How to Apply
Choosing your next steps after GCSEs is an exciting decision, and we're here to help you find the pathway that's right for you. At Birchwood Sixth Form, we offer a broad range of A Level and BTEC courses, alongside flexible study programmes that allow students to build a personalised curriculum around their strengths, interests and future aspirations.
Below you'll find information about our entry requirements for 2027/28, including our Total Point Score system, subject requirements and curriculum plans. We understand that every student's journey is different, so we look at applications individually and work closely with students to ensure they are on the programme that gives them the best chance to thrive.
For further information, please contact Mr Ian Torrance.
Apply Here
All applicants—both internal and external—must complete an online application via our portal:
Apply via Applicaa https://birchwoodonline.applicaa.com/year12
- Applications open: Thursday 22 October 2026
- Deadline for submission: Friday 18 December 2026
- Guidance meetings for internal and external applicants: Saturday 28 November 2026 tbc
- Offer letters sent via email: Between 11 January and 22 February 2027
- Induction Day for offer holders: Tuesday 23 June 2027
If you have any questions regarding your application, please contact Ms Hewlett.
2027/28 Entry Requirements for the Birchwood Sixth Form
All courses offered at Birchwood Sixth Form are Level 3 qualifications. To help students choose the pathway that is right for them and give them the best chance of success, we use a combination of overall GCSE attainment and subject-specific entry requirements.
Most students study either three or four courses. These may be A Levels, BTEC qualifications, or a combination of both. Our curriculum has been designed with flexibility in mind, allowing students to build a programme of study that suits their strengths, interests and future aspirations.
To support progression onto the most appropriate curriculum plan, we use a Total Point Score (TPS) system. This is calculated using a student's best eight GCSE (or equivalent Level 2) results, with each grade awarded a points value. These points are then added together to produce an overall score.
The minimum entry requirement for Birchwood Sixth Form is:
- 34 Total Points for access to BTEC pathways
- 40 Total Points for access to A Level pathways
Further information about our curriculum plans and Total Point Score system can be found here.
All students must also achieve at least a Grade 4 in both English and Maths GCSE.
In addition, students must meet the entry requirements for the individual subjects they wish to study. Full details can be found in the course outlines. These requirements apply to both internal and external applicants.
Every applicant is offered a guidance interview, giving us the opportunity to discuss subject choices, answer questions and ensure students are applying for the programme that best matches their ambitions and potential.
Our full admissions policy can be found on the Policies page.
