Thinking of joining us...?

​The first step in making an application to join the sixth form is to read the Prospectus. You may have a good idea what you want to study but it is important that you attend the ‘Your Future’ evening to collect appropriate literature and talk to people about the courses available. 
 
UCAS Progress login details will be given out in January. All applications must be complete by 12.40pm on Tuesday 13th February 2018. 

Personal statement.

You will be asked to complete a personal statement similar to the one you will have to write when applying to university. All personal statements will be attached to your application form on UCAS Progress. 
 
In case you want some guidance, here is a suggestion of how it might be structured: 

Paragraphs.

Why you have chosen the subjects you want to study in the sixth form; why they interest you; any related experiences you may have gained in these particular subjects; where you hope these subjects might lead in higher education.
Websites that might be useful include: www.ucas.com, www.apprenticeships.org.uk, www.russellgroup.org/InformedChoiceslatest.pdf, there are many more to help.
What you are like as a student; what particular skills you have which make you a good learner; how you will apply these skills in the sixth form; what you hope to gain from the experience of being in the sixth form. ​
What your interests and skills are; what you enjoy taking part in when not studying; what work experience you have gained; any clubs and societies you belong to; life outside of school.
​What your long term goals are; aims and aspirations; ideas for career or profession either post 18 or after University.
Icons made by Twitter from www.flaticon.com is licensed by CC 3.0 BY

Application form.

Applications are made online at www.ucasprogress.com.

Details of how to access and use this system can be found on our Apply page. They can also be found in the Stafford Sixth Form Partnership Prospectus. 

Entry requirements.

Within the Stafford Sixth Form Partnership there are different combinations of courses available, and a clear set of entry criteria for each programme. 

A Level Programme 
  • The standard entry criteria to study in the sixth form is 9-4 or A*-C in at least seven different subjects, including English and mathematics  which would usually be at grade 4 or above (equivalent to grade C in previous years).
  • To study mathematics, you will be required to achieve a grade 6 or above at GCSE.
  • To study further mathematics, you will be required to achieve a 7 or above grade in mathematics at GCSE.
  • To study computing, modern foreign languages or music, you will be required to achieve a grade 6 or above in that subject at GCSE.
  • To study science subjects at A-level (biology, chemistry, physics or psychology), you will be required to achieve at least a 6 grade in additional science or have achieved  6 or above in the individual subject area if taken as a separate science.
  • For some A-levels with a high mathematical content (particularly computing, chemistry and physics) GCSE at grade 6 in mathematics is also required.
  • To study other subjects already taken at GCSE you must achieve  at least a grade 5 or C grade or above in that subject. 

Technical and Applied General Programme 
To study the Technical  and Applied General Programme, you should have achieved 9-4 or A*-C above in at least five different subjects with a grade 4 or above in English Language and mathematics and a 5 in the subject to be studied/related subject to be studied. 

You will be able to select a combination of an applied and an A Level course. For the A Level you choose, if the subject was already taken at GCSE, you must achieve  at least a grade 5 or C grade or above in that subject  
Whichever pathway you would like to take you will need to discuss this with your Head of Sixth Form who will advise you on your choices. 
 
What if you don’t meet these criteria? 
For students who do not meet these criteria, don’t panic! Discuss this with your Head of Sixth Form who will look at the options available.  

Admissions Panel 
Also, students can be referred to the Admissions Panel where an applicant:
  • offers alternative qualifications;
  • has not met entry criteria but there are known mitigating circumstances;
  • wishes to repeat a year of a course. 

The panel comprises representatives of heads from partner schools and the Partnership Manager. It meets during the first week of the Autumn Term, students are required to submit their back up plan for the appeals meeting. The panel reserves the right not to offer a place on a course to students who, it believes, would not benefit from it.