Application Forms for September 2026 Entry
We are now accepting applications for Year 12 September 2026. The initial application deadline is 2 February 2026.
Although the initial application deadline has now passed, we are still accepting applications.
Shaftesbury School students will need to log in with their school details to access the form.
- To apply, complete the relevant online form above. Either the application form for current Shaftesbury students or the form for external applicants.
- Refer to the Year 12 Option Blocks when making your subject choices. You cannot choose more than one course from the same block as these lessons are timetabled at the same time.
- L3 (A Levels/BTECs) applicants should choose 3 subjects, plus a reserve subject.
The application process for September 2026 begins with our Sixth Form Open Evening which will take place on Tuesday 13 January 2026, 5-7pm. The course booklet will be available from this date and the online application forms will go live.
The aim of the application process is to make sure that all students are signed up to a course that they will enjoy, which suits their abilities and which will take them forward towards their career goal. We use Information, Advice and Guidance sessions to help us ensure this happens, and we make offers conditional on performance in GCSE exams to ensure that students are on suitable courses. Please see below for detailed information about the application process. If you have any questions, or wish to request a printed copy of the Sixth Form courses booklet, please contact the Sixth Form Manager.
Refer to the option blocks when making your subject choices.
Option Blocks 2026
The Sixth Form application process
Shaftesbury School Students
September-November
Individual Information Advice and Guidance Sessions take place with Year 11 students. Initial discussion of future plans and action points.
2nd week of January
Sixth Form Open Evening at 5pm on Tuesday 13 January 2026. Course information and online application forms are launched on the Shaftesbury School website.
2 February 2026
Submit your sixth form application by this date (although applications submitted after this date will be considered).
February-March
Follow up Information Advice and Guidance Session with Senior Member of Staff. Review of applications and mock examination results. For those applying to Shaftesbury Sixth Form feedback on application, and resolution of any issues arising due to option blocks or predicted grades.
March-April
Formal offers are issued. These are conditional offers that will be based on results in GCSEs and other Level 2 qualifications.
20 August 2026 – GCSE results day
GCSE results will be sent via email to student school accounts, followed by a letter from the Sixth Form Team. Students must confirm their place in Sixth Form at this time. Advice and Guidance will be available for students who have not met their offers or wish to discuss a change of courses.
External applicants
- Online application form completed by the student.
- Visit to the school arranged. A reference from your previous school is required.
- Applicant and parents/carers visit the school. An information, advice and guidance session is arranged to discuss options.
- Formal offer sent. Offers will be conditional on the achievement of certain grades.
- 20 August 2026 – GCSE results day. Confirmation of places. Students with conditional offers must ensure that copies of their examination results are sent to the school by e-mail to SixthFormOffice@shaftesburyschool.co.uk Advice and Guidance will be available for students who have not met their offers.
GCSE English and GCSE Maths
All students who have not yet achieved a minimum grade 4 in Maths or English Language GCSE (or overseas equivalent) will attend lessons to prepare them for retake exams.
Transport
When entering Sixth form, students who need to get the bus to school no longer receive a free bus pass. Click here for more information about post-16 transport.
