The Compass Programme
At St Bede’s College Sixth Form
Own your Future. Find your Direction
At St Bede’s College, Sixth Form is not simply the next step after GCSEs. It is where students begin to take ownership of their future.
The Compass Programme is St Bede’s reimagined Sixth Form experience: a distinctive programme combining academic excellence, personal growth, real-world opportunities and greater independence.
Built on the belief that every student’s future should be shaped by them, The Compass Programme gives young people the guidance, confidence and space to discover their own direction.
You lead the way. We are here to guide you.
Headteacher’s Welcome
“The transition from childhood to adulthood is one of the most exciting and important journeys a young person will make.
At St Bede’s College, we believe Sixth Form should be about far more than achieving excellent grades. It should be a time for young people to discover who they are, explore their ambitions and begin shaping the future they want for themselves.
That belief is at the heart of The Compass Programme.
Created in response to what young people are telling us they need, The Compass Programme combines academic excellence with greater independence, real-world experiences and the freedom to take ownership of their time and aspirations.
Whether pursuing university, an apprenticeship, employment or entrepreneurship, every student will be supported, challenged and encouraged to find their own direction.
A compass does not tell you where to go. It helps you navigate the journey.
Our role is not to choose the path for our students, but to give them the confidence, opportunities and guidance to find their own.
The future belongs to young people who can think independently, act with purpose and embrace opportunity. The Compass Programme has been designed to help them do exactly that.”
Mrs Maria Kemp
Headteacher, St. Bede’s College
What is The Compass?
The Compass Programme is based on a simple idea: a compass does not tell you where to go – it helps you find direction.
Through expert teaching, greater independence and opportunities beyond the classroom, students are supported, challenged
Your Journey
You set the direction; we create opportunities.
Our Guidance
We provide the tools, support and expertise.
Your Future
Together, we help you make it happen.
Academic excellence. Personal growth. Real-world readiness.
The Compass Programme gives Sixth Form students the structure they need to succeed academically, alongside the independence they need to prepare for university, apprenticeships, employment and life beyond school.
Students benefit from:
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Focused academic lessons led by expert course leaders
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Small classes and individual support
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Personal mentoring and careers guidance
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Co-curricular and enrichment opportunities
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Independent study time
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Real-world experiences in Manchester and beyond
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Support for university, apprenticeships and competitive pathways
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Greater flexibility and responsibility as young adults
A Typical Week
Discover Manchester
As part of The Compass Programme, students will have opportunities to experience Manchester as a place of culture, creativity, enterprise and ideas.
Opportnities on offer to discover Manchester include:
- Culture and creativity
- Community and social impact
- Industry and future careers
- New idfeas and perspectives
These experiences help students connect their learning to the world around them and begin to imagine the future they want to build
Co-curricular opportunities
Students can take part in a wide range of co-curricular opportunities designed to challenge them, broaden their experiences and help them grow in confidence.
Activities may include:
- Rock climbing
- Boxing
- Horse riding
- Water sports
- Cooking
- Pottery
The programme will continue to evolve, with new opportunities added based on student interests and partnerships.
Please note that some activities and trips may incur an additional charge.
Browse the Prospectus
Apply to join The Compass
Contact our Admissions Team
Visit Us
St Bede’s Foundation
Charity number: 1191482