Life in Sixth Form
Sixth Form students at Samuel Ryder Academy are expected to behave responsibly and act as a role model to all the students on the site. Student conduct in and around school should reflect a Sixth Formers age and position as a senior member of the school community. You are required to act as role models and uphold the Samuel Ryder ethos and excellent reputation.
As a member of Sixth Form in the Samuel Ryder Community, we expect you to show both enthusiasm and commitment for your chosen course of study, and to make an active contribution to the wider school community, as a role model and ambassador; participating in House activities and school events.
Success at A-Level is highly dependent upon regular attendance and you should be punctual, both to school and to all classes. You will be treated as young adults and we obviously expect you to act responsibly. If you are to enjoy the privileges of Sixth Form life to the full we do expect you to follow some important guidelines.
Please click here to see our Sixth Form Handbook.
Sixth Form Curriculum Evenings
Sixth Form Dress Code
Sixth Form Dress Code - Years 12 and 13
Samuel Ryder Academy Sixth Form students are expected to lead by example and present a smart appearance at all times. The Sixth Form dress code reflects a smart office wear standard, and the expectations are as follows:
Required Dress:
- A suit with matching tailored trousers, skirt, or dress
- A collared shirt with a tie, or a blouse/smart office-style top
- Smart shoes (no excessively high heels)
- Sixth Form lanyard
The Following Items Are Not Permitted:
- Short skirts or dresses, ‘bodycon’ skirts, shorts, or leggings
- Trainers, plimsolls, casual shoes, or open-toed footwear
- Vest tops or tops that expose the midriff
- Hooded tops (hoodies) at any time
Hair, Appearance, and Jewellery
- Hairstyles must be appropriate for a smart office environment. Extreme styles are not permitted.
- We respect and value cultural and ethnic diversity in appearance, in line with the Halo Code.
- Hair must be of a natural colour. Patterns, tramlines, or shaved designs in hair or eyebrows are not allowed.
- If worn short, hair should have a gradual fade (not stepped) and must not be a Grade 0 at any point. Uniform short hair must be no shorter than a Grade 2.
- Ear spacers, bars, spikes, and nasal septum piercings are not allowed.
- A jacket must be worn at all times around the school site, except in the Sixth Form Learning Centre. Jackets are also required for assemblies and other formal occasions.
Any student who does not meet the dress code will be sanctioned in line with the school’s behaviour policy and may be sent home to address their appearance.
Students must maintain the same high standards of dress when attending lessons or activities at partner consortium schools.
PE Kit – All Sixth Form Students
- Neutral-coloured sportswear
- Trainers
- Football boots (for football sessions)
Sports Academy Students
On days when students have Sports Academy commitments, the following items are permitted:
- Samuel Ryder Academy Rugby or Netball Academy tracksuits or official training kit
- Trainers
Please note: Non-Academy sportswear is not permitted on Sports Academy days.
iPad and Bring Your Own Device
iPads are a powerful tool to enrich and enhance learning across the Sixth Form. iPads allow students to access personalised learning experiences that they can tailor to their own learning needs. We can be sure that all students have access to classwork, tools, and supplemental resources in every lesson, meaning every student can engage with their A-Level or BTEC studies at the same, highest level. When used effectively, they promote efficiency, deepen understanding, and increase engagement by providing improved access to resources, supporting retrieval practice, enabling collaborative learning, and allowing for more dynamic lesson delivery.
With iPads, students can access a wide range of subject-specific apps, digital resources, and multimedia content. This supports personalised, creative, and collaborative learning, encourages independent study, streamlines communication, and allows for the quick distribution of materials. By reducing administrative and organisational burdens, iPads free up time in lessons for discussion, reflection, and deeper learning.
We also recognise that some students may prefer to bring a second device. Laptops are particularly useful for tasks such as extended writing, data analysis, and detailed research. These devices complement the iPad and should be used alongside rather than as a replacement, as the iPad provides access to interactive apps, digital resources, and collaborative tools that enhance lesson engagement, revision, and study. Using both devices together allows students to maximise efficiency, creativity, and learning opportunities.
Ultimately, these devices help prepare students for higher education and the modern workplace while supporting high-quality learning today. At SRA, we aim to be future fluent and to facilitate our students’ readiness for the rapid changes in what work will look like in the years to come.
As part of our transformational 21st-century learning toolkit, all Sixth Form students are expected to use an iPad. Students may also choose to use a school-provided iPad for an annual contribution of £60.00. Devices should be brought to school each day and used for daily learning, home study, revision, and exam preparation.
