Understanding The 16+ Entry Process

Sixth Form Admissions for Year 12 Entry

What Is The 16+ Process?

The 16+ entry refers to admissions into Year 12, the start of Sixth Form. This route is ideal for students seeking to join top-performing grammar or independent boarding schools for A-Levels or the IB.

Entry is highly competitive, especially for oversubscribed schools, and typically involves:

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Overview of the 16+ Process

The 16+ entrance process typically includes several stages:

Registration/Application: Parents and students submit an application to the school or schools they wish to attend. This usually takes place in Year 11 (around age 15-16).
Entrance Exams: Schools vary but some require students to sit their entrance exams in the autumn term of Year 11. These exams usually cover subjects the student will be studying at sixth form (A-Levels or equivalent) so the subject choices are selected by the student.
Interview: After the entrance exam, many schools invite students for an interview to assess their academic potential, personal qualities, and suitability for the school’s sixth-form environment. They will review other supporting evidence also such as report cards and references from their current school.
Results: Offers for sixth form places are typically made in the early December of the year before entry with the student’s GCSE results and performance in the entrance exam and interview playing a significant role. Offers are often conditional on those grades though unconditional offers are also made, depending on the school. Others are placed on the waiting list or not offered a place.
Acceptance of Offer: After receiving offers, parents and students confirm their decision by accepting or declining the place, and the student will join the school in September of Year 12.

Application and Registration

GCSE predicted grades: Based on the student’s performance so far in their studies.
Personal statement: An essay explaining why the student wants to join the school and what they plan to study.
References: A reference letter from their current school, typically from a teacher or head of year.
Portfolio or additional materials: Some schools with special focus areas (like arts, music, or drama) may ask for a portfolio or specific documents related to those interests.

Entrance Exams

Not all schools require entrance exams for 16+ entry, but many top independent schools do. These exams test the student’s ability in subjects they will be studying at sixth form level, such as A-Level subjects or other equivalent courses.

Subject-Specific Exams

A-Level Subjects: Some schools set specific entrance exams for subjects the student intends to study at A-Level. For example, if a student is applying to study Mathematics at A-Level, they might be asked to sit for an entrance exam that assesses their mathematical abilities.
General Academic Exams: Other schools may set a more general academic test that assesses core skills such as English, Mathematics, Science, and sometimes General Knowledge.
Non-Academic Subjects: If a student is applying to a school with a specific focus, like the arts or music, they may need to take a practical exam or submit a portfolio as part of the entrance process.

Format of the Exams

Written Exams

These could be in the form of timed written papers, where students answer questions related to their chosen subjects. The level of difficulty is typically comparable to GCSE standards, but the questions may be more advanced, reflecting the transition to sixth form study.

Multiple-Choice or Short Answer Questions

Some schools may use a combination of multiple-choice, short-answer, and essay-style questions to assess a student’s academic potential.

Past Papers/Practice

Many schools provide past papers or sample papers to help students prepare. Students may also practice by working through general academic tests or subject-specific questions from their chosen A-Level subjects. It is important to note that schools can make the exams tutor-proof, so preparation should focus on core skills whatever the exam format rather than practicing for a specific expectation of format.

Interview

The interview is a key part of the 16+ entry process and typically occurs after the entrance exams. Schools use the interview to assess a student’s motivation, intellectual curiosity, and fit for the school’s sixth form program.

What to Expect in the Interview

Academic Focus: The student may be asked about their interest in the A-Level subjects they want to study. This could involve discussing why they chose certain subjects, their understanding of them, and their passion for the subject matter.
Personal Qualities: Schools may also be interested in how the student fits into the wider school environment. They may ask questions about extracurricular activities, leadership roles, hobbies, or how the student deals with challenges.
General Conversation: The interview is often conducted in a conversational style, allowing the student to express themselves and demonstrate their personality and communication skills.
Academic Skills: Some interviews may include problem-solving tasks or academic discussions to assess the student's reasoning abilities and approach to new challenges.

Preparation for the Interview

Research the School

It is important for the student to have an understanding of the school’s ethos, academic programs, and extracurricular opportunities. Being able to speak about why the school is a good fit for them is essential.

Practice

Mock interviews with teachers or tutors can help students become more comfortable with the process.

Review Subject Knowledge

Depending on the interview format, the student may be asked to discuss their chosen A-Level subjects in depth, so revising key concepts and being able to discuss topics confidently is beneficial.

Post-Exam Process and Results

After the exams and interviews, schools will typically inform parents and students of the outcome. This usually occurs in early to mid-December.

Offers and Rejections

Acceptance of the Offer

Once offers are made, parents and students typically have a set time to accept or decline the offer. This is usually done in December or January, and if the offer is accepted, the student will start their sixth form studies at the school in September of Year 12.

Key Considerations for 16+ Entry

Timing and Preparation

The 16+ application process starts in Year 11, so it is important for students to maintain good academic performance throughout Key Stage 4 to ensure they meet the entry requirements.
Subject Choices: Some schools have specific requirements for the A-Level subjects a student can take. Students should be sure to check the school’s criteria and confirm they meet these requirements before applying.

Special Focus Areas

Portfolio for Arts Students: If applying to schools with a strong focus on arts, music, or drama, students may need to submit a portfolio or audition, as well as meet the academic requirements.
Scholarships: Many schools offer academic scholarships or other types of financial aid for sixth-form students. This is often based on performance in entrance exams and interviews.