Sixth form applications

You don't need CS to study CS at uni, but it sure does help. And if you really want to take CS, I'd favour sixth forms that offer it. Oxbridge support is nice and all, but it's not the end of the world if the other sixth forms don't offer as much support that way, because there are plenty of other resources to help you, like this very forum!

I was thinking the same, however I'm sure NCS and LAES have reputation for a reason, whereas other sixth forms don't. As much as I'd like to do CS as an a-level, it won't help if I can't get A* in my other subjects too, which NCS and LAES can help me get.

So I have a big problem. I was thinking of applying to NCS or LAES for sixth form, as they have reputable a-level results, and I meet all the criteria (predicted all 8s and 9s at GCSE). However, I really want to do computer science a-level, which neither school offers, and I wanted to do it at Cambridge university. My plan was to take fm, maths, economics and comp sci, however I can't at these schools. Yes, I can apply to other schools that offer cs like kegs however they do not offer oxbridge help as much as LAES and NCS do. My next thought was to take fm, maths and economics only in year 12, and do alevel cs outside of school. However it is a requirement for the sixth forms that you start with 4 subjects, which I can't do (I have no interest in any other subjects, and EPQ is an option but I did HPQ and felt it was too time consuming). Please help me, what do I do?

Hi, I'm applying to LAES and NCS too! I know current and former students there, and they have an amazing reputation ofc, so I get why you'd want to apply. However, idk if you've heard of Brampton Manor Academy (bma), its also in Newham (I think), I'm applying there since it's also really reputable, I'm pretty sure they've outperformed NCS, LAES, and Eton for several years now. And they also offer computer Science, but they say to take it with fm, maths and physics (but ik someone who had exceptionally good grades and explained her ambitions didn't involve physics, and she convinced them to let her take a different combo, so thats possible, they just strongly suggest taking that combo).
Anyways, I'd suggest applying there, the sixth form is apparently really intense but they get good results, applications open 9th January. Also, some of my friends are applying to study cs, and I'm pretty sure you need the following grades to study each a-level:
Computer science: 7 or above at GCSE or 8 in maths if cs wasn't studied at gcse
FM. (Same as above)
Econ: a 7 or above at GCSE, if not studied than a 7 in GCSE Maths
Good luck with your application!

Hi, I'm applying to LAES and NCS too! I know current and former students there, and they have an amazing reputation ofc, so I get why you'd want to apply. However, idk if you've heard of Brampton Manor Academy (bma), its also in Newham (I think), I'm applying there since it's also really reputable, I'm pretty sure they've outperformed NCS, LAES, and Eton for several years now. And they also offer computer Science, but they say to take it with fm, maths and physics (but ik someone who had exceptionally good grades and explained her ambitions didn't involve physics, and she convinced them to let her take a different combo, so thats possible, they just strongly suggest taking that combo).
Anyways, I'd suggest applying there, the sixth form is apparently really intense but they get good results, applications open 9th January. Also, some of my friends are applying to study cs, and I'm pretty sure you need the following grades to study each a-level:
Computer science: 7 or above at GCSE or 8 in maths if cs wasn't studied at gcse
FM. (Same as above)
Econ: a 7 or above at GCSE, if not studied than a 7 in GCSE Maths
Good luck with your application!

target sixthform is crazy, i feel like am i out the loop for not knowing what these are😭

There's not really such a thing as a 'target sixth form', but depending on your area there are definitely sixth forms which have much better outcomes than the other surrounding ones. For example, in East London, BMA, NCS, and LAES are by far the best 3 sixth forms in terms of academic attainment, with all 3 having an average grade of A ( and with the next highest being a B- ), meaning that all the top students look to apply to those. It'll vary depending on your area, though, as I know in North London there are some good sixth forms like Woodhouse and LAET

Yeah that was a real struggle. You mentioned 'considered' so where did you end up going then?

I’m in year 11, so I haven’t actually chosen yet. Any advice on where to go? I’m picking maths fm and econ and smth else ( physics, politics comp or geo, one of those four).

Well I don't know exactly what schools are in your area, but I've also applied to LAE both Stratford and Tottenham and NCS, as well as some grammar schools. I'd take a l;ook at them if you live near te area, they're supposed to be really good for a-levels and offer the ones you want to take!

Update: After a LOT of thought and research, I actually found out about KCLMS which will let me take CS, Maths, FM and physics AS level, so I've applied for the admissions test. I'll still probably apply to Brampton, just in case, and I guess take physics if I have to. But I guess I have more options than I thought.

Wait did LAES and NCS applications already open???

Also, good luck with your admissions test!

Oops sorry I meant am planning to apply 🙂 They haven't opened yet don't worry