Admissions to Sixth Form

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Our Sixth Form offers an exciting opportunity to develop your academic potential, build independence and prepare for life beyond school. We are committed to providing a supportive, aspirational environment where every student is encouraged to achieve their best, grow in confidence and make the most of the opportunities available to them.

Whether you are a current St James’ student or joining us from another school, we look forward to welcoming you. Explore the information below to find out more about our admissions process, entry requirements and how to apply.

Entrance Criteria

SUBJECT ENTRY REQUIREMENTS 2026/27

Pathway 1 - To study 4 A-levels, students must attain grades 7-9 in 7 GCSEs including English and Mathematics.

Pathway 2 - To study 3 A-levels, students must attain grades 5-9 in 6 GCSEs including English and Mathematics.

In the table below, the 'in the subject' column refers to the GCSE grade required in that specific subject to gain access to the course, e.g 6 in Spanish, you must have a minimum of a 6 in GCSE Spanish to choose this course.

We reserve the right to review entry requirements at enrolment.

A-level Courses

Entry Requirements

English

Maths

Science

In the subject

Art

5

    

6

Biology

5

6

7 7

7

Chemistry

5

7

7 7

7

English Literature

6/6

      

Economics

5

6

    

French

5

    

6

Geography

5

5

  

6

History

5

    

6

Mathematics

5

7

    

Further Maths

5

8

    

Music

      

6

Physical Education

5

5

5

6

Physics

5

7

7 7

7

Politics

5

    

6 in a Humanities subject

Product Design

5

6

  

* you do not need to have studied DT at GCSE

Psychology

5

6

6 6; 666

  

Religious Education

6

    

6

Sociology

5

      

Spanish

5

    

6

Pathway 3 - To study a combination of 2 Vocational Courses and 1 A-level course OR 3 Level 3 courses, you should get at least a 4 in English and Mathematics.

Level 3 Courses

Entry Requirements

English

Maths

In the subject

OCR Business Studies

4

4

5 (If you studied GCSE Business)

EDEXCEL AAQ IT Level 3

4

4

Done KS4 Computer Science, ICT, or Creative iMedia @ a grade Merit / 4+

BTEC Media

4

4

  

Applied Science - AAQ

5

5

5-5 (Combined Science) 5-5-5 (Triple Science)

Health and Social Care

4

4

5

5 in Science

Performing Arts

6

    

6 in Drama

Pathway 4 - To study resit GCSE English Language and GCSE Mathematics.

Level 2 course: students will study all the following subjects.

GCSE English

GCSE Maths

Level 2 OCR Sport

Level 2 OCR Business

Applying to Sixth Form

We are delighted to invite applications for St James' Sixth Form! Whether you are currently a student at St. James or joining us from another school, we welcome you to take the next step in your educational journey with us.

Applications are not yet open. Please keep an eye on this page over the coming weeks for further updates and information on when applications will go live. 

Sixth Form Open Evening

At St James’, we are committed to nurturing and empowering every student to achieve their potential, grow in confidence and become young people who embody our VERITAS values. Our ambition is to develop young men and women who will make a positive difference in the world, living out our mission: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).

We offer a broad range of academic and vocational courses, delivered through excellent teaching and supported by a bespoke programme of careers guidance, enrichment and personal development. Our students benefit from a wealth of opportunities to develop their leadership skills, contribute to our school and wider community, and prepare for their next steps, whether that be university, an apprenticeship or the world of work.

I look forward to welcoming you to our Sixth Form Open Evening.

Emma Marsh

Head of Sixth Form

To Sign up to our Sixth Form Open Evening please click here

STJ Sixth Form flyers 2026