College vs Sixth Form: What’s the Difference?

Not sure what to do after your GCSEs? Don’t worry. Many students have been in your position. 

Two possible choices you may have heard about are college and sixth form. 

If you’re unsure what these are or how they differ, this guide will explain the key differences between college and sixth form. 

We’ll cover everything from teaching style and independence to subjects offered and social life. We’ll also include tips for choosing the best fit for you and explain how these options work.

Key Takeaways

• Sixth form offers a structured, familiar school environment: It usually offers mainly academic courses, like A Levels, with set timetables and more extensive support.

• College offers more independence and a wider range of subjects: It combines academic and vocational options, including A Levels, IB, BTECs and T Levels, with flexible schedules and a more diverse student body. 

• Both can lead to university and good careers: Qualifications are treated equally by universities and employers. 

• There is no ‘right’ decision: The option that’s best for you will depend on a range of factors, from courses to campus size and the support offered. Chat with people you trust and visit campuses during Open Days to see what feels right to you.

What Are Sixth Forms and Colleges?

 Both sixth forms and colleges are UK post-16 education providers, meaning they offer courses for students after GCSEs. There are, however, some important differences you should know about. 

Sixth Forms can be attached to a secondary school (meaning they provide education for Years 12 and 13, following Years 7 to 11 in the same school) or they may be standalone sixth form colleges that only offer education for these two year groups. Sixth forms tend to be smaller than colleges and generally focus on academic qualifications such as A Levels. Some sixth forms also offer IB, but this is less common.  

Colleges are independent institutions not attached to a secondary school. They tend to be larger, with some colleges having thousands of students. 

They often also offer a wider range of qualifications, including vocational qualifications such as BTECs (opens in a new tab), T Levels (opens in a new tab) and apprenticeships (opens in a new tab). 

Many colleges also provide courses for adult learners, including post-18 education like Foundation degrees (opens in a new tab), Higher National Certificates (HNCs) (opens in a new tab), and Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) (opens in a new tab), allowing students to continue studying beyond Year 13 if they wish.

Sixth Form vs College: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Independence and Learning Style

 Deciding between sixth form and college often comes down to how you prefer to learn.  

If you thrived in the structured environment of secondary school and found routine helpful, sixth form may be the better choice. It typically offers more direct support from teachers and can feel like a natural continuation from your GCSEs, with familiar expectations and surroundings. 

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more independent, flexible learning environment, college might suit you better. With larger campuses and a wider mix of students, college offers a more adult atmosphere. 

It can be a great stepping stone between school and university or work, as you’re expected to take more responsibility for managing your time, studies, and extracurricular activities.

Social Life and Environment at College vs Sixth Form

Your social life might also feel different depending on where you go. 

Sixth form often means staying at your current school or joining a local separate sixth form. You may already know your classmates and the atmosphere will likely be close-knit, as year groups can be small. 

The teachers and staff will likely follow similar rules and routines as in your secondary school. You may wear a uniform, although many sixth forms don’t require this. 

Colleges are typically much larger, with busier campuses and a more diverse student body. Your peers at college may include people from outside the local area, as well as adult learners. You may also have greater control over your timetable and freedom to decide which extracurriculars you want to do. 

Not sure which environment you prefer? Try visiting them on an Open Day to see if the place feels right to you. 

University and Career Progression

If you're planning to go to university, there's good news. Universities see qualifications from both sixth forms and colleges as equally valid. Whether you choose to study at sixth form or college, you won’t be at a disadvantage. 

Universities accept a range of qualifications through UCAS, including A Levels, IB, BTECs and T Levels. Before deciding, look at university entry requirements on their websites and check your chosen college or sixth form offers the qualifications and subjects you need to apply.

If you're interested in doing an apprenticeship, college is usually the better option. Apprenticeships combine study, hands-on training and real work experience, giving you a direct route into a career while still learning.

What to Consider When Choosing

Your Learning Style 

• Want structure and a familiar environment? Sixth form might be better since it offers a more rigid timetable and feels more like a continuation from secondary school.

• Prefer flexibility and independent study? College could suit you more as they offer more flexible timetables and expect you to engage in more self-led learning.

Course Availability 

• Not every sixth form or college offers every subject. Check websites or prospectuses to see if your preferred course is available nearby. You can also visit them on Open Days to ask directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is college easier than sixth form? 

Not necessarily. College may feel more relaxed, but you’re expected to manage your time independently and be self-motivated. The work is still challenging and qualifications are just as rigorous as at sixth form. 

Can I go to university from college?

Yes, universities accept qualifications from both colleges and sixth forms. What matters most is you choose the right subject and qualification for the course you want to study. 

Before deciding, check that your chosen college or sixth form offers what you need, and look at university entry requirements on their websites.

Is there more freedom at college than sixth form?

Generally speaking, yes. College students often have more control over their schedule, dress, and daily routines. But with more freedom comes more responsibility, so think hard about whether this is the right environment for you to thrive.

Can I switch from sixth form to college (or vice versa)?

Yes, but it's best to do this early, ideally during the first term, so you don’t fall behind. Speak to your current and prospective teachers before making a move.

What if I don’t know which to pick?

It’s okay to take your time over this decision. Talk to teachers, parents, friends, former students and careers advisors to help you decide which one is right for you. You can also visit them on Open Days and use their websites to compare course lists and extracurriculars. 

Final Thoughts

There is no ‘right choice’. Sixth form can often offer more structure and a school-like setting, while college gives you greater independence and a broader range of courses. Think about where you’ll feel most comfortable, motivated and supported.