Sixth Form - Built Around You
Open6 connects Sixth Forms within The Marches Academy Trust, giving students more choice, greater flexibility and a modern way of learning. Learning experiences that meets the needs of our rapidly changing world.
It’s Sixth Form – without the limits
Open6 is a connected Sixth Form network across four Marches Academy Trust schools in Shropshire.
Instead of being limited to the subjects available at a single Sixth Form, Open6 allows students to benefit from a wider curriculum and a more flexible learning model while remaining part of their local school community.
Students gain:
- more subject choice
- greater independence in learning
- strong academic and pastoral support
- preparation for university-style learning
Open6 is designed to develop the whole person, helping students reach their full potential and become confident, capable young adults ready for university, apprenticeships or the workplace.
Students are supported through our Aspire tutor and coaching system, which helps them reflect on their strengths, develop new skills and take ownership of their future ambitions. Our careers programme and Scholars Programme provide additional guidance for students preparing competitive university or apprenticeship applications.
Beyond the classroom, Open6 offers a wide range of opportunities to develop confidence, leadership and communication skills, including:
- Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
- Model United Nations
- Young Enterprise
Students can also take part in enrichment opportunities such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, volunteering, international trips and team-building expeditions.
Sporting students can compete through our Open6 elite sports teams, while creative students showcase their work through the Open6 Gallery.
We want every student’s time in Sixth Form to be challenging, inspiring and memorable, helping them grow into confident young adults ready for what comes next.
Your Open6 Advantage
Get the best of both worlds: the massive choice of a big network with the familiar support of your own school. Here is exactly what you get when you join us.
One Sixth Form Network. Five Campuses.
Open6 connects Sixth Forms across The Marches Academy Trust:
• Oswestry
• Market Drayton
• Shifnal
• Shrewsbury
• Whitchurch
Students stay within their local Sixth Form while benefiting from a shared curriculum and collaborative teaching model across the Trust.
A Different Way to Learn
Open6 is designed to prepare students not just for exams, but for life beyond Sixth Form.
Students develop the independence and confidence to:
• think critically
• manage their own learning
• balance competing priorities
• solve problems independently
These are the skills universities, apprenticeships and employers expect.
Traditional Sixth Forms often focus on what students learn.
Open6 focuses on how students learn.
That difference helps students transition more successfully into university, apprenticeships and employment.
More Subject Choice - Without Leaving Your Community
One of the biggest concerns students have when choosing a Sixth Form is limited subject choice.
Open6 expands what is available by connecting Sixth Forms across the Trust.
This means students can:
• access subjects not previously available
• build a timetable around their interests
• stay close to home and their support networks
You don’t have to travel miles to study what you enjoy.
Academic and Vocational Pathways
Choosing your next step at 16 can feel like closing doors too early.
Open6 helps keep those doors open.
Students can explore both academic and vocational pathways, helping them discover the route that suits them best.
This flexible approach supports progression to:
• university
• higher and degree apprenticeships
• skilled employment
Strong Retention. Successful Destinations.
Sixth Forms across The Marches Academy Trust achieve some of the strongest student retention figures nationally and regionally.
Students stay, thrive and move on to positive destinations including:
• leading universities
• higher and degree apprenticeships
• skilled employment pathways
Open6 builds on this success by giving students greater opportunity and preparation for the future.
Students don’t just attend Open6. They grow through it.
Sixth Form - But Built Around You
Open6 exists so students don’t have to choose between:
• staying local or having real subject choice
• independence or support
• academic or vocational routes
• familiarity or a fresh start
You get flexibility without risk.
A Sixth Form experience designed for how students learn today.
Hear From Our Students
Real Stories From Students Who Chose Open6
“There is more freedom with Open6 learning. If you are off ill you don’t technically miss a lesson, so easier to catch up.”
Penny
The Grove Sixth Form
“Open6 is good as it has allowed us to study a subject that wouldn’t have been available in our own Sixth Form.”
Daniel
The Marches Sixth Form
“Open6 has given me the opportunity to study a subject which wouldn’t have previously been available, allowing me to stay on at Idsall with the teachers I already know and trust, whilst, allowing me to open new doors for my future.”
Coby
Idsall Sixth Form
Find Your Open6
Sixth Form
Explore Participating Trust Sixth Forms
Frequently Asked Questions
Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers. Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Open6.
Open6 is a network of Sixth Forms within The Marches Academy Trust that work together to expand the opportunities available to students.
By connecting Sixth Forms in Oswestry, Market Drayton, Shifnal and Whitchurch, Open6 allows students to access a wider range of subjects and learning opportunities than a single Sixth Form could offer on its own.
Students remain part of their local Sixth Form community while benefiting from a shared curriculum, collaborative teaching and a more flexible learning model across the network.
This means more subject choice, greater independence in learning and stronger preparation for university, apprenticeships and employment.
Open6 allows Sixth Forms within The Marches Academy Trust to work together to offer a wider range of subjects.
Some subjects may be taught through shared teaching across the network, which can include online lessons, subject seminars and collaborative teaching between schools.
Students remain based at their own Sixth Form while benefiting from a broader curriculum and learning alongside students from across the Open6 network.
Your Sixth Form will explain exactly how each subject is delivered when you choose your courses.
Open6 expands the range of subjects available to students by connecting Sixth Forms across The Marches Academy Trust.
Each Sixth Form contributes subjects to the network, creating a broader curriculum and more subject combinations than a single Sixth Form could offer on its own.
Students receive guidance from their Sixth Form team during the options process to help them choose subjects that match their interests, strengths and future ambitions.
Yes. You’ll be studying recognised qualifications such as A-levels and BTECs, awarded by your Sixth Form and accepted by universities, employers and apprenticeship providers.
What Open6 changes is how students learn. The model encourages greater independence, helping students develop the study habits, confidence and critical thinking skills that universities and employers value.
Students gain the same respected qualifications, while developing the skills needed to succeed beyond Sixth Form.
Support is a key part of the Open6 experience. You will be taught by experienced subject teachers and will be able to ask questions, seek guidance and access additional support when you need it.
You will also be supported by your Sixth Form tutor team, including through the Aspire coaching programme, which helps students develop confidence, reflect on their progress and stay on track with their goals.
Alongside this support, Open6 helps students build the independent learning skills that prepare them for university, apprenticeships and future careers.
Open6 is designed for students who want to make the most of their Sixth Form experience.
It offers access to a wider range of subjects, the opportunity to develop greater independence in learning and the support of a strong Sixth Form community.
Students remain part of their local Sixth Form while benefiting from the expanded opportunities and learning model that Open6 provides.
You can apply directly to the Sixth Form that offers the subjects and opportunities you’re interested in.
Students currently in a Marches Academy Trust school should speak to their Sixth Form team, who will guide them through subject choices and the application process.
If you are applying from another school, you can explore the Open6 Sixth Forms and apply to the one that best suits your interests and future plans. Use the directory on this site to find your nearest Sixth Form and start your application.