Courses and Entry Requirements
Find the right programme for you
Choosing your subjects is one of the most important decisions you will make in Year 11. Think about what you enjoy, where your strengths lie and what you might want to do after Sixth Form. You do not need to have your whole future decided, but it is worth checking whether particular university courses, apprenticeships or careers require specific subjects.
We require all students to study at least three Level 3 subjects. These may be A-levels, vocational qualifications or a combination of the two, where the subject blocks allow.
Explore your options
[September 2027 Applicant guide] - (COMING SOON)
[September 2027 subject entry requirements] - (COMING SOON)
[September 2027 subject blocks] - (COMING SOON)
If you would like advice on your choices, or a meeting with a member of the Sixth Form Leadership team to discuss options, then please contact cas-sixthform@cset.co.uk.
Studying four A-levels
Most students study three A-levels, and university offers are usually based on three subjects. We encourage students to prioritise achieving the strongest possible grades in their chosen courses. Four A-levels may be appropriate for students with a strong academic record, a clear reason for their subject combination and the ability to manage the additional workload. To study four A-levels at Castle, students must achieve an average (mean) GCSE grade of at least 7, meet each subject’s entry requirements and choose a combination that fits the option blocks. This must be discussed and agreed with the Sixth Form team, taking account of students’ future plans, study habits and wellbeing.
Entry requirements
The general entry requirement for a Level 3 programme is at least seven GCSEs at grades 9–4. Individual subjects may have additional requirements. Please read the current entry requirements for every subject you are considering. So, for example, Psychology asks for a grade 5 in maths and English Language. These course requirements are there because of the specific demands of the course.
Your subject choices form part of your application. A conditional offer of a Sixth Form place does not guarantee a particular combination: final choices depend on GCSE results, subject requirements, the courses that run and the timetable. We will discuss suitable alternatives with you if your plans need to change. From time to time, we have to withdraw a qualification due to low take-up. When we are forced to close a course, we will endeavour to do this with sufficent time to allow you to change your options.
Students who have not achieved grade 4 in GCSE English Language or Mathematics must continue studying the relevant subject as part of their programme. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate students resitting both English and maths. We also are in a position where we are not able to offer GCSE or level 2 courses as a program of study for Post 16 students.
The September 2027 course offer is being reviewed. Until the new documents are published, the previous Course Guide and blocks can help you explore possible subjects, but they should not be treated as the confirmed 2027 offer.
