Pioneer Secondary Academy Sixth Form

Our Sixth Form provides a warm, friendly and academically challenging atmosphere.  Every student is treated as an individual, supported and encouraged to develop and thrive during their time with us.  Our Sixth form is large enough to have a stimulating atmosphere, but small enough so that all students get to know each other and their teachers very well.  This personal touch is key to our students’ success in achieving their academic and personal goals.  We can ensure that students get personalised support, attend lessons which are tailored to their needs and receive detailed, regular feedback from their teachers.

We have high expectations of all students and nurture independent, responsible self starters who are full of initiative.  We offer expert teaching and constant support to raise achievement.  Teachers set challenging individual targets that build on prior attainment and personal goals.  Progress is monitored and reviewed regularly by our dedicated sixth form team. Although most of our Sixth Form students progress from our Year 11 cohort into Year 12 and Year 13, we also welcome external applicants, who we expect to make up to approximately 30% of our overall Sixth Form cohort.

Our Sixth Form Offer September 2026

2026 Subject Entry Requirements

For A Level subjects, students must achieve:

• At least five subjects at grade 5 or above including English Literature or Language and Mathematics.
• Individual course requirements set out in the table below.

For Vocational subjects, students must achieve:

• At least five subjects at grade 4 or above including English Literature or Language and Mathematics.
• Individual course requirements set out in the table below.

If students do not achieve a grade 4 in English or maths, they will be required to continue studying these subjects as part of their Post-16 study programme until they achieve at least a grade 4, in accordance with Department for Education requirements.

If you wish to apply to Pioneer Secondary Academy, please follow the link below

Sixth Form academic life

Sixth Form students are expected in school from 8am to 2.30pm to develop strong independent study and time-management skills, with dedicated space for work experience, Core PE and Personal Development. You will receive excellent pastoral support, including personalised guidance with UCAS and apprenticeship applications, and access to a wide range of enrichment opportunities such as CCF, university visits and guest lectures. Our study programmes include work experience and activities that prepare you for higher education or employment. We also encourage students to complete an EPQ, as the research, independence and presentation skills gained are invaluable and can strengthen university applications.

Our expectations of you

We expect all of our students to have good attendance, a passion for learning and a commitment to developing yourself whilst in sixth form.  You will be a leader and role model in the school and work closely with younger students by helping out in extra curricular clubs, providing homework support, carrying out prefect duties and perhaps even supporting in some lessons.  

Our aim is to see all students leave Pioneer Secondary Academy Sixth form as confident and resilient young people, with a clear sense of direction with the qualifications that will enable you to pursue your career ambitions.

How we meet the requirements of the 16 – 19 study programme

Every study programme has a core aim. For the majority of students, this will be either the study of substantial technical, applied or academic qualification(s) or preparation for employment

PSA offer the programmes set out below

• ‘A’ Level Programme: This programme is designed for those students who have achieved high success at GCSE and plan to follow a two-year linear course, specialising in three subjects that they choose. There is very little coursework and these will primarily be facilitating and traditional academic subjects
• Vocational Programme: Students can choose the Level 3 Vocational courses such as Business Studies, Sport, Health and Social Care and Information Technology. They count in the same way as Level 3 A’ Level courses, but assessment is both through coursework, controlled assessment and a terminal examination.
• Combined Programme: Students may wish to combine A’Levels with vocational courses and we would encourage students who felt they would be more successful doing this, to strongly consider this pathway.
  
  Additional elements making up our Sixth Form study programmes for each student in the Sixth Form:
  

• Careers lessons
• Combined Cadet Force (optional)
• Community volunteering
• Core PE
• Duke of Edinburgh Award (optional)
• English and Maths GCSE retake, if a student has failed to secure a passing grade
• EPQ (optional)
• Mentoring
• Peer reading
• Personal Development