Turner Schools Carbon 6 pathway at Discovery Park

Turner Schools Carbon 6 pathway, is a new pathway ideal for ambitious students aged 16-18 with a passion for science and maths. The pathway is designed for those looking to pursue a STEM career, setting students up for success with routes into further education including degree apprenticeships and university study.

The new free-to-attend Turner Schools Pathway at Discovery Park is open to all students achieving Grade 6+ in science GCSE subjects, with no geographic or catchment requirements. The first cohort of students will be Year 12s starting in September 2026, with the school expanding to encompass Years 12 & 13s from 2027. The sixth form will have smaller class sizes, and interested students are encouraged to make an application via Kent Choices as soon as possible.

Students can study A-levels in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths, with additional opportunities in Further Maths and Extended Project Qualifications.

Pupils attending the Turner Schools Carbon 6 pathway will benefit from industry involvement and alignment with further and higher education, helping students make more informed choices on future career pathways.

Applications Open 9.00am Tuesday 15 October 2025

Applications Close To be confirmed

Entry Requirements Grade 6+ required in science GCSE subjects

How to Apply Please apply via KentChoices

The unique location within a world-class science park gives students access to state-of-the-art professional laboratories and research facilities. The first of its kind in the UK to offer a specialist science and maths sixth form embedded within an existing scientific park, the course is also industry-backed, with mentoring and guest lectures from Discovery Park’s onsite companies, including businesses working in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing and more. Benefitting from all the support of Turner Schools T6 offer the students will also have the opportunity to integrate with the students on other T6 courses through clubs and special days offered by the academy to their sixth form students.

With applications opening soon for the first Year 12 intake for September 2026, students can study A-levels in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths, with additional opportunities in Further Maths and Extended Project Qualifications.

Designed for students aiming for a career in science-related fields, lessons will be delivered by experienced teachers with specialist science qualifications, ensuring that every student is challenged to reach their full potential. Carbon 6 will have a dedicated student support programme and pastoral care on site as well as the wider support of the Turner Schools T6, including tailored preparation for University applications in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, degree apprenticeships in STEM, as well as research placements and internships. Carbon 6 will have comfortable student common areas, social zones, and canteen facilities, providing a supportive and mature learning environment with an engaged peer group.

Current STEM skills shortages are estimated to cost the UK economy £1.5 billion a year[1], with the Government making high quality STEM education a focus in their 2025 Industrial Strategy. The specialist education delivered by Carbon 6 aligns with the Government’s priority areas, ensuring young people have the skills needed for rewarding careers in high potential sectors, such as advanced manufacturing and life sciences.

Carbon 6 Lead, Russell Sauntry, qualified headteacher and co-founder of Amelix Education Resources Limited, commented:

“Our new sixth form is designed to support the South East’s aspiring young scientists, offering a world-class education environment where curiosity meets ambition. With personalised support, a focus on mastery, and hands-on experience in professional laboratories, Carbon 6 students will be prepared – not just for top grades – but for real-world STEM careers. We’re hugely excited to meet prospective students at our open evening in November. We are delighted to be a member of T6 with all the additional benefits that brings beyond the subject education”

Chris Broom, Head of Business Development at Discovery Park, said:

“The South East is a thriving hub for science, with the highest levels of life sciences employment of any region in the UK. Discovery Park is a key employer in East Kent, so we’re excited to be supporting Carbon 6 with our world-class facilities and industry connections, enabling ambitious young people to develop the expertise needed for fulfilling careers in STEM. This unique education facility will be a centre of excellence for the next generation of doctors, engineers, researchers, and change-makers.”

More about Turner Schools Carbon 6 STEM Pathway

The Carbon 6 pathway at Turner Schools is a pioneering sixth form for ambitious young people passionate about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The Carbon 6 Pathway is located within the world-renowned Discovery Park in Sandwich, Kent, one of Europe’s leading science and innovation hubs.

At Carbon 6, students don’t just prepare for exams, they prepare for their future in STEM. The specialist curriculum in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics is delivered by expert teachers, enriched with hands-on research, real-world projects, and opportunities to publish work. With personalised mentoring and small cohorts, students are stretched to reach their full potential. The result: outstanding outcomes and clear pathways into top universities, competitive degree apprenticeships, and STEM careers worldwide.

Carbon 6 offers an educational experience found nowhere else in the UK, industry backed, research driven, and designed for students who want to live science, not just study it.

The Carbon 6 Pathway is led by Carbon 6 Education and is a joint venture between Discovery Park and Amelix Education resources. An example of their work can be seen at Canterbury-based academy that teaches real entrepreneurial skills, creating genuine businesses and setting pupils up for life. Amelix has demonstrated history in excellent teaching for sixth formers, already working closely with The Canterbury Academy Sixth Form and T6 Turner Sixth Form, based in Folkestone.