The Astley Cooper School

The SEND department is led by an Assistant Headteacher INCo and SENCo and includes specialist support staff.

“The SEND department is led by the Assistant Headteacher INCo and the SENCo alongside a number of well-trained staff, including Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTA) and Learning Support Assistants (LSA) and SEN teachers.”

Students may receive in-class support or targeted interventions to address individual learning needs and curriculum-access difficulties.

“We recognise that our students have individual learning needs and may have specific difficulties which hinder access to the curriculum. These may require in-class support or interventions for specific tuition and support.”

The school names one Designated Safeguarding Lead and two deputy leads.

“The school's Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL) are: Brett Daddow (Designated Safeguarding Lead): b.daddow@astleycooper.herts.sch.uk Julie Goodchild (Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead): julie.goodchild@astleycooper.herts.sch.uk Wendy Guest (Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead): w.guest@astleycooper.herts.sch.uk”

Every sixth-form student has a form tutor providing personal-development oversight and individual guidance through one-to-one tutorials.

“As well as subject teachers, all Sixth Form students are allocated a Form Tutor who oversees their personal development and provides individual guidance in one-to-one tutorial sessions throughout the year.”

Sixth-form leadership roles include Head Student, Deputy Student, and charity, inclusion, and events ambassadors.

“Students also have leadership opportunities within the Sixth Form. Students can apply to be a Head or Deputy student as well as ambassador roles such as Charity, Inclusion and Events.”

Students can take the Extended Project Qualification through an individual research project and gain UCAS points.

“We also offer the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) where students can gain substantial UCAS points through an extended piece of individual research.”

The sixth form describes its environment as friendly, caring and supportive.

“- A friendly, caring and supportive environment”

Students are expected to challenge themselves, make strong progress and aspire to the best outcomes.

“- Challenge yourself to make the best progress possible and aspire to achieve the best outcomes”

The page names the Head of Sixth Form and the Heads of Years 12 and 13.

“Head of Sixth Form - Mrs Ollerenshaw-East - c.ollerenshaw-east@astleycooper.herts.sch.uk Head of Year 12 - Miss Hunt - a.hunt@astleycooper.herts.sch.uk Head of Year 13 - Miss Smith - z.smith@astleycooper.herts.sch.uk”

The A-level offer includes Art, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Drama and Theatre Studies, Economics, English Literature, Geography, History, Maths, Media Studies, Photography, Religious Studies and Psychology.

“| A-Level Subjects | Vocational Qualifications | | Art | Business Studies BTEC | | Biology | Criminology WJEC | | Chemistry | Music BTEC | | Computer Science | Performing Arts - Dance BTEC | | Drama and Theatre Studies | Travel and Tourism BTEC | | Economics | Sport - Single, Double and Triple BTEC | | English Literature | | | Geography | | | History | | | Maths | | | Media Studies | | | Photography | | | Religious Studies | | | Psychology | |”

Admission is open to students who meet the subject entry requirements, including external candidates.

“We welcome any students who meet our subject entry requirements. If you wish to join our Sixth Form and are an external candidate, please use the attached documents to apply.”

Applications for September 2026 open on 16 January, with an online application link provided.

“Applications for September 2026 will open on 16 January. Please click [here](https://forms.gle/tUvWgs7td1dEowvq8) to apply for our Sixth Form.”

The sixth form supports progression to university, apprenticeships or employment.

“- Guidance and support for university entrance, apprenticeship applications or employment”

Year 12 students undertake work shadowing and Futures Week for career-specific guidance and information about post-18 options.

“In Year 12, students will spend time in the summer term out on a Work Shadowing placement to enhance their skills, knowledge and understanding of their chosen career sector. Year 12 will also be involved in 'Futures Week', which focusses on supporting students with career-specific advice and guidance through workshops and in-person talks with industry professionals and a parents information evening regarding Post 18 options.”

The page links to Key Stage 5 attainment, retention and destination measures.

“Attainment, retention and destination measures”

The Key Stage 5 results section references APS.

“APS”