Colleges and sixth form Manchester/Stockport/Cheadle

[Javhas]

Hi all. I'm currently having to choose a college or sixth form for my DSs. They got into Aquinas, Loreto and Cheadle Hulme High school. Currently they are at Cheadle Hulme school. They are more into social sciences e.g. Economics History Sociology Business studies politics and Psychology. Any advice welcome. We live in Cheadle Hulme ourselves. They also have an interview at Parrs Wood and Sale Grammar so those options are also on the table. Looking forward to any advice!!

Going to a large college is more of a stepping stone to university than life in a small sixth form attached to a high school.
More freedom, treated like young adults from the start. However, this also means adapting to large cohorts of more mixed abilities, potentially less 'attention' from subject teachers, making new friends that may live miles away (Loreto in particular has a large catchment area) and having to put yourself forward for opportunities rather than having them handed to you (ie university trips). It really depends on how DS thinks they would adapt?

I work for a local uni so can also comment from how we see them supporting students to HE rather than from experience of any of your options! (NC so as not to out myself). Aquinas always seems like a lovely environment when we visit them and both they and Loreto have huge careers fairs each year, attracting universities from across the country, giving students the option to find what/where is best for them. Parrs Wood appear to do a lot less and Cheadle Hulme/Sale Grammar far more selective with who they work with in general.

How is the travel time to each of the options? Will DS want to get a pt job while they're studying? Are they into sport and will want to join any teams?

Thanks a lot, all this information is super useful. In term of distance, Loreto is the farthest followed by Sale, Aquinas then Parrs Wood and CHHS. DSs won't want to work I think part time during A Levels but they are into sports e.g.Polo squash cricket etc. Yes I understand that colleges give much more freedom but I really want them to get the grades for University selection so academic support and help in submitting UCAS forms EPQs etc are a priority

I have a child at cheadle hulme high school 6th form and it is very focused on university admissions. Some really high achieving kids there. It’s very strict on attendance and dress code so bear that in mind.

Thanks. I don't mind a strict dress code and attendance. Good to hear that it's focused on university admissions. Does your child get the needed support in studies as well?

so far so good - we’ve had no issues. They push the kids hard and expectations are high.

Hello there. I would appreciate it so much if someone could tell which is a best sixth form or college to go into in south manchester. Is cheadle hulme sixth form as good as the grammar schools? (Urmston sale stretford) or should we go for grammar schools? My daughter is a hardworking and study focused student so both of these options seem to be good however not sure if grgammar is any better than the cheadle hulme sixth form. Any suggestions would be highly appreciated thank you