Sixth Form Entry Requirements

To achieve entry into the Sixth Form in September 2025, prospective entrants (both existing pupils and external candidates) must achieve a minimum of seven GCSE passes at grades 9-5, including at least grades 6 in English and Mathematics.

To study a subject at A-Level a student must have achieved at least a grade 7 at GCSE in that subject (where that subject was an option at GCSE).

To study Further Mathematics, a student must have achieved at least a grade 9 in Mathematics at GCSE level.

To study Science, Mathematics and Computer Science, a student must have achieved 8, 7, 7 in GCSEs involving these subjects (for example to study Mathematics, Biology and Chemistry a student must have achieved an 8 in at least one of these subjects and 7’s in the others).

Further Mathematics is the fourth option for students on top of the entry requirements for studying 4 A-Level subjects (achieve 5 grade 8’s or above with grade 8 in at least 3 of the A-Level choices).

Pupils studying Physics must also study Mathematics.

For subjects which are not studied at GCSE, another qualification will be considered:

• For Economics, a grade 7 in GCSE Mathematics is required.
• For Government & Politics, a grade 7 in GCSE English or Religious Studies is required.
• For Psychology, a grade 7 in a single GCSE Science will be required (preferably Biology). If double-award was studied, a grade 7-6 will be required.

Offers of places in the Sixth Form will be conditional on the achievement of these results and capacity on chosen courses.

Current students who do not meet the Sixth Form entry requirements are unlikely to be offered a place in the Sixth Form. 

In the event of over-subscription, preference will be given to: “looked after or previously looked after children and children who are currently in receipt of Free School Meals (Pupil Premium) and then those who live nearest to the school (according to the straight-line distance between home and school)".

Marking review for GCSE examinations

If any of your results are not what you expected, then you may ask for an enquiry to be made into your results.

Priority copy of scripts to support marking review - Deadline Wednesday 3rd September: You can ask to see a copy of your scripts before deciding whether to submit a review of marking request. Scripts will be received by 15th September.

Clerical check - Deadline Wednesday 24th September: This is a re-check of all clerical procedures leading to the issue of a result, including a check that all parts of the script have been marked and scores totalled correctly. The target for completion is within 10 calendar days of the awarding body receiving the request.

Review of marking - Deadline Wednesday 24th September: Reviewers will conduct a review of the accuracy and consistency of the application of the mark scheme. The target for completion is within 20 days of the awarding body receiving the request.

Possible outcomes of a review:

• Your original mark is confirmed as correct, and there is no change to your grade. 

• Your original mark is raised, so your final grade may be higher than the original grade you received. 

• Your original mark is lowered, so your final grade may be lower than the original grade you received. 

Cost for these services:

Payment will be made through ParentPay. Where an enquiry results in a grade change, the fee paid will be refunded.

If you would like to submit a request for one of these services please complete this form which will open at 8.30am on Thursday 21st August.

What to do if you miss out on a place

If you don’t receive the grades needed to secure a place at King Edward VI Aston Sixth Form, don’t worry; there are still plenty of options to make sure you continue your education next year:

1. Explore Other Sixth Forms and Colleges Online
   Visit the websites of other institutions to see which courses are available and whether they still have places. Many will update their availability on Results Day.
2. Contact Admissions Teams
   If you find a course that interests you and you meet the entry requirements, call the admissions team directly. They can guide you through the enrolment process and let you know what steps to take.
3. Visit in Person
   Most sixth forms and colleges will be open on Results Day and in the days following. Visiting in person allows you to speak to an adviser, ask questions, and get support with your next steps.
4. Consider Alternative Pathways
   Vocational qualifications such as BTECs or higher-level apprenticeships can be excellent routes into university or employment. These options often have slightly different entry requirements and may suit your learning style and career goals.

We will also be available to support you if you are unable to find a place.