Sixth Form
Applying to shireland sixth form has just got easier
Starting sixth form is an exciting next step, and applying to Shireland Sixth Form is simple with Applicaa, our free online admissions platform.听
Applicaa allows you to complete your application, keep track of your progress and recieve important updates from our sixth form team about key dates, interviews, open events and offers – all in one place.听
Applications for September 2027 will be opening soon. If you are ready to take the next step and become part of our sixth form community, we would love to hear from you.听
For support with your application, or if you have any questions, please contact our sixth form team on 0121 558 8086 or email bbrogan@sca.shirelandcat.net or batwal@sca.shirelandcat.net.
Course Entry Requirements for September 2027
our Level 2 Programme
Our Level 2 programme is designed to give you the support, skills and qualifications you need to take your next steps in education. It provides a tailored pathway for students who are not yet ready to progress directly onto our A level or vocational courses, helping you build your confidence and prepare for further study.
Alongside IT, you will choose two subjects from:
- Business studies
- Sport
- Social science
听
You can also resit English and Maths alongside your programme if you need to achieve the grades required for your next steps.听
Our Level 3 Programme
Students are expected to achieve a minimum of Grade 5 or above at GCSE to be considered for A level and vocational courses. Below are the minimum entry requirements for all Level 3 courses.
A level courses
| Subject | GCSE Maths | GCSE English | Other requirements / information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art & Design – Fine Art | 4 | 5 | A minimum of grade 5 in GCSE Art is required unless the subject has not been previously studied, in this case students will be required to attend an interview and present a portfolio of work. |
| Art & Design – Photography | 4 | 5 | A minimum of grade 5 in GCSE Art is required unless the subject has not been previously studied, in this case students will be required to attend an interview and present a portfolio of work. |
| Art & Design – Textiles | 4 | 5 | A minimum of grade 5 in GCSE Art is required unless the subject has not been previously studied, in this case students will be required to attend an interview and present a portfolio of work. |
| Biology | 6 | 6 | A minimum Combined Science GCSE grade 7-7, or Biology GCSE grade 6 is required (plus a 6 in either Chemistry or Physics). The GCSE 6 in English can be Language or Literature. |
| Chemistry | 6 | 5 | A minimum Combined Science GCSE grade 7-7, or Chemistry GCSE grade 6 is required (plus a 6 in either Biology or Physics). A grade 7 in GCSE Mathematics is desirable due to the nature of the course content. |
| Computer Science | 6 | 5 | A minimum of a GCSE grade 6 in Computer Science is desirable. |
| Dance | 4 | 4 | A GCSE grade in Dance is not required, but some experience within Dance/PE is essential. A GCSE grade 5 in English is desirable due to the written requirements of course content. |
| English Literature | 4 | 6 | |
| Further Maths | 7 | 5 | |
| Geography | 5 | 5 | A minimum of a grade 6 in Geography, History and/or RE. A grade 5 is desirable in Science GCSE and a grade 6 in English due to the nature of the course content. |
| German | 5 | 5 | |
| Government & Politics | 5 | 6 | A minimum of a GCSE in grade 6 in GCSE History, Geography and/or RE is desirable. |
| History | 4 | 6 | A minimum of a GCSE grade 6 in History is desirable but previous study of the subject is not essential if a student has GCSE grades 6 or above in Geography and/or Religious Studies. A grade 6 in both GCSE English Language and Literature is desirable due to the written requirements of course content. |
| Mathematics | 4 | 5 | A GCSE grade 7 or above in Mathematics is desirable. |
| Philosophy, Religion and Ethics | 4 | 6 | |
| Physics | 6 | 5 | A minimum Combined Science GCSE grade of 7-7, or Physics GCSE grade 6 is required (plus a 6 in either Biology or Chemistry). A grade 7 in GCSE Mathematics is desirable due to the nature of the course content. |
| Product Design | 5 | 5 | A minimum of a GCSE grade 5 in Design and Technology is required unless the subject has not been previously studied. In this case, students will be required to attend and interview and present a portfolio of their work. A GCSE grade 6 or above is desirable. |
| Psychology | 6 | 6 | A GCSE grade 6 in Mathematics is desirable due to the nature of the course content. |
| Sociology | 5 | 6 | |
| World Languages (e.g., Arabic, Italian, Polish, Panjabi, Turkish, Urdu) |
4 | 4 | These courses can only be selected post-interview. Student applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, and the subject will be studied independently in addition to other courses. |
Vocational courses
| Subject |
GCSE Maths |
GCSE English |
Other requirements / information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Science | 4 | 4 | A minimum Combined Science grade of 4-4, or a combination of minimum grades of 4, 4, and 3 in Biology, Chemistry and Physics (any combination) is required. |
| Business Studies | 5 | 5 | |
| Drama | 4 | 5 | |
| Health and Social Care | 4 | 4 | A minimum of a GCSE grade 5 in Science is desirable due to the nature of the course content. GCSE grades 5 in English and Maths are also desirable. |
| ICT | 5 | 5 | |
| Music | 4 | 5 | |
| Spanish | 5 | 5 | |
| Sports Science | 4 | 5 | A GCSE grade 5 in Science is desirable due to the nature of the course content. |
| Travel and Tourism | 4 | 4 |