Applications for 2025 / 2026

Introduction 

The Marsh Academy takes pride in its Sixth Form provision, which empowers students of all abilities to enhance their learning, develop skills, and strive for excellence. Our Sixth Form students benefit from excellent facilities, including dedicated study spaces, to maximise their learning opportunities. 

We set high standards for our Sixth Form students, guiding them to achieve their academic potential and become confident global citizens. Treated as young adults, students are given the independence and responsibilities needed to make the most of their time at the Academy. This independence is balanced with personalised support through our mentoring system, which all Sixth Form students participate. Our dedicated teachers are always willing to provide additional support to help students improve their knowledge, understanding, and application. 

The Marsh Academy is committed to providing opportunities for students of all abilities, offering a range of courses at various levels to further their education and experiences. Students who enrol in our Sixth Form are expected to adhere to its principles: working diligently, striving to excel in all subjects, conducting themselves professionally, and serving as exemplary role models within the school community. 

Please view the subject overviews to discover more about each subject and the entry requirements by clicking here.

Subject Overviews

Sixth Form Entry Requirements  

We cater to the individual needs of each student, creating a program of study that meets their unique requirements. We offer a wide range of Level 3 qualifications, including A levels, allowing students to combine their interests with relevant courses for their future pathways. Each subject has specific entry requirements in addition to those set out below, and all students must receive a positive reference and maintain an end-of-year attendance record of 95% or higher to be offered a place in The Marsh Academy Sixth Form. 

It is important to understand that all students are expected to attain a minimum of GCSE grade 4 in Mathematics and English by the time they leave school or college. Therefore, if a student has not achieved these grades, they are legally required to retake these subjects until they achieve the grade 4 or above or until they complete their programme of study. 

For students unable to undertake a full Level 3 program, we offer a combination of qualifications across Level 3 and Level 2, depending on the qualifications gained in Year 11. 

For students who achieve: 

7+ GCSEs at grade 7+ can study four Level 3 courses. 

5+ GCSEs at grade 5+ can study three Level 3 courses. 

4 +GCSEs at grade 5+ can study two Level 3 courses and two Level 2 courses. 

However, it is important to note that some Level 3 courses will have specific requirements in addition to those set out here. 

Please note that all subject offers are provisional until September 2025 and are dependent on course viability. 

The Marsh Academy reserves the right to review student course offers on an individual basis. 

Sixth Form Programme of Study  

Each student is expected to undertake a full programme of study by studying the number of subjects as set out in the entry requirements. Some students may join one of the sports academies in addition to the study programme. In some cases, work experience and/or enrichment may contribute to the learning programme but this is at the discretion of the Sixth Form Team. 

Sixth Form students will undertake a full academic day with timings the same as the rest of the Marsh Academy. When not in lessons, students will use the Sixth Form study area to carryout independent learning tasks in an academic environment,  

Sixth From Application Timeline 

Sixth Form Open Evening: 28th November 2024 

Sixth Form Application Deadline – 28th February 2025 

Sixth Form Interviews commence – 3rd March 2025 

Sixth Form Induction event for External Students –26th June 2025 

Sixth Form Induction Day – 30th June 2025 

Results Day for GCSE students – 21st August 20245 

The Application Process 

Selecting Courses  

The Sixth Form subject offer has been designed to give the widest range of pathways possible. It allows students to study an all-A level, all vocational or a combination of both course types as a pathway. Our Sixth Form offer is designed to be progressive and enables students to take the necessary time to achieve their true potential, whether that be through making use of the ‘springboard’ year to bolster level 2 qualifications or a combination of level 2 and 3 combinations or a Level 3 pathway. However, it is important to note that the Marsh Academy cannot guarantee that all subjects contained within this initial offer will run, as some subjects may not be adequately subscribed to for the course to be viable.  

When selecting subjects from the option blocks, students can select only one subject within a column as these lessons are taught at the same time. It is advantageous to select the first choice and a second choice of subjects. All offers for courses will be subject to students gaining the entry requirements set out in the entry requirements section along with subject specific guidance set out in the subject information section.  

Internal Candidates 

For those students who attend the Marsh Academy, the application process is very simple. To make an application to the Marsh Academy Sixth Form, students need to complete the application form which can be found here or on the Sixth Form Application section of the Marsh Academy website. The application is electronic and will be completed using Microsoft Forms. When the form is completed, it will not need saving or sending as the system automatically returns the form to the Marsh Academy. The application window will close on 28th February 2025. Students will then be interviewed to ensure that the courses chosen are of an appropriate level and nature and that they are suited to Sixth Form study at the Marsh Academy.  

Advice will be given to students using the most recent assessment data as a guide to selecting the most appropriate pathway. After the initial interview has taken place, the Sixth Form leadership team will make regular contact with students to monitor progress and subject options. On the GCSE results day, students who have applied and been accepted will meet with the Sixth Form leadership to ratify course choices. For internal candidates there is no requirement to apply for a place at the Marsh Academy via the Kent Choices website and application process.  

Internal Student Application Link

External Candidates 

Students from other schools or colleges in Kent or East Sussex who wish to apply for a place at the Marsh Academy Sixth Form must apply via the Kent Choices website application process (www.kentprospectus.co.uk). External applicants must ensure that the application is completely correctly by completing all sections of the application form in full for the application to be considered.  

If you are applying from outside of Kent or East Sussex and are unable to register for Kent Choices, please use the external student application form which is available here or on the Sixth Form application section of Marsh Academy website. Once the application has been made, we will contact you to discuss your application and invite you for an interview if appropriate. After a successful interview, conditional offers will be made pending examination results. We ensure that students are kept up do date with events regarding Sixth Form during the remainder of the academic year. On GCSE result day, students should contact the Marsh Academy with a record of GCSE results so that courses can be confirmed or adapted in line with the achieved results. Students will then attend a registration day early in September to process the required documentation.  

External Student Application Link

Sports Academies Applications 

Sports Academy Applications Students applying to be part of either of the sports academies must complete the application in the same way as above as students will need to study an academic pathway. Once the application has been made, details will be passed onto the Director of Sports Academies to discuss entry to the chosen sport with applicants individually. 

Enrichment & Guidance 

As part of their time in Sixth Form, it is important that students understand that they are signing up to take part in a wider programme beyond studying their subjects. Although we recognise that the pursuit of excellent grades in academic studies is vital, we believe that there is much in addition to be gained to make sure that the students are ready to take their place as active global citizens. As part of the enrichment offer at The Marsh Academy Sixth Form, all students will have access to a wide range of opportunities and support. Students can access individualised support through an excellent pastoral system which works with the individual to ensure that they can explore all opportunities, receive appropriate guidance on a wide range of topics from wellbeing to study skills and time keeping to future pathways. Students can access support through our ‘in house’ IT infrastructure too which contain information on topics such as: mental health, study skills, part time employment opportunities, latest research as well as future pathways in the forms of apprenticeships, university, or employment. Students will also attend one enrichment session each week where a wide range of topics will be studied, skills will be gained and debates, along with the necessary debating skills, will be explored. Through the enrichment activities, students will gain skills and develop a greater understanding of personal and professional development. The skills and knowledge gained will stand students in good stead whether they are heading to university, apprenticeships, or employment. 

Independent Study 

Students in Sixth Form, regardless of level of study, will utilise the Sixth Form study area to complete personal study away from the classroom. Students will receive at least 5 hours of personal study time for each Level 3 subject and will receive at least 3 hours of personal study per level 2 course each week. 

Students will undertake a range of tasks set by subject teachers which are designed to improve skills, knowledge, and application within these subjects. Tasks may include completing essays or other written exercise for their subject, completing problem solving exercises, reading around the subject through a variety of text types, reviewing and improving notes taken in lessons. Teachers may request students complete a Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCS), which are free short courses and usually take a small number of hours to complete. These will boost subject specific and wider knowledge and many more activities. 

Students will be supported so that they learn to use their study time effectively to ensure that all subject deadlines are met, thus helping the students to understand the need to keep to project timings and deadlines beyond our Academy. 

Tutorial & Enrichment and Careers Information and Guidance 

Each student will receive a tutorial session each day where they will take part in a wide range of activities and study topics which range from personal finance to PSHE to managing personal wellbeing. This time spent with their form tutor is also used to discuss areas of learning within the subjects that the students study. Mentoring and review sessions also take place to support students in all areas of school including personal and professional elements. 

All students also receive a timetabled enrichment session each week where they will work with a teacher to develop skills around presenting and debating and develop a range of new study skills which are vital for successful Sixth Form study. Students will also develop their ability to work as part of a team by undertaking challenges within the school community and for charity. 

As part of enrichment students, will also spend time focusing on future pathways including apprenticeships, employment, and university, ensuring that they are knowledgeable of all routes so that they can make informed decisions around their future. To supplement this, students will have access to employers, apprenticeship providers and universities. 

Student Societies and Clubs 

To support the enrichment programme, students are encouraged to create clubs and societies in which they are interested. For example, students may want to create a chess league or a gardening club. Students can set these up and run them with the support of staff. 

Not only is this a great way to build friendships and connections across the Sixth Form body, but also helps regulate wellbeing. In addition to this, students will continue to develop skills such as leadership, teamwork, planning and taking action. 

In addition to this, students can take on volunteering roles within the school and local community, and to support charities with their work. 

All these opportunities are planned to give students the chance to develop skills beyond the classroom which employers are looking for. We strongly encourage students to take as many opportunities on offer as possible. 

Sixth Form Bursary and Support 

What is the 16-19 Bursary Fund? 

The fund is made available from the government through its funding body – Education Funding Agency (EFA) for 16-19-year-olds - to aid students whose access to, or completion of, education is inhibited by financial constraints or barriers. 

Students in Sixth Form education could be eligible for financial support through the bursary scheme. Bursary payments can be used to purchase materials to ensure that they can participate fully in the learning experience. Students may be awarded financial support to purchase academic equipment and to partake in academic activities which are vital to their studies, with each case being assessed individually. 

Some students will be entitled to a grant or bursary of up to £1200 next year. Students could receive this if they are in one of the following categories: 

You are living in care. 

You are a care leaver. 

You are receiving income support/Universal Credit (In your own name). 

You are disabled and receiving both Employment Support. Allowance/Personal Independence Payments and Disability Living Allowance. 

Further information and application forms can be found on The Marsh Academy Website in the Sixth Form tab or by clicking here. 

The Marsh Academy Sixth Form is very proud to run a Junior Leadership Team (JLT), who meet with the leadership of Sixth Form and the school, including the Governing body, to allow the student voice to be heard and acted upon. 

The JLT are also responsible for coordinating many different elements within Sixth Form, ranging from organising events to fundraise for the chosen charity, to arranging leavers’ meals and leading different initiatives across the school, such as raising awareness of mental health issues. 

The JLT often represent the school at different public events such as Remembrance Services, The Corpus Christi Procession with the Skinners’ Company and sit on different committees within the community. 

Students apply via a letter of application to be considered for a post on the JLT. Students are then short listed and interviewed. It is imperative that the JLT is composed of students with different skills sets, talents and interests to ensure that if functions as well as it can to be a force for good in the Academy and the community. All students can apply for roles on the team regardless of subject or level of study. The JLT consists of the following positions: 

· Head Students 

· Deputy Head Students 

· Community Link 

· Mental Health Ambassador 

· Events Coordinator 

· Sports Ambassador 

· Prefect 

Fulfilling a role on the JLT enables students to practise and develop leadership skills as well as the ability to negotiated and be part of a dynamic team. The experience has helped several students excel in their next steps, including university and employment. 

Key Staff Contacts 

Mr Adam Bloomfield: Assistant Principal 

Mrs Pamela Upton: Senior Leader for Sixth Form 

Director of Sports Academies: Mr Stuart Farlow