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Sixth Form Personal Statement Examples and Guide

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Written By Dr Shane McKeown

Coming to the end of secondary school but thinking of finishing somewhere new?

Sixth form colleges can be fiercely competitive – and most admissions personnel expect a personal statement.

An excellent personal statement can make all the difference to your chances, you need to know:

  1. what to include, 
  2. the best structure to use, and 
  3. how to stand out against all those other applicants. 

Let’s break it down, step by step.

If you want this guide and template in a PDF, grab it by clicking the button below.

Get your Sixth Form Personal Statement Guide Now!

How to write a Personal Statement for Sixth Form College

Introduce Yourself 🌟

Your personal statement is your canvas.

Paint a picture of who you are. Keep it authentic and positive.

What qualities make you unique?

Maybe you’re fiercely independent or the most dependable friend someone can have.

Let your true colours shine!

Share Your Achievements 🏆

Both inside and outside the classroom, your experiences matter.

If you’ve done work experience that’s shaped your career or course choices, highlight it.

And hey, if you’ve got that Certificate of Commendation, flaunt it!

Future Forward 🔮

Where do you see yourself going?

Maybe you have your eyes set on a specific college or apprenticeship.

While it’s okay to keep it general, don’t shy away from sharing your future career plans.

Show them you’ve got vision!

Quick School Tips to Keep in Mind:

  • Honesty is the Best Policy: No need to exaggerate or be someone you’re not.
  • Stay Positive: Talk about what you love, not what you dislike.
  • First Draft: Start on paper, get feedback, and then finalize your statement.
  • Back It Up: Always keep a backup of your statement. You never know when you might want to tweak it.

How long should my sixth form personal statement be?

This varies from college to college, so make sure to check their website. Most however want a single page.

The prestigious Hill’s Road college in Cambridge says it should be no longer than a side of A4.

Need inspiration? 

Remember, every student has their own journey. 

From the student who relishes in the joy of reading in their spare time, to the one who’s passionate about Business Studies because they see the real-life applications. 

Or even the one who’s had work experience that transformed their outlook.

Use their stories to inspire your own narrative.

Still stumped? 

No worries. 

Download our template to guide your thoughts.

In less than 30 minutes you can piece together your story, achievements, and aspirations and have your final draft ready.

As you write, envision the future you want and bridge the gap between where you stand today and where you want to be. 

Your journey is unique, and your personal statement should reflect that.

Happy writing, and here’s to the next chapter of your educational journey! 📘🌱

Sixth Form Personal Statement Structure

This isn’t set in stone, but it does make sense to begin with personal qualities and end with future aspirations. 

Don’t get stuck on the structure, well written content is much more important!

Everyone should cover these core topics:

  1. Personal Qualities
  2. Academic Achievements
  3. Extracurricular Activities
  4. Part-time work
  5. Work Experience Reflection
  6. Immediate and Long Term Future Aspirations

Make Your Personal Statement Stand Out

In the sea of applications, a standout personal statement can be your ticket to catching the attention of admissions.

Yes the basics, such as showcasing your academic achievements and explaining your passion for your chosen courses, are essential.

But there are several strategies to give your statement that extra edge:

Tell a Story: Everyone loves a good story.

Instead of just listing your achievements, weave them into a narrative.

Did a particular event in your life steer you towards a subject?

Maybe a family trip ignited your passion for geography, or a community service project made you realize the value of teamwork and leadership.

Sharing these stories provides context and makes your statement more memorable.

Be Authentic: It’s tempting to write what you think admissions officers want to hear, but they can spot inauthenticity.

Speak your truth.

If you’re passionate about something unconventional or have a hobby that’s out of the ordinary, share it!

It might just be the thing that sets you apart.

Use Vivid Imagery: While you shouldn’t be overly verbose, using descriptive language can paint a picture in the reader’s mind.

Instead of saying, “I love history,” you might write, “I’m captivated by the tapestry of events, people, and decisions that have shaped our world, like the intricate dance of diplomacy during the Renaissance.”

Don’t write fluff for the sake of it, give some real detail!

Quick Impact Techniques: If you feel your statement might still blend into the crowd, consider starting with a powerful, thought-provoking question related to your chosen field of study to engage the reader immediately.

Seek Feedback: Sometimes, we’re too close to our own writing to see its strengths and weaknesses.


Have a teacher, mentor, or parent review your statement. They might offer insights or perspectives you hadn’t considered.

Remember, your personal statement is a reflection of who you are and your journey thus far.

While it’s essential to stand out, ensure that you’re doing so in a way that remains true to yourself and your experiences.

Year 11 Personal Statement Examples

Examples

Example 1: The Budding Architect

At my current school, I’ve always been fascinated by the blend of creativity and precision. This fascination sparked an interest in subjects like Computer Science and Business Studies, where I’ve been doing exceptionally well, thanks to my passion. My time in a local architect firm during a work experience period introduced me to the world of architectural designing through IT, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Outside of academics, you might find me on the football pitch or at a local cricket match. My dream? To study Maths, Graphics, and Business at your sixth form, and eventually join a renowned architectural firm after university.

Example 2: The Fashion Aficionado

From redesigning my clothes to maintaining a scrapbook of emerging fashion trends, my passion lies in the world of fashion and design. At Hometown Academy, I’ve consistently showcased my dedication across all subjects, even the challenging ones. I’m drawn to the BTEC course at Elite College as it offers the practical learning approach I value, allowing me to enhance my designing skills without the pressure of hefty final exams.

Example 3: The Future Legal Maverick

With a keen interest in English, due to my love for storytelling and in-depth character analysis, I’ve always excelled in literature at Hometown School. Balancing studies with basketball, I’ve also honed my interpersonal skills during my work experience at a local retail store. My vision is to immerse myself in the realms of English Language, Economics, Law, and History at TopTier College, with the ambition to be a lawyer who can truly make a difference. Given the college’s sterling reputation and easy commute, I’m eager to be a part of its vibrant community.

Example 4: The Sports Enthusiast

Athletics has always been my calling. Be it taking the lead in the school’s PE sessions or capturing moments in Photography, I’ve learned the value of teamwork and performance under pressure, especially as the captain of our local football squad. I’m eager to explore the BTEC Sports qualification at Dynamic College because it aligns with my hands-on learning style. Knowing that it’s recognized by many universities, and having a chance to be part of college sports teams, just adds to the allure.

Example 2: The All-Rounder

Hailing from Hometown Secondary, I’ve always had an inclination towards practical subjects like Resistant Materials. This was further validated when I was recognized for consistent effort throughout the year. I’m equally active outside the classroom – from swimming races to golf sessions, I’m always up for a challenge. While I’m still contemplating my subject choices for the future, my recent visit to Premier College left a positive impression. The welcoming atmosphere and diverse course offerings have piqued my interest, making it a strong contender for my next academic step.

Starter sentences, Skills and Qualities

Useful Sentence Starters

Phrases Table
I am a Year 11 student at School, excited about studyingMy favourite subjects includeAt present, I am
I consider my strengths to beA moment I take pride in isActivities I take pleasure in are
One of my notable achievements isMoving forward, I plan toMy aspirations include
I aim toOver the course of this yearDuring my time at school
Beyond the classroomParallel to my academic pursuitsLast term, I
In recent timesOver the past summer, II am dedicated to
To enhance my proficiency inMy goals includeIn my efforts to progress
A particular challenge I encountered was

Skill Examples

Skills Table
TeamworkVerbal communicationActive listening
Organisational skillsTime managementICT proficiency
Strategic planningCritical readingWritten communication
Analytical thinkingPresentation skillsResearch capabilities
Problem-solvingLeadershipDecision-making

Personal Qualities to reference

Keywords Table
AdaptabilityFlexibilityProactivity
ReliabilityCompassionate natureCuriosity
PatienceCourteousnessPunctuality
ResponsibilityDedicationSelf-confidence
OptimismAmbitionConscientiousness
IntegrityDiligenceSupportiveness
ReflectivenessInitiativeAdventurous spirit

Sixth Form Application Template

Get your Sixth Form Personal Statement Guide Now!

Download this guide using the button above or grab a pen and paper and make your first draft using the points below.

Course Choices:

  • First Choice: _________________________________
  • Second Choice: _______________________________
  • Third Choice: ________________________________

Personal Qualities:

  • I describe myself as: _____________________________________________.
    [Examples: proactive, innovative, a team player, empathetic, analytical, resilient]
  • Passions and Interests: I have a keen interest in _____________________________ and also enjoy _________________________.
    [Examples: exploring diverse cultures, performing arts, engaging in community service, technology trends, reading historical novels]

Academic Pursuits:

  • My favourite subjects at school are: ____________________________________
    Reasons: (Provide depth about why these subjects resonate with you.)
  • Achievements this Year: This academic year, I’ve made it a priority to ____________________________________________________________.
    [Examples: expand my reading beyond the curriculum, lead group projects, engage in peer tutoring, delve into practical applications of my subjects]
  • Recognitions/Awards: Mention any accolades here and provide context if necessary. For instance: ___________________________________________

Extracurricular Activities and Part-time Work:

  • Outside School: In my free time, I’m actively involved in ___________________________________________________________.
    [Examples: a leadership role in a youth community group, volunteering at the local animal shelter, tutoring peers in maths]
  • Work Experience: I undertook my work placement at __________________________________
    Role and Responsibilities: During my time there, I ______________________________
    [Discuss the skills you acquired, challenges faced, and your accomplishments]

Reflections on Work Experience:

  • Personal Growth: My experience at _______________________ allowed me to ___________________________________________.
    [Examples: understand the intricacies of the corporate world, develop my problem-solving skills, understand the value of customer service]
  • Career Insights: My time there made me realise that I’m inclined towards _______________________ or alternatively made me reconsider and think about ________________________________________________.

Future Aspirations:

  • Academic/Career Pathway: I aim to study ___________________________ at college or consider an apprenticeship in ___________________.
  • Long-term Vision: Post my academic journey, I envision myself working as _____________________/engaging in ____________________ because __________________________.
    [Examples: I want to make a difference in environmental policies, the dynamics of financial markets intrigue me, I wish to explore innovative solutions in software development]

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