Rise in teenagers going to private sixth forms

More teenagers are turning to private sixth forms in order to secure entry to university, figures suggest

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The number of pupils admitted to private sixth forms at the age of 16 has surged by 6.3 per cent according to a survey from the Headmasters and Headmistresses Conference.

The organisation, which represents 250 elite fee-paying schools including Eton, St Pauls and Harrow, have found that despite pressures on finances in the economic downturn, admittance to private schools is generally increasing; with a two per cent increase at 11 and 4.4 per cent increase at 13.

David Levin, HMC Chairman and Headmaster at the City of London School, said that in spite of the uncertain economic climate, parents are prepared to commit themselves, "often at great personal financial sacrifice, to high quality education in the independent sector.”

The study also suggests that studying in sixth form at a private school maximises the chances of getting into good universities.

This summer, pupils from independent schools were three times as likely as those from state comprehensives to gain top A* grades at A-level.

However, figures have also shown that some parents are being forced to pull children out of fee-paying schools because they can no longer afford the fees.

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