Part of castle school education trust

"Castle School Education Trust is committed to high quality education across the primary, secondary and sixth form key stages. Our schools cover the South Gloucestershire area. We encourage independence within each school within a strong framework of values."

Visit Website
Useful Links

Useful Links

Downend

To report a child's absence for years 7-11 please email dow-studentabsence@cset.co.uk or call 01454 862395.  For 6th Form please call 01454 862333.  

Care & Guidance

Pastoral Support

We believe that happiness is essential to success, which is why we place great importance on our pastoral support system. As a small and inclusive Sixth Form, we truly get to know each of our students, allowing us to provide tailored guidance and support throughout their time with us.

Each student is assigned a personal tutor who will work closely with them from day one. Your tutor will help you settle in, offering a central point of contact for advice and guidance throughout the year. Regular one-on-one sessions with your tutor will be scheduled to support your studies and help you explore your career aspirations.

In addition, our Sixth Form learning mentor is available to offer extra academic support, career guidance, and to connect you with any outside resources you may need along the way.

We also offer access to our Wellbeing Centre and dedicated Mental Health Lead. Open during school hours by appointment, the centre is a safe space where you can seek support for your mental health and well-being. If you need to talk, we’re here to listen and can provide referrals if additional support is appropriate.

Students with additional needs

We welcome applications from students with a variety of needs. As a fully inclusive Sixth Form, we work closely with our school's SEND team and external agencies to ensure that the right support and strategies are available to each student. If you feel you would benefit from additional support in Sixth Form, please indicate this on your application form.

Boost Programme

We understand that the transition to Sixth Form can be challenging for some students, and additional support may be needed. Through our Boost programme, you’ll receive targeted assistance with study skills and have the opportunity to work closely with our Pastoral and Academic Support Officer, especially during the start of Year 12.

Scholars Programme

Students joining us with an average GCSE point score of 7 or above (mainly grades 6–9) are likely to qualify for our Scholars Programme.

This program offers tailored support for those aiming to apply to top Russell Group universities or pursuing competitive fields such as medicine, dentistry, or veterinary science. Scholars benefit from application and interview preparation, enhanced work experience opportunities, specialised STEM workshops, and access to a variety of summer schools.

Careers Advice & Guidance

All students participate in a comprehensive careers program during Years 12 and 13 to help them make informed choices about their future paths. We collaborate with a wide range of external agencies to provide guidance and information on both universities and apprenticeships. Each student benefits from a one-on-one career meeting with an external advisor and will participate in at least two career events, as well as a university campus visit.