Sixth Form choices are a wonderful opportunity for you to focus on those subjects you excel in and enjoy and need to achieve well in for future study and/or career. You will need to consider your own interests and abilities and read the course descriptions carefully before making choices.

Many subjects place a greater emphasis on a high level of language, critical thinking, logic and essay-writing skills, whilst others require sustained completion of practical work. Staff are always happy to talk to you in detail about your options.

The main factor will be how well you do in your Key Stage 4 courses, so you will need to look at entry requirements carefully for each individual subject.  

We have three pathways for applications for students, based on their attainment at Key Stage 4 and on their own desired subject combinations:

Pathway 1:

Where students have achieved 8 or more GCSEs at Grades 9-7, including English and Mathematics, students will be eligible to take 4 full A’Levels or level 3 BTEC courses. Where students have taken BTEC level 2 courses, one BTEC course may be counted within these 8 subjects where it is achieved at Distinction+ level only.

Pathway 2:

Where students have achieved 7 or more GCSEs at Grades 9-6 including English and Mathematics, students will be eligible to take 3 full A’Levels or level 3 BTEC courses, plus an additional one-year level 3 course, the Extended Project Qualification known as the EPQ. Where students have taken BTEC level 2 courses, a maximum of two BTEC courses may be counted within these 7 subjects where they are achieved at Merit/Distinction or higher level only.

Pathway 3:

Where students have achieved 5 or more GCSEs at Grades 9-4 including English and Mathematics, students will be eligible to take 3 full A’Levels or level 3 BTEC courses. Where students have taken BTEC level 2 courses, a maximum of two BTEC courses may be counted within these 5 subjects where they are achieved at Merit/Distinction or higher level only. Students on this pathway will also complete supported study to support them in achieving the highest grades possible.

In exceptional circumstances, students with Distinction / Distinction+ grades or GCSE Grade 6+ in performing or visual arts subjects, but grade 3 in GCSE English and/or Mathematics may be considered for progression on to Pathway 3 in the relevant performing or visual arts subjects only. They will then re-take the GCSE Maths and English courses and re-take the exams during RR6.

For all three pathways, applicants must meet the minimum entry requirements for each subject.