Courses

We offer a broad and balanced curriculum to our Post 16 students, mixing level 3 courses with appropriate work experience and enrichment.

We have designed the curriculum to meet the varying needs of our students and to allow them to progress to their destination of choice at the end of Year 13. We recommend students read the course outlines via the link at the bottom of this page.

We offer a range of academic A-levels alongside more vocational level 3 courses. Students who did not achieve a grade 4 in GCSE English and maths can retake in year 12. The range of qualifications we offer allows students to move on to university, higher level apprenticeships and employment.

Our students have a strong track record of securing places at prestigious universities or with high profile local employers.

All full‑time students are enrolled on a study programme with a clear core aim (a substantial academic, applied or technical qualification). Programmes combine this core qualification with complementary learning, tutorial time and non‑qualification activities to prepare students for higher education, employment or training.

How we meet the 16–19 study programme requirement

At St Peter’s Sixth Form every full‑time student follows a planned 16–19 study programme built around a substantial qualification (A‑levels, Applied/Technical qualifications or equivalent). Programmes combine taught qualification time with English and mathematics support where needed, personalised tutorials, purposeful employer encounters or work experience, and enrichment activities that develop the skills and character students need for higher education, apprenticeships or employment.

1. Our study programme offer

• Substantial qualifications available: A‑levels and a range of applied/technical courses (full course list and subject pages are in the Sixth Form section of our website).
• Programmes are tailored to each student’s intended next step and combine a core qualification with complementary learning, supervised study and enrichment.

2. English and mathematics

• Students who have not achieved a GCSE grade 4 (or recognised equivalent) in English and/or maths continue to study these subjects as part of their study programme via resit GCSE or appropriate functional skills pathways.
• Initial assessment on entry and regular monitoring identify who needs further support; progress is tracked by tutors and subject staff.

3. Work experience, employer encounters and careers support

• We provide employer talks, industry encounters, work‑related learning and work experience opportunities that are matched to students’ pathways. Employer and placement checks follow our safeguarding and safer‑recruitment procedures.
• Impartial careers guidance is available through one‑to‑one careers interviews, group sessions and our careers lead — support for UCAS, apprenticeships and employment applications is provided throughout Years 12–13.

4. Personal development, tutorials and enrichment

• A structured tutorial programme covers study skills, UCAS/apprenticeship preparation, RSHE, wellbeing and employability.
• Enrichment (leadership, volunteering, clubs and awards) supports students’ wider development and readiness for adult life.

5. Meeting additional needs and inclusion

• We personalise programmes for students with SEND and those facing barriers to learning. Our published SEN information (Special Educational Needs & Disabilities section) explains how we identify needs, make curriculum adaptations, deploy support and work with families, health and local authority services. Students with EHCPs have individualised plans that inform their 16–19 programme.
• Named contact: N Sawyer (Lead of SEND)

6. Assessment, attendance and behaviour expectations

• Progress is measured through internal assessments, mock exams and regular tutor reviews; triggers for intervention are clearly recorded and acted on by subject leaders and the post‑16 leadership team.
• Sixth Form attendance, punctuality and conduct expectations are published in our Sixth Form guidance and monitored by the Student Support Manager (SSM).

7. Accountability and quality assurance 

• Senior leaders oversee the quality of 16–19 provision, review outcomes and use destination and employer feedback to improve programmes.