Apply for Sixth Form
At SJH Sixth Form, we’re committed to helping every student take confident steps toward their future. That’s why we’ve designed six specialist career pathways, each focused on a key employment sector. These pathways allow you to study subjects that complement one another and develop the skills and knowledge that universities, apprenticeship providers, and employers are looking for.
What are Career Pathways?
A career pathway is a tailored combination of A Level and BTEC courses, along with enrichment opportunities and real-world experiences, all designed around a specific industry or career area.
You’ll choose one pathway that best matches your interests and ambitions. Each pathway includes one or two core subjects that are essential for success in that sector, plus a range of related courses you can select to personalise your programme of study.
This approach means you will:
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Study subjects that complement each other.
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Build a strong academic foundation for university or apprenticeships.
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Develop the practical and transferable skills that employers value most.
Our Careers Pathways
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Medicine & Health Sciences
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Engineering & Technology
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Social Studies & Humanities
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Digital, Creative Arts & Technology
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Environmental & Global Studies
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Sport, Health & Fitness
Choosing the Right Pathway
When deciding which pathway is right for you, consider:
Your Interests
What subjects do you enjoy most? What are your strengths inside and outside of school?
Your Experience
Think about your volunteering, work experience, or GCSE achievements — what do they tell you about your skills and passions?
Your Future Plans
Reflect on your long-term goals from your Personal Development lessons. How do your subject choices align with the university courses, apprenticeships, or careers you’re aiming for?
Bespoke Options
We understand that every student’s journey is unique. If you’re interested in a combination of subjects that falls outside of our pathways, please speak to the Sixth Form team — we may be able to create a bespoke study programme tailored to your aspirations.
Our Career Pathways
MEDICINE & HEALTH SCIENCES
Students selecting this pathway will typically choose Health & Social Care and/or Applied Science combined with either Chemistry, Psychology or Sociology.
Career, Degree and Apprenticeship routes:
Healthcare, Medicine, Midwifery, Physiotherapy, Dentistry, Veterinary, Podiatry, Occupational Health, Psychology and Scientific Research
ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY
Students selecting this pathway will typically choose A level Maths and/or Physics along with Applied Science, IT or Business.
Career, Degree and Apprenticeship routes:
Mechanical, Architecture, Electrical, Aerospace, Robotics, Software, Computer Science, Data Analytics
SOCIAL STUDIES & HUMANITIES
Students selecting this pathway will typically choose Sociology and/or Sociology alongside one of the following courses; English Literature, Geography or Health & Social Care.
Career, Degree and Apprenticeship routes:
Research Science, Criminology, Social Work, Education, Law, Counselling, Business Studies, Finance
DIGITAL, CREATIVE ART & TECHNOLOGY
Students following this pathway will typically choose Information Technology and/or Photography alongside English Literature, Business or Applied Science.
Career, Degree and Apprenticeship routes:
Web Design, Creative Writing, Education, Music, Software Engineer, Marketing, Cyber Security, Photographic Services, Media Studies
ENVIRONMENTAL & GLOBAL STUDIES
Students choosing this pathway will typically choose Geography alongside one of the following courses; Maths, Applied Science, Sociology and Chemistry.
Career, Degree and Apprenticeship routes:
Computer Science, Digital Marketing, Environmental Studies, Creative Media, Game Design, Global Politics
SPORT, HEALTH & FITNESS
Students following this pathway will typically choose Sport and/or Health & Social Care alongside English, Sociology, Psychology or Business.
Career, Degree and Apprenticeship routes:
Sports Science, Physiotherapy, PE Teaching, Sports Therapy, Nutrition, Business Studies, Coaching, Fitness / Sports Management
Our Courses
Applied Science
The following materials, links and resources are designed to support your transition from KS4 to KS5 and to help you in preparing for your new course.
You should try to absorb all the 'watch it' and 'read it' materials as these have been chosen by your KS5 subject teachers specifically to support your new subjects.
The KS5 transition activities can be handed in to your subject teacher on or before your first lesson in September. These tasks will help you in preparing for your new subjects but will also help teachers to make sure you are suited for these subjects but they are not essential. Teachers will check your suitability during the first weeks of the course.
Watch it...
The 'Science News' YouTube channel and the 'Science News for Students' site have some awesome science content to help you think about some of the biggest questions in science.....
TED Talks is a brilliant source of short presentations and clips; many of which link very well to the KS5 science courses; some of the best are linked below... and are well worth a watch!
TED Talks: The Science of Happiness
TED Talks: Are athletes really getting faster, better, stronger?
TED Talks: The Science of Surfing
Read it...
The pages, links and websites below give some great reading and preparation for all KS5 Science students and have something to interest anyone, whatever your specific interests......
Kurzgesagt (Awesome Science Videos!)
NASA: The best pictures of earth....ever?
Do it...
All students moving on to study Applied Science can complete the following transition activities to get a feel for the course and the type of content which will be covered.
Take time to research and explore the ideas in each section. There is a wealth of material available online so don't hurry to complete this but, instead, take time to understand and examine each perspective and idea... and enjoy the research!
Check it...
It is important that you communicate with teachers when in sixth form so we would always encourage you to ask for any additional materials, support or advice on your subjects.
If you have any questions about the Applied Science Transition Task, you can contact the science team by using the email below;
Mr Gardiner: j.gardiner@sjhcsc.co.uk
Business
The following materials, links and resources are designed to support your transition from KS4 to KS5 and to help you in preparing for your new course.
You should try to absorb all the 'watch it' and 'read it' materials as these have been chosen by your KS5 subject teachers specifically to support your new subjects.
The KS5 transition activities can be handed in to your subject teacher on or before your first lesson in September. These tasks will help you in preparing for your new subjects but will also help teachers to make sure you are suited for these subjects but they are not essential. Teachers will check your suitability during the first weeks of the course.
Watch it....
The following documentaries / films make excellent viewing and preparation for all KS5 Business students......
Documentaries:
- Pepsi vs Coke: A Marketing Battle
- The Founder: The Story of Ray Kroc
Movies:
- The Pursuit of Happyness: A bright, talented (but marginally employed) salesman struggling to make ends meet
- The Big Short: In the mid-2000s, a few finance experts observe the instability in the US housing market and predict its collapse. Through their research, they discover the flaws and corruption in the system.
Read it....
The following files give some really useful reading and insight into some of the largest global companies and corporations - excellent reading for all KS5 Business students. One especially current and topical article is about how Covid-19 will change the world and is certainly worth a look!
Do it....
All students moving on to study Business can complete the following transition activities to get a feel for the course and the type of content which will be covered.
Take time to research and explore the ideas in each section. There is a wealth of material available online so don't hurry to complete this but, instead, take time to understand and examine each perspective and idea... and enjoy the research
Check it....
It is important that you communicate with teachers when in sixth form so we would always encourage you to ask for any additional materials, support or advice on your subjects.
If you have any questions about the Business Transition Activity, you can check anything you might need help with by using the email below;
Mr Fort: s.fort@sjhcsc.co.uk
English Language
The following materials, links and resources are designed to support your transition from KS4 to KS5 and to help you in preparing for your new course.
You should try to absorb all the 'watch it' and 'read it' materials as these have been chosen by your KS5 subject teachers specifically to support your new subjects.
The KS5 transition activities can be handed in to your subject teacher on or before your first lesson in September. These tasks will help you in preparing for your new subjects but will also help teachers to make sure you are suited for these subjects but they are not essential. Teachers will check your suitability during the first weeks of the course.
Watch it...
The following videos give some excellent insights into just some of the topics you will be covering in A-Level English.
The History of English in 10 minutes
Read it...
The following articles (among hundreds of others online) offer some really useful and thought provoking ideas about how linguistics. These will be useful reading for all students moving on to English at KS5.
Mind your language: Our choice of language in our everyday lives.
How do we learn language? Takeaways for language learners
Baby talk: Major milestones in language acquisition
Accent Bias: A blog for A level English Language students
Do it...
All students moving on to study English Language can complete the following transition activities to get a feel for the course and the type of content which will be covered.
Take time to research and explore the ideas in each section. There is a wealth of material available online so don't hurry to complete this but, instead, take time to understand and examine each perspective and idea... and enjoy the research!
Check it....
It is important that you communicate with teachers when in sixth form so we would always encourage you to ask for any additional materials, support or advice on your subjects.
If you have any questions about the English Transition Task, you can contact the English team using the email below;
Mr Martin: m.martin@sjhcsc.co.uk
Geography
The following materials, links and resources are designed to support your transition from KS4 to KS5 and to help you in preparing for your new course.
You should try to absorb all the 'watch it' and 'read it' materials as these have been chosen by your KS5 subject teachers specifically to support your new subjects.
The KS5 transition activities can be handed in to your subject teacher on or before your first lesson in September. These tasks will help you in preparing for your new subjects but will also help teachers to make sure you are suited for these subjects but they are not essential. Teachers will check your suitability during the first weeks of the course.
Watch it....
The following documentaries and films give some excellent insights into just some of the topics you will be covering in Geography.
Japan's Tsunami: BBC Documentary (20)
Inside Rio's Favela's: The city's neglected neighbourhoods
Impact of Global Warming: 1-6 degrees of change
Read it....
The following articles (among hundreds of others online) offer some really useful and thought provoking ideas about how society operates. These will be useful reading for all students moving on to Geography at KS5.
Can painting a mountain restore a Glacier?
Deforestation in the Amazon reaches a new high
Urban regeneration in Plymouth- The Millbay masterplan
Do it....
All students moving on to study Geography can complete the following transition activities to get a feel for the course and the type of content which will be covered.
Take time to research and explore the ideas in each section. There is a wealth of material available online so don't hurry to complete this but, instead, take time to understand and examine each perspective and idea... and enjoy the research!
Check it....
It is important that you communicate with teachers when in sixth form so we would always encourage you to ask for any additional materials, support or advice on your subjects.
If you have any questions about the Geography Transition Task, you can contact the Geography team by using the email below;
Mr Pring: h.pring@sjhcsc.co.uk
Health & Social Care
The following materials, links and resources are designed to support your transition from KS4 to KS5 and to help you in preparing for your new course.
You should try to absorb all the 'watch it' and 'read it' materials as these have been chosen by your KS5 subject teachers specifically to support your new subjects.
The KS5 transition activities can be handed in to your subject teacher on or before your first lesson in September. These tasks will help you in preparing for your new subjects but will also help teachers to make sure you are suited for these subjects but they are not essential. Teachers will check your suitability during the first weeks of the course.
Watch it...
The following documentaries and films give very good starting points for Health & Social Care students which you should watch and absorb before beginning the course.
Careers Pathways through H & Social Care
Inside the Care Crisis (BBC Documentary)
Read it...
The following articles and websites provide some very useful reading for all KS5 Health & Social Care students.
Ethnicity and Childbirth: Explaining the divide
Careers in Supporting Health Professionals
Do it...
All students moving on to study H&S Care can complete the following transition activities to get a feel for the course and the type of content which will be covered.
Take time to research and explore the ideas in each section. There is a wealth of material available online so don't hurry to complete this but, instead, take time to understand and examine each perspective and idea... and enjoy the research!
Check it...
It is important that you communicate with teachers when in sixth form so we would always encourage you to ask for any additional materials, support or advice on your subjects.
If you have any questions about the Health & Social Care Transition Task, you can use the following email:
Miss Warring: l.warring@sjhcsc.co.uk
Music
The following materials, links and resources are designed to support your transition from KS4 to KS5 and to help you in preparing for your new course.
You should try to absorb all the 'watch it' and 'read it' materials as these have been chosen by your KS5 subject teachers specifically to support your new subjects.
The KS5 transition activities can be handed in to your subject teacher on or before your first lesson in September. These tasks will help you in preparing for your new subjects but will also help teachers to make sure you are suited for these subjects but they are not essential. Teachers will check your suitability during the first weeks of the course.
Watch it....
The following clips and short films will help support your transition to Music at KS5 (also linked in the first transition task below)
A look at Solange's Songwriting process
Read it....
The following articles provide some fascinating reading for all KS5 Music students (these are also given in the last KS5 Transition work document below).
Does the Album format still makes sense?
Do it....
All students moving on to study Music can complete the following transition activities to get a feel for the course and the type of content which will be covered.
Take time to research and explore the ideas in each section. There is a wealth of material available online so don't hurry to complete this but, instead, take time to understand and examine each perspective and idea... and enjoy the research!
Check it....
It is important that you communicate with teachers when in sixth form so we would always encourage you to ask for any additional materials, support or advice on your subjects.
If you have any questions about the Music Transition Task, you can ask for any help you might need by using the email below;
Mr Cleverley: j.cleverley@sjhcsc.co.uk
Photography
The following materials, links and resources are designed to support your transition from KS4 to KS5 and to help you in preparing for your new course.
You should try to absorb all the 'watch it' and 'read it' materials as these have been chosen by your KS5 subject teachers specifically to support your new subjects.
The KS5 transition activities can be handed in to your subject teacher on or before your first lesson in September. These tasks will help you in preparing for your new subjects but will also help teachers to make sure you are suited for these subjects but they are not essential. Teachers will check your suitability during the first weeks of the course.
Watch it.....
The following documentaries and films give very good starting points for Photograph students which you should watch and absorb before beginning the course.
- A lesson in Light (10 minutes)
- Street Photography Tips (12 minutes)
- Beginner Mistakes - What to avoid to take better photos (8 minutes)
Read it.....
The following articles and websites provide some very useful reading for all KS5 Photography students:
- An introduction to Photography (Tate)
- The British Journal of Photography
- The National Portrait Gallery
- 100+ Great Photography Ideas
Books which may also be of interest include:
100 Ideas that Changed Photography - Mary Warner Marien (2012)
Why It Does Not Have To Be In Focus: Modern Photography Explained- JackieHiggins (20)
The Nature of Photographs: A Primer – Stephen Shore (2010)
Photography (The Key Concepts) - David Bate (2016)
Alternative Photographic Processes: Crafting Handmade Images – Brady Wilks (20)
30-Second Photography: The 50 Most Thought-provoking Photographers, Styles and Techniques, each explained in Half a Minute – Brian Dilg & Adiva Koenigsberg (20)
Do it...
All students moving on to study Photography can complete the following transition activities to get a feel for the course and the type of content which will be covered.
Take time to research and explore the ideas in each section. There is a wealth of material available online so don't hurry to complete this but, instead, take time to understand and examine each perspective and idea... and enjoy the research.
Check it...
It is important that you communicate with teachers when in sixth form so we would always encourage you to ask for any additional materials, support or advice on your subjects.
If you have any questions about the Photography Transition Task, you can contact the Art team using:
Mrs Costello: a.costello@sjhcsc.co.uk
Miss Gamble: m.gamble@sjhcsc.co.uk
Physics
The following materials, links and resources are designed to support your transition from KS4 to KS5 and to help you in preparing for your new course.
You should try to absorb all the 'watch it' and 'read it' materials as these have been chosen by your KS5 subject teachers specifically to support your new subjects.
The KS5 transition activities can be handed in to your subject teacher on or before your first lesson in September. These tasks will help you in preparing for your new subjects but will also help teachers to make sure you are suited for these subjects but they are not essential. Teachers will check your suitability during the first weeks of the course.
Watch it....
The following documentaries and films give some excellent insights into just some of the topics you will be covering in Physics.
The fascinating Physics of everyday life.
The Magic of Felix with Felix Flicker
Read it....
The following articles (among hundreds of others online) offer some really useful and thought provoking ideas around Physics. These will be useful reading for all students moving on to Physics at KS5.
A new place for consciousness?
Themost surprising discoveries in Physics
The Hadron Collider: blips which could herald a new era Physics
Do it....
All students moving on to study Physics can complete the following transition activities to get a feel for the course and the type of content which will be covered.
Take time to research and explore the ideas in each section. There is a wealth of material available online so don't hurry to complete this but, instead, take time to understand and examine each perspective and idea... and enjoy the research!
Check it....
It is important that you communicate with teachers when in sixth form so we would always encourage you to ask for any additional materials, support or advice on your subjects.
If you have any questions about the Physics Transition Task, you can contact the Science team by contacting them using the email below;
Mr Davidson: j.davidson@sjhcsc.co.uk
Psychology
The following materials, links and resources are designed to support your transition from KS4 to KS5 and to help you in preparing for your new course.
You should try to absorb all the 'watch it' and 'read it' materials as these have been chosen by your KS5 subject teachers specifically to support your new subjects.
The KS5 transition activities can be handed in to your subject teacher on or before your first lesson in September. These tasks will help you in preparing for your new subjects but will also help teachers to make sure you are suited for these subjects but they are not essential. Teachers will check your suitability during the first weeks of the course.
Watch it....
The following documentaries and films give some excellent insights into just some of the topics you will be covering in Psychology.
Crash Course: An Introduction to Psychology
The Stanford Prison Experiment
Read it....
The following articles (among hundreds of others online) offer some really useful and thought provoking ideas about how society operates. These will be useful reading for all students moving on to Psychology at KS5.
Early Memory: Infantile Amnesia
Do it....
All students moving on to study Psychology can complete the following transition activities to get a feel for the course and the type of content which will be covered.
Take time to research and explore the ideas in each section. There is a wealth of material available online so don't hurry to complete this but, instead, take time to understand and examine each perspective and idea... and enjoy the research!
Check it....
It is important that you communicate with teachers when in sixth form so we would always encourage you to ask for any additional materials, support or advice on your subjects.
If you have any questions about the Psychology Transition Task, you can contact the Sociology team by contacting them using the emails below;
Mr Sharpe: a.sharpe@sjhcsc.co.uk
Sociology
The following materials, links and resources are designed to support your transition from KS4 to KS5 and to help you in preparing for your new course.
You should try to absorb all the 'watch it' and 'read it' materials as these have been chosen by your KS5 subject teachers specifically to support your new subjects.
The KS5 transition activities can be handed in to your subject teacher on or before your first lesson in September. These tasks will help you in preparing for your new subjects but will also help teachers to make sure you are suited for these subjects but they are not essential. Teachers will check your suitability during the first weeks of the course.
Watch it....
The following documentaries and films give some excellent insights into just some of the topics you will be covering in Sociology.
Louis Theroux: Surviving America's most hated family
Emile Durkheim: A Short introduction
Karl Marx: A Short Introduction
How Britain has coped with crisis; from war to Covid-19
Read it....
The following articles (among hundreds of others online) offer some really useful and thought provoking ideas about how society operates. These will be useful reading for all students moving on to Sociology at KS5.
Black British History 'Missing' from school curriculums
Society after Covid-19: What will be the new normal?
Inequality in income in the UK; a growing divide.
Churches look for new approaches?
Do it....
All students moving on to study A level Sociology can complete the following transition activities to get a feel for the course and the type of content which will be covered.
Take time to research and explore the ideas in each section. There is a wealth of material available online so don't hurry to complete this but, instead, take time to understand and examine each perspective and idea... and enjoy the research!
Check it....
It is important that you communicate with teachers when in sixth form so we would always encourage you to ask for any additional materials, support or advice on your subjects.
If you have any questions about the Sociology Transition Task, you can contact the Sociology team by contacting them using the emails below;
Mr Dunkerley: j.dunkerley@sjhcsc.co.uk
Mr Sharpe: a.sharpe@sjhcsc.co.uk
Sport
The following materials, links and resources are designed to support your transition from KS4 to KS5 and to help you in preparing for your new course.
You should try to absorb all the 'watch it' and 'read it' materials as these have been chosen by your KS5 subject teachers specifically to support your new subjects.
The KS5 transition activities can be handed in to your subject teacher on or before your first lesson in September. These tasks will help you in preparing for your new subjects but will also help teachers to make sure you are suited for these subjects but they are not essential. Teachers will check your suitability during the first weeks of the course.
Watch it....
The following provide some excellent YouTube viewing and preparation for your KS5 Sport course(s).
Some superb Sport related films/TV programmes which will also support your KS5 studies brilliantly (and a great insight into the world of Sport).
Raging Bull: The life of boxer Jake LaMotta, whose violence and temper that led him to the top in the ring destroyed his life outside of it.
Million Dollar Baby: A determined woman works with a hardened boxing trainer to become a professional.
Invictus: Nelson Mandela in his first term as President of South Africa, initiates a unique venture to unite the Apartheid-torn land: enlist the national rugby team on a mission to win the 1995 Rugby World Cup.
The Hurricane: The story of Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, a boxer wrongly imprisoned for murder, and the people who aided in his fight to prove his innocence.
Any Given Sunday: A behind-the-scenes look at the life-and-death struggles of modern-day gladiators and those who lead them.
The last dance: The latest hit Netflix series, a deep dive into Michael Jordan's glittering Chicago Bulls career.
Read it....
Some excellent summer reading which will support your Sport course(s) next year......
Football Against The Enemy: Simon Kuper
Touching The Void: Joe Simpson
Days And Nights On The PGA Tour: John Feinstein
Provided You Don't Kiss Me - 20 Years With Brian Clough: Duncan Hamilton
I Think Therefore I Play: Andrea Pirlo
Ali; A Life: Jonathan Eig
Slaying the Badger: LeMond, Hinault and the Greatest Ever Tour de France: Richard Moore
Open: Andre Agassi
Do it....
All students moving on to study Sport can complete the following transition activities to get a feel for the course and the type of content which will be covered.
Take time to research and explore the ideas in each section. There is a wealth of material available online so don't hurry to complete this but, instead, take time to understand and examine each perspective and idea... and enjoy the research!
Check it....
It is important that you communicate with teachers when in sixth form so we would always encourage you to ask for any additional materials, support or advice on your subjects.
If you have any questions about the Sport Transition Tasks, you can contact the Sport team by contacting them using the emails below;
Mrs Rose: j.rose@sjhcsc.co.uk
Mrs Skelton: s.skelton@sjhcsc.co.uk
Entry requirements for Sixth Form courses
All places in our Sixth Form will be dependent on students meeting the following criteria and conditions:
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Achieving a sufficiently high progress and attainment score overall and for individual subjects in your final GCSE exams which will be confirmed in August 2025
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Maintaining attendance of 95%+ for the remainder of Year 11 (Role Model or Good on report)
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Having demonstrated excellent conduct while attending the College (Role Model or Good on report)
Sixth Form Application process
Students already at SJH will be supported through the application process which begins in November of Year 11. A brief summary of the activities we organise to support their decisions:
Nov – December 2025 |
Year 11 Options Assembly + Sixth Form Information sessions with KS5 teachers |
5th December 2025 |
Initial Ideas Survey: Year 11 complete their initial choices during tutor sessions
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5th - 31st January 2026 |
Year 11 Interviews/meetings with the Sixth Form team
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12th – 23rd January 2026 |
Sixth Form Taster sessions
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22nd Jan 2026 (4 - 6pm) |
Sixth Form Options evening
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February 2026 |
Conditional Offer letters for all Sixth Form applicants
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March – April 2026 |
Formal offer letters (following March mock exams)
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July 2026 |
Sixth Form Induction and Taster sessions
|
SJH Year 11 Transition Process
Year 11 students currently studying at SJH will be given advice, support and guidance on their next steps through their Personal Development lessons, meetings with Careers Advisors, Assemblies and through meetings with the Sixth Form team.
Students will initially choose their preferred Career Pathway before attending taster sessions in related courses with specialist KS5 teaching staff. They will then be able to discuss their final choices with subject teachers at our Options evening in January, before being issued conditional offers which outline what they will need to do to secure their place.
If you have any questions or queries about the Year 11 transition and application process, you can contact us using our Contact Form.
External Applications
Year 11 students studying at others schools but applying for SJH Sixth Form will need to complete following application form.
We will then be in contact to arrange a tour of the college and a meeting to help you in choosing your options for September 2026.
Need more information or advice on courses at SJH?
If you have any queries about Sixth Form places, or if you would like to arrange an interview to discuss your choices, please use our contact form and a member of the team will be in contact.