Meet the Team

A strong system of support and guidance

Students receive outstanding pastoral and educational advice at Gosforth Academy. We are aware that Sixth Form is a real challenge for students, academically, socially and personally. To help provide the support that is needed to allow students to be able to focus on their studies, we operate a six person team of non-teaching Tutors. All students are allocated a Tutor to provide pastoral support when needed.

In addition to supporting your academic ambitions, we are just as committed to supporting your transition into adulthood. This is achieved through our taught tutorial programme, as well as attending scheduled one-to-one meetings with your tutor. Your tutor will take a special interest in your progress and welfare and will be a specialist in Post 16 issues, who will help you to manage the transition to a whole new way of learning. Your tutor will provide you with the guidance you will need to decide on your future career, and will end up helping you with UCAS applications, mock interviews and will write you a reference for employment or a university application. They will get to know you very well and will be your first port of call should you have any issues.

Working closely with our team of Tutors, Learning Managers deal with more serious issues or achievements where they arise. They are responsible for the programme of study that you complete, ensuring that you are meeting expectations and achieving as you should. Any barriers to this, such as attendance, motivation or meeting deadlines will be discussed, with appropriate interventions put in place where necessary.

The open door policy in operation across the Sixth Form allows for a collaborative approach with the Tutor Team to provide the specialised support that is so important to us.

Learning Managers are also there to provide encouragement and congratulations when things go well, and will manage the UCAS support process for you. Their aim is to ensure that you achieve well and progress onto the pathway that suits you, whilst enjoying your time in Sixth Form at the same time.

Student Support

Support for University Admissions

We aim to widen participation in Higher Education, raising students’ aspirations and promoting all the opportunities available to you. We also continue specialist provision for the most able students into Post-16 education.

Examples of the opportunities we organise include:

• Expert one-to-one guidance on issues regarding progression to Higher Education and alternative career paths.

• Summer school places at universities throughout the country, though mainly here in the region.

• Master-classes in many subjects, taught by experts at local universities.

• Support for potential applicants to Oxbridge and to competitive courses such as Medicine, Engineering and Law, including interview practice.

• A Higher Education evening, and trips to conventions and open days.

• Visiting speakers for assemblies.

• Student shadowing placements at local universities.

16 - 19 Bursary Scheme

The Newcastle City Council 16-19 Bursary Scheme offers qualifying students financial support to help with costs associated with Sixth Form study. We work to facilitate these payments. For more information and eligibility criteria on the 16-19 Bursary Scheme, please see the Newcastle City Council website.