What senior schools manage out pupils

Most (nearly all?) schools require certain results at GCSE to stay in for A Levels. Is that what you mean? Or something else?

The only time I've heard about it is at the end of year 12, and if pupils are predicted Ds or Es they aren't allowed to continue in year 13 - this is also meant to be illegal I think. It would be useful to have a list of schools that do this, even though some will say it is in the child's best interest, there should still be a choice to continue if you want and of course the opportunity to improve grades.

I always wonder at all the A stars, A and B grades and anything lower being almost unheard of nowadays and wonder what the grade curves look like, as some people surely have to get the lower grades? When I was at school, an A was exceptional and many got a combination including D and E grades yet still went to good universities.

I'm assuming you mean before GCSEs? Or possibly partway through sixth form?

It's hard to tell, but some people may be able to give you local experiences.

If you can find out information on the number of students who leave the school in Y11 (possibly via FOI?) then this would be revealing.

If it's a state school, it is illegal, so it's really not common practice.

Having a selective sixth form, as others have said, is normal.

If the school only offers academic A-levels, they would be doing the students a disservice to let everyone stay on for 6th form even if they got low GCSE grades. I'd guess most schools look for at least a 6 at GCSE in the subjects they want to take. No point for either the student or the school to accept students on to courses that they are not likely to be able to complete.

If the school offer a wider range of courses such as BTECS, CTECS, other vocational courses then the entry requirements for those courses will be lower.

I wouldn't call it managing out, more that you need to meet the entry requirements for the 6th form and the course you want to do. If you don't, then you need to look elsewhere.

All schools have selective sixth forms surely? I don't believe there is anywhere that would (say) let you take an A Level if you only had a 4 at GCSE (unless mitigating circumstances).

In terms of spotting schools that do this before GCSE - maybe just focus on picking a school that is nurturing and doesn't think high academic results are the be all and end all?

Surely this is easy to find out? It’s simply - do they have a selective sixth form?
Or do you mean manage out before they fuck up the school’s exam stats?

King’s Ely in Cambridgeshire tried to manage out my child. The headteacher was extremely hostile and intimidating.