Sixth form (16+) entry

Entry to Emanuel sixth form is on the basis of entrance exams in Maths, English, and an online reasoning assessment. The maths is a non-calculator paper and will be familiar to those studying GCSE Maths. The first half of the English paper tests candidates on their comprehension ability and skills of analysis used at GCSE, and the extended writing section tests the clarity and structure of their written expression in a personal response about the pupil’s qualities and aspirations. The reasoning assessment is provided by Atom Learning and is taken in school on the assessment day.

In addition, we request a reference from the current school including their predicted GCSE grades and a copy of their most recent school report.

Dependent on their performance in the entrance exams and on the information from the report and reference, a number of pupils will then be invited to attend an interview and a group experience. The 20 minute interview will take place in person with a member of the sixth form staff, before applicants then take part in a group experience together with other pupils applying to the school. This is designed to allow the pupils to demonstrate their creative skills and their ability to work effectively as a member of a small team. We are hopeful that the applicants will find this element of the assessment process enriching and enjoyable.

Pupil Focused

As always, we will make sure every part of the process is as positive and helpful as it can be for young people applying to our school.

Results

Following the assessment process, result letters are sent in early December. For those who receive offers, it is expected that they will achieve an average of 7 or more in their GCSEs and at least 7s in all of the subjects they have chosen for A-Level, with the exception of Maths and Physics where you will require an 8.

All applicants to Emanuel’s sixth form will sit entrance exams in Maths and English, as well as a Reasoning paper.

Maths: 1 hour

The exam will be based on Algebra and will be a non-calculator paper. Topics which may feature include:

• Simplifying algebraic fractions (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division)
• Simplifying algebraic expressions involving indices
• Changing the subject
• Expanding Brackets and Factorising
• Solving Linear Equations and Quadratics, including problems with fractions.
• Simultaneous Equations (linear and quadratic)
• Equations of Straight Lines, including parallel and perpendicular lines

English: 1 hour

The exam is made up of two 30 minute sections. The first section is based on one or two extracts from non-fiction texts and has short questions, in which pupils will be asked to retrieve information from the text and explore the effects of language. The second sections asks pupils to produce a piece of extended personal writing, which might ask them to refer to:

• Their involvement in school life beyond the classroom;
• What they have learnt about themselves during their education so far;
• Their hopes and aspirations for the future;
• Their expectations of studying in the sixth form at Emanuel, and specific attributes they would hope to bring to the school.

Online Reasoning Tests: 40 minutes

This exam is made up of verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning assessments provided by Atom Learning taken online in school. They are adaptive tests so will adjust in challenge based upon a candidate’s ability. The maximum length for each test is 20 minutes, although they may be shorter depending upon performance.

September 2025: Scholarship and bursary forms become available to download from the school website on this page. Please do not submit a scholarship or bursary application before registering the candidate.

Thursday 25th September 2025: Sixth form open evening.

Early October (TBC) : Deadline for receipt of Art scholarship applications. All sections of the application must be received by this date, including references.

Friday 10th October 2025, midday: Deadline for acceptance of registrations.

Friday 10th October 2025, midday: Deadline for the receipt of the applicant’s end of year 10 school report.

Friday 10th October 2025, midday: Deadline for the receipt of educational psychologist reports (if applicable), which are required to assess whether the applicant qualifies for extra time or the use of a computer in the entrance exams.

Mid October (TBC) Deadline for receipt of Drama, Music and Sport scholarship and fee assistance applications. All sections of the application must be received by this date, including references.

Saturday 8th November 2025, morning: Sixth form entrance exam. Details of exact timings will be sent after the registration deadline. All candidates are expected to sit the entrance examinations on the published date. If you do have a clash with another school, please contact the admissions team to discuss this directly.

Thursday 20th November 2025: Interview and group experience. Invitations to attend will be sent via email.

Thursday 27th November 2025: Offer letters sent by first class post.

Friday 11th December 2025: Acceptance deadline.

When can I register my child for Sixth form (16+) entry to Year 12?

The registration period will open in May 2025 for 2026 entry. We do not accept early applications and everyone who is registered is invited to sit the entrance examinations.

When can I visit Emanuel?

We hold a Sixth form open evening every September where you will have the chance to hear from the headmaster and other senior teachers, tour the school and speak to the heads of academic departments.

The entrance examination clashes with another entrance examination. Can my child sit the entrance examination on another day?

All candidates are expected to sit the entrance examinations on the published date. If you do have a clash with another school, please contact the admissions team to discuss this directly.

We live overseas at the moment. Do I have to sit the entrance examinations at Emanuel?

Candidates who are living abroad at the time of the entrance assessments may sit the assessments at another approved test centre by prior arrangement (please note this is usually only applicable to overseas applicants).

Do I have to achieve a certain level in my GCSEs to gain a place at Emanuel?

All offer holders have to achieve an average of 7 or more in their GCSEs and at least 7s in all of the subjects they have chosen for A-Level, with the exception of Maths and Physics where you will require an 8.

Will I settle in if I join a new school for the sixth form?

Of course you are making a big step, but if you are offered a place, you will be invited come and visit us prior to the start of your first term in September for the sixth form induction, which takes place in June. Additionally, just after you start in September, there will be a team building event to help meet and get to know your fellow students. We usually place a couple of new joiners in each form group to help with the settling process. Whilst it might feel like a significant change, there are always lots of pupils and staff on hand who are very willing to help.

What scholarships do you offer?

We offer academic scholarships (which are awarded based on performance in the entrance examinations), art, drama, music and sport scholarships. Please click here for more information.

Can you hold more than one scholarship?

It is possible (but exceptional) for a pupil to hold more than one scholarship and to receive a larger fee remission as a consequence.

 What value are the scholarships?

The fee remission for co-curricular scholarships is usually 10% but in exceptional circumstances can be 25% or 50%. Scholarships are not means-tested.

How much is the registration fee?

The registration fee is £185 + VAT. You must pay the registration fee when you submit your registration form.

I cannot afford the registration fee. Can I still register my child?

It is possible to have the registration fee waived where the household income is below £26,000 per year. Please contact the admissions team for more information before completing a registration form.

I cannot afford the school fees. Can my child still be considered for a place?

Yes: we are committed to widening access to our school and welcoming pupils from all backgrounds. Please click here for more information about fee assistance and how to apply.

Please ensure that the contact details we hold (especially email) are up to date. Please ring the admissions office to check if in doubt, otherwise there is a risk you will miss crucial information which is sent via email. The offers are sent by post; if you move address, please let us know or the letter will be sent to an old address.

When possible, please submit with good time before a deadline. There may be a delay in acknowledgement due to a last minute rush.

If you wish to withdraw a candidate, please email the admissions office and we can remove them from the list.

If you are seeking special exam arrangements of any kind (including extra time or the use of a computer), written request and supporting documentation such as an Educational Psychologist’s report must be received in advance of the assessment day. The deadline for these documents will be confirmed in due course.

Exam concession requests are reviewed in line with the requirements of the Joint Council for Qualifications and what is allowed for external exams. The headmaster’s decision on exam concession requests is final. The school will confirm in writing which, if any, special arrangements will be made for the candidate. Candidates must bring the letter of confirmation to the entrance exam.

If you have an Educational Psychologist’s report you must supply this information if you accept the offer of a place.

Emanuel Lower Sixth students spend their Friday afternoons teaching pupils from local primary schools through the innovative Primary Ambitions programme.

Find out more about Primary Ambitions here, or watch the video below in which our students reflect on their experiences.

English paper sample