6th form college in Bromley area

[baycrestmum]

We are relocating to London because of my job (at some short notice) and obviously are late to apply for 6th form for DD, who is taking GCSE exams right now. DD is a bit average (4B and 4C most probably) but she is very hard working and has set her heart on 6th form. How is the chance to get into an average college in Bromley area? I don't mind the school's academics is average as long as it is a good school (student's behaviour).
Any help/information greatly appreciated!

[PettsWoodParadise]

I don't know about sixth form yet as DD is only 10. Firstly welcome to Bromley, it is a great place to live. You may also want to post on the local Bromley Mumsnet depending on what responses you get here. I know there is Bromley college which has two campuses, one at Bromley Common, one at Orpington - I don't know about the quality or behaviour in either. There may be some in-year places available, schools like Bullers Wood, Langley Park, Darrick Wood all have good reputations. Don't forget that transport links in the area are good so Bexley and Kent are areas open to you too. Good luck.

[Happy36]

Orpington college looks good to an outsider...I've been in a few times to talk about university. They have some excellent teachers. It's also well connected by bus and train.

[stillsingingintherain]

I did a BTEC National in early years at Orpington College in 2002 when it was seperate. The course was great, but pretty hard going (100% coursework). The staff were nearly all fantastic and treated you like adults. It a very different atmosphere to school, in a good way, and good preparation for uni. Orpington college has been redone fairly recently, and bromley college is nice and modern too

[stillsingingintherain]

I went to Bullers Wood for secondary and loved it. Depends if she wants to go to a school 6th form or college. I'd say college would be best as everyone would be new, so would have to 'fit in' to a year group that have been together all this time.

[stillsingingintherain]

• would'nt have to fit in

[stillsingingintherain]

• wouldn't!

[springrain]

Also don't worry about applying late. Most 6th form prospective students are holding 2 or more offers so colleges will typically offer from their wait list in September. So well worth applying late now to 3 or 4 potential colleges/sixth forms so you are likely to get her a place at at least one.

[baycrestmum]

Thanks for all the help! Greatly appreciated! If DD can get into one, she will dance her heart away! What if the final grades (coming out in August) fall short, I mean, more Cs than Bs? The school can still provide some alternative courses, which can one way or the other lead to university, right?

[Chottie]

I would advise school 6th forms rather than the FE College.

[baycrestmum]

Thanks, CamelHump and Chottie. We'll look through the prospectus and cross our fingers for 4 - 5 B's. DD is not really mature or independent /adult-like so I am also inclined to a school instead of a college.

Pettswood - "Bromley is a great place to live" - I am looking forward to that and thanks for the encouraging news.

[Thymeout]

Ravensbourne has had v good Ofsteds for its 6th Form and the school overall is moving up the league tables. Co-ed. Probably more sympathetic to the average student than more pressurised academic environments.

V good facilities.

Close, walking distance, to central Bromley, Bromley South station, with v good transport links to all over the borough.

[baycrestmum]

Thymeout - thank you! Just checked the school's website - loved the school building. Their 6th form prospectus doesn't emphasise a B from English to get to most courses (psychology, sociology, etc.), which is encouraging to us. Will make an enquiry today about late application. Good location, too!