Applying to Sixth Form

At the end of Year 11, your period of compulsory education comes to an end, and we hope you will choose to continue your educational journey with us in the Sixth Form at Oaklands Catholic School.

We warmly welcome students from Oaklands and from other secondary schools who wish to join us at 16+. Whether you are continuing your studies with us or joining from another school, you can be assured of the same high level of care, support, and commitment throughout your time in our Sixth Form community.

Top tips for choosing your A Level subjects here

All admission policies are on our policy page here

Applications for enrolment in September 2027 will open on our Open Evening on Thursday 15^th October 2026 at 5:30pm

Entry Requirements

The minimum grade requirements for entry to the Sixth Form are five grades 9 – 4 at GCSE, including Maths and English. However, specific entry requirements vary according to the subject, so please refer to the course information here: Oaklands SF Course Guide 2027

Please note that whilst our prospectus/course guide outlines a wide range of subjects we have recently offered, we reserve the right not to run a particular course in any given year, depending upon demand and staffing.

The Application Process

Applications open (forms available on website)	15th October 2026
Applications deadline (applications received after this date will be placed on a waitlist)	5th December 2026
Confirmation letters issued	February 2027
GCSE Exams	May – June 2027
Applicant experience day	6th July 2027
GCSE results & Sixth Form enrolment	19th August 2027
Year 12 induction day	September 2027
Year 12 courses begin	September 2027

Application Form - September 2027 (coming soon!)

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“I go to sixth form because I know teachers and friends that are here” – Ben Y12

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“I went to sixth form because it’s small and everyone knows who you are” – Joe Y12

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“I came to sixth form because I knew the people and teachers well” – Tom Y12

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“I came to sixth form to challenge myself for a higher education” – Clayton Y12

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“I wanted a fresh start” - Y12

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“I wanted a new environment to become more independent” – Y12

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“I came to sixth form to start over and meet new people” – Ali

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“I wanted to get away from some people from my old school and come to a school sixth form where it’s smaller and therefore much more personal. Members of my family also came here and loved it” – Y12

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“I attend sixth form as all the teachers know my abilities and can teach to their best ability” – Y12

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“I came to sixth form because I knew the teachers and had friends here” – Y12

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“I came to sixth form because I prefer a smaller environment and instead of focusing on making new friends, I can work hard” - Y12

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“I came to sixth form because I had to change colleges after Y12” - Y13

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“I came to sixth form because I already knew the people and teachers” - Y12

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“I left Germany for sixth form” – EU exchange student

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“I came to sixth form because it had the friendliest environment compared to other colleges” – Y12

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“Sixth form is the place where I’ve been able to grow and flourish in an environment where I’m comfortable with teachers who know me and I love” – Y13

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“There’s a real sense of community. Everyone knows everyone and there’s always someone to help” – Y13

What we like about Oaklands (Year 12 students)

“smaller classes”

“more attention from the teachers”

“a more comfortable environment”

“teachers are friendly”

“better equipment and technology”

“more lively”

“friendly”

“less fake” Y12

“variety of courses” Y13

“not too big” Y12

From students who join us from other local schools and colleges.

“Oaklands had a community feel and I thought that the small site would be good for me. Also the stats are very impressive.” – Y12

“Notable sixth form, fewer people so more time is spent with the teachers, its smaller so it easier to get around.” – Y12

“The sixth form is very welcoming – both students and staff – and everyone is very helpful and friendly. My classes are fun and interesting and the small numbers really help to give a personal and more tailored teaching experience. The face-to-face teaching here is also incredibly valuable, especially during the current situation, with the majority of other colleges having a mixture of online and real-life classes, which would be challenging. I feel that Oaklands has a wide range of support on offer should I need it.” – Y12

“I have really enjoyed my time at Oaklands so far. The staff are always willing to help and give advice and help. Especially being a newcomer I found everyone really welcoming” – Y12

When I came to Sixth Form I only knew one person, now I am in a group of amazing people who are really helpful and friendly. It also helps that the classes are small, because I feel more comfortable speaking out in lessons. Overall I think that the sixth form is a great place and it is somewhere I want to be.” – Y12

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“Hi, I’m Greta and I am an exchange student from Italy. The UK is very different than my country: food, weather and people but I love all these things. Portsmouth is a nice city and I already feel at home. The school is amazing and the teachers are always kind and nice with me.” EU student in Y12
From some of our visiting EU students

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“I’m an exchange student, I came from Italy and I’ve been here for one month now. The time I’ve spent at Oaklands is amazing. Everyone is really nice and understanding, students and teachers. The school is awesome and it’s the same for the subjects.” - EU student in Y12
From some of our visiting EU students

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“The first month in Sixth Form has been good. The school seems to really try to make their students feel good and have the opportunity to talk and learn about important subjects like racism and mental health. The system is very different from other countries but we are able to get used to it!” - EU student in Y12
From some of our visiting EU students