Programme of study

Programme of Study

At King Edward VI College, every student follows a study programme that goes beyond academic subjects. Each element plays an important role in preparing students for life after college and supports their journey over two years.

📚 Core Academic Content

All students’ initial study programme will include a substantial academic element — at least three A levels (or their equivalent).

👥 Tutorial Programme

Every student belongs to a tutor group where character, skills, attitudes, and confidence are developed. Tutorials help build core competencies that support both learning and progression.

🎯 FutureMaKE

Throughout their two years at college, all students complete the Future-Mapping at King Ed’s (FutureMaKE) programme.

FutureMaKE prepares students for study, guides them in making well-informed decisions about their future, and provides a backbone to their college experience. It ensures students are developing ambitious plans for life beyond college, while connecting their work in and out of class to their goals.

✨ Enrichment

Students take part in non-qualification opportunities to develop skills and explore interests.

For those with the highest average GCSE scores, enrichment also includes Aspire sessions, designed to raise aspirations and support applications to competitive universities and apprenticeships.

💼 Meaningful Employer Engagement

All students have the chance to engage with employers through the curriculum. They also develop workplace skills through a work experience placement.

📝 GCSE English and Maths

Students without a grade 4 in GCSE English or maths must include these subjects as a compulsory part of their programme.

Other students may choose to retake English or maths to improve their grade.

➕ Core Maths

For some students, Core Maths will be a compulsory element:

• Students with a grade 5 in GCSE Maths studying Accounting, Economics, Geography, Medical Science, or Psychology.

• Students with a grade 6 in GCSE Maths studying Biology, Chemistry or Computer Science (unless they are also studying A Level Statistics).

This one-year qualification builds on GCSE maths knowledge, with a focus on problem-solving and communicating mathematical ideas in areas such as statistics, finance, and estimation.

• This subject carries a maximum of 20 UCAS points

You will find a copy of our Programme of Study policy here.