Academic Life
Sixth Form
Sixth Form is your time to take the lead, explore what matters to you, and build the foundations for what comes next. Our academic programme provides structure where you need it, and choice where it counts.
Making Informed Decisions
In the Sixth Form, you will begin by choosing four subjects from a wide range of options. There are 24 A-Level subjects to choose from, along with two BTEC Level 3 qualifications—Sport and Exercise Science, and Enterprise and Entrepreneurship. From the second term onwards, you may decide to focus on three subjects, although many boys continue with four.
Choosing four subjects gives you valuable breadth at this stage in your education. Our experience shows that narrowing your focus too early can limit future opportunities. By taking time to explore your options, you will be able to make well-informed decisions about your academic direction—supported by your teachers, who will guide you throughout the process.
Thinking Independently
All boys in the Lower Sixth complete an extended project designed to build essential skills in research, time management and independent thinking. You will receive upfront teaching to prepare you, before choosing to complete either a Bedford School Independent Project (BSIP) or an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) on a topic that interests you—even if it lies outside your subject choices.
Smart Study Strategies
Class sizes in the Sixth Form are small enough for individual attention, but large enough to encourage plenty of discussion and collaboration. This creates the ideal environment for the more discursive style of learning you will experience. You will also be introduced to the latest research into learning science, helping you to reflect on your study habits and make the most of your time spent studying.
Your academic progress will be reviewed regularly through grade cards, full written reports and in-person parents’ evenings. These are carefully timed to support your preparation for university applications and final examinations.
A-Level and BTEC Courses
A-Level Options
There are 24 A-Level subjects available and you will be able to choose your combination through the school’s option block system. The guide includes information on course content, assessment methods and GCSE grade requirements.
BTEC Options
Two BTEC Level 3 courses are available: Sport and Exercise Science and Enterprise and Entrepreneurship. These can be taken alongside A-Levels, either as one or two of your four subject choices. Both are recognised by universities—including those in the Russell Group—and a Distinction* is equivalent to an A* at A-Level.
Current A-Level and BTEC Options
| Block A | Block B |
| Art Biology Business Economics Enterprise & Entrepreneurship (BTEC)** German Geography History Latin Mathematics Mathematics & Further Mathematics* Music | Business Drama & Theatre Studies Economics French Geography Mathematics Mathematics & Further Mathematics* Physics Politics Religious Studies Sports & Exercise Science (BTEC) |
| Block C | Block D |
| Business Chemistry Classical Civilisation Computer Science Economics English Geography History Media Studies Music Technology Physics Religious Studies Spanish | Biology Chemistry Computer Science Design Technology Economics Enterprise & Entrepreneurship (BTEC)** English Media Studies Physics Politics Sports & Exercise Science (BTEC) |
* For Mathematics & Further Mathematics, you need to select this course in both blocks A and B
**You cannot do A-Level Business as well as BTEC Enterprise & Entrepreneurship
