Entry Requirements

A guide of the subjects that will be available as well as the entry requirements.

Courses are subject to change, depending on demand.

Immersion Year

For UK students who are transferring from non-standard education provisions (e.g. home-schooling).

For overseas students who are not yet ready to start British curriculum qualifications.

  • Age permitting, students will join their anticipated year of entry.
  • Study Maths, English/ EAL and Science/Humanities subjects with the aim of completing assessments for the standard British curriculum the following year. 
  • Chosen optional subjects should relate to those that students wish to be assessed on the following year, to enable smooth acquisition of qualifications.
  • Students will also be able to take part in extra-curricular and enrichment activities.
Year 9

Students will complete the full syllabus providing a foundation and insight into GCSE subjects.

These include:

  • Mathematics, English Literature or EAL (for overseas students)
  • Physics, Biology, Chemistry and ICT
  • History, Geography and Religious Studies
  • Modern Foreign Languages (French or Spanish)
  • Art, Music and Drama
  • Sports and enrichment activities
  • Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme
Year 10 and Year 11

All students will study 6 GCSEs courses in compulsory combinations:

  • English Language and English Literature or EAL (for overseas students)
  • Mathematics with an option to take Level 2 in Further Maths (for higher attaining STEM pupils)
  • Biology, Chemistry and Physics

 

Further optional GCSE subjects can be chosen from:

  • History, Geography,
  • ICT, Computer Science
  • Economics, Business Studies
  • Spanish, French or Classics
  • Art, Music, Drama
  • Sports Science
  • Design Technology (available from academic year 2026/27)
  • Religious Studies (short course)

 

Students will be able to study a maximum of 11 GCSE qualifications, as well as:

  • Sports
  • Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme
  • Extra-Curricular and Enrichment Activities
Sixth Form

Years 12 to Year 13 offers two pathways

  • Standard A-level courses
  • Consisting of 2 years of study
  • Entering with a minimum of 6 GCSEs at grades 4 or above in both Maths and English Language or suitable EAL equivalent.
  • GCSE retake courses will be available from academic year 2026/27 for students who do not meet the entry requirements.
Subject-specific entry requirements
Fine Art

GCSE grade 6 or above, or a portfolio of work.

Depending on demand and resources, we may be able to offer Graphic design or Textiles alongside Fine Art.

GCSE grade 6 or above in Biology and grade 5 in Maths

– GCSE grade 6 or above in Chemistry and grade 5 or above in Maths

Grade 6 in Maths

A Public Speaking LAMDA qualification or full A-level require a GCSE grade 5 or above in English Literature

GCSE grade 5 or above in English and Maths

GCSE grade 6 or above in English

GCSE grade 6 or above in English Literature

Be a native speaker or have a minimum of GCSE grade 6 or above

GCSE grade 8 or above in Mathematics, must also study A-level Mathematics

GCSE grade 6 or above in Geography

GCSE grade 6 or above in History and grade 5 in English Language

GCSE grade 6 or above in Mathematics

GCSE grade 6 or above in Music and ability to play an instrument or sing at grade 5 standard

A high standard of performance in at least one sport

GCSE grade 6 or above in Physics and grade 5 in Mathematics

GCSE grade 5 or above in both English Language and Mathematics

As an add-on to studied qualifications, EPQ stretches and challenges students in a subject area. Students will be expected to conduct valuable research and develop project management skills.

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2026/27 Admissions

St Michael Abbey School is no longer accepting day or boarding admissions for September 2026 and beyond.

For Immersion, University Foundation, Short-Course or Summer School enquiries, please e-mail:

[email protected]