September 2026 Applicants
Our Sixth Form Information Evening will take place on Thursday 12th February.
Essentially, this evening is for new students to the school but, if any current parents/carers wish to attend and ask any questions, they are welcome. Alternatively, parents/carers can ask questions by emailing Sixthform.bhs@sch.im. We will try our best to reply within 5 working days.
We will be holding two talks in our New Canteen:
- The first talk is at 6pm and is for parents of students with a surname beginning A to L.
- The second talk is at 7pm and is for parents of students with a surname beginning M to Z.
Parking is limited so we hope that parents will be able to keep to the correct talk, in order to space out arrivals.
Entry Requirements
To join BHS Sixth Form in September 2026, students will need to achieve a minimum of 5 GCSE C grades, inclusive of both English Language and Mathematics. Following on from this, students will then have to meet the entry requirement for their chosen subjects.
- For entrance to our Sixth Form, a C grade is equivalent to a 4 grade in the numbered grading system, or a Level 2 Pass.
- PC Passport/half GCSEs do not count as an entrance grade
- Unless 8 people opt for a subject, we cannot guarantee that it will run next year. If this is the case, you will be automatically placed in your ‘reserved subject’.
- In the event that a subject is oversubscribed, places will be allocated according to raw GCSE scores, starting with the highest.
Results day Procedure:
| Ballakermeen Students |
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| External Applicants |
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Choosing your A Levels
The links below takes you to various websites that provide advice about how to go about choosing your A Levels. If you are at all concerned about the subjects you should choose, then one or all the following will help:
- The Student Room: Six things you need to know before making your final A-level choices
- Careerpilot: Choosing your A Levels - what to consider
- UCAS Courses
The first link offers sound advice about how to approach various options scenarios.
The second link comes from a potential careers perspective (but don't worry if you have no specific career plan, you can search on that basis, too!)
The third offering is the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service search facility for courses you may have an interest in studying. You can search for a degree and learn out what A Levels may be required
Frequently Asked Questions
How many options subjects do I take at Key Stage 5?
All students are asked to select three subject choices, plus a reserve. Students may explore the possibility of choosing to study a fourth subject when interviewed by Mr Karran, or another member of the Sixth Form Team, after GCSE Results Day.
What does the qualification code BTEC mean?
BTEC courses are Level 3, which is the equivalent of one A Level. The way the course is assessed will differ from standard A Levels. For example, assessments taken during the course are likely to contribute to your final grade.
Can I change my options after I have submitted them?
We expect that you consider very carefully what you want to take as your options subjects before submitting your form. We do however understand that people change their mind. If, after submitting your options choices online, you do decide you wish to change something, you will need a parent/carer to email sixthform.bhs@sch.im with clear instructions of what needs to be changed. Please note that the later you leave making a change the less likely it is that your new option(s) will be available.
Am I guaranteed to get the options I choose?
We aim to fulfil as many students’ options choices as possible. However, it is very important that you select your reserve option carefully as situations can arise that mean your reserve choice is used in place of one of your more preferred options. These situations include: a subject you chose cannot run for lack of student numbers, a subject you chose is oversubscribed, a subject you chose cannot be offered owing to staffing issues, the school has concerns that a subject you have chosen is not suitable for you. If a subject is oversubscribed, places will be allocated using raw GCSE marks. Please note: in some very rare circumstances, it might not be possible to offer one of your three preferred options and your Reserve is not possible either. You will be consulted about possible alternatives in such cases.