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private or state sixth form?

I'm currently in year 11 and trying to choose a sixth form. I'm torn between two: the independent school I'm currently at and a state sixth form near me. Both are an equal distance away, and money is not an issue - I would have a full scholarship.
I'm expected at least an A in all nine subjects and I'm planning to do physics, chemistry and further maths at A level. For just AS I'm undecided, I would happily do any two out of: astronomy, electronics, economics, sociology, psychology, science in society, biology, and geology.
I'm planning on doing physics or engineering at university, and I have my eye on Oxford (I know it's unlikely). I would be more than happy at any Russell Group university quite honestly. Although it feels early to be thinking this, if I were to carry on with physics/engineering I'd quite like to go to America to study for a PhD.
The benefits of the state sixth form are; more choice with the courses, a fantastic enrichment program, I'll be prepared to meet new people at uni after, way more freedom, a shorter day, no dress code, and I'll be able to do 5/6 courses. The only downside is I have extremely bad anxiety when it comes to a large amount of people in one area (I had to leave my state school at 13 because of it), but I could just finally get medication for that.
The benefits of the private sixth form are; smaller classes, the extended learning program, it's familiar, has a strong work ethic, I'll get most work done at school, and the lessons will be tailored to us. The downsides are; I'll be there 8-6 (and will only spend about 3/4 hours in lessons per day maximum) and I'll still have work to do in the evenings and weekends, their expectations cause me enormous stress, I can only take 3/4 courses there, and out of the possible AS levels I'd take, they only offer economics, psychology and biology - and although I wouldn't mind them, there are others I'd rather do by far.
I've also heard universities can be biased against private school applicants - how true is this? Is Oxbridge biased? I always just assumed coming from a private sixth form would make you more desirable.
Based on what I've told you, which choice do you think is best for me? congratulations if you read all that!

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Reply 1

acollins_

I must say, I don't envy your decision at all! I've always been a student at a state school, so it was a given that I'd carry on at the school's 6th form, even though we are an academy now with really small classes (biggest this year is 6 and smallest is 2!)

At some points, I did find myself wishing I'd had the opportunity to go to a college / 6th form that was a little more... specialist, shall we say... but now I wouldn't change it for the world. Last year, we went to a partnership 6th form (private, posh, striking resemblance to Hogwarts) for the day and they mentioned something about how getting good grades at a 'bad' school is sometimes regarded better than amazing grades at a 'good' school. I don't know how true that is, mind.

Not sure I've answered your question at all here, just some ramblings!

Reply 2

BCMFM16

I go to private school my sister chose to go an a state school. By being a state school for her she is allowed to get lower grades than someone like myself at a private school. however at a private school you have a lot more resources and help to get good grades which will also help you to get offers from universities.

(edited 9 years ago)

Reply 3

izzyjane0807

Original post by BCMFM16

thank you!

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Reply 4

izzyjane0807

Original post by acollins_

you've given me quite a bit to think about! thank you for your input, very useful :smile:

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Reply 5

acollins_

Original post by izzyjane0807

you've given me quite a bit to think about! thank you for your input, very useful :smile:

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You're very welcome :smile:

Reply 6

squeakysquirrel

Original post by izzyjane0807

Speaking as a mother I would stay where you are.

1. You have anxiety problems - you have three years ahead of you to make the best of your education and achieve the most important qualifications of your life - keep things familiar.

2. Yes it is unfair that private school pupils have a better chance of getting into Oxbridge than state school pupils. My daughter should have got into Oxford ( state school) but there was no decent preparation for her at school. That said Oxbridge is not the be all and end all. There are other universities!

3. You are a girl ( I assume) and you want to do engineering - they will be queuing up to take you assuming you get the results you want.

4. You do not need to do 5/6 courses at AS - do not overburden yourself

5. No dress code - what are you like - you have the rest of your life to wear what you want and believe me it is a pain deciding what to wear every day.

Hope that helps

Reply 7

lozasaurus99

Private school all the waaauyyyyyy! !!

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Reply 8

meguana

If you are someone who really struggles with large crowds of people, I would suggest that you change to the state school. That might sound a bit backwards but frankly, in my state sixth form the largest class size is 12 and our total sixth form is only about 200. When you go to uni, you will be surrounded by hundreds, if not thousands, of new people all at once. It might be a good idea at this point in time to put yourself in a situation with quite a few new people, to see how well you will be able to deal with lots of new people?
Also, at state schools you are relied upon to be more independent with your learning so it is a lot more similar to university than the highly structured days of private schools.