Before You Apply

Every year, many students progress from the main school into our Sixth Form and continue with their studies at the Minster School. With more than 30 subject choices, we offer one of the widest ranges of post-16 academic qualifications in the area.  

There are 400 places available in the 6th form (approx 200 places in each year) and these are filled both by prior students and by those joining us from elsewhere for their post-16 studies.  We welcome applications from students who have not attended the Minster School previously. A good number of external students join us each year and are extremely successful here.  Although our admissions arrangements specify a number of available places for external applicants, it is very common for us to offer a place to an applicant that has met our academic entry requirements.

Our entry requirements and courses offer are detailed below. 

To make a school visit please contact Miss Rebecca Toms (Admissions Administrator) r.toms@minsterschool.org.uk

Entry Requirements & Applications

Admissions criteria for 2025 entry

Students commencing Sixth Form study in September 2025 will need to have achieved at least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including GCSE English Language or Maths.

Applications and admissions cycle 2025 entry

Applications should be submitted by Friday 22nd November 2024. Applications submitted after that date will be accepted, but early submission of applications means it is much more likely that the desired subject combinations will be available. If you wish to make changes to your subject choices, please let us know at the earliest opportunity. Mr Samuels is willing to discuss subject choices with students at any time. Please note that the availability of some subjects and subject combinations will depend on levels of demand and staffing.

Important note: We very much welcome applications from students currently at other schools. The Minster School endeavours to provide all students with their first choice combination of subjects. However, we cannot guarantee that all possible combinations can be met, particularly if students change their subject choices after their initial application.

Please return your applications by Friday 22nd November 2024. Late applications can be made if places are available. In the event that we have more applications than places, governors will invoke the agreed admissions arrangements scheme for 2025-26, a copy of which can be found below.

The Minster School Sixth Form Curriculum 2025

All students are expected to study three subjects alongside an EPQ or Core Maths. In addition, all students will follow a course of Statutory Faith, Culture and Life in Year 12.

For a small number of students, it may be appropriate for their future to study four subjects alongside EPQ or Core Maths. This will be accommodated on a case by case basis in discussion with the student.

A student who has achieved below a grade 4 in GCSE English Language or GCSE Maths will also take a ‘re-sit’ course in that subject.

Minster School Sixth Form Subject Specific Entry Requirements

In addition to the entry requirements for the Sixth Form as a whole, individual subjects have entry requirements that are intended to ensure that students commencing those courses in Year 12 have a strong possibility of success at the end of Year 13. These can be found here or in our prospectus. Achievement of the Subject Specific Entry Requirements guarantees that a student can take the subject, as long as the course runs in that year and the student’s combination of subjects allows it. Where the Subject Specific Entry Requirement is not met, each case will be looked at on an individual basis in discussion before entry into the subject.