Our sixth form admission team are available to offer advice and guidance as we adjust our enrolment procedure as follows:

• Please complete our sixth form application form.

• Sixth form tours are available for applicants. Please contact us after you have submitted your application to arrange a suitable time. 

• Guidance interviews will be conducted prior to exam results and may take place via telephone. Our admissions team will be available to arrange mutually convenient meeting times and discuss course options and next steps.

• Review the transition tasks for the subjects you are interested in taking. You will not need to complete the transition tasks until after the GCSE exam season.   We will look to discuss your progress with the study tasks in your first lessons with us to help determine the most suitable academic courses for your sixth form education. We expect study tasks for the courses you enrol on to be completed by the first week of the academic year.

• Please do not hesitate to contact us with further questions . 

• Contact us at sixthform@cowesec.org when you have received your GCSE grades to complete the enrolment process. 

Choosing subjects at sixth form. 

At Cowes sixth form we understand that choosing subjects can be a daunting undertaking. We make the process as stress free as possible by allowing course changes up until 1st October. This means that your do not need to make such important decisions without a deep trial of the subject you wish to study.  Please indicate your course preferences on your application and be reassured that you are able to make adjustments and changes weeks after you have started the course and are fully informed about the course requirements and expectations. 

After 1st October,  students will make their final choices of three subjects with and addition of the EPQ. 

With a great variety of subjects available it's important that you choose subjects you enjoy, that you are good at and that support you in your future plans. In addition, your estimated grades should indicate that you are qualified for your chosen subjects.

If you are planning to progress into university or a higher apprenticeship, you should try to ensure that your combination of subjects keeps open a range of options which is appropriate for you. Your current plans beyond A level may mean that you are already sure about two or even three subject choices.

If this is not the case, it may be advisable to contact us  at sixthform@cowesec.org so we may offer information, support and guidance to inform your decision. 

Students taking one subject with a vocational or practical bias as part of a wider portfolio of subjects should not experience any problems in applying to a competitive university. You may find it helpful to look at the Russell Group website www.informedchoices.ac.uk which gives really helpful advice as to which A level subjects are required or recommended for different degree courses. It also shows you what degree courses different combinations of A levels may lead to. Depending on how clear you are about your choices, you are advised to enter between three and five A level subjects on your application. 

Information about a selection of career paths

The following information contains general guidelines which should always be supplemented by specific careers advice and careful research should be undertaken into the requirements of specific courses in higher education via the UCAS website or individual universities prospectuses.

Please contact our award winning careers team if you wish to enquire about other specific career paths; we will also discuss these with you at your guidance interview following your application to Cowes Sixth Form.

Accountancy: Although relevant subjects such as Maths, Economics or Business are useful, they are not usually essential. You can enter directly into a training programme or apprenticeship after A Levels, or you can enter the profession after a degree, which can be in a different discipline.  

Architecture:  It is helpful to have subjects such as Art, Physics and Maths, but most universities are flexible. A portfolio of work may be helpful. Check with individual universities. 

Economics:  Maths is required by some universities. 

Law: Typically History, English or other essay writing subjects are required. Students can enter Law from a scientific background, with at least one essay writing subject. 

Maths and Further Maths: Sometimes regarded as one subject by certain universities. Both subjects may be required or highly desirable for entry to the most competitive courses in Maths, Physics/Engineering or Economics.  

Medicine:  If you study Chemistry, Biology and one A level from Mathematics or Physics you will keep all the medical schools open to you; with Chemistry and Biology A levels you will keep open the vast majority. If you study Chemistry and one A level from Mathematics and Physics you will limit your range of choices much more. Maths and Further Maths will be counted as one subject at many places. Voluntary/community work is essential; the widest range of medical schools are available if you have 6+ GCSE grades 7/8/9 or A/A*. 

Physiotherapy: Biology is generally required, although some universities will accept PE, plus evidence of working with people. 

Psychology: Degree courses usually require one or two science subjects of which Psychology is included, but is not required.  

Veterinary Medicine: If you take Chemistry and Biology and one A level from Mathematics or Physics you will have all universities open to you. Work experience essential. The widest range of vet schools are available if you have 6+ GCSE grades 7/8/9 or A/A*.