Academic Overview

College offers a broad, rich curriculum that enables every pupil to be curious and learn widely, to discover where their passions lie and to fulfil their academic potential.

In the Third Form, when pupils are 13 and 14, the curriculum includes a wide range of subjects, including two modern languages, three sciences and Latin. It also includes Computing lessons, leadership and public speaking modules, and all pupils complete the Foundation Project Qualification (FPQ).

The Fourth and Fifth Forms see pupils studying for GCSEs and IGCSEs. These are important public examinations that lay the foundations for A Level and also play an important role in university admissions and job applications.

Most pupils take ten GCSEs and IGCSEs, including English Language, English Literature, Maths, at least two sciences and one modern foreign language. These core subjects are complemented by a further four option subjects. Discover more about the curriculum in Fourth and Fifth Form (Years 10 and 11), by downloading the Fourth and Fifth Form Curriculum Guide 2024-26.

In Sixth Form – or Upper College – pupils specialise, studying a smaller number of subjects at greater depth. The majority take three A Levels and all complete the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). Some pupils take CTech or BTEC instead of A Level for subjects where it is available as an alternative, and a small number take on four A Levels. Discover more about A Level subjects at College here.

We actively encourage diversity in subject choice and promote the logical mixing of arts, sciences, humanities and languages. Unlike other schools, we do not prescribe blocks of subjects, but try as far as possible to accommodate each individual’s choices.

We also believe in inspiring pupils to be curious and explore subjects in more depth. Our Academic Extension activities are an integral part of College life and include extension classes, Lower and Upper College Society, evening subject society meetings, debating, trips and visits. The programme not only embeds a love of learning that will last a lifetime but also supports Higher Education applications.