Applying to our sixth form

We are delighted to release the Option Blocks for the 2026 intake for the Sixth Form. These Option Blocks have been constructed by the current Year 11 and are therefore tailored to the preferences of this year group. They were built inline with the choices made by students prior to Christmas. Some subjects have not been included due to a lack of interest; however, all remaining subjects are still provisional at this stage until the application process is complete.

An outline of the support available for the application process is provided below but there are some key points to consider. Students should make three choices - although some very able students select four.

•       Core Maths is a one-year course and counts as an additional option (i.e. students should take three courses and Core maths).

•       Students should make their choice based on aptitude, interest and requirements for future careers.

‍Entry Requirements

Level 5 is required in any level three course, with only Maths (level 7) or Further Maths (level 8) being an exception.  Some courses do not require the GCSE equivalent course - please email Mr Pentland if this may affect you.

The Bridge Course

This has no entry requirements and is composed of a range of level 2 courses, including English and Maths GCSE and aims to strengthen the GCSE profile of a student.This goes alongside significant work experience as the student builds a CV that enables them to go into work, apprenticeships or start A level courses in the following year.

New for 2025 – Construction

We are delighted to offer a BTEC level 2 in construction as a separate offer to the main Bridge Course. This is a one-year course consisting of English, Maths,Level 2 construction, with additional GCSE resit options. This involves significant work experience in the construction industry and is a great gateway into this fabulous career.

Students now need to do some thinking and should be discussing the best options for them both at home and with staff in school via email or Teams. Please do not hesitate to email me (gordon.pentland@thirskschool.org)

with any questions regarding this process. Some key dates that you will find useful are listed below. I would encourage students to continue to think about their Options over the next few weeks and to be proactive in discussions with their teachers (by Teams or email) to try to gauge if that subject is the right choice. The work students do now is of course important both in terms of getting the entry grade and in terms of having the subject knowledge.

‍KEY DATES

Application Forms launched Monday 19^th January 2026.

Application form, process outline and subject video links sent to parents and on the school website.

Take a virtual tour of the Sixth Form

Use the following link to visit each department to hear course summary and advice.

https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=n9vCVrF7VnA

Remember you are very welcome to contact Mr Pentland in school to set up a phone call or meeting, please email 6thform.office@thirskschool.org

Deadline for Applications – Friday 6^th March 2026

‍Student Interviews from Monday 9^th March 2026

This will be done in school on a 1:1 basis with three potential outcomes following the meeting.

Students can be offered a place, students offered a place subject to a discussion with parents, students can be rejected.  

Bridging Week Monday 22^nd June

3 days to get a taste of our Sixth Form College

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For any questions about this or if you need some advice, please contact 6thform.office@thirskschool.org

Option Blocks 2026

Application Form via this link - SIXTH FORM APPLICATION 2026  – Fill out form

Or via this QR code