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Assessment Process  Sixth form student

Our admissions process for sixth form day applicants takes place in the Autumn term. We assess students and review the results in time to provide offers before the winter break. 

For our international boarding applicants, we process applications throughout the year. We recommend submitting an application form as soon as you are ready, to ensure a space in the boarding houses.

UK-based GCSE students

All students will sit an entry assessment test which takes the form of a CAT4 (Cognitive Ability Test). Applicants who meet our thresholds will be invited to attend a general interview.

An offer of a place in the sixth form will be conditional on meeting our entry requirements in the CAT4 test, achieving a satisfactory school reference and the required results at GCSE or equivalent.

Our offers are tailored to the individual applicant but, as a guide, we would require a minimum of 56 points for the eight best (I)GCSE results. For all subjects studied beforehand, we expect at least a Grade 7 at GCSE in that subject (or equivalent). For further maths, a Grade 8 in maths is required.

For subjects not studied before we expect: 

  • Film: 6 in English
  • Philosophy: 7 in English or another essay subject

  • Politics: 7 in History or English

  • Economics: 7 in English or another essay subject

  • Psychology: 6 in maths or a science & 6 in an essay subject

  • Sociology: 7 in English or another essay subject

  • Business: 6 in English & 5 in Maths

Points will be calculated from the 9 - 1 grading system or using the conversion table below. .

Offers are based on the subject choices declared on the application form. Should students later decide to alter the choice of subjects, this will be subject to availability and further aptitude tests may be necessary.

Grade equivalents:

A* A B C D E
8.5 7 5.5 4 3 2

 

International students

If you require visa sponsorship to study with us in the UK, you will receive an unconditional offer. Our entry assessments include:

  1. English assessment (IELTS 6.0)
    If you have recently completed an IELTS assessment, you can provide us with a link to the results. Alternatively, you can complete our online English assessment.
  2. CAT4 assessment (1.5 hour online assessment)
  3. Maths (1 hour online assessment)
  4. Interview (20 minutes)

Please note that these assessments must be invigilated by a suitable party. For example, at a British Council office. If you have any questions, please contact us - admissions@stephenperse.com.

 

Key Dates

  • Application closing date – 1 November 2024
  • CAT4 Entrance assessment tests - These will be taken remotely and will be sent out to students in the week commencing 4 November 2024
  • Sixth Form Scholarship testing - week beginning the 18 November 2024 (Academic Scholarship testing only) 
  • Offers made – 13 December 2024
  • Acceptance of offers – 10 January 2025
  • Non-academic scholarship interviews will take place by arrangement in the days preceding the entrance testing
  • International applications are welcome all year round

Ready for the next step?

Have other questions?

See our Admissions FAQ for further information.

To speak to our Admissions Team, please call 01223 454762