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Sixth Form & College Applications

Sixth forms and colleges are where students in England continue their education after GCSEs, up to age 18. Sixth form covers Year 12 and Year 13 and is a key stage in preparing for university, apprenticeships or work. Students choose courses such as A Levels (Advanced Level), T Levels or BTECs (Business and Technology Education Council). This is also when students start to focus on their career plans and university applications.

Applying to sixth form or college

Applying to sixth form involves a few steps that depend on a student's school record, interests and career goals. Here are the key points:

1. When to apply

  • Timing: sixth form applications usually open in October–November of Year 11, and many close by the end of December or January (some providers accept later applications).
  • Deadlines vary from provider to provider, so students should check them on each sixth form's or college's website or prospectus.

2. Entry requirements

  • GCSE results: most sixth forms ask for certain GCSE grades. To take A Levels, students usually need at least 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or 5 or above, and some sixth forms ask for higher grades (often a 6 or 7) in the subjects students want to study.
  • Choosing courses: on the application, students list the courses they want to take. These can be A Levels, T Levels or BTECs. It's important to choose courses that match their interests, strengths and future goals.
  • Reference: providers may ask for a reference from the student's current school, covering their academic progress, attendance and behaviour.

3. The application process

  • Online applications: many sixth forms take applications online. Students fill in the form on the provider's website, and the provider may ask for information such as predicted GCSE grades and a school reference.
  • Application form: the form asks for personal details, the courses the student wants to take and their education so far.
  • Interviews and tests: some providers interview applicants or set written tests. These help them understand whether the courses suit the student, and the student's goals and motivation.

4. Choosing courses

  • A Levels: students usually choose 3 subjects (sometimes 4). A Levels are the most common route to university. Students choose subjects based on their interests and career goals. A Levels take 2 years and are assessed mainly by exams at the end of Year 13. 
    Popular A Level subjects include:
    • Mathematics
    • Chemistry, Physics, Biology
    • History, Geography
    • English Literature, Philosophy
    • Modern languages (French, Spanish etc.)
    • Economics, Psychology
  • BTEC: BTECs focus on practical and vocational skills and are more applied than A Levels. BTECs aim to build skills for the world of work. T Levels are another technical option, with a substantial industry placement. Examples include:
    • Business
    • Engineering
    • Health and Social Care
    • Media and Design
    • Sport and Physical Education

5. Offers and confirmation

After assessing applications, providers make offers, usually in the spring, often conditional on GCSE results. Places are confirmed on GCSE results day in August, when students enrol and start at their chosen provider in September.


What to look for when choosing a sixth form

  1. Academic record: look into the sixth form's results, university destinations and how former students have done.
  2. Courses on offer: check that the subjects you want are available, and think about whether they suit you and how they link to your career goals.
  3. Location and facilities: find out about travel, student services, labs, libraries and other facilities. Things that make student life easier matter.
  4. Support: the guidance and careers support a sixth form offers can help with university applications and future career goals.

In summary

Applying to sixth form or college is an important step for a student's education and career plans. It means choosing courses that match their interests and goals, researching carefully, making good decisions and applying on time.

For more detail, you can watch our 1.5-hour GCSE A to Z seminar (in Turkish). The seminar covers the journey from GCSEs onwards and examples of entry requirements.