In England, Northern Ireland, Wales, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and some other Commonwealth countries, sixth form represents the final two years of secondary education, ages 16-18. Sixth form is where young people can study A levels and sometimes vocational qualifications after they have finished their formal education at the end of year 11. Sixth form is not compulsory in England and Wales, although from 2013 onwards, people of sixth form age must remain in some form of education or training in England only; the school leaving age remains 16 in Wales. However, university entrance normally requires at least three A level qualifications and perhaps one AS level. There are now numerous sixth form colleges throughout England and Wales, and in areas without these, sixth form schools and specialist further education (FE) colleges called tertiary colleges may fill the same role.

Some key points about sixth form in England include:

• Sixth form is the first stage of education after school, and students are usually 16 to 18 years old.
• Students prepare for A-level (or equivalent) examinations.
• Most schools divide sixth form into Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth, which can also be abbreviated to L6 and U6.
• Sixth form colleges are schools which only take 16 to 19 year old for advanced school-level qualifications. They may offer courses for the International Baccalaureate Diploma as well as Advanced level exams.
• Independent Sixth Forms are designed to help students maximise their potential and achieve their goals in terms of academic success, career readiness and preparation for university and/or the world or work.
• School Sixth Form will prepare 16-18 years olds for university entrance through A-levels, IB, Highers or Pre U and some also prepare pupils for both BTECS and apprenticeships.
• Applications to Sixth Form Colleges generally need to be in in the summer term before entry, usually a May deadline but many people will apply for Sixth Form College at the beginning of Year 13.

In summary, sixth form in England is the final two years of secondary education where students can study A levels and sometimes vocational qualifications after they have finished their formal education at the end of year 11. Sixth form is not compulsory, but it is often seen as a stepping stone to university. There are numerous sixth form colleges throughout England and Wales, and in areas without these, sixth form schools and specialist further education (FE) colleges called tertiary colleges may fill the same role.