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Secondary education

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Original poster

Sixth form admissions - grades

21 replies

Orangesandlemons77 · 26/03/2021 06:57

Does anyone know if for example the sick form entry requirements are 5 grade 6s, does it count if there is a mixture of e.g. 7s and 5s? Thanks
So for example would 7,5,6,6,6 count? Many thanks

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Original poster
Orangesandlemons77 · 26/03/2021 06:58

Sixth form, sorry

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GU24Mum · 26/03/2021 07:19

You'd have to check as it could be that that is the absolute floor level and has to be reached or that there's some flex. If there's flex, it's likely to be in a non-related subject - eg a languages student getting a bad grade in Physics.

BendingSpoons · 26/03/2021 07:23

If they don't reach the grades, it is likely to be a discussion. If they can commit to working hard and have the higher grades in the subjects they want to study, they will hopefully be fine. But it will depend on the sixth form's numbers and the specific subjects e.g. maths and English may be required at the stated grade.

KihoBebiluPute · 26/03/2021 07:26

Did the pupil take only 5 subjects at GCSE or are those the best 5 grades from 8-10 subjects taken? It would be up to the individual school to decide but so long as the subjects for A-level were those that scored 6 or 7 rather than 5 it might be ok. However if someone gained 7,6,6,6,5 while studying only 5 subjects in total then that pupil is probably not going to thrive taking 3 subjects to A-level and should just stick to 2 subjects in order to have the time and headspace to do them well.

KingdomScrolls · 26/03/2021 07:30

The sixth form I went to was over subscribed and wanted A/B grades, I got all A* A grades and a C in food tech (in my defence we had random cover teachers for most of year 11 and did no work). I did A levels in History, English, German and Maths, they didn't care about the C as it wasn't a relevant subject.

RampantIvy · 26/03/2021 07:36

You would need to check with each sixth form. When DD was considering her A level subjects (under the old grading system) the students needed 5 x Cs including English and maths, and a grade B in the subject that they wanted to take at A level.

TBH those who achieved all Cs at GCSE really struggled with A levels and got low grades. Anyone who got Es and under at the end of year 12 were managed out of 6th form.

Original poster
Orangesandlemons77 · 26/03/2021 08:26

@KihoBebiluPute

Did the pupil take only 5 subjects at GCSE or are those the best 5 grades from 8-10 subjects taken? It would be up to the individual school to decide but so long as the subjects for A-level were those that scored 6 or 7 rather than 5 it might be ok. However if someone gained 7,6,6,6,5 while studying only 5 subjects in total then that pupil is probably not going to thrive taking 3 subjects to A-level and should just stick to 2 subjects in order to have the time and headspace to do them well.
No but that is the entrance requirements. Five 6s, also some specific to subjects, but still five 6s overall for entry.
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Original poster
Orangesandlemons77 · 26/03/2021 08:28

@GU24Mum

You'd have to check as it could be that that is the absolute floor level and has to be reached or that there's some flex. If there's flex, it's likely to be in a non-related subject - eg a languages student getting a bad grade in Physics.
Thanks, maybe I will check with their sixth form admissions
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AlexaShutUp · 26/03/2021 08:31

If they got 7s in the subjects they actually want to do at a-level, I imagine there would be flexibility in many places. 5s in those subjects but 7s in others would be less likely.

Original poster
Orangesandlemons77 · 26/03/2021 08:53

@AlexaShutUp

If they got 7s in the subjects they actually want to do at a-level, I imagine there would be flexibility in many places. 5s in those subjects but 7s in others would be less likely.
Yes that is what I am wondering.
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RampantIvy · 26/03/2021 09:13

5s in those subjects but 7s in others would be less likely.

"Yes that is what I am wondering."

Only because they will struggle - see my earlier post. Unless they had a bad day or a poor teacher generally a student with 4s and 5s will struggle at A level. The step up is pretty big. For maths I wouldn't even consider it if under an 7 or 8 at GCSE. DD took A levels in subjects that she got A*s in and still found them hard.

Original poster
Orangesandlemons77 · 26/03/2021 09:43

Hi they replied to say

There is some flexibility, for example if they obtained 4 GCSEs at grade 7 this would help balance a grade 5 in the fifth subject

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Original poster
Orangesandlemons77 · 26/03/2021 09:44

@RampantIvy

5s in those subjects but 7s in others would be less likely.

"Yes that is what I am wondering."

Only because they will struggle - see my earlier post. Unless they had a bad day or a poor teacher generally a student with 4s and 5s will struggle at A level. The step up is pretty big. For maths I wouldn't even consider it if under an 7 or 8 at GCSE. DD took A levels in subjects that she got A*s in and still found them hard.

Yes a 7 is required for maths, even then they said some do change after starting the course.
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Original poster
Orangesandlemons77 · 26/03/2021 10:04

It seems to vary from school to school. Another one nearby states

To be accepted into Sixth Form students must achieve at least three GCSEs at grade 5 or above with a further two GCSEs at grade 4 or better, including at least a grade 4 in Mathematics, English Language and English Literature. For the vast majority of subjects it is an expectation that students will achieve at least a grade 6 in any subject they wish to study at A level and details of course specific entry requirements are detailed at the back of this prospectus and on our website. However, we take the time to know our applicants' strengths and what they can offer our Sixth Form so we look at each application on its own merits.

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lanthanum · 26/03/2021 10:08

Most people do at least eight GCSEs, so a requirement of five grade 6s will usually means that their best five should be at 6 or above. The majority of those getting five 6s will have a couple of 5s as well.

However it may be worth talking to them if they're only just below the tariff, and particularly if they have strong grades in the subjects they want to take, or a particular reason why they might not have got as many 6s.

Original poster
Orangesandlemons77 · 26/03/2021 10:53

@lanthanum

Most people do at least eight GCSEs, so a requirement of five grade 6s will usually means that their best five should be at 6 or above. The majority of those getting five 6s will have a couple of 5s as well.

However it may be worth talking to them if they're only just below the tariff, and particularly if they have strong grades in the subjects they want to take, or a particular reason why they might not have got as many 6s.

Thanks. Also some subjects have two grades for them e.g. English, combined science
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ittakes2 · 26/03/2021 10:58

If you look on the schools website it will tell you what is accepted. In terms of flex it would be up to the teachers so ask them.

MrHannigansCat · 26/03/2021 21:36

Combined science does have 2 grades ie 8,8 or 8,7 and it counts as two separate grades but when they say English at a certain grade they mean English Language not Lit.

The thing is with A levels is that they are not for everyone, theoretically you come down a grade so some sixth forms ask for grade 6 and above.

MrHannigansCat · 26/03/2021 21:39

Sorry that wasn't clear, results are combined science 2 grades listed either the same grades (6,6) or one down (6,5) you cannot have 7,5.

English is divided into the two separate subjects and in my son's case two different exam boards.

Midlifephoenix · 27/03/2021 01:00

A sixth form my daughter applied to said at least 7 in English and maths and higher for A level subject choice. I queried with the school as not sure whether she would achieve 7 in math, and was told it depended on her other grades and if she was taking a math related subject at A level (like physics). She isn't, but is expected to get a 7 in math now. However she didn't get in anyway as I guess her predicted 8s in five other subjects and 7s in remaining four were not good enough!

Original poster
Orangesandlemons77 · 27/03/2021 07:20

@Midlifephoenix

A sixth form my daughter applied to said at least 7 in English and maths and higher for A level subject choice. I queried with the school as not sure whether she would achieve 7 in math, and was told it depended on her other grades and if she was taking a math related subject at A level (like physics). She isn't, but is expected to get a 7 in math now. However she didn't get in anyway as I guess her predicted 8s in five other subjects and 7s in remaining four were not good enough!
was that a private sixth form ?
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