SBUSixth’s ‘Future Focused’ programme, which gives Year 12 and 13 students experience of university tuition, has been shortlisted for an innovation award by the Sixth Form Colleges Association (SFCA).
The programme, launched in autumn 2025 by SBUSixth and London South Bank University, has already provided over 300 student visits to the university, with days of study covering scientific, engineering, health and business-related degree courses. Examples of the kind of activity sixth form students have had the opportunity to take part in at the university include:
- Structural engineering – bridge building competition
- Health science – operating department practitioner simulation
- Business & finance – degree-level accounting, economics and marketing sessions
- Chemical and energy engineering – advanced lab techniques
- Product design – CAD and manufacture with 3D printing
SBUSixth Principal Kishan Pithia said, “Future Focused is a transformative programme designed to strengthen progression, aspiration and career readiness of sixth form students. I’m excited that the scheme is attracting attention and delighted for the staff members at the sixth form and university who have put so much work into getting the scheme off to such a successful start.”
The SFCA Awards are a prestigious annual set of awards open to sixth form colleges across the country. The 2026 award winners will be announced at a ceremony during the SFCA conference in June.
