Pre-Sixth programme

Our one year GCSE programme gives students the opportunity to study in an English boarding school and gain up to seven GCSE qualifications, giving you everything you need to decide between the A Level or IB Diploma programmes in the Sixth Form. The Pre-Sixth Programme is also sometimes called a Pre-IB or Pre-A Level course at other schools.
Read the Pre-Sixth Flyer

Intensive Pre-Sixth course
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Our intensive Pre-Sixth course is designed to equip students with the qualifications they need to enter the Sixth Form. We limit the programme to fifteen students each year and early application is advised to avoid disappointment.

The Pre-Sixth is primarily designed for overseas students who wish to transition to the UK education system or simply wish to study in the UK for a year and achieve internationally-recognised qualifications. The majority of students come from European countries but we welcome applications from other countries, valuing the varied perspectives of our cosmopolitan cohort. It is a valuable opportunity to experience the rich diversity of life at one of the UK’s leading boarding schools and make friends with people from England and around the world.

Students are part of main Year 11 cohort Tutor Groups, seeing these friends three times every day. Pre-Sixth students live alongside day students and boarders, enjoying everything our Senior School has to offer. Our students benefit from close support from their Tutors, seeing them three times every day.

Find out more about boarding +
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Pre-Sixth video

“It’s easy to settle into Leighton Park, it is a truly wonderful place.”

Pre-Sixth student

Academic rigour and the full boarding experience

Students sit between five and seven GCSEs in this rewarding and challenging programme:

  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Humanities (Geography or EAL)
  • Combined Science (Biology, Physics and Chemistry – counts as two GCSEs)
  • A second language that they have studied previously (French, Spanish, German or Mandarin)
  • Students can also study their own language as an exam-only subject.

60% of lessons are with our main Year 11 cohort, with Pre-Sixth students also benefiting from specialist classes to help them improve their academic English and cover the full curriculum in only one year.

As well as their academic subjects, students are able to select from over 90 co-curricular hobbies at the School to develop their interests and personal skills. Students also do Games twice a week, choosing between a wide selection of sports.

Find out more about the Pre-Sixth Programme

Meet Emma from Italy
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Emma joined Leighton Park as a Pre-Sixth student in September 2021 and has decided to continue on to the IB Diploma.

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‘Your Life’ at Leighton Park

Personal development is central to the Leighton Park experience, which is why we also offer physical education, games and personal social health and careers education, known as ‘Your Life’. A substantial careers programme, including work experience, and individual tutorial guidance completes the package.

Moving to the Next Level

More than 80% of our Pre-Sixth students go on to attend the Sixth Form of their choice. And we’re pleased to say that the majority of these stay on at Leighton Park to study for the IB Diploma or A Levels.
Contact our Admissions Team

Apply now

To apply for a place on our Pre-Sixth course, contact the Admissions Team or for more information, have a look at our Pre-Sixth Brochure.
Find out how to apply

How can we help?

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Shinfield Road
Reading
Berkshire, UK
RG2 7DE
+44 (0) 118 987 9600
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