A welcome from Head of Post-16, Claire Wawrzesta 

I would like to extend a warm and welcoming hello to all our external and internal applicants. I am so excited that you are considering Abbeyfield School as a choice for your Post-16 provision. Here at Abbeyfield School, we are committed to being an inclusive Sixth Form who puts the students needs at the heart of everything we do.

The Sixth Form at Abbeyfield School has been rapidly growing in applicants, a reflection of the improvements made over the past few years. In 2023, our average grade was a B meaning we were placed in the Chronicle and Echo’s Top 25 Sixth Form Schools and Colleges in the East Midlands. Our student leadership team provide valuable insights into what Sixth Form life is like for a student here. They provide an important voice on all key areas of the Sixth Form including wellbeing and mental health, social events and trips as well as conducting student voice to ensure everyone’s needs are taken into consideration.

For me, as Head of Post-16, I am committed to ensuring our students not only get an excellent education resulting in high outcomes, but to ensuring that we provide an enriched curriculum that ensures all students leave our care as the best versions of themselves they can be. This is supported by external visitors sharing their expertise as well as numerous enrichment experiences including trips, workshops and careers events.

I am excited to meet each and every one of our applicants and help you on the next step of your academic journey.

Kindest Regards

Mrs Claire Wawrzesta

Mrs Claire Wawrzesta       - Head of Post-16

Mrs Karen Collier              - Sixth Form Student Support Manager 

Mr Matthew Edwards         – Vice Principal (Sixth Form Line Manager)

Mr Matthew Roach           - Football Academy Lead

Mr Eddie McGoldrick         - Football Academy Coach 

Mrs Carla Dufty                  - Careers Lead 

Mrs Ellie Austin                  - Exams Manager

 Our Sixth Form Tutor team

Mr Ben Anderson

Mrs Jordyn Lawson   

Ms Lianne McMahon       

Mrs Gina Peterson 

Mr James Southall            

Mrs Alexandra Stephens  

Continuing on from the success of our 2023 student leadership launch, our student leadership team is made up of a range of Prefects and Deputy Prefects. Having formally applied for the roles, candidates attended formal interviews with the Vice Principals. We are working to develop the role of our leadership team to ensure they make the difference to school and sixth form life that they want to, including working with Year 11 students to raise aspirations and attainment, and with younger students.

Prefects also support with our behaviour systems as well being granted the autonomy to lead in areas that personally interest them, e.g, charity events and mentoring. The leadership team serve for a year in Year 13, with the appointment process beginning again towards the end of Year 12. All Year 12 students are welcome to apply.

Our Prefects and their Roles and Responsibilities

Chiara Kandage (Head prefect, EAL) 

My role as a head prefect is to ensure that the work done is meeting deadlines, assessing and helping the other prefects with their role. Additionally, meeting with different pupils and teachers, to understand how to make the school a safer environment and a better place to develop. Most importantly, being a head prefect also means to learn how to harmonies the group and to tie loose ends. 

Izy Butel (Head prefect, young carers) 

As Head Prefect my roles include managing the team, supporting the other prefects with their own projects and overseeing events around school. I also have the role of helping young careers and to work with staff and students to help make the school environment safer and more welcoming. 

Zara Raza (General) 

I help around the prefects with all sorts of roles whether by helping in organizing events or assisting with school duties. Right now, I am developing a volunteering activity for the Sixth Form students at Abbeyfield School.  I aim to assist both students and staff in day-to-day activities and special events and aim to set a positive example. 

Freya Browett (Events) 

I am part of the events team within the prefects, working alongside Sharnelle. For me the ethos of events is really to keep good spirits for everyone in sixth form and allow school to be enjoyable as well as a step in our academic careers. Additionally, we are able to raise money for good causes, which is highly rewarding. I enjoy my position as I am able to give back to the school I have been at since I started secondary. 

Alison Green (Politics) 

Hi! My name is Alison Green and I’m in charge of organising and hosting events surrounding UK politics as I believe it is crucial for all people to have knowledge surrounding the topic. I also assist other prefects with charity and social events for our sixth form. I hope to set up a debating club focusing on current affairs soon! 

Emma Green (Student voice) 

Hi, I’m Emma. I am the prefect which specialises in student voice. I will be working with the school council to get students’ opinions heard, in order to create a positive experience at Abbeyfield School. 

Oliver Benson (HAPS) 

My role is focusing on the outreach and recruitment of higher attaining pupils (HAPs). I aim to build a Sixth Form where HAPs can feel challenged, while also being given the opportunity to grow and develop. 

Sharnelle Danvessel (Events) 

My name is Sharnelle Danvessel and I work in the events department. This role is one where you plan and pitch events either for social gatherings and fun or to raise money for charity or prom. I think this position is great as you get to talk to more people, and it develops organisation skills which will become useful in your future aspirations no matter what you decide to do. 

Cara French (Newspaper) 

As a student prefect, my role specialises in the formation of a school newspaper. Within this role, I have a team of students helping to form articles, take photos and design the newspaper. This is being led by me and another deputy prefect. Our intent is to share current news which is relevant to the students at Abbeyfield School. 

Klea Zatzo (Charity) 

My name is Klea and my role as a prefect is to be in charge of charity events. I aim to help out with opening a charity committee and also to help with other sixth form events and trips.