Sixth Form Admissions Process
We are a selective school which means that every candidate is required to take an entrance assessment. However, our key objective throughout the Admissions process is to ensure that your child will benefit positively from the curriculum, facilities and opportunities we offer, and enjoy academic and personal success in the future.
We recommend that applicants are registered a minimum of one year prior to joining. The primary entrance assessment process takes place in November of Year 11 and we hold a subsequent round of entrance assessments in February. For those seeking entry in September 2025, you may wish to download our Sixth Form 2025 Key Admissions Dates.
Entry into Sixth Form is conditional on performance in GCSEs and successful candidates are expected to have at least five grade 4 GCSEs (to include English and mathematics). This general entry criteria needs to be in conjunction with the A Level or BTEC subject specific requirement.
Register
To register please complete the online registration form and pay the relevant non-refundable registration fee. The closing date for registration is at the end of October, the year before your child is due to start. Late applications may be considered, subject to the availability of places. Please do contact the Admissions team if you would like to discuss this.
If your child has any SEN/Learning support needs, this should also be indicated on the registration form and submitted with supporting documentation. The Admissions team will contact you to discuss further the appropriate access arrangements for the entrance assessment.
Please note that if you wish to apply for a means-tested bursary, the application must be submitted by the end of September prior to the year before your child is due to start.
Experience
Registered candidates will have the opportunity to attend our Sixth Form ‘Taster Day’ in November of their Year 11. Whilst these days are not compulsory, they are a fantastic opportunity for your child to spend some time in school, taking part in some sample lessons and activities. With the emphasis on getting to know Pangbourne a little better, the day will help your son or daughter to become more familiar with the College prior to attending their assessment day.
Assessment
The assessment days take place in November and February of Year 11 and consists of a computer-based assessment and an interview with a senior member of our academic team.
As part of our assessment process, we will request copies of the latest school reports and contact the current school for a confidential report, to include predicted GCSE grades in advance of the assessment day.
Applications for Scholarships must be submitted by the end of November.
Reflection & decision
Once the assessment process is complete, we will write to you with the outcome of the application.
On receiving an offer, you have the opportunity to reflect and consider whether you feel that Pangbourne is the school where your child will flourish. If you have any unanswered questions or need more information our Admissions team will be happy to help. Whether it’s a simple question, speaking to a key member of staff or visiting us again we will ensure you have all you need to make your decision.
When we make an offer of a place for Sixth Form, we firmly believe that Pangbourne is the right school for your child, where they will have the opportunity to shape their future beyond school and be in the best position to take the next step. Offers need to be formally accepted together with a deposit payment.
Join
Once the GCSE results are published, you will need to communicate your results to the Admissions team. Your place will be confirmed should all conditions of entry be met.
A programme of induction is in place to ensure the transition to Sixth Form is positive and helps you find your feet quickly, adapting to your new surroundings and the Pangbourne community.
