Sixth Form Entry Requirements
Level 3 courses are challenging and demanding; it is therefore very important that students embarking on these courses have demonstrated both their commitment to study and achieved the appropriate grades at GCSE which will enable them to be successful in post-16 study. For 2021 our general entry requirements are an attendance record in Year 11 of at least 95% and a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade 5+ or their equivalent which must include:
- a grade 5 or above in either English Language or English Literature with at least a Grade 4 in English Language
- a grade 4 in Mathematics
- a grade 5 or its equivalent in any subject which has been taken at GCSE or other Level 2 qualification that is to be carried on to A Level unless otherwise specified.
In addition there are specific subject requirements which can be found on the relevant course webpages and which are outlined below.
The majority of our students take 3 subjects in the Sixth Form, although there it is possible for some high-achieving students to take 4 subjects.
Summary of course specific entry requirements
Art: General entry requirements; students must also have taken Art based subject at GCSE and achieved at least a grade 5.
Biology: Students must have a grade 6 or above in Mathematics and grade 6 or above in Biology and a grade 5 in a second science or a Grade 5,6 in Combined Science.
Business Studies: There is no need to have studied GCSE Business Studies to take this course at A level but as good numeracy skills are required, applicants must have, in addition to the general entry requirements, at least a grade 4 in Mathematics.
Chemistry: In order to take this course there is an entry requirement of 6 or above in Mathematics and grade 6 or above in Chemistry and a grade 5 in a second science or 5-6 in combined science.
Classical Civilisation: There is no need to have studied either History or Classical Civilisation at GCSE, although an interest in History is crucial, but we do expect students to have a grade 5 or above in English Literature as this is an essay and literature based subject. If this subject has been taken at GCSE then students should have achieved at least a grade 5.
Core Mathematics: Students should have a grade 5 or higher in GCSE Mathematics.
Drama & Theatre: Although Drama GCSE is not essential, students should have a grade 5 or higher in both English Language and English Literature.
Economics: There is no need to have studied Economics at GCSE to take this course at A level but given the demanding mathematical nature of the subject, Mathematics at grade 5 or above is essential.
English Literature: In addition to English Language GCSE at grade 5 or above, students must also have studied English Literature as a separate qualification and achieved at least a grade 5.
Forensic & Criminal Investigation: Students must have a minimum of two grade 5s in Science and a grade 5 in Mathematics.
French: Students must have taken French at GCSE and achieved at least a grade 6.
Geography: Students must have taken Geography at GCSE and achieved at least a grade 5; Mathematics at grade 5 or above is also required for this subject.
German: Students must have taken German at GCSE and achieved at least a 6.
Government & Politics: General entry requirements; there is no need to have taken this subject at GCSE.
Health & Social Care: There is no need to have taken this subject at GCSE but students should have achieved at least a grade 5 in a science subject in addition to our general entry criteria.
History: It is preferable but not a requirement that students should have studied History at GCSE and achieved at least a Grade 5. However, if History has not been taken in Y11 then a grade 5 or above in English Literature is required as this is an essay based subject.
ICT – Digital Media: Students must have at least a grade 5 at GCSE in this subject or a Merit in an equivalent qualification as well as Mathematics GCSE grade 5 or higher. If ICT has not been taken as a formal qualification at school, then students will need to demonstrate their ability to take this subject on to advanced level study.
Law: There is no need to have taken this subject at GCSE; however, as this is an essay based subject, a Grade 5+ in either English Literature or History is essential. We also expect students to have achieved grade 5+ in a knowledge based subject such as science.
Mathematics: Students must have achieved at least a grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics.
Further Mathematics: This course is for talented mathematicians who have achieved either a grade 8 or a grade 9 in Mathematics at GCSE. Students who wish to take Further Maths must take this subject as a fourth choice in addition to main Maths A Level.
Media Studies: General entry requirements; there is no need to have taken this subject at GCSE.
Music: This is a very specialised course and in addition to the general entry requirements for Sixth Form, students must also have taken a GCSE or other equivalent Level 2 qualification in this subject, achieving a grade 5 or above, play a musical instrument or sing and take instrumental lessons arranged either internally through school or externally. Students may be invited to audition prior to the commencement of the course if singing only is offered. Please state on the application form in the personal statement section your musical experience to date.
PE: It is preferable that students have studied this subject at GCSE or other equivalent Level 2 qualification and achieved at least a grade 5 or a pass. Mathematics at grade 5 and ideally 2 science GCSEs at grade 5 or higher are also required for this subject and and ideally students should play a competitive sport for a team.
Physics: Students must have a grade 6 or above in Mathematics and have also achieved at least grade 6 or above in Physics and a grade 5 in a second science or grades 5 and 6 in Combined Science.
Product Design: Students should have a grade 5 or higher in a Design and Technology subject and Mathematics at grade 5.
Psychology: There is no need to have studied Psychology at GCSE. However, as this is a science based subject students should have at least a grade 5 in Mathematics and 2 sciences at grade 5 or above.
RS, Philosophy & Ethics: It is preferable that students have achieved at least a grade 5 at GCSE in RS. However, if this has not been taken as a qualification in Y11, then a grade 5 or above in a related subject such as History or English Literature is required.
Sociology: There is no need to have taken this subject at GCSE. However, if Sociology has not been taken in Y11 then a grade 5 in an essay based subject such as History or English Literature is essential.
Travel & Tourism: General entry requirements; there is no need to have a Level 2 qualification in this subject.