Academic
Sixth Form
A Putney education is intellectually thrilling – a unique ethos of modern scholarship which prepares students to excel in their studies, develop as independent learners and to become confident problem-solvers of the future.
A Level Study
A Level study begins in Year 12 with examinations taken at the end of Year 13. This allows plenty of time for seminar style learning, in-depth discussion, and the development of the skills and aptitudes that are sought by admissions teams and future employers alike.
A Level Pathways
3 A LEVELS
3 A LEVELS + EPQ
4 A LEVELS (the 4th A Level is likely to be Further Mathematics).
Putney’s Higher Education and Careers team are experienced in helping you to make informed choices. Our students follow prestigious, well-trodden pathways to top universities and are increasingly trailblazing in their ambitions for exciting future careers.
EPQ – Extended Project Qualification
The EPQ qualification is undertaken in Year 12 and is designed to stretch you intellectually as you research, build and present a project in your own field of interest – all great preparation for the independent learning style of university.
There are five hours of teaching per week in each subject and at least four hours of self-directed study. Independent study time gives you the flexibility to work in your own way, and with small class sizes, this preparation helps you contribute confidently to your own learning.
What topic will you choose?
Sixth Form Entry Grades
We do everything we can to make a Putney education available to everyone, regardless of their means, and are committed to offering places to the students we feel are most likely to flourish here. The following grade guidelines are not designed as a barrier to entry, but simply to ensure you will enjoy your sixth form years and can hit the ground running in your A Level studies:
- At least 5 GCSEs at either 8 or 9 and three grades at 7.
- GCSE grade 8 or 9 in your chosen A Level subjects.
- GCSE grade 7 or above in Mathematics and English Language.
- For two science A Levels, or Maths alongside a science, at least a grade 8 will be needed in both subjects.
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For Further Mathematics, a 9 grade at GCSE Mathematics must be achieved.
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For those exploring the option of 4 A levels, we would expect a grade point average of 8.5 or more.
Beyond the Curriculum
This is the time to take ownership of your learning, to think critically and develop the skills and the vision to problem-solve, now and in the future. We place a strong focus on ‘modern scholarship’ – academic rigour, innovation and intellectual risk-taking, and offer programmes designed to help develop your intellectual independence.