WCHS Sixth Form Entry Criteria: Minimum entry requirements

All applicants need a minimum average capped GCSE point score of 6.5. This is arrived at by calculating the average of the best 8 GCSEs. These 8 GCSEs should normally have been achieved during one sitting, though exceptions will be considered for early entries in GCSE English and Mathematics.

Calculating average GCSE point score:

Points	9	8	7	6	5	4	3	2	1	0
Full GCSE (9-1)	9	8	7	6	5	4	3	2	1	U
Legacy & IGCSE		A*	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	U

If studying IGCSEs please substitute the relevant grade equivalent for any numerical grade referred to above.

All applicants need to have GCSE grade 6 or above in English Language (or English Literature) and Mathematics. 

All applicants need to have GCSE grade 6 or above in the subject (or related subject – see below) they wish to study, with exceptions in Mathematics and the Sciences:

• Applicants wishing to study A level Computer Science, Mathematics and/or Physics need to have GCSE grade 7 or above in Mathematics.
• Applicants wishing to study A level Computer Science need to have GCSE grade 7 or above in Computer Science.
• Applicants wishing to study A level Further Mathematics need to have GCSE grade 8 or above in Mathematics and a capped average point score of 7.3 or above, and must be following the 4 A level pathway.
• Applicants wishing to study A levels in either Biology, Chemistry and Physics must have studied Triple Science for GCSE and achieved grade 7 or above in the specific subject they wish to study at A level.

Applicants will be considered for the following subjects without a GCSE in the subject, providing they have met the additional entry criteria below:

• Applicants wishing to study A level Psychology need to have GCSE grade 6 or above in at least one Science subject
• Applicants wishing to study A level Music should ordinarily have GCSE grade 6 or above in Music (though exceptions will be considered where the applicant has not taken GCSE Music) and must have – or be working at an equivalent standard to – Grade 5 in their first instrument or voice
• If you wish to study A level Classics or RS and do not have a GCSE in that subject a Grade 7 in an essay-based subject (eg History and English) will be an advantage
• Applicants wishing to study A Level Art who do not have a GCSE in that subject must present a portfolio of work to the Head of Art. If it is considered satisfactory they will undergo a one month trial before being confirmed fully on the course.
• Applicants wishing to study A level Economics must have met our general entry criteria, but there are no further subject-specific requirements.

All applicants must be under 17 years of age on 31st August of the calendar year of proposed admission. (Any applicant for whom this is not the case should write to the Head of Sixth Form requesting consideration of their circumstances.)

In addition to the GCSE requirements set out, where an applicant’s first language is not English, the school may require them to demonstrate sufficient fluency in English, both orally and in writing, to participate successfully in the Sixth Form.

Applicants must be able to show to the school’s satisfaction that they have a right to reside in the United Kingdom and are entitled to State Education.

The school will refuse admission to any applicant who fails to provide authentic, valid and bona fide documentation in support of her application.

Pathway 3 Applicants (4 A levels)

In addition to the above, Pathway 3 applicants must achieve a capped average points score at GCSE of at least 8 (except in the case of Further Maths). Exceptions may be made in specific individual circumstances. Please contact the school if you would like further clarification on this.

Oversubscription

Applicants for the Sixth Form may be in Year 11 at Woodford or following GCSE courses elsewhere.  In the case of over-subscription, places will be offered first to internal applicants, then to external applicants.  A minimum of 30 places will be offered each year for appropriately  qualified girls  from other schools.  The entry criteria (identified above) are the same for both groups.  Students are admitted  based on the availability of places in the timetabled classes for each subject.  In the event of courses being oversubscribed, then the following criteria will be applied to external candidates who fulfil the minimum academic entry requirements in order to determine admissions:

1. Looked after children and those with a statement of special educational needs.
2. Highest average predicted capped points score.
3. Proximity to the school.