The Compass Programme  ·  St Bede's Sixth Form

Own Your Future.

A partnership that gives you the confidence to find your own direction.

Two years to discover what you’re capable of, where you want to go and the person you want to become.

150 Years in Manchester Independent Catholic HMC College Ages 16–18  ·  Year 12 & Year 13
Why Choose The Compass

A Partnership that Guides You to Own Your Future

Sixth Form should be about far more than exam results. We won’t choose your path for you. That part is yours. What we will give you is expert teaching, personal guidance and opportunities to discover your strengths, pursue your ambitions and decide where they could take you.

María Kemp, Headteacher, St Bede's College
“Our role is not to decide a young person’s future for them. It is to give them the knowledge, confidence and character to choose it for themselves.”
María Kemp · Headteacher

Academic Excellence

Strong A Level results and a proud record of offers from Russell Group universities, Oxbridge and competitive courses including Medicine.

Personal Mentoring

Individual guidance from people who know you well, alongside specialist support for university applications, personal statements and interviews.

Real Independence

More freedom. More responsibility. Structured independent study, EPQ and enrichment give you the space to pursue your own goals, with support there when you need it.

Prepared for Life

Leadership, work experience and opportunities beyond the classroom help you develop the confidence, character and experience to take your next step.

The Compass Programme

More Than a Sixth Form

At St Bede's, success has never been measured by grades alone.

We want our Sixth Formers to leave us academically ambitious, but also confident, grounded and ready to contribute to the world around them.

The Compass Programme gives students greater independence while keeping the personal relationships and sense of belonging that make St Bede's different. You are trusted to make choices, encouraged to pursue your ambitions and supported by people who know you.

Because where you go next matters. So does the person you become along the way.

The Compass Programme

A Typical Week

Your week combines focused academic teaching with the freedom to study independently, explore your interests and prepare for what comes next.

✹  Mornings  ✹
Registration 9:00 am  ·  Focused academic lessons led by expert course leaders
Sign out from 11am if no academic lessons are scheduled.*
✹  Afternoons  ✹
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Timetabled Lessons
or Study
or Sign out
Timetabled Lessons
or Study
or Sign out
Co-Curricular from 2:20pm · optional
🐎
Riding
🥊
Boxing
🧗
Climbing
🍳
Cooking
Discover Manchester from 2:20pm · optional Make Manchester part of your education, with opportunities to explore its culture, universities, businesses and career opportunities.
Is Yours from 2:20pm Study, pursue your passions, make your choices.

*Permission for students to sign out and leave site early will be agreed with parents.

Academic Excellence Personal Growth Prepared for Life
Frequently Asked

Your Questions, Answered

At least Grade 6 in the subjects students wish to study at A Level, with a minimum Grade 7 for Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Our Admissions Team is happy to discuss individual circumstances.
Students may sign out after 11am once academic lessons are complete (with parental agreement), study on or off site, and drive to College — building the time-management skills expected at university and work.
Not at all. The programme supports a wide range of pathways — university, degree apprenticeships, employment or entrepreneurship — helping every student find their own direction.
Dedicated guidance including our Careers Coordinator, a Medical Pathway Forum, admissions test advice, interview preparation and personal statement support.
Yes — we welcome applicants from other schools every year. Academic Scholarships are available for Grade 9 in at least three GCSEs plus five more at Grade 6+, granted automatically on receipt of results.
Yes. The Extended Project Qualification builds advanced research and independent learning skills, is highly regarded by universities, and can help applications stand out. Core Maths and Sustainability qualifications are also available.
Own Your Future

Take the First Step

Whatever direction you take, you’ll always be a Bedian.

Academic Excellence Personal Growth Prepared for Life
St Bede's College · Alexandra Park, Whalley Range, Manchester M16 8HX · admissions@sbcm.co.uk
© 2026 St Bede's College. The Compass Programme — St Bede's Sixth Form.