Our Sixth Form offers academic and technical pathways aimed at facilitating students’ future goals. Our intention is that the majority of our students will progress to university and our curriculum is structured to support this. However, our courses also ensure students are prepared and supported to choose alternative pathways, such as higher level apprenticeships, should they decide this route is more appropriate to them.

Students choose three subjects to study in Sixth Form.  This can be three straight A levels, or three straight vocational BTECs (50% coursework assessed,) or a combination of the two or a T Level. It should be noted that 94% of universities accept BTEC and we have a strong record of our students accessing university through them. 

To the left are the subjects we are offering in academic year 2024-2025 These may vary slightly on year to year basis.

Study Programmes

Our 16-19 study programmes have a core aim based on either academic or technical qualifications and include other activities that are tailored by the Sixth Form team to suit both the individual student’s prior attainment and career goals. The programmes are designed to provide students with a structured and challenging learning environment that supports their development and progression in line with their career plans. Level 3 students at Ruskin are expected to follow a minimum of three A levels, or equivalent qualifications (BTEC Nationals; Cambridge Technicals, T Levels etc.) which count as substantial qualifications. Study programmes will also include non-qualification activity such as tutorials, work experience, personal or study skills, and support students to progress to employment or HE

Study programmes are bespoke for each student but will typically combine the elements below:

• Substantial qualifications that stretch students and prepare them for education at the next level or for employment

• English and mathematics (where students have not yet achieved a GCSE Grade 4)

• Relevant work experience to give students the opportunity to develop their career choices and to apply their skills in real working conditions

• Other non-qualification activities to develop students’ character, broader skills, attitudes and confidence, and to support progression

In KS5, students can complete our Priory Award; our study programmes aim to continue to support the development of the holistic student, recognising both their academic achievement and the powerful and transformative effect of gaining the cultural capital needed to secure their next steps. The Award is centred around our values, recognising and encouraging:

• Academic excellence

• Personal development, tailored to the individual

• Developing independent learning and intellectual curiosity via a personal project, tailored to the individual