“I think one of the biggest differences with Open6 is the balance between independence and support. There’s always support from teachers, tutors and Aspire coaches who help guide you and keep you on track."
Coby
Idsall Sixth Form
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.
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What Is Open6?
A New Approach To Sixth Form
Open6 has been developed as a different way of doing Sixth Form. By connecting Sixth Forms across The Marches Academy Trust, Open6 gives students access to more subjects, more opportunities and more flexibility, to help young people build a pathway that’s right for them.
The Open6 Offer
Open6 offers a wide range of opportunities to develop confidence, leadership and communication skills, including Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), Model United Nations and 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.
Balance Between Independence & Support
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.
What are the benefits?
Your Open6 Advantage
Get the best of both worlds: the massive choice of a big network with the familiar support of a School Sixth Form. 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
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.
More 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
Academic and Vocational Pathways
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.
Open6 builds on this success by giving students greater opportunity and preparation for the future. By taking ownership of their studies, young people build the skills, mindset and resilience for what’s next.
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 and modern education fit for the modern workplace.
Testimonials
Hear From Our Students
Real Stories From Students Who Chose Open6
“Open6 feels different to what I expected Sixth Form to be like. You’re treated more independently and encouraged to take more responsibility for your learning, which really helps build confidence.”
Penny
The Grove Sixth Form
“Before Open6, Further Maths wasn’t available at my school sixth form but through Open6, I’ve been able to stay at the Sixth Form I already know, with my friends and teachers, while still accessing the subjects I wanted to take.”
Tiff
Idsall Sixth Form
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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.