Admissions: OLA 6th
OLA 6th Selection Criteria
For entry to OLA 6th, students are expected to gain at least 5 GCSEs at grades 9 – 6 (A* to B).
Grade 6 (B) or above is normally required in the subjects they wish to study at A-level. This does not, of course, apply for subjects that they have not studied below the Sixth Form.
Students not achieving a minimum of GCSE Grade 4 (C) in Maths or English Language will be asked to re-sit these subjects.
OLA 6th Admissions Process
We encourage parents and prospective OLA 6th (Sixth Form) students to visit our school before registering for admission. This provides an opportunity to tour our school and to meet key figures including our Head, our Head of OLA 6th and our A-level subject leaders.
Students and parents are welcome to join us at one of our regular Open Mornings, our OLA 6th Open Evenings or Taster Days or to make an individual appointment to visit through our Admissions team. Contact: admissions@ola.org.uk or telephone 01235 544808.
- Parents may register their child for Sixth Form admission by completing our Registration Form and paying the Registration Fee of £100. Details of how to make payment can be found on the registration form available for download below.
- Parents are required to provide a recent school report and predicted GCSE grades (or equivalent qualifications), and (if relevant) SEN information for a Learning Support evaluation. We will contact the student’s current school to obtain a reference. Prospective OLA 6th students are encouraged to apply early in order to secure their choice of A-level subjects. All applicants will be required to attend an interview with our Head or the Head of OLA 6th.
- OLA recognises the range of previous educational experiences of its applicants and takes this into account when offering places.
- International Candidates: International students, and British students joining us from overseas education, will undergo a modified assessment process. This allows us to assess students’ English language skills and learning levels, and to plan tailored support for each student.
Offers and accepting a place
Offers are made subject to interview, school report, reference, and predicted grades. Students must provide their final grades once these are available. If a place is offered, parents are sent the offer pack to complete and should return all forms as quickly as possible to Admissions and pay the deposit of £500. We then confirm enrolment and provide a start date.
Scholarships
Each academic year, OLA makes available a range of Scholarship awards under the McAuley Scholarship Programme. The programme, which is named after our school founder, Catherine McAuley, recognises and supports students with exceptional talents, both in academic and extra-curricular activities. Scholarships in Academic, Art, Design Technology, Drama, Music, Sport and Textiles are available to Lower Sixth candidates.
Students applying for a Sixth Form Scholarship must complete the relevant application forms and attend the scholarship interviews and auditions, in October preceding the year of entry. To find out more about OLA Scholarships please click the button below.
Fees, Sibling Reduction Scheme and Funding Options
We recognise the wish of many families for siblings to be educated together. OLA will therefore always offer places to younger brothers and sisters as long as it is able to provide for their needs. A siblings fee reduction scheme and bursaries are available. Click the buttons below to find out more.