How to apply
Applications to start Sixth Form in September 2024 open in October 2023.
Applications are made directly to our sixth form and can be made via a link that will show on this website.
- Stage 1: Apply online - applications will go live in October
- Stage 2: Successful applications will be invited to attend interview at the Academy in January for the final stage of the selection process.
- Stage 3: Successful applicants will be made a conditional offer in writing.
- Social events will be organised to bring current and new applicants together before starting Year 12.
- GCSE Masterclass Day will be in March - A tailored GCSE revision event for applicants targeted grade 8 and 9 in GCSE subjects they hope to carry on for A-Level.
- Stage 4: All hopeful applicants must attend Induction Day which is held after GCSE completion in 2024.
- Stage 5: All applicants complete admissions baseline assessments for their chosen subjects
- Students will be given Bridging Projects to complete over the summer to bridge the gap between GCSE and A Level courses, enabling them to get off to a flying start in September.
- Stage 6: On GCSE Results Day in August, offer holders must attend an online enrolment interview to confirm admission and course choices.
Pathways
A Level & EPQ Pathway
We offer the core academic A Level subjects that we know are most valued by good universities, and that allow you to keep your progression options as open as possible. Most students will study three linear A levels; some will take a fourth subject, depending on GCSE results.
At Bolingbroke Academy, all A-level students in Year 12 complete the Level 3 Extended Project Qualification (AQA). Not only does this allow students to explore a topic in academia that they are passionate about, but it is also hones skills which are vital for Higher Education and heavily sought after by universities.
The EPQ is equivalent to half of a full A-Level qualification and provides students with UCAS points, as well as often being a factor considered by admissions tutors. Alongside their own independent research, students undergo an intense taught skills programme of at least 30 hours which is spent developing a range of academic skills which are essential for the overall success of the project. Some of these hours are spent in a classroom setting, but there are also opportunities for students to develop skills using outside agencies and higher education institutions.
As part of the academic tutoring provision at Bolingbroke, students also have a dedicated subject specialist supervisor who is able to provide advice and guidance. Depending on the choice of project, it will either culminate in a 5,000 word report or an artefact and a 1,000 word report to accompany the artefact, with all projects completed by the end of Year 12.
Entry criteria:
- To study 3 A levels requires a GCSE point average of 6 or above, including at least a 6 in English and Mathematics.
- To study 4 A levels you will need an average of 7.5 or above, plus at least a 7 in English and Mathematics.
- In both cases, you will also need to meet the individual entry criteria for specific subjects.
Professional Pathways
Professional Pathways is an innovative programme of study for Ark BTEC students aged 16-18, comprising a high quality vocational curriculum that is directly relevant to the workplace and teaches students key employability skills. This programme is aimed at preparing students to apply for selective universities or for progression directly into employment through school leaver programmes or degree apprenticeships.
Entry criteria: a GCSE point average of 4.5 or above, including at least a 4 in English and a 5 in Mathematics.
Find out more
Ark's unique Professional Pathways programme
Sixth formers love our unique vocational alternative to A levels, which provides them with the skills they need to thrive at university and throughout their career.
Access game-changing bursaries
For Year 13 leavers going onto higher education, we offer bursaries ranging from £3,000 to £50,000 to help with the financial costs of university life.
Best-in-class careers provision
Our pupils dream big for life after school thanks to our highly aspirational careers programme, which includes visits to prestigious universities and employers, one-to-one guidance and a rich programme of workshops and visiting speakers.
Course requirements
Art |
6 in GCSE Art |
Biology |
6 in GCSE Biology |
Chemistry |
6 in GCSE Chemistry |
Computing |
6 in GCSE Mathematics |
English Literature |
6 in GCSE English Literature |
French |
7 in GCSE French |
Further Mathematics |
8 in GCSE Mathematics |
Geography |
6 in GCSE Geography |
German |
7 in GCSE German |
History |
6 in GCSE History |
Mathematics |
7 in GCSE Mathematics |
Music |
6 in GCSE Music |
Physics |
7 in GCSE Physics |
Psychology |
6 in GCSE English and GCSE Mathematics |
Philosophy |
6 in GCSE Religious Studies or 7 in GCSE English |
Spanish |
7 in GCSE Spanish |
BTEC Applied Science |
5 in GCSE Science (Triple or Double) |