Sixth Form Most Asked Questions

Does my child have to be 16 years old to apply to the Gateways Sixth Form?

Students need to be a minimum age of 16, turning 17 years old, in the year that they start in the Sixth Form. Some students may be older.

Does my child have to have completed year 11 in a mainstream school to apply to the Sixth Form?

No, they do not. Many students complete their qualifications via online learning or through home schooling and private tuition.

What is the application process?

An application form will be sent to the referring agency or professional to complete and submit online. We do not accept applications directly from parents. A referring agency could be the mainstream school, CAMHS, therapist, GP, social worker, early help etc. More details can be found on the Admissions page

Is there a deadline for applications?

For the academic year of 2024/5 the application deadline is Friday 21st March 2025.

What will the intake process be?

Interviews will be offered to those who meet the admissions criteria.

Interviews will take place at the beginning of the 2025 summer term, before the exam season.

Offers will made in the weeks following this process.

What happens if my child does not meet the English and Maths requirements?

Please contact Gateways on results day with your child’s grades and the breakdown of their marks for each paper. The Referrals team will then review this information and come back to you with a decision.

If my child has an EHCP, will this funding cover the Gateways Sixth Form fees?

This will be discussed if an interview is offered, and we will guide you as to the process you may need to follow to secure funding for the Gateways Sixth Form.

What happens if I don’t have an EHCP?

Parents will be required to privately fund and can be arranged via a payment plan over the course of the 12 months.

Is there a hardship fund?

Yes, there is a hardship fund for parents who are unable to cover the full cost. Please contact our team for more information.

Will my child be expected to attend every day?

There is an expectation that all Sixth Form students will attend the Sixth Form timetable across a 4-day week (not Fridays) and engage in the full offer.

Will there be a uniform?

There will be no uniform and we encourage all students to wear comfortable but modest clothing.

Will my child be allowed to go offsite during the lunchbreak?

Yes, Sixth Form students will be allowed to go offsite during the lunchbreak, or they can bring a vegetarian or fish packed lunch.

Your question

If you have a question that we haven’t answered above, please fill in this form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

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