At SBUSixth, we ensure you get all the information and guidance you need to help you choose the right sixth form place. Our Admissions Team can answer questions at any time: email us at
The Admissions Process
Attend an Open Evening. The best way to find out about our unique sixth form is to come and see us. We know you will love meeting our staff and students. We are passionate about our specialist subject areas and we can't wait to meet you!
Apply. Our online system is easy to use and you can apply any time. If you come to our Open Evening, we can even help you apply then. Applications are welcome from anyone who will be aged 16-18 on 31 August 2027 (very limited exemptions to age criteria apply - ask us if you need advice).
Interview. All eligible applicants are invited for an interview (parents/carers are also welcome to come along). Tutors will ask you some questions to make sure the course you have chosen will help you achieve your ambitions. See below for some interview FAQs.
Welcome Day. An optional opportunity to attend for a few hours of taster sessions in your subject. This event takes place in late June / early July and is open to offer holders only. You get to meet some of your new class mates and have a free lunch with us.
Enrolment. This takes place on or just after GCSE results day. This is when you confirm your place, get your ID card and timetable.
- Who can apply?
Anyone is Year 11 who wants to study one of our subject areas can apply. We also take applications from Year 12 students who are thinking of moving to our Sixth Form in the next academic year. Each year we welcome a number of Year 12s who have moved from other sixth forms or colleges, and we will make you feel very welcome.
- When is the best time to apply?
Applications to join us in September 2027 are open now. We advise Year 11 students to apply well ahead of exam time - ideally in the first term, before the Christmas break. This ensures you have an opportunity to attend for an interview in the second term. If you have applied and had an interview by the end of Term 2, you are guaranteed an offer for a place on the course of your choice.
- Interview FAQs
Who can book an interview?
All eligible students who completes an application will be invited to book an interview. You should get an automatic email with a link (you may need to check your junk/spam folder). If you do not get this, we will send you an email and text reminder within a few weeks.
What will happen at my interview?
There will be a short welcome talk from our Principal, and then you will have an informal one-to-one chat with a tutor from the subject area you have applied for. This will last about 10 minutes. The tutor will tell you about the course and what type of career or university course it can lead to. We'll ask you some questions about your studies and ambitions, and you can ask questions too. Following this chat we will usually issue you with an offer, or in some cases we may refer you for additional guidance. Interview sessions should take no more than one hour in total.Can parents come?
Yes, parents/carers are very welcome! You can also bring a sibling or other trusted companion if your parents cannot come. However, you are very welcome to attend on your own if you wish.Do I need to bring anything?
If you are sitting GCSEs in 2027, we will ask you about your predicted GCSE grades - but please note, all students who attend an interview with us will receive an offer and you will not be rejected based on predicted grades.
If you have already sat GCSEs (eg you are in Year 12), please bring evidence of grades achieved.What is an 'offer'?
This is where we tell you what you will need to achieve in your exams to confirm your place in our Sixth Form. You will leave here with a letter outlining your offer and what the final steps for joining SBU Sixth will be.What happens next?
After you get an offer, you will be invited to an enrolment appointment in mid-late August. This is when your place to study with us is confirmed.