GCSE Options

THE CORE SUBJECTS

All students take these subjects to full course GCSE level:

  • English: double certificate, GCSEs in Language and Literature (2 GCSEs)

  • Mathematics

  • Religious Education

All students will also follow programmes of study in these core subjects:

  • Science: We offer two routes—Separate Sciences (3 separate GCSEs) or Combined Science (a double qualification equivalent to 2 GCSEs). Both routes involve studying Biology, Chemistry and Physics

  • Physical Education (no examinations unless GCSE is chosen)

  • Personal development (no examinations)

ADDITIONAL SUBJECTS

Students are given the opportunity to express preferences for four additional subjects.

Students must indicate their choices via the online tools system. The deadline for completion of this is Monday 9th March 2026.

As far as we are able, we try to offer students their first choices but this is not always, possible.

Personal Development Mentors, the school Careers Lead, the Year 9 team, the ACE team and Senior Leadership Team will help students to choose wisely, taking into account each student’s aptitudes, interests and, where possible or appropriate, choice of career. On Thursday 26th February 2026 there is a virtual Progress Consultation Evening, at which further discussions can take place with individual subject teachers.

 

 

 

Reserve Choices

It is often the case that, because of staffing, timetabling or the number of students opting for a subject, we are not able to allocate students’ all their preferred choices so it is important that they also make two reserve choices. These MUST be different to their first choices.

Subject restrictions

Only one Art subject (Fine Art, Photography or Textiles) can be taken as these are technically the same GCSE, just variations within the subject. 

If you would like to know more then please refer to our GCSE Options Booklet below.

GCSE Options Booklet 2026