Biddenham International School and Sports College

Lessons are intended to account for students’ diverse needs.

“Our aim as a school is to provide high-quality lessons that take into account the diverse needs of our students.”

Teaching assistants predominantly support students with EHCPs, while support is also provided according to need.

“Our teaching assistants (TAs) are timetabled predominantly to support students with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP); we are, however, a ‘needs-led’ school and support is offered where it is required.”

The school emphasises knowing students as individuals rather than merely as data.

“We pride ourselves on knowing students; knowing the young people behind the numbers.”

Sixth-form students have daily contact and support from a form tutor, alongside continuing guidance from the pastoral team.

“As a sixth form student you will receive daily contact and support from your form tutor to ensure that you have a supportive point of contact, and they will be able to help you with all aspects of sixth form life. We are proud of the relationships that our pastoral team fosters with the students, providing guidance in the early stages of the transition to sixth form and ongoing support over the duration of their time with us.”

The school says enrichment opportunities within and beyond the curriculum are plentiful and widely available.

“Opportunities for enrichment within and beyond the curriculum are plentiful and we are committed to providing a wide range of opportunities for all our students.”

A Year 12 and 13 study-skills programme develops academic skills and supports career choices, university and apprenticeship applications, interviews, and financial understanding.

“We have a programme of study skills that runs throughout year 12 and 13 to support students with the necessary study skills such as organisation, time management, research skills, oracy and academic writing. These lessons develop to support students with their career choices, university and apprenticeship applications as well as interview skills and financial advice.”

Positive relationships among staff and students are explicitly cultivated and valued.

“At Biddenham we cultivate and value positive relationships between staff and students, between students themselves and amongst the staff team.”

The school promotes character development within a secure family ethos that celebrates diversity.

“We are also about building strength of character within a secure and embracing family ethos that celebrates diversity in all its richness and is underpinned by a culture of sporting and performance excellence.”

The school accepts internal and external applications to its sixth form.

“Sixth Form Admissions”

The sixth-form curriculum includes the Level 3 Extended Project Qualification alongside A levels, with students choosing either EPQ or Core Maths.

“The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is a Level 3 course which can be taken alongside A levels. Students opt for either EPQ or Core Maths.”

Internal Year 11 applicants receive a Google Form by school email and must submit it by the stated deadline.

“Internal Applications: If your child is already a student at Biddenham and is in Year 11, they will receive an Internal Application Google Form (which includes a requirements and courses information sheet) to complete. This is sent to their school email address. They will need to complete and submit their application by the deadline shown on the form.”

External applicants obtain the application form and course and requirements information from the website's Sixth Form section and must apply by the form's deadline.

“External Applications: Application form, information on courses and requirements for external applicants can be found on our school website under the Sixth Form section. Applications must be completed and submitted by the deadline date shown on the form.”

Post-school options include university, apprenticeships, school leaver programmes, supported internships and studying abroad.

“Some options are: university, apprenticeships, school leavers programmes, supported internships, studying abroad, etc.”

Students may take a gap year to gain experience or volunteer.

“You may prefer to take a gap year to gain experience or to volunteer.”