Post-16 Entry Requirements
In the Sixth Form you will study subjects you choose within an agreed study programme. This may involve the study of purely academic A-Levels or Technical (vocational) subjects at either Level 2 or Level 3, or a mixture of these.
A-Levels and Level 3 qualifications are studied over two years with terminal examinations at the end of the second year of study.
In addition to your chosen subjects, your Study Programme will also include a daily mentor period, a weekly period of enrichment, and may include independent study periods as part of your timetable. You will also participate in a week of Work Experience during Year 12.
Entry Requirements for Year 12 [September 2021]
| Study Programme | KS4 Minimum Attainment | Qualifications |
| Pathway 1 | 10+ GCSEs at Grades 9-7 with 7+ in English and Maths | Up to 4 ALevels and EPQ |
| Pathway 2 | 8+ GCSEs at Grades 9-7 with 7+ in English and Maths | Up to 4 A Levels or 3 A Levels and EPQ |
| Pathway 3 |
6+ GCSEs at Grades 9-4 with 4+ in English and Maths |
3 A Levels |
| Pathway 4 |
5+ GCSEs at Grades 9-4 with 4+ in English and Maths |
Up to 3 qualifications, e.g. 3 A Levels or 2 A Levels and 1 Level 3 qualification |
| Pathway 5a |
5+ GCSEs at Grades 9-4 with 4+ in English or Maths |
1 Level 3 qualification and 2 A-Levels [as recommended by enrolment team and as appropriate to English/Maths pass] and GCSE retake |
| Pathway 5b |
4+ GCSEs at Grades 9-4 with 5+ in English and Maths |
1 Level 3 qualification and 2 A-Levels (as recommended by enrolment team) |
| Pathway 6 | 4+ GCSEs at grade 3+ |
Level 2 qualifications + GCSE retake(s) Students will study both Level 2 Business AND Level 2 IT |
Students with GCSE grade 3 or less in English Language and/or Mathematics will be expected to retake the subject(s) as part of their Study Programme. Students with Grade 4 in English Language and/or Mathematics, may wish to retake the subject with the intention of passing at Grade 5.‘English’ refers to either English Language or English Literature.
Students following Study Programme 6 during Year 12 must attain a Merit in both Level 2 qualifications (Business and ICT) to progress to a recommended Level 3 pathway.
Subject Specific Eligibility Criteria
| Subject | Minimum Key Stage 4 Attainment |
| Applied Psychology (Level 3) |
5 or more grades 9-4 including English or Mathematics OR 4 or more grades 9-4 including 5+ in English and Mathematics |
|
Art & Design (Fine Art) |
4+ in Art/Art Graphics/Photography or portfolio evidence |
| Art & Design (Photography) |
4+ in Art/Art Graphics/Photography or portfolio evidence |
| Art Fashion (Textiles) |
4+ in Textiles or Art, or portfolio evidence |
| Biology† |
6-5+ in Trilogy Science (Higher Tier) or 5+ in Biology, and 5+ in Mathematics |
| Business Studies |
4+ in English and Maths, 4+ in Business Studies (if studied) |
| Chemistry† |
6-5+ in Trilogy Science or 5+ in Chemistry (Higher Tier), and 5+ in Mathematics |
| Chinese Mandarin |
5+ in Chinese Mandarin (Higher Tier) |
| Computing |
5+ in Mathematics and 5+ in Computing if studied. 6+ in Mathematics if Computing not studied at GCSE |
| Economics |
5+ in Maths and 5+ in English |
| English Language and Literature |
5+ in both English Language and Literature |
| English Literature |
5+ in both English Language and Literature |
| French |
5+ in French (Higher Tier) |
| Further Mathematics |
7+ in Mathematics [to be studied with A-Level Mathematics] |
| Geography* |
4+ in Geography and 5+ in English OR 6+ in Geography and 4+ in English |
| History |
4+ in History and 5+ in English OR 6+ in History and 4+ in English |
|
ICT (Level 3)
|
5 or more grades at 9-4 including 4+ in English or Maths OR 4 or more grades at 9-4 including 5+ in English and Maths |
| Mathematics |
7+ in Maths [a strong grade 6 will be considered] |
| Mathematical Studies (Level 3 - 2 year AS equivalent) | 4+ in Mathematics |
| Music |
5+ in Music |
| Music Technology |
4+ Music/Music Technology (if studied). If no Music/Music Technology at GCSE you must be able to demonstrate music technology experience. |
| Performing Arts (Level 3) |
5 or more grades 9-4 including English or Mathematics OR 4 or more grades 9-4 including 5+ in English and Mathematics |
| Physics† |
6-5+ in Trilogy Science or 5+ in Physics (Higher Tier), and 6+ in Mathematics |
| Politics |
4+ in English |
| Psychology* |
4+ in a Science or 4-4 in Trilogy Science. 5+ in English and Mathematics |
| Religious Studies |
4+ in English |
| Sociology |
4+ in English |
| Spanish |
5+ in Spanish (Higher Tier) |
| Sport (Level 3) |
4+ in Biology or 4-4 in Trilogy Science. Must be actively involved in competitive sport - to be discussed with Curriculum Leader. |
‘English’ refers to either English Language or English Literature.
† Students studying a Science should study Level 3 Mathematics if they are not studying A-Level Mathematics.
* Students studying Geography or Psychology are recommended to study Level 3 Mathematical Studies if they are not studying A-Level Mathematics.
Progression to Year 13
Students must pass their Year 12 Pre-Public Examinations [PPEs] in order to continue studying the subject in Year 13, although it is desirable to achieve at least a D grade at this stage. If students are at risk of not achieving passes at the end of A-Level courses, students will be required to have a formal interview with the Head of Sixth Form. Students will be given the opportunity to retake any PPEs in which they have failed before the end of the Summer Term of Year 12. Students will not be excluded from the Sixth Form on the basis of their Year 12 PPE results, however, careful and independent information, advice and guidance will be provided to ensure students follow the best possible route for success. Students will not be permitted to repeat Year 12 except for in exceptional circumstances. Any restart will require students to study a different set of subjects.
Russell Group Universities
To help in your Sixth Form decision-making, please see the guide below produced by the Russell Group of universities regarding post-16 education.