Sixth Form

If your child isn’t quite ready to move on to college after Year 11, you’re not alone. Many young people with SEND need more time to build confidence, independence and the qualifications they need.

Our specialist Sixth Form offers a safe , nurturing, structured alternative to college, helping students develop academic, social and life skills at their own pace.

Who is this for?

Our Sixth Form is designed for students aged 16–19 who:

• Have SEND needs and would benefit from a smaller, specialist setting
• Are not yet ready for the demands of being independent at college
• May need to strengthen core skills or retake English and Maths GCSEs or Functional Skills
• Would benefit from continued therapeutic support
• Find large environments or traditional work experience challenging
• Need time to develop confidence, social skills and independence

The Unicorn School provides a calm, supportive bridge between school and further education.

A nurturing and structured environment

Students learn in:

• Small classes
• A structured and predictable setting
• High adult-to-pupil ratios

We build on existing relationships or quickly establish new ones, ensuring students feel safe and understood. Our curriculum is designed to gradually build independence over time.

What makes our Sixth Form different?

Integrated therapeutic support

For many students, building confidence and independence is just as important as gaining qualifications. Our students benefit from the following therapeutic support, which is woven into students’ daily learning both in the home and in the community:

• Speech and Language Therapy – focusing on independence and social communication.
• Occupational Therapy

Flexible qualification pathways 

Students follow personalised programmes including:

• iGCSE resits (English and Maths)
• Functional Skills (English and Maths Level 1)
• ASDAN and BTEC qualifications

Pathways range from Entry Level 3 to Level 2, ensuring each student progresses at the most appropriate and ambitious level for them.

Preparing for adulthood

We focus on independent living skills, including:

• Organisation and communication
• Budgeting and money management
• Cooking and self-care

Students take part in a weekly Independent Living programme, both in school and in the community.

Supported work experience and employability

We offer supported, structured work experience, including:

• Group-based placements
• Gradual exposure to workplace expectations
• Development of key skills such as teamwork, communication and reliability

Community connection 

We help students build confidence beyond the classroom by:

• Engaging with the local community
• Developing meaningful connections
• Taking part in real-world activities

Working with partners such as Earth Trust allows students to experience real-world activities that build confidence, independence and a sense of belonging.

Supported transition to college

Students attend Oxford City College o ne day per week, with support where needed. This allows them to:

• Experience college safely
• Explore vocational options
• Build independence at a manageable pace

Some students progress to attending independently as their confidence grows.

Social enterprise opportunities

• Students take part in social enterprise projects, helping them:
• • Develop practical work skills
  • Build confidence and responsibility
  • Experience real-world outcomes

A flexible programme

Students attend the Sixth Form on a full-time basis, within a structured and supportive environment. The length of time they remain with us is flexible and based on individual needs—they do not need to commit to a fixed two-year programme.

Our focus is on preparing each student for their next step at the right pace.

What outcomes can you expect?

Students leave with:

• Greater confidence and resilience
• Stronger social and communication skills
• Recognised qualifications
• Practical life and work skills
• A clear pathway into college, training or supported employment

Most importantly, they leave feeling ready for what comes next.

A bridge into adulthood

Not every young person is ready to move straight into college.

Our Sixth Form provides the time, structure and specialist support needed to make that transition successfully.

Get in touch

The best way to understand our provision is to come and visit us.

We offer small, relaxed visits where you can:

• Meet our specialist team
• Ask questions
• Explore whether this is the right fit for your child

Contact us to discuss whether our Sixth Form provision could be right for your child, whether they’re currently at The Unicorn School or would be joining us for the first time.

We welcome students from Oxfordshire and beyond, including those currently attending mainstream or specialist schools.