Sixth Form Admissions
The Sixth Form at Princethorpe offers great choice, quality teaching in small classes, a vast array of sporting, co-curricular, leadership and service opportunities coupled with excellent pastoral care and guidance, tailored to the needs of today’s young adults. Our staff give outstanding individual support to all students and this remains an essential feature of Sixth Form life.
Princethorpe is an 11 to 18 school, and the expectation is that pupils will continue with us through to Sixth Form, providing they meet the academic requirements and embrace the College’s ethos. Princethorpe Year 11s are not required to reapply for Sixth Form, however a term’s notice in writing is required should a pupil not be intending to return.
The minimum academic requirement for Sixth Form is six GCSEs at grades 9-5 (or equivalent), including at least three at grade 6. Students are normally expected to have at least a grade 6 in the subject to be studied to A-level, although specific requirements apply for some subjects please see table below.
Please work really hard for your GCSEs because they are likely to be the only externally validated evidence of academic success that universities and employers will have available to them when making their decisions.
Above all, we want Sixth Form to be a rich and fulfilling experience for you: an opportunity to enjoy a range of learning situations and a time when you feel encouraged to explore future possibilities. If you enter it whole-heartedly, it really should be the best time of your life so far!
| Subject | Subject Specific Entry Criteria |
|---|---|
|
Applied Science BTEC |
5 in GCSE English (Language or Literature) |
| Art | 6 in GCSE Art or a suitable portfolio of work |
| Biology | 7 in GCSE Biology/Combined Science 6 in GCSE Mathematics |
| Business |
5 in GCSE Mathematics |
| Business BTEC |
5 in GCSE English (Language or Literature) |
| Chemistry | 7 in GCSE Chemistry/Combined Science 6 in GCSE Mathematics |
| Computer Science | 6 in Computer Science if taken at GCSE 6 in GCSE Mathematics |
| Drama & Theatre Studies | 6 in GCSE Drama if studied |
| Economics | 6 in GCSE English (Language or Literature) 6 in GCSE Mathematics |
| English Language & Literature | 6 in GCSE English (Language or Literature) |
| English Literature | 6 in GCSE English (Language or Literature) |
| French | 7 in GCSE French |
| Geography | 6 in GCSE Geography |
| History | 6 in GCSE History |
| Latin | 7 in GCSE Latin |
| Law | 6 in GCSE English (Language or Literature) |
| Mathematics | 7 in GCSE Mathematics |
| Further Mathematics | 8 in GCSE Mathematics |
| Core Mathematics AS-level | 6 in GCSE Mathermatics |
| Music | 6 in GCSE Music or Instrumental skills to the equivalent of Grade 6 ABRSM |
| Music Performance BTEC | 5 in GCSE English (Language or Literature) |
| Photography | An interest in Photography Study of a creative subject at GCSE would be advantageous |
| Physical Education | 6 in GCSE Physical Education |
| Physics | 7 in GCSE Physics/Combined Science 6 in GCSE Mathematics |
| Politics | 6 in GCSE English (Language or Literature) 6 in a humanities subject would be advantageous |
| Product Design | 6 in Design Technology GCSE or similar |
| Psychology | 5 in GCSE English (Language or Literature) 5 in GCSE Mathematics 6 in GCSE Science recommended |
| Religious Studies | 6 in GCSE Religious Studies if studied 6 in English (Lanuage or Literature) or History otherwise |
| Sociology | 5 in GCSE English (Language or Literature) |
| Spanish | 7 in GCSE Spanish |
| Sports BTEC (single/double) | 5 in GCSE English (Language or Literature) Merit in L2 Sport BTEC if taken |
| Textiles and Fashion | 6 in any GCSE Art/Design/Textiles |
Next steps?
If you are already at Princethorpe, the options procedure is explained to you through assemblies, meetings, tutorials and interviews.
If you are not yet at Princethorpe and are thinking of joining us, we would be delighted to welcome you. Please contact the Registrars who will be happy to talk you through the process.
Sixth Form Open Evening and Taster Days
Considering Princethorpe College Sixth Form for September 2025? Come along to our dedicated Open Evening on Wednesday 16 October 2024 from 6.30pm.
We also offer Taster Days in December and January for external candidates. If you are not already at Princethorpe these Taster Days are a great way for you to experience Sixth Form life; as well as the opportunity to sample your choice of A-level and BTEC lessons and speak to current Princethorpe Sixth Formers, you will also have an informal interview with the Head of Sixth Form.
To book a place at one of our Taster Days please click here.
External Candidates
The deadline for Sixth Form applications for external candidates is Monday 20 January 2025. We would appreciate having your application in by that date, along with your completed Final Option Subject Choices Form and any Academic, Art, Drama, Music (including Organ) and Sport Scholarship or Bursary applications.
Following satisfactory references from the student’s current school, the Admission Panel will meet and, if appropriate, a conditional offer will be made subject to actual GCSE grades.
Sixth Form offers and Scholarship offers will be made week commencing Monday 31 March 2025.
Confirmation of acceptance from a parent with a £400 deposit is then required to secure the place. This deposit is refunded after the end of the final term which the student spends at Princethorpe.
The deadline for acceptances of Sixth Form places and Scholarship offers is Wednesday 30 April 2025.
If you have any questions relating to the admissions process or scholarships please contact our Registrar, Catherine Rogers or Assistant Registrar, Georgia Newborough, who will be pleased to help you. Please contact the team on 01926 634201/297, alternatively email them at admissions@princethorpe.co.uk.
To download the 2025 Sixth Form Information Booklet please click here
To register for Sixth Form online please click here
For external candidates, once actual GCSE grades have been advised to the Registrar by telephone in August, a confirmed offer will be made.
Confirmation of acceptance from a parent with £400 deposit is then required to secure the place. This deposit is refunded after the end of the final term which the pupil spends at Princethorpe.
The Head and Assistant Heads of Sixth Form hold interviews following GCSE results day for any prospective Sixth Former who has concerns about his or her choice of subjects.
Sixth Form Scholarships and Bursaries
At Sixth Form level there are a range of scholarships available, from Academic to Art, Drama, Music (including Organ) and Sports Scholarships. All scholarships are open to internal and external candidates.
The deadline for applications for Sixth Form Scholarships is Monday 20 January 2025, click on the button below for more information on the individual scholarships, requirements and the relevant process.