Thomas Whitham Sixth Form was established in September 2006 under its previous name of Burnley Schools' Sixth Form. It moved into its present building in September 2008, since when the number of students on roll has increased significantly in line with its planned growth following the closure of sixth forms in local secondary schools. It is situated on the Burnley Campus, which delivers a wide range of extended services through community facilities including a sports hall, fitness suite, dance/drama studio, a faith centre, café and public library. The sixth form works collaboratively with its five partner 11 to 16 secondary schools in Burnley. It is one of only very few 16 to 19 schools in the country. A proportion of students, up to 20%, come from schools outside of the Burnley area. Over half of the students are of White British heritage. Just under half of the students are of Asian heritage; the largest proportion of this group is Pakistani. More than a third of students speak English as an additional language, although none are at an early stage of learning English. A much higher than average proportion of students, about 70%, is in receipt of education maintenance allowance payments. Just under 10% of students have special educational needs and/or disabilities and five students have a statement of special educational needs. The most common additional needs are for moderate learning difficulties or emotional and social difficulties.