Message from the Head

Dear Students and Parents,

I am delighted to welcome you to Burlington House Sixth Form. As we look ahead to the next academic year, we are particularly excited to be moving into our new home at the former Prep School site in Fulham, just a short distance from Putney Road. This move marks an important step forward for the Sixth Form and reflects the continued growth and development of what we offer our students.

I genuinely believe we provide one of the most supportive and thoughtfully designed Sixth Form experiences in London, and I would like to share a little of what sits behind that – and why I feel so strongly about the work we do here.

Year 11 is a significant moment. Alongside preparing for important exams, students are making decisions about their next steps and beginning the transition into young adulthood. It can feel like a great deal to manage at once, and our role is to provide clarity, structure and reassurance during that process.

At Burlington, everything we do is underpinned by three key priorities.

First, we ensure that every student is on the right course. This means offering clear guidance and flexible pathways so that each individual has the best possible chance of academic success, whatever their starting point.

Second, we build on each student’s strengths to support meaningful progression into employment, further study or training. Our focus is not simply on qualifications, but on helping students move forward with confidence and a clear sense of direction.

Third, we place a strong emphasis on developing confidence and self-belief. Through a carefully integrated programme of therapeutic and pastoral support, we help students better understand themselves, manage challenges and grow in independence.

When these three elements come together, the impact is clear. Students leave us in a stronger, more confident position than when they arrived. In a relatively short time, we have developed an approach that feels balanced, personal and, most importantly, effective.

I am particularly proud of the inclusive nature of our academic provision. Success looks different for every student, and it is all valued equally. A student achieving a GCSE through a retake pathway should be celebrated just as much as one achieving strong A Level results. Our range of courses allows us to meet students where they are, rather than expecting them to fit into a single model.

Visitors often comment on the “adult” feel of the Sixth Form, which is something we have worked hard to create. Alongside this, students benefit from weekly work experience opportunities with local businesses. These are carefully matched to individual interests and currently include placements such as baristas, sound and lighting technicians, illustrators and teaching assistants. These experiences play an important role in building confidence and real-world understanding.

Our therapeutic provision is also central to what we offer. As a trained SENCo, I have not previously worked in a setting where support is so accessible and so well integrated. The ability to work closely with our counsellor, occupational therapists and speech and language therapists – alongside teachers, tutors and learning support assistants – means we can respond quickly and effectively to each student’s needs. This has been further strengthened by the appointment of ELSAs (Emotional Literacy Support Assistants) and a dedicated Mental Health Lead. It is this joined-up approach that underpins the progress we see.

Above all, what stands out is how well we know our students. That understanding allows us to provide the right support, at the right time, in a way that genuinely makes a difference.

I would warmly encourage you to visit us, meet our students and see the Sixth Form in action at our new Fulham site. I am confident you will quickly get a sense of what makes Burlington House such a special place to learn and grow.

In the meantime, I wish all Year 11 students the very best with their upcoming exams and every success in finding the right next step.

With best wishes

Steve Proctor