1. What is Sixth Form?

Sixth Form is the stage of education for students aged 16-18 in the UK, covering Years 12 and 13. Students can pursue A-Levels, BTECs, or other qualifications to prepare for university, apprenticeships, or work.

2. Who can apply to Sixth Form?

Students who are completing their GCSEs or equivalent qualifications in yr 11 are eligible to apply.

3. How do I apply for Sixth Form?

Applications are made through our online application platform which can be found on the school’s website under the Sixth Form tab. Use the QR code.

4. When should I apply?

Our Sixth Form application platform is open from 28 November. Deadline for applications is 31 January.  The online site will then close for a short period.  Any applications submitted after the 31 January will be classed as a late application. There is no need to rush your application as all applications will be considered up to the closing date above.

5. What information do I need for my application?

You will need:

• Predicted grades or mock exam results.
• External students will need to provide contact details from their current school for a reference.
• External Students - Proof of identification (passport or birth certificate)

6. Can I apply to multiple Sixth Forms?

Yes, you can apply to more than one Sixth Form. This increases your options in case you don’t meet the entry requirements for your first choice. This includes all KS5 providers -eg Sixth Form College as well as other Schools.

7. What are the entry requirements for Sixth Form?

• A-Levels: 6 GCSEs at grades 5-9, including English and Maths grade 5. Some subjects require specific grades (e.g., a 7 in GCSE Maths to study A-Level Maths and grade 6 in other subjects).
• BTECs: 5 GCSEs at grades 4-9, including English and Maths grade 4. Some subjects require specific grades.

Please see our website and or Prospectus (QR code) for more specific details.

8. What happens if I don’t meet the entry requirements?

Based on your achieved GCSE grades we may be able to offer alternative pathways, like a mixed pathway of A-Levels and BTECs or BTECs only.  Options can be discussed on enrolment day.

9. What subjects can I study?

We offer A-Levels and BTECs in a wide range of subjects, from traditional sciences and humanities to creative arts, business, and vocational courses.

10. How many subjects do I choose?

Students typically choose three A-Level subjects. For BTECs, the structure may vary depending on whether you’re studying a single or triple award. It is helpful to also provide back up subject choices in case you don’t meet the entry requirements for your first choice. 

11. Can I study 4 subjects?

Typically, students are advised to focus on three subjects. A fourth subject may be an option for those who achieve GCSE grades of 8-9 across all subjects. However, studying four subjects does not provide any additional advantage for university admissions.

12. What happens if I want to change subjects?

You can opt to change your subject choice on enrolment day – subject to meeting the entry requirements. Students may change subjects within the first few weeks of starting in September, subject to availability, grades and timetable constraints.

13. Option Choices & Option Blocks:

When choosing your options on Applicaa you will only be permitted to select one subject per option block.

14. Subject Specific Pathways:

If you have a specific career in mind for example – engineering, medicine, law, there are certain combinations of A level subjects you will want to consider studying. Please refer to the Sixth Form area on the school web site for further details. Alternatively speak to a member of the sixth form team.

15. Subject Details:

For a detailed description of all our courses please refer to the prospectus using our QR code / school website.

16. Will I have an interview?

Internal Year 11 students will have an interview in March to assess your suitability for the courses you’ve chosen and discuss your career aspirations.  At present we do not hold interviews for external students

17. When will I hear back about my application?

We endeavour to send our offers by around Easter time (April)

18. Can I apply if I didn’t attend the school’s Year 11?

Yes, external students are usually welcome to apply. However, you might need to provide more detailed references or evidence of your academic record.

19. Is financial support available?

West Hatch offers bursaries and free meal schemes for students from low-income households. Check our website for details.

20. What should I do if I have questions during the application process?

Contact the Sixth Form’s admissions team via email 6thadmissions@westhatch.net. We can provide specific guidance tailored to your circumstances.