Academic Achievement

Our academic standards and achievements are high.

Students consistently achieve strong academic results because they are not only well prepared, but they are enthusiastic, passionate and motivated to succeed in their studies. After all, the key to success is to love what you do.

Although results are undeniably important, there should be more to your educational experience than how many A*grades you achieve. That is why our focus is to ensure the Sixth Form provides a balanced outlook. One where academic study is at the forefront but where you are also given space and time - time to acquire new skills, participate in clubs and activities, to breathe and let your mind and yourself relax.
 

Entry Requirements

A typical Sixth Form student will join Year 12 with a minimum of six GCSEs at Level 5 or above, including Mathematics and English, with Level 6 achieved in those subjects they propose to study at A Level.
 

A Level Subject Choices

With 26 subject options available, our offering is designed to be varied but not overwhelming.  You can choose the subjects you love, based on your strengths, thanks to our bespoke lesson scheduling, which enables us to  build the timetable around your choices.

The majority of our students study towards three A Levels, which is the entry requirement for most university courses.  Focussing on three subject areas enables you to study your chosen subjects at greater depth.

You can find more detail on the curriculum behind the individual subjects in our Sixth Form prospectus.
 

The Extended Project Qualification

Alongside your A Levels you will also take the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), which requires you to independently research a topic of your choice and produce an extended piece of work that presents your findings.  The skills you will develop through your EPQ are excellent preparation for both university-level study and entering the workplace, which is why both universities and employers value this qualification.

Results

Our students deservedly achieve high grades and those electing to go on to higher education enter their first-choice universities to study a wide range of subjects, including Neuroscience, Engineering, History, Law, Mathematics, Medicine, Ancient and Modern Foreign Languages, and Sports Science. Those choosing to follow their passion in the arts have gone on to pursue their studies in Theatre Arts, Dance, Art, Fashion and Photography. You can see our latest results and destinations here.

The Balance

Your academic studies will be challenging, so it is important you have time way from your subjects; there must be a balance. Alongside your academic studies, you will participate in a wide range of activities and sports to provide that all important “down time”. You can find out more about your options outside the classroom here.

St Gabriel's has provided me with a holistic education that allowed me to flourish in all areas. The support both academically and pastorally has been fantastic: it has always been specific to my needs and has given me an honest overview of myself which has helped me do everything from selecting the right A level subjects to improving my work-life balance. I have had so many successes and opportunities, such as being Head Girl, which the school has facilitated. It's bittersweet to look back on my time here, as I currently plan the next big phase in my life. I remember being so nervous on the first day of Year 7 but now I am in a great position to move forward into the world as a confident young woman, taking whatever comes my way.  This is all thanks to the excellent transitionary preparation that has taken place in the Sixth Form and even earlier. While my studies here will end, the lifelong friendships, lessons and memories will remain forever. 

- Oluchi, head girl (2022-23)