A positive route after Year 11
Keep learning, improve your qualifications and prepare for the next stage of your education.
A positive next step after Year 11
The Heron Hall Sixth Form Aspire Programme
A one-year Sixth Form pathway to help students strengthen their English and maths, gain recognised qualifications and prepare for A Levels, BTECs, apprenticeships or further study.
Open to current Heron students and students joining from other schools.
Your year to
build what’s next.
Skills • confidence • direction
Recognised qualifications
Personal support
1 yearfull-time programme
4 subjectswith a practical focus
One teamsupporting your next step
What is Aspire?
More time to grow. A clear route forward.
Aspire is a one-year pathway within Heron Sixth Form for students who want to continue after Year 11 but may need more time and support before starting A Levels, BTECs or other advanced courses.
You will be part of the Sixth Form community, learning in smaller groups and receiving regular guidance while you strengthen key skills and prepare for your chosen next step.
A useful phrase to know
What does “Level 3” mean?
A Levels, BTECs and other advanced courses are sometimes called Level 3 courses. They are usually taken after GCSEs and can help students move towards university, apprenticeships, further education or employment.
Why choose Aspire?
A programme built around progress
Practical learning, focused support and a genuine Sixth Form experience — all designed to help you move forward with confidence.
A clear route to advanced study
Prepare for A Levels, BTECs and other Level 3 pathways.
Focused English and maths
Strengthen the core skills you need for study, work and everyday life.
Smaller groups, personal support
Benefit from regular reviews and support matched to your needs.
Industry-relevant qualifications
Gain recognised qualifications linked to future study and employment.
Practical, career-focused learning
Build workplace skills and understand different career routes.
A supportive Sixth Form environment
Be part of Heron Sixth Form and supported as a young adult.
Is Aspire right for me?
Ambitious about your future?
Aspire could be right for you if you are determined to keep learning after Year 11 but would benefit from more time and support before starting advanced courses.
See the entry requirementsAspire could be right for students who:
- Want to continue their education after Year 11
- Are motivated to work hard and improve
- Need more support in English and/or mathematics
- Want to prepare for A Levels, BTECs, apprenticeships or further study
- Enjoy practical, career-focused learning
- Would benefit from smaller classes and regular support
- Are determined to achieve their goals
What will I study?
Four subjects. One strong foundation.
Students follow a full-time, one-year programme combining essential skills with practical vocational learning.
Level 2
Digital Information Technology
Develop practical digital, technical and problem-solving skills for the modern workplace.
Level 2
Health and Social Care
Understand health, care and support services while building communication and responsibility.
Up to Level 2
Functional Skills English
Strengthen reading, writing, speaking and communication for study, apprenticeships and work.
Up to Level 2
Functional Skills Mathematics
Build confidence using maths in real-life situations, further study and the workplace.
Typical grade profile
Entry requirements
A starting point, not a limit
The Aspire Programme is designed for students who achieve Grade 2 or Grade 3 in English and/or mathematics and are committed to continuing their education.
You do not need to have everything worked out. The Sixth Form team will talk to students and families about their options and help them find the pathway that best matches their ambitions.
What can Aspire lead to?
Your pathway keeps moving
Successful completion can open up several next steps, depending on your goals and the entry requirements for your chosen course.
Starting point
Year 11
One-year pathway
Aspire
Stronger qualifications, practical skills and greater confidence can improve your future career opportunities.
Talk it through
Ready to talk about your next step?
Speak to the Heron Sixth Form team to find out whether Aspire could be right for you.
Email: MPieri@northstartrust.org.uk
We welcome questions from students, parents and carers — whether you are already at Heron or considering joining us.