Academic Courses

Chellaston Academy Sixth Form offers a broad range of academic and vocational qualifications. Alongside traditional A levels, students can choose from BTEC and Cambridge Technical  and AAQ courses designed to prepare them for higher education, apprenticeships and employment.

All Year 12 students also study either:

• Extended Project Qualification (EPQ): An independent research project that develops skills in planning, research and presentation while strengthening university and employment applications.
• Core Maths: A practical qualification that develops students’ mathematical knowledge and their confidence in applying it to real-world situations.

GCSE English and Maths

Students who have not yet achieved a grade 4 in GCSE English or Mathematics receive tailored support to help them secure these important qualifications.

Support may include:

• Small-group lessons with subject specialists
• A dedicated subject mentor
• Targeted intervention sessions
• Access to revision resources, webinars, mock examinations and past papers

We allocate the full 16–19 Tuition Fund received from the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) to staffing this additional support.

Non Qualification Activity

Our curriculum extends beyond academic qualifications. Students take part in fortnightly enrichment sessions designed to develop practical skills, confidence and independence. Topics include first aid, British Sign Language, financial awareness, cooking on a budget, stress management and preparing for independent living.

Students also follow a personal-development programme through tutor time and PSHCE. This covers areas such as personal finance, mental health and wellbeing, healthy relationships, and relationships and sex education.

A wide range of additional opportunities is available, including student leadership, debating, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, subject clinics, work experience, charitable activities, cultural visits, performances and specialist support for Medicine and Oxbridge applicants.

Further details can be found on our Enrichment page.

Next Steps Support

Every student has a dedicated Next Steps lesson once a fortnight, led by our Careers Lead and supported by tutors and teaching staff.

Students explore university, apprenticeship and employment pathways while developing practical skills in personal-statement writing, applications and interview preparation. They also benefit from encounters with universities, apprenticeship providers and local employers through careers events, work experience and employer-engagement activities.

Personal Development tutors provide individual guidance throughout the application process, helping every student prepare confidently for life beyond Sixth Form.

Further details can be found on our Next Steps page.