfare Officer on hand to support students experiencing personal worries or concerns. Designated Teachers will normally be members of the Welfare team, who are all experienced in working with Looked After Children and Care Leavers.
Academic support: Saint Francis Xavier College works with a range of Virtual Schools to help to ensure that our care-experienced students reach their full potential. We follow a monitoring process and participate fully in Post-16 PEP meetings, with Designated Teachers collecting regular feedback. We recognise that all students are different, and the College offers a variety of personalised academic support, such as one-to-one progress reviews and small group interventions. We also have an Additional Learning Support team to help students with disabilities and special educational needs, as well as any student who is struggling academically.
Careers and Progression: Our dedicated academic and careers support teams help every student to aim high and achieve their desired next steps. We cover the full range of support needed, from help to stay on track, to special support for Oxbridge and Russell Group applicants, and those going on to study medicine.
Care experienced young people, foster parents, residential staff and external agencies can contact us on Email: [email protected] Phone: 020 8772 6000
