Caldew School Sixth Form

Application Process

Here at Caldew School the majority of students study three main subjects for two years and then a fourth course which is studied just for one year. Core Maths and EPQ are one year courses which students finish in the summer of Year 12.

High attaining students at GCSE will be encouraged to take three subjects and either both EPQ and Core Maths, or EPQ and a fourth AS-Level if they are already studying Maths. Further Maths can be continued to A-level if desired.

The option blocks are designed to allow the maximum number of students to access the subjects they want to whilst also enabling them to access their chosen university course or next step programme.

The provisional blocks for September 2026 are:

 

Students can study one subject from each option block. If a student wants to study a combination of subjects which consists of two choices from one block we will do everything we can to see if we can make it possible.  If it is not possible to adapt the blocks once the application deadline has passed then students would have to choose another subject from a different block. Please outline any ‘clashes’ on the options form.

If a student opts to study Physics, Chemistry or Biology they must take a maths course to support their studies.  

This is a very early stage in the process, and students will not be held to their choices at this stage.  However, it is important that you make your decisions carefully so that they are as close as possible to your likely requirements for September. The Sixth Form pastoral team will be in school on results day to discuss options.

Entry requirements

The school welcomes applications from students both already at Caldew School and those from other schools. We do however have some clear parameters that we normally work within that we would expect our students to fulfil:

• 5 GCSE’s at Grade 4 and above including Maths and English

• Grade 5 or better in a Humanities subject to study Geography or History

• Grade 6 or better in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths to study that subject at A Level

• Grade 7 or better in Maths to study Further Maths at A Level

Application Form

These are completed online.  There are two application forms, one for internal students and one for external students.

Internal students

You will need to complete the form at the link below.  You will need to login using your school e-mail and password before completing the form for authentication.  You will then be asked for your legal name and current form, along with your options choices.  There is also space for any notes on your application.

Link - Caldew Sixth Form Application Form for 2026 entry - Internal Candidates – Fill in form

External student

Prior to completing the form please make sure you have:-

-Your contact details including full name, date of birth, current address, e-mail address and mobile number.

-The contact details of an adult contact, this should be for your parent/legal guardian.

-The details of your current place of study (or school where you took your GCSEs – we cannot accept anyone older than 17 into the Sixth Form) along with the contact details of an academic referee (current/previous form tutor or head of year ideally)

-Details of the courses that you are currently studying and your expected grades.

-Your preferred subjects from the option blocks.

Link – Caldew Sixth Form Application Form for 2026 entry - External Candidates – Fill in form

Next Steps

Once the application deadline has passed your application will be acknowledged by the school.  Then in the coming weeks a member of the Sixth Form Leadership Team will contact you to discuss your choices. Following the conversation you will have a provisional place for September.  

Sixth Form taster days are on Monday 13th and Tuesday 14th July.  These give you an opportunity to try out different subjects and get to understand what the Sixth Form here at Caldew is like.

Following results day on August 20th you will need to confirm that you want to accept your place in the Sixth Form. For external students we will also need a copy/photo of your results transcript to confirm your place and this should be sent to the school office.

You can confirm that you want to accept your place in person or by contacting the school office at office@caldew.cumbria.sch.uk

 

Leaders have made significant progress in improving the school since the previous inspection. They have focused on creating a broad and ambitious curriculum which meets the needs of pupils and students, including those with special educational needs and /or disabilities (SEND).

Ofsted 2022

There is a strong culture of safeguarding in place, with clear systems to record any concerns. Leaders keep safeguarding relevant to all members of the school community through regular updates, training, alerts and reminders.

Ofsted 2022

An effective programme of personal development has been created for pupils in key stages 3 and 4. This prepares pupils well for their future, giving them opportunities to have important discussions about healthy relationships, social and moral issues.

Ofsted 2022

Leaders have created a welcoming and supportive environment at this school. Pupils and students achieve well in their learning. They are well prepared for their next steps in education, employment and training.

Ofsted 2022

Leaders provide effective careers guidance to pupils from Year 7 through to Year 13. Clear guidance, including preparation for interviews and ‘Work Ready Days’, helps pupils and students to make considered choices for their next steps.

Ofsted 2022