Programs

Key Stage 3

St Edmund’s College builds its first three years on classical foundations, where students explore art, drama, English, mathematics, sciences, and religious studies while developing critical thinking. By Year 7, they’re already examining medieval history from 1066, experimenting with HTML and Python programming, and conducting practical work in biology, chemistry, and physics. As Year 9 concludes, students transition to the AQA GCSE specification, prepared for what lies ahead.

Key Stage 3 Subjects:

• English
• Mathematics
• Sciences
• Religious Studies
• Physical Education
• Art
• Drama
• Geography
• History
• Music
• French
• German
• Spanish
• Latin

GCSE at St Edmund’s College

At this stage, St Edmund’s College requires four subjects—English, mathematics, religious studies, and sciences (either combined for two GCSEs or triple for three)—then students select four more from an extensive range. Though timetabling may limit certain combinations, the college works to accommodate individual preferences wherever possible.

Optional Courses:

• Art
• Business
• Computer Science
• Drama
• French / German / Spanish / Latin
• Geography
• History
• Music
• Physical Education (examination course)

A Level

In Sixth Form, St Edmund’s College typically offers three A Levels plus compulsory religious studies, with options spanning humanities, languages, creative arts, and STEM. Support begins in Year 11 and includes university guest lectures, UCAS conventions, access to UniFrog platform, and a specialized Oxbridge preparation program. Regular meetings with tutors, the Head of Sixth Form, and the higher education coordinator help shape individual pathways, while students visit universities, engage with employers, and pursue research projects.

A Level Subjects:

• Arts: Art, Drama and Theatre, Music, Photography, Media
• Humanities: English Literature, History, Geography, Politics, Psychology, Theology, French/German/Spanish
• STEM: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Computer Science
• Social Sciences: Business, Economics, Physical Education
• Other: Food Science and Nutrition (alternative qualification), IELTS

CTEC and EPQ

The Cambridge Technical Diploma, equivalent to two A Levels, offers pathways in business (with marketing and change management) and sport—each combining coursework with external exams. Grades of Pass, Merit, and Distinction convert to UCAS points ranging from 32 to 112, opening doors to university programs like Sports Science or Business Management. Graduates typically become PE teachers, physiotherapists, logistics professionals, and HR managers, though some pursue apprenticeship routes. Additionally, all Sixth Form students can undertake the EPQ qualification—an independent research project that develops self-directed study skills and holds particular value with leading universities.