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Application FAQs

Can I go to St. Francis Xavier Sixth Form College if I'm not Catholic? 
Yes. We are a Catholic Sixth Form College with Catholic values, one of which is inclusion. We therefore warmly welcome students of all faiths and none. We have a diverse student body with many faiths represented. We have a multifaith prayer room that can be used by students & staff for contemplation & prayer.

Can I take a BTEC/ UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma with A levels?
An extended diploma is equal to 3 A levels in terms of work load and UCAS points, so it is not necessary or recommended to take any A levels on top of an Extended Diploma. Exceptions are made in cases where: 
  • Students achieve GCSE results of 7 GCSEs Grade 6 & above, including 4 at Grade 7 & above. We often recommend students study the Extended Project Qualification, which is equal to half an A level and is usually taken in first year, allowing students to focus on their coursework in second year.
  • Students are fluent in a second language. In this case the language can be taken in addition to 3 A levels/ a Level 3 Extended Diploma course/ a Level 2 Extended Certificate course.
Can I take four A levels?
We usually advise students to take just 3 A levels, as this will give you enough UCAS points to qualify for University. Exceptions are made in cases where: 
  • Students achieve GCSE results of 7 GCSEs Grade 6 & above, including 4 at Grade 7 & above. We often recommend students study the Extended Project Qualification, which is equal to half an A level and is usually taken in first year, allowing students to focus on their A level exams in second year.
  • Students are fluent in a second language. In this case the language can be taken in addition to 3 A levels/ a Level 3 Extended Diploma course/ a Level 2 Extended Certificate course
I have changed my mind about the course(s) I applied for. What should I do?
You do not need to make any final decision on your courses until enrolment at the end of August, which is after GCSE results have been announced. The courses entered on the application form are to give us an idea of what you want to do, but any conditional offer made is for a place at the College and is not course-specific.
 
What happens if I do not meet the GCSE entry requirements for my chosen course?
A conditional offer is for a place at our Sixth Form College and is not course-specific. WIth that said, you will need to meet the entry requirements for your chosen subjects or course in order to enrol onto them in August.  Those applicants who are close to the entry requirements may still be considered. Where an applicant does not meet the entry requirements we will do our best to find an alternative course of interest.

Can I transfer to St. Francis Xavier Sixth Form College mid-year?
We can only accept new students at the beginning of the academic year. Enrolment for the new academic year takes place at the end of August and remains open for late enrolments during September only if there are spaces available.
 
I have been attending year 12 elsewhere, but I would like to move to your Sixth Form College for year 13. Is this possible?
Year 13 transfers are possible where:
  • A level courses studied during year 12 are of the same subject and exam board as we offer at St. Francis Xavier Sixth Form College.
  • The units completed in an Extended Diploma course studied in year 12 will need to correlate with the units we cover in year 12, to ensure there is no overlap.
  • Any year 12 internal or coursework grades meet our internal year 13 entry requirements.
  • We receive a good reference from the school or college where the applicant has been studying during year 12.
As with all applicants, you will need to complete an online application and attend an interview. Please seperately email admissions@sfx.ac.uk with details of your year 12 course(s) grades and units studied.

I have started year 12 elsewhere but I would like to restart year 12 at St Francis Xavier Sixth Form College. Is this possible?
Yes, as long as we receive a good reference from the school or college where you began year 12. We may also need a second reference from your previous school (if different to your current one). You will need to complete & submit an online application, and also meet the GCSE entry requirements for your chosen courses, as with all applications.