Sixth Form Entry Criteria
Welcome to The Kamal Hanif Waverley Sixth Form. We offer three distinct pathways to meet the diverse needs and aspirations of our students: the Alternative Academic Qualification (AAQ) Pathway, the A Level Pathway, and the BTEC Qualification Pathway. Each pathway has specific entry requirements designed to ensure students are appropriately placed for success.
General Entry Requirements
All applicants must demonstrate:
- A commitment to their studies and the values of Waverley Sixth Form
- A willingness to engage fully in their chosen pathway
- Appropriate behaviour and attendance records from their previous school
Pathway 1: Alternative Academic Qualification (AAQ) Pathway
Minimum Entry Requirements:
- GCSE English Language: Grade 4 or above
- GCSE Mathematics: Grade 4 or above
- Subject-Specific Requirement: Grade 5 or above (or equivalent) in a subject related to the chosen AAQ qualification
- Overall GCSE Performance: Minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above
- Option to re-sit GCSE English Language or GCSE Mathematics but not both
About This Pathway:
The AAQ pathway is designed for students who wish to pursue alternative academic qualifications that provide a different route to higher education or employment. Students must demonstrate competence in core subjects and a particular strength in their chosen field of study. Students are able to select a combination of AAQ subjects and A Level subjects with a maximum of three subjects, subject to meeting the specific criteria for each qualification. EG student A can do the AAQ in Health and Social Care (single qualification) alongside A Level Sociology (single qualification) and A Level Biology (single qualification) providing they meet the entry criteria below.
Pathway 2: A Level Pathway
Standard Entry Requirements:
- GCSE English Language: Grade 5 or above
- GCSE Mathematics: Grade 5 or above
- Overall GCSE Performance: Minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade 5 or above
- Option to re-sit GCSE English Language or GCSE Mathematics but not both and not on an A Level that specifies entry criteria including English or Mathematics
Additional Information:
Students are able to select a combination of AAQ subjects and A Level subjects, subject to meeting the specific criteria for each qualification. EG student A can do the AAQ in Health and Social Care (single qualification) alongside A Level Sociology (single qualification) and A Level Biology (single qualification).
Subject – Specific Entry Requirements
Sciences and Mathematics:
A Level Biology:
- Grade 6 or above in GCSE Biology (or Combined Science Higher Tier)
- Must have sat the Higher Tier specification
A Level Chemistry:
- Grade 6 or above in GCSE Chemistry (or Combined Science Higher Tier)
- Must have sat the Higher Tier specification
A Level Mathematics:
- Grade 6 or above in GCSE Mathematics
- Must have sat the Higher Tier specification
Important Note for Combined Science Students: Students who achieved Grade 6 or 7 in Combined Science Higher Tier may study either Biology or Chemistry or Psychology, but not two Science subjects.
Two Science A-Level Entry Criteria:
Students wishing to pursue two Science A Levels, including: A Level Biology, Chemistry, and Psychology together and must have achieved:
- Grade 7 or above in GCSE Biology (or Combined Science Higher Tier)
- Grade 7 or above in GCSE Chemistry (or Combined Science Higher Tier)
Humanities and Languages:
A Level English Literature:
- Grade 6 or above in both GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature
A Level Geography:
- Grade 5 or above in GCSE Geography
A Level History:
- Grade 5 or above in GCSE History
A Level Sociology:
- Grade 5 or above in a Humanity Subject GCSE
- Grade 5 or above in Sociology (desirable)
A Level Religious Studies:
- Grade 5 or above in a Humanity Subject GCSE
- Grade 5 or above in GCSE Religious Studies
A Level Psychology:
- Grade 5 or above in a Humanity Subject GCSE
- Grade 5 or above in GCSE Psychology
- Grade 5 or above in GCSE Science
A Level Law:
- Grade 5 or above in a Humanities subject (e.g., History, Geography, Religious Studies)
- Grade 5 or above in GCSE English Language
A Level Modern Foreign Languages:
- Grade 6 or above in the relevant GCSE Modern Foreign Language
Creative Subjects
A Level Art:
- Grade 5 or above in GCSE Art
Technology and Enterprise Subjects:
A Level Business Studies:
- Grade 5 or above in GCSE English Language
- Grade 5 or above in GCSE Mathematics
A Level Computer Science:
- Grade 5 or above in an IT qualification (desirable)
- Grade 5 or above in GCSE Mathematics
Pathway 3: BTEC / Vocational Qualification Pathway
Available Courses:
- BTEC Sports Studies/ Cambridge Nationals
- BTEC IT (AAQ option for single)
- WJEC Criminology
Minimum Entry Requirements:
- GCSE English Language: Grade 4 or above
- GCSE Mathematics: Grade 4 or above
- Subject-Specific Requirement: Grade 4 or above (or equivalent) in a subject related to the chosen BTEC/AAQ qualification (desirable but not essential)
- EG: Cambridge National Qualification in Sports no prior qualification in Sport needed at GCSE but desirable
- Overall GCSE Performance: Minimum of 4 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above
- Option to re-sit GCSE English Language or GCSE Mathematics but not both
Support and Guidance
We are committed to supporting all students in making the right choices for their future. Our experienced staff are available to discuss:
- Which pathway is most suitable for individual students
- Subject combinations and career pathways
- Additional support available for students who need it
What happens if I do not meet the entry criteria?
If you are successful in obtaining a place at Waverley Sixth Form but have not met the entry requirements for your chosen courses, you should still attend on the enrolment day to meet with an admissions tutor. We understand that students do not always perform as well as they would wish in their examinations for a variety of different reasons.
You will be able to discuss the grades you have achieved and which courses you may be eligible to study.
Contact Information
For further information about admissions to The Kamal Hanif Waverley Sixth Form, please contact:
Miss Chester Assistant Principal, Head of Sixth Form and CEIAG
We look forward to welcoming you to our Sixth Form community.