sixth form advice/ help

Hey everyone,
I’m currently in Year 10 and I really want to go to a strong sixth form for A‑levels, ideally Politics, Sociology, and something else. My dream sixth form is LAE Stratford,NCS or Brampton manor but I only have 7 GCSEs so far+ 1 BTEC, so I’m not sure if that’s realistic.
I’m wondering:
Does anyone here know how strict they are about the number of GCSEs and predicted grades?
Is it worth trying to aim for LAE, or should I focus on other strong sixth forms in East London, any recs would be appreciated!!
or could i possibly do an extra gcse outside of school?
is it to late to switch my BTEC option for something else?

Hi, I'd say switch your B-TEC subject or ask your teachers if you can do an extra GCSE to make sure they sign you up. My school allows that. It's highly unlikely you can change it because its been too long but ask just in caase. I can't answer the second cause I'm currently in Year 11, I've just finished applying. A lot of people to extra GCSEs outside school, a lot of them, the content is mainly easy to teach to yourself and can be done in under a year. Also NCS requires a minimum of 8 GCSE's, not including B-TECS. This is what they mention on their website. "In order to study A-Levels at The NCS, students need a minimum of 62 points from their best 8 GCSEs, which must include the EBacc subjects, (vocational courses e.g., BTEC courses, subjects without a substantial written examination and community languages will not be included in the best 8). But NCS may not be the sixth form you're looking for because currently they don't offer sociology as an option. Brampton does, but I'm not sure about LAE. Also, check on their websites to see if you need 8 GCSEs, you probably do but just in case.

thank you so muchhh