Choosing Your Sixth Form Pathway: A Levels, BTECs and NCUK at Myddelton College
Choosing a Sixth Form is one of the biggest decisions a young person makes. It affects their university or career options and how they spend two important years of their life. At Myddelton College in Denbigh, North Wales, there is more than one route through Sixth Form. Each pupil follows the pathway that suits their strengths and ambitions, with small classes and staff who know them individually.
This guide explains the pathways we offer, who each one suits, and what Sixth Form at Myddelton includes beyond the timetable.
What Sixth Form pathways does Myddelton College offer?
Myddelton College offers three Sixth Form routes:
- A Levels: the traditional academic route to university.
- A Levels combined with BTECs: a mix of academic and applied, coursework-based study.
- The NCUK International Foundation Year: a one-year pre-university programme for international students, with guaranteed progression to partner universities when the criteria are met.
Pathway 1: A Levels
A Levels suit pupils who enjoy studying subjects in depth and want to keep their university options as wide as possible. Most pupils start Year 12 with three or four subjects. They receive close support from subject specialists in small classes, where nobody gets lost at the back.
The approach gets results. In 2026, 41% of A Level grades at Myddelton were A*/A, and 66% were A*–B. Further Mathematics achieved 100% A*/A, and Art and the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) both achieved 100% A*. This year’s leavers have gone on to study Mathematics with Economics at the London School of Economics and Physics at the University of St Andrews.
Pathway 2: A Levels + BTECs
Some pupils learn best through practical, project-based work. BTEC Nationals are assessed through a mix of coursework and exams, and they are recognised by universities and employers. Combining BTECs with A Levels gives pupils academic depth alongside hands-on, career-focused skills.
Myddelton pupils have done exceptionally well on this route. In 2025, one pupil achieved a Distinction*, the highest possible grade, in BTEC Digital Film and Video Production with a perfect score.
Pathway 3: NCUK International Foundation Year
The NCUK International Foundation Year is designed for ambitious international students who want a direct route to an undergraduate degree. Students do not apply through UCAS. They earn their place by passing their NCUK exams, which gives guaranteed entry* to one of more than 70 NCUK partner universities in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Canada and beyond.
Students study core academic subjects alongside English for Academic Purposes as part of an international community on our North Wales campus.
*Guarantee subject to meeting NCUK progression criteria.
More than qualifications: leadership, adventure and independence
University admissions tutors and employers look for more than grades. Sixth Form at Myddelton is designed to build the confidence, independence and leadership that help pupils stand out:
- Leadership roles: Sixth Formers take on real responsibility across the school, setting the tone for younger pupils.
- Outdoor adventure education: Our setting in the Vale of Clwyd is a place to build resilience and teamwork as well as a place to study.
- CCF and enrichment: Opportunities such as the Combined Cadet Force, community service and the EPQ develop skills that look strong on a personal statement.
- Digital skills: As a Microsoft Showcase School, Myddelton prepares pupils to work confidently with the technology they will use at university and beyond.
- Elite sport: Talented athletes can keep competing at a high level while studying.
- University and careers guidance: Every pupil receives individual guidance on higher education and alternative pathways, including support through the UCAS process.
Day or boarding Sixth Form
Myddelton welcomes Sixth Form pupils both as day pupils and as boarders. Pupils from local families study alongside students from around the world. Boarding in Sixth Form is also an excellent way to build the independence pupils need for university life.
Who is Sixth Form at Myddelton right for?
Myddelton suits pupils who want to be known as individuals rather than as a number. It also suits those who would benefit from small classes and personal attention, and families looking for a school that develops the whole person as well as results.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Myddelton College?
Myddelton College is an independent day and boarding school in Denbigh, Denbighshire, North Wales (Peakes Lane, LL16 3EN).
What qualifications can I study in Myddelton’s Sixth Form?
You can study A Levels, a combination of A Levels and BTEC Nationals, or the NCUK International Foundation Year for international students.
Can I board in the Sixth Form?
Yes. Myddelton offers both day and boarding places for Sixth Form pupils.
What is the NCUK Foundation Year?
It is a one-year pre-university programme for international students. Students who meet the progression criteria gain guaranteed entry to an NCUK partner university.
When is the next Sixth Form Information Evening?
Wednesday 21st October 2026, 5pm–7pm, at Myddelton College.
Join us at our Sixth Form Information Evening
The best way to choose a Sixth Form is to visit it. Join us on Wednesday 21st October, from 5pm to 7pm. At the evening you can:
- meet subject teachers
- talk to current Sixth Formers
- explore each pathway in detail
- ask anything you like