Sixth Form Admissions

September 2026 entry

Our Sixth Form Open Evening takes place on Thursday 22nd January 2026, from 5.30pm - 8.00pm.

Students, parents and families are warmly invited to join us for an inside look at life in our Sixth Form. Hear directly from our senior leadership team, teachers and students, and get a real feel for our community. You’ll have the chance to explore our facilities and departments, take part in interactive activities, and experience our inspiring enrichment programme on a student-led tour.

There is no need to prebook. We look forward to welcoming you.

SIXTH FORM ADMISSIONS TIMELINE
Sixth Form Open Evening Thursday 22nd January 2026 - 5.30pm - 8pm
Applications Open Thursday 22nd January 2026 - 8pm
Application Close Monday 23rd February 2026 - 9am
Conditional Offers April - May 2026
Sixth Form Induction Day June 2026  (Exact date to be confirmed)
GCSE Results and Sixth Form Enrolment Day Thursday 20th August 2026
First Day of Term Thursday 3rd September 2026

You might find it useful to read our useful Account Registration Guides below. 

Sixth-Form-application-instructions-Internal-Student.pdf

Sixth-Form-application-instruction-External-Student-v2.pdf

We invest a significant amount of time in ensuring that both internal and external students applying to our Sixth Form are well-suited to their chosen subjects.

We offer three pathways, designed to help you choose a selection of subjects that will help you to reach your future goals:

Pathway 1

Studying 3 A-levels
Entry criteria is grade 4 in Mathematics and English Language or Literature and grade 5 in your chosen subject.

Studying 4 A-levels
To study 4 A-levels, entry criteria is at least a grade 4 in Mathematics and English Language or Literature and grade 5 in your chosen subject. PLUS an average GCSE points score of 7.0 or above.
Pathway 2

Studying 3 vocational courses

Entry criteria is grade 4 in Mathematics and English Language or Literature and grade 4 in three related GCSEs.
Pathway 3

Studying a combination of A-levels and vocational courses

Entry criteria is grade 4 in Mathematics and English Language or Literature and a bespoke offer of grade 4s and grade 5s depending on examination results.

 * please see individual course information to confirm any further specific entry requirements.

We have high expectations for our Sixth Form students. In order to progress successfully from Year 12 into Year 13, you need to have displayed adequate progress on your programme of study. Your place in Year 13 will be evaluated at the end of Year 12, and your attitude to learning, attendance, and progress across the year will inform your successful progression into Year 13. Cheltenham Bournside School reserves the right to refuse progression into Year 13 based on any of these factors.

For students wishing to join us who are currently being educated overseas or who have been educated overseas, you will need to get a Statement of Comparability from the following website: Home Page (enic.org.uk)

The Statement of Comparability will enable us to assess your current qualifications to ensure that you meet the current entry requirements of our Sixth Form. The Statement of Comparability will need to be acquired through this website and sent to us before you are given any offer of a place in our Sixth Form.

Did you know that you can apply for a bursary to help with education-related costs?

A bursary is money that you, or the school, can use to pay for things like:

  • Uniform
  • Books and other equipment for your course
  • Transport and travel costs
  • Trip costs
  • Lunch

The 16 to 19 Bursary Fund provides financial support to help students overcome specific barriers to participation so they can remain in education. If you think you might be eligible or are struggling to cover the costs of learning, we'd encourage you to apply.

Please speak to Mrs Rudge-Wills in the Sixth Form Office for more information.

At Bournside Sixth Form, we have a clear and simple uniform to help students feel part of our community and present themselves confidently. As leaders and role models within the school, our students are expected to maintain a smart appearance that reflects our values and supports a positive learning environment.

Please note: After enrolment you will be emailed to confirm which house you have been allocated to, and therefore which house tie you should purchase. In most cases, students progressing from Main School will remain in the same house.

Uniform Supplier

Monkhouse Schoolwear, Cheltenham High Street | www.monkhouse.com

Dress code
  • Branded Bournside Sixth Form v-neck jumper – Compulsory for all students
  • Branded Bournside Sixth Form trousers (black) or continue to use Bournside Year 11 trousers
  • Branded Bournside Sixth Form skirt (in the following options)
    a) Tartan branded Bournside pleated skirt
    b) Plain navy branded Bournside skirt
  • White formal collared shirt and Sixth Form house tie – Compulsory for Boys
  • White revere collar blouse OR white formal collared shirt and Sixth Form house tie - Girls
  • Branded Bournside Sixth Form blazer – Optional
  • Black formal low-heeled shoes (below the ankle)
  • Black/navy/dark grey plain tights
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