Key Stage 5
Key Stage 5 (Years 12 and 13) is for students aged 16- to 18- years old, who have successfully completed IGCSEs or an equivalent level of study and wish to progress onto International Advanced Levels (IALs or A Levels). With support, students will have been encouraged to think about their interests, abilities, and longer-term career aspirations, culminating in them choosing which subjects to study at this level. This is a rigorous programme of study, globally recognised as an excellent means of entry to universities worldwide. Consequently, entry criteria are in place to access this level of study. Our Universities and Careers Advisor guides Key Stage 5 students through their application processes to universities across the world, as well as those wishing to remain in Spain.
Students choose a minimum of three International A Levels (IAL) for study, although many choose four in Year 12 since most subjects offer the possibility of achieving an International Advanced Subsidiary level (IAS) after one year of study for students choosing not to complete the full A Level.
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If students are thinking of studying at a Spanish university, we also give students the opportunity to pursue subjects from the Pruebas de Competencias Específicas (PCE) of the Spanish curriculum alongside their IALs
Sixth Form Centre
Our Sixth Form Centre is specifically designed for our Key Stage 5 students. Facilities include classrooms, a quiet study space, and multiple recreational areas, including an outdoor pool, seating areas, table tennis and a kitchen area.
Entry Requirements:
To progress into Year 12, the following general criteria must be met. There are also specific criteria for each subject:
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A Minimum of 5 IGCSE passes from 4 to 9 or equivalent, including Mathematics and English Language
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Grade 6 or 7 in the subjects you intend to take to IAL
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Where a prospective Sixth Form student does not meet the exact entry criteria stipulated, we may choose to further evaluate their application through other means such as interview with the Secondary SLT and/or Subject Coordinator, entry test or a portfolio of work. Please note that this is strictly at the discretion of the academic team (Assistant Head, Head of Secondary, Deputy Head of Secondary, Key Stage 5 Coordinator, relevant Subject Coordinator.)
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Minimum numbers: courses require a minimum of students to run.
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Attitude to Learning (ATL) grades throughout Secondary: ATL grades from Year 9 to Year 11 will be taken into account. Students whose ATL grades are below a B will not be considered for entry to IAL courses.
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English language requirements: IGCSE English (as a first language) at Grade 5 or IGCSE English as a Second Language at Grade 7.
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For external students: the equivalent of the following grades is required, as well as passing a placement test in the chosen subjects.
We strictly advise students to take no more than four IALs due to the heavy workload involved. We expect students to be responsible, keep to deadlines and plan and manage their time effectively. Students must remember that IALs require a great deal of self-study and are expected to spend a significant amount of study periods independently working.
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Students who wish to access Spanish university undertake the study of two additional subjects from the Spanish curriculum, known as the PCE (Pruebas de Competencias Específicas). Further information on this pathway is available on the “Spanish Curriculum” page of our website.