How to apply
Our Sixth Form will have 150 places for year 12, and in the following year, 150 places in year 13.
The application process is different for internal & external pupils.
For internal applicants (our current pupils in year 11 during 2023-24 and each year after) do not need to complete a new application form . Our pupils automatically progress to Year 12 if they obtain the minimum academic requirements.
For external applicants, applications should be made directly to the school. Young people may make their own application to the sixth form; the application can be made by the parent/carer but does not have to be. Our Sixth Form will have a PAN of 10 for Year 12 - this is the minimum number of external candidates the school will admit. In most years, our school will be able to offer more places to external applicants.
While every attempt will be made to offer pupils a place on their course of preference this will not always be possible and cannot be guaranteed. Specific courses may have additional entrance requirements and others will have a higher rate of preference. Details of all the courses available and any additional course requirements are provided in the Sixth Form prospectus, which will be published on our website in summer 2023.
Pathways
We will offer two key pathways at Ark Pioneer Sixth Form.
A Level 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.
Entry criteria: a minimum of 3 GCSE grades 6-9, and 2 GCSE grades 5-9 including at least a grade 4 in English and Maths. 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.
We offer two Professional Pathways courses: Applied Science or Business.
Entry criteria: a minimum of 3 Grade 5-9 and 2 Grade 4-9 in GCSE including at least Grade 4 in English and Maths (please note, to complete the Professional Pathway Science you must have achieved at least a 5-4 in Trilogy Science).
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.