Sixth Form Admissions

Unfortunately, due to insufficient enrolment numbers, we regret to inform that the following courses will not be running for 2026 entry: A Level Fashion & Textiles, A Level Product Design & BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Information Technology. We understand this news may be disappointing, and we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Scan the QR Code above or click here for Sixth Form Application Form 2026 entry

Courses we offer:

A Level:

Art, Craft & Design, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Computer Science, Design & Technology – Design Engineering, Design & Technology – Fashion & Textiles, Design & Technology – Product Design, Drama & Theatre, English Language, English Literature, Film Studies, French, Geography, German, History, Mathematics, Mathematics – Further, Philosophy, Photography, Physical Education, Physics, Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Spanish.

Vocational Qualifications (all Level 3):

Equivalent to 1 A Level BTEC L3 Extended Cert’ in Applied Science, Level 3 Diploma in Criminology, Level 3 Diploma Food Science and Nutrition, BTEC L3 Extended Certificate in IT, BTEC L3 Extended Certificate in Music.

Other Qualifications:

Core maths (Mathematical Studies), EPQ (Extended Project Qualification).

Enrichment Curriculum:

Young Enterprise, Duke of Endinburgh Award, Work experience, Buddy Reading, Peer mentoring, Volunteering, School leadership.

What are the entry requirements for Sixth Form?

Our expected entry requirements for AS/A Level are 5 X 9-5 GCSE grades including English plus subject specific requirements. If you wish to study some subjects you will need to gain a grade 6 in the subject at GCSE Level. Some may ask for a grade 7.

For further information please see entry requirements for each subject in the course booklet.

All offers are subject to Head of Department / Faculty approval. If you wish to study a Vocational qualification you must have 5 x 9-4 grades at GCSE including maths and English plus subject specific requirements. If you do not achieve these qualifications / grades, a place may be offered at the discretion of the Headteacher. In this case a special contract will be drawn up by the school and progress will be monitored closely. These will only be offered in exceptional circumstances.

Please Note: Any vocational qualifications which are more than one GCSE will only be counted as one GCSE. Students must secure five other GCSEs at appropriate grades.

Choosing a course

Your final choice of a course is the result of a long process of consultation and negotiations. We suggest that in choosing a course you should ask yourself some questions.

1. Are these subjects the ones I would enjoy studying in depth?
2. Is this a satisfactorily balanced group of subjects?
3. Do my career plans require me to aim for specific qualifications?
4. Will this combination of subjects enable me to continue with the kind of higher education or training I may like to take up when I leave school?
5. Have I the ability to achieve a good grade in these subjects?
6. You must get the approval and signatures of subject staff and Head of Department / Faculty on your application form.

Additional help on how to choose A Levels is also available;

Enrichment activities

At Dronfield Henry Fanshawe School Sixth Form we are dedicated to providing students with a curriculum that will allow them to continue to grow and develop outside of their chosen subjects.

We offer a suite of subjects and non-assessed activities to foster this development, providing students with a variety of skills for the next stage in their education or careers, you will find more information about these in our Enrichment Curriculum Booklet below;

Timeline for applications – 2026 enrolment

• October 2025: Students receive the Sixth Form prospectus, course booklet and the ‘How to pick A Levels’ booklet.
• November 2025: All Year 11 students receive guidance meetings from some members of SLT and the Sixth Form Team. GCSE projections will be discussed. Sixth Form Open Evening – 12th November – This is an opportunity for parents and students to find out more about Sixth Form courses.
• December 2025: Applications must be completed no later than 31st December 2025. These will be reviewed by faculty areas to confirm acceptance.
• February – March 2026: Some auditions will take place in music and drama. The Sixth Form Team will process all applications. Successful applicants (where SPR / most recent school report projections meet entrance requirements) will be made a conditional offer of a place. Our intention is that offer and rejection letters will be sent by the end of March where possible. External applicants might receive guidance meetings during this time.
• April to July 2026: Some applicants might receive additional meetings to discuss course choices/changes, potential clashes or suitability (for example, if SPR/report projections have changed). Students who have not been offered a place but now meet the entrance requirements (SPR/latest school report) may wish to have their applications reconsidered.
• July 2026: Week commencing 20th July. Timetable rollover (Taster Session) when new Y12 students will begin and trial their courses and A Level/ Level 3 Vocational summer preparation work will be distributed to students.
• August 2026: GCSE Results Day – Thursday 20th August – for internal and external applicants.
• If students achieve suitable grades they should complete the transition form in their GCSE packs (internal) or by downloading from the website (admissions). A formal offer will then be made. If students who did not receive a conditional offer, achieve results that meet the entrance requirements they will be interviewed on Thursday 20th and Friday 21st August to discuss a place (subject to availability). If students do not achieve the required minimum entry grades, then they may wish to appeal to the Headteacher for a place using the QR code on the Transition Form. If a student is wishing to change a subject they can indicate this on the Transition Form. Please be aware, that the appeals process might not be complete until when school restarts in September, specific dates will included on the Transition Form.
• In your results pack and on the website you will find a Transition Form, this must be completed immediately to secure your place in the Sixth Form. The deadline for submission will be the Friday 28th August. If a Transition Form is not received by this date, the student will be removed from registers. The form can be downloaded from the Sixth Form portal on the school website (Admissions tab).
• September 2026: Year 12 students enrol in Sixth Form.