CONSULTATION ON PROPOSED CHANGES TO ADMISSION ARRANGEMENTS 2027 ENTRY

In accordance with the School Admissions Code, the governing board is consulting on proposed changes to the school's admission arrangements (the admissions policy) for entry from September 2027.

The proposed changes relate to the Sixth Form academic entry requirements and details are shared below. Governors would welcome any feedback on the proposed changes. This consultation runs from 17th December 2025 to 31st January 2026.

1. What are the proposed changes?

The changes relate to the minimum academic entry requirements for admission to the Fortismere Sixth Form and the introduction of new pathways. The proposed changes will mean that from September 2027, we would offer four distinct pathways with different entry requirements.

Pathway	Entry requirements
Three A-Levels Pathway	An average point score of 5.5 across the best eight GCSE grades Maths at grade 5 or above. English at grade 5 or above. English language at grade 4 or above. Any subject-specific requirements
2 A-Levels + 1 BTEC/V Level (New) Combined Pathway	An average point score of 5.0 across the best eight GCSE grades Maths at grade 5 or above. English at grade 5 or above. English language at grade 4 or above. Any subject-specific requirements
1 A-Level + 2 BTECs/V Levels (New) Combined Pathway	An average point score of 4.5 across the best eight GCSE grades Maths at grade 5 or above. English at grade 5 or above. English language at grade 4 or above. Any subject-specific requirements
1 BTEC Extended Diploma or 3 x Single BTECs/V Levels (New)	Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including Maths and English Language Any subject-specific requirements

2. What is the reason for the proposed changes?

The rationale for the proposed changes is as follows.

2.1 Academic Success and Appropriate Placement

To ensure we are placing students on a course of study that they have the foundational knowledge and skills to be successful on, supporting them to move on to the best possible post-18 pathways
Evidence shows that students with an average point score below 5.5 made, on the whole, the least amount of progress when studying three A-Levels

2.2 Inclusivity and Supporting Individual Strengths

The proposed change in entry requirements supports students who demonstrate exceptional ability in specific subjects, such as the Arts, to access the Sixth Form by considering their overall average point score rather than the raw number of GCSE grades 5+
For example, a student with grades 9, 9, 8, 7, 4, 4, 4, 3 would have only 4 × 5+ grades under the old system (not meeting entry) but an average of 6.0 under the new system (meeting entry with room to spare)
To ensure inclusivity by offering a greater range of pathways including combined A-Levels with single BTEC courses and vocational BTECs, meaning that more students would have access to an appropriate course of study at Fortismere's Sixth Form

2.3 Widening Pathways and Opportunities:

To provide genuine vocational pathways for students whose strengths and career aspirations align with applied, practical learning
To build on our developing Level 2 vocational pathways through to Level 3, setting up students to consider a range of meaningful post-18 pathways involving both Higher Education and other routes such as apprenticeships and employment

3. What subjects will be available on the new pathways?

3.1 Combined Pathway (A-Levels + Single BTEC):

A selection of single BTEC National Extended Certificate subjects will be offered to be studied alongside one or two A-Levels (to a combination of three subjects). These subjects could include options such as:

Applied Science
Music Technology
Health & Social Care
Digital Media Production
Performing Arts

3.2 Vocational Pathway (BTEC Extended Diploma):

Students on this pathway may study a BTEC Extended Diploma (equivalent to three A-Levels) or select from the BTEC subjects listed above. BTEC Extended Diploma subjects could include options such as:

Health & Social Care
Applied Science
Performing Arts
Digital Media Production
Music Technology

The specific subjects offered will be confirmed based on student demand, staffing expertise, and timetabling feasibility, and may be introduced on a phased basis to ensure quality provision.

4. What about the rest of the ADMISSIONS policy?

The rest of the policy will remain unchanged and is not part of the consultation, but you can still tell us what you think about the whole policy if you wish.

5. Where can I read the full proposed ADMISSIONS policy?

The full proposed Admissions policy for September 2027 entry is available to download here. Sixth form admissions are covered in sections 13-15 of the policy.

If you would like a paper copy of the proposed Admissions policy, please contact the Clerk to Governors at Fortismere: smurray@fortismere.org.uk

6. How can I respond to the consultation?

Governors would like to hear feedback on the proposed changes set out above. If you have any other comments on the rest of the Admissions policy, these can also be shared with governors.

Please email your feedback and comments to the Clerk to Governors: smurray@fortismere.org.uk

The closing date for responses is 31st January 2026 at 5pm

You can also post your feedback and comments to: Clerk to Governors at
Fortismere School
Tetherdown
London N10 1NE

7. What happens after the consultation period ends?

After the closing date, Governors will meet and consider the consultation responses. Governors will then decide and agree the final Admissions policy for September 2027 by 28th February 2026.

The final agreed policy will be published on the school website and shared as required by 15th March 2026.