Richmond upon Thames College and the Richmond upon Thames School (RTS), in Twickenham, have announced a groundbreaking proposal to establish an innovative, new Sixth Form Plus.

The partnership will enhance the local educational landscape by offering an unrivalled sixth form experience.

The new Sixth Form Plus creates a co-delivered, hybrid teaching model, overseen by a senior post Head of Sixth Form.

Staff from the Richmond upon Thames School will have the opportunity to teach A-level courses, enriching their career development while assuring parents of the quality of education provided.

The new Sixth Form Plus will provide students with a unique curriculum encompassing 21 different A-level options, including subjects such as Architecture, Fine Art, Psychology, Music Technology, and Economics.

Additionally, state-of-the-art facilities will offer a comprehensive range of vocational courses from Accountancy to Travel and Tourism, comprising 27 distinct vocational routes, including BTEC Level 1, 2 & 3

The partnership enables a clear sixth-form progression and will operate under a formal partnership of co-ownership, supported by an Executive Management Board.

This board will be co-chaired by the Richmond upon Thames School Headteacher Kelly Dooley and Richmond College Principal Gavin Hughes.

Kelly said: "At the Richmond upon Thames School (RTS), we have always prided ourselves on taking an innovative approach to education, serving our local community, and doing the ordinary differently. We are thrilled about what we know will be a transformational partnership between ourselves, Richmond upon Thames College, and the wider HRUC group of colleges.

She added: "With the introduction of RTS Sixth Form Plus, we will offer our students a seamless transition to post-16 education.

"Starting from September 2024, our post-16 (Key Stage 5) students will have the opportunity to benefit from a diverse post-16 curriculum and exceptional teaching within a familiar setting. Together, we look forward to setting a new standard for post-16 education, both locally and beyond."