Tapton School

Darwin Lane, Sheffield, S10 5RG

About us

Tapton Sixth Form is an inspiring, challenging and dynamic environment in which to take your A Levels. We know that this time in a young person’s life is pivotal in shaping their future direction and all students are provided with personalised guidance about appropriate subject choice and their likely post-18 destinations to make sure they are best placed for future success. Students are able to study four or three subjects from our broad curriculum offer up to 29 courses and, throughout their time at Tapton, students experience outstanding teaching and learning from staff who aim to inspire them in the classroom and prepare them for their A-level examinations.

Application Instructions

Please make sure you have checked the entry requirements before submitting your application. Please also be aware that we use an Attainment 8 requirement for students choosing to do Science and Maths subjects. This is explained further on our website: https://www.taptonschool.co.uk/page/?title=Subjects&pid=69

We will use the message function to contact you about your application, so please keep an eye on this.

Student support

All students are placed with an experienced form tutor who provides them with academic and pastoral support on a daily basis for the two years of Sixth Form study, backed up by an extensive and effective Sixth Form Team. At Tapton we are proud of the diversity of our students – we have students from a wide variety of educational and social backgrounds, who join us from over 30 schools in Sheffield and beyond. We strive to create a cohesive and inclusive environment, run by a team of dedicated teachers and support staff. A student’s full timetable is balanced by opportunities to take part in our super and extra-curricular activities, alongside our KS5 Personal Development programme, enabling our students to grow and make a safe and effective transition to adult life.

Tapton’s strong links with local and national universities mean that our students receive exceptional support as they apply for Higher Education and begin the transition to university life. Well over 90% of our students successfully apply to university, gaining admission into institutions around the UK and beyond. We are keen to support our students whatever their chosen direction post-18, such as apprenticeships or employment.

What makes us different?

High Expectations and aspirations to excellence are hallmarks of Tapton's approach. Success at this level requires students to take more responsibility. You are expected to work hard and respond maturely in a more adult working environment. This sets our Sixth Form apart and creates a lively and exciting atmosphere.

The Sixth Form area, with common room, outdoor terrace and cafe, forms the focus of daily life. This was renovated in 2016 and is a modern and airy space. All subject departments have modern, comfortable teaching spaces and are well equipped, with access to interactive whiteboards and computers for individual student use. This supports our well-established intranet and Virtual Learning Environment. Completed in 2001, our building comprises outstanding specialist facilities in science, art, technology, drama, music and ICT. Our sports hall, gym and all-weather games pitch are state-of-the-art and the large library is well resourced and staffed.

Additional information

Students can make an application to us through Sheffield Progress (sheffieldprogress.co.uk). Schools in Sheffield will use this platform and will support students through the process. If you live outside of Sheffield, or attend a private school, you are able to register independently. Applications are managed by Sheffield City Council.

When applying to us there are several things you need to consider. If an application doesn’t work because of the grades you are predicted or the subject combination you have chosen, we will contact you through Sheffield Progress, so please make sure you check this for messages. This will give you a chance to make your application work.