In the heart of Halifax town centre, Trinity Sixth Form Academy occupies the sleek, modern Northgate House, a site that marks a significant investment in the town's educational future. Moving from its original home at the Trinity Academy Halifax site in 2020, this dedicated post-16 centre now serves approximately 850 students from across Calderdale and beyond. The academy is a key member of the Trinity Multi-Academy Trust, sharing the trust’s focus on high standards and structured learning.
Mr Michael Fitzsimons has led the academy as Principal since 2019, overseeing a period of rapid growth and academic stabilisation. In 2021 and again in recent monitoring, the academy has maintained its reputation for excellence. In 2023, the wider Trinity Academy Halifax was rated Outstanding, and the Sixth Form Academy itself achieved the highest possible rating across all categories in its October 2021 full inspection. The atmosphere is professional and collegiate, designed to bridge the gap between secondary school and the world of university or high-level employment.
The academy feels more like a modern corporate headquarters or a university department than a traditional school. Situated in the repurposed Northgate House, the environment is defined by glass-walled study spaces, open-plan common areas, and high-specification classrooms. The building was stripped back to its concrete frame to create a full-height atrium with oak balustrades, bringing natural light into the central university-style study hub.
The culture is built on the Trinity MAT core values of Empathy, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility. There is a palpable sense of ambition here, driven by a leadership team that treats students as young adults. Behaviour is exemplary, characterized by a quiet focus in the extensive independent study zones. While the academy is large, it maintains a supportive feel through a structured pastoral system where every student is known.
The 2024 A-level results tell a story of solid, consistent performance. Nearly half of all entries (47.3%) achieved grades A* to B, which aligns exactly with the England average of 47.2%. At the highest end of the spectrum, 14.8% of students secured A* or A grades. The average point score for students sits at 33.3, reflecting a consistent grade B average across the cohort.
Trinity Sixth Form Academy ranks 1,443rd in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking). Within the local context, it ranks 2nd among post-16 providers in Halifax, reflecting its status as a leading choice for state-funded academic study in the area. These results sit in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile), representing a national typical performance that serves a broad range of student abilities effectively.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
47.27%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
The curriculum is focused primarily on academic A-levels, though a selection of Applied General qualifications (BTECs) is also available. There are over 30 subjects to choose from, ranging from traditional sciences and humanities to specialist options like Geology and Criminology. In the Applied General pathway, the academy achieves exceptional progress, with a pass rate of 100% and a value-added score of +0.41 in 2024.
Teaching follows the Trinity MAT instructional model, which emphasizes clear explanations, retrieval practice, and high levels of student participation. Teachers are subject specialists who are dedicated exclusively to post-16 education. The academy uses a "Professional Predictor" system to track progress, ensuring students always know where they stand in relation to their target grades.
STEM is a significant pillar of the academy’s identity. The modern laboratories are industry-standard, supporting large cohorts in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Mathematics is the most popular subject choice, and the academy offers Further Mathematics for those aiming for top-tier engineering or physics degrees. On average, 100% of Physics students score a full grade higher than similar students nationally, highlighting the strength of the department. A dedicated "Medics" programme provides specific support for students targeting careers in medicine, dentistry, or veterinary science.
Destinations are a point of pride for the academy. Over 75% of 2025 leavers progressed to university, a record-breaking achievement for the institution. More than 1 in 5 university-bound students secured places at Sutton 30 institutions, the most competitive universities in the UK.
Academic prestige is evidenced by the elite university pipeline. Since 2017, 11 alumni have secured places at Oxford or Cambridge. For students aiming for the Russell Group, the academy provides a bespoke "Honours Programme" designed to stretch the most able. In 2024, 15 students secured places at either Oxbridge or Medical Schools. Recent leavers have progressed to the University of Leeds, University of Hull, and even careers in the Royal Navy.
Entry to Trinity Sixth Form Academy is based on academic achievement at GCSE. The standard entry requirement is a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language and Mathematics. However, most A-level subjects require a grade 6 or higher in the relevant subject to ensure students can handle the step-up in rigour.
The application window for 2026 entry opens on Wednesday 14 January 2026 and closes on Friday 13 February 2026. Prospective students must apply directly through the academy website via the Applicaa portal. Due to its town-centre location and Outstanding status, the academy is consistently oversubscribed, currently operating at its full capacity of 850 students.
Despite its academic focus, the academy provides a robust support network. Every student is part of a tutor group and meets with their Personal Progress Tutor (PPT) regularly. Unlike teachers, PPTs are dedicated pastoral staff whose sole role is to monitor student wellbeing and academic progress.
The academy also employs a designated Wellbeing Officer. There is a strong emphasis on mental health awareness, with regular "Life Lessons" covering topics such as stress management, healthy relationships, and financial literacy. Students thrive in the academy's calm and harmonious environment, as confirmed by the latest inspection report.
The "Trinity Enrichment" programme is a mandatory part of the timetable. Students can choose from options such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award, debating, student journalism, or sports like 5-a-side football and netball.
The academy’s location in Halifax allows for unique partnerships. The building itself features a "black box" drama and dance space in the basement and a multi-purpose hall for events. The Student Council is an active body, playing a genuine role in shaping academy policies.
As a state-funded academy, Trinity Sixth Form Academy does not charge tuition fees. However, the academy is committed to ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent students from succeeding.
The Student Bursary Fund exists to support students experiencing financial hardship. This fund can assist with the costs of transport, meals, and essential equipment. Applications for the 2025/2026 academic year open in September, and students under the age of 20 who are in care or are parents themselves may be eligible for higher levels of support. Additionally, "Trinity Scholars" can benefit from an investment of up to £6000 over two years to support their academic journey.
The academy day runs from 8:50 am to 3:30 pm. Students with free periods are granted study leave to work in the town or at home once they have demonstrated they can manage their workload. Being in the town centre, the academy is exceptionally well-served by public transport; Halifax bus station is adjacent to the building, and the railway station is a short walk away.
Trinity Sixth Form Academy is a high-performing, professional institution that has quickly become the benchmark for post-16 education in Calderdale. It successfully combines the rigour of a traditional grammar school with the modern facilities of a specialist college. Best suited to ambitious students who want to be treated as adults and are focused on securing a place at a top university or a high-level apprenticeship. The main challenge is adapting to the fast-paced, highly structured Trinity model.
Yes, it is officially considered one of the best in the region. The academy was judged Outstanding in every key area by Ofsted in October 2021. Its 2024 results are solid, and it consistently ranks as a top-performing provider in Calderdale.
As a state-funded sixth form, there are no tuition fees. Financial support is available via the Student Bursary Fund for those who need help with transport or equipment costs.
Students generally need at least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Maths. Specific subjects, particularly in the sciences, require a grade 6 or higher at GCSE to ensure students can manage the A-level content.
The deadline for submitting applications for both internal and external applicants is Friday 13 February 2026. The application portal opens on 14 January 2026 following the Open Evening.
Yes. The academy runs an Honours Programme specifically for high-achieving students. Since 2017, 11 alumni have gone on to study at Oxford or Cambridge, and many others have secured places at Russell Group universities.
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