School sixth forms are part of a high school. They usually have a separate centre on site or a dedicated area within the school for sixth formers. Many of the students attending the sixth form will have attended the same school in Years 7 to 11 - but new students are accepted too.

Sixth form colleges are on large, dedicated sites. Many more students attend them, from a wide range of high schools.

Sixth forms and sixth form colleges usually offer academic qualifications, such as A levels, in a range of subjects and some also offer vocational (work-related) courses, for example T levels and BTEC qualifications. 

Some school sixth forms and sixth form colleges offer only level 3 courses, for example A levels, T levels or BTEC National qualifications, for which students usually need five GCSEs at grades 9-4 to get a place. Others offer a small number of level 2 courses too, that usually need around three or four GCSEs at a minimum of grades 4-2. Check the entry requirements with individual sixth forms and sixth form colleges.

There may also be a studio school in your area that offers post-16 courses. Studio schools often focus on a particular curriculum area such as creative subjects, or science and engineering. The curriculum studied is 'personal' to each student and also includes learning practical work-based skills as part of themed projects. 

You should apply to sixth forms and sixth form colleges from October half-term. There is usually an online application form that you have to complete on each institution's website. Make sure you check when applications close. Starting in the autumn term, schools and sixth form colleges have open events where you can go and look around before you apply. Check their websites for details.