Application Process
Admissions to Year 12 (September 2026)
Our overarching criteria for admission to our Post 16 centre is a willingness to learn. You must have achieved 5 passes including mathematics and/or English, where a pass is defined as GCSE 9-4 and pass or better at level 2 BTEC. KS4 attainment 8 scores will also be used to support students in making their overall course choices including the number of post 16 courses to study. In addition to this minimum entry requirement, it is preferable for students to have achieved at least a pass in any subject they intend to study at A-level, if they have studied it at GCSE. All external applicants will be subject to appropriate references from the respective schools and all applications will be considered on an individual basis.
However, some subjects have specific entry requirements. These are listed on page 9 of our Prospectus.
Timeline for admissions
- October- Year 11- Post 16 Opportunities – Post Cards issued during assemblies at Valley and Portland. Information slides displayed during tutor period in both schools.
- 18th November - Year 11 Information Evening - 4.45pm - 7.15pm
- 18th November - Application Form will become live and can be accessed via a link (which will be displayed below).
- 5th December - Deadline for applications/communication with Year 11 applicants confirming application form has been received and is being processed.
- January - Year 11 students contacted via letter to provide an opportunity to amend their subject choices using a google form and the opportunity to attend a 1:1 appointment to discuss options.
- February - Year 11 students issued with a letter confirming a place at the Post 16 Centre has been reserved for them, pending GCSE results.
- July - Year 11 students invited to participate in our 2-day Discover Post 16 programme at the Post 16 Centre.
- August - GCSE results issued to Year 11 students
- September - Year 11 into 12 1:1 Progression Interviews & enrolment confirmation.
The Post 16 Centre Information Evening is on Tuesday 18th November. 4.45pm - 7.15pm. Further details will be posted over the coming weeks.
Applications to study with us in September 26 will open on Tuesday 18th November
Please apply using our online application form - Link to be updated and will be available by 18th November
The application deadline is 5th December, but applications will be considered after this date.
Below is a copy of our 2025-2026 Prospectus, which is currently being updated for the September 2026 admission process. A printed version will be available at the open evening.
The application deadline is 5th December, but applications will be considered after this date.
Below is a copy of our 2025-2026 Prospectus, which is currently being updated for the September 2026 admission process. A printed version will be available at the open evening.