St Leonard’s Guide to Making Choices

Do you know you want a specific subject at university?

Degrees | Informed Choices These sites show you good combinations of subjects Which Degree Courses Do Your A-Levels Suit? – The Uni Guide.

What current subjects do you enjoy?

Have a look at the differences between types of qualifications for your next steps. Qualifications | Informed Choices.

What new subjects interest you?

We currently offer Politics, Psychology, Media, Sociology, Health and Social Care, Fashion and Textiles, Photography, Law, Business, Classics, Criminology and the EPQ. These are specifically 6th form only subjects.

Is your career medicine/ dentistry/ veterinary medicine?

You will need traditional A Levels including Chemistry, and Biology is required by many med schools. Maths is another excellent choice. The Medic Portal.

Which Sixth Form will help my aspirations?

93% of our students go on to their choice of university. Top apprenticeship support in the North East.40% of grades are A*/A. Average BTEC grade distinction. 51% progress Russell Group universities. Top in the North East for Oxford and Cambridge.

What subjects are you happy to drop?

This decision should be easy! But if you have used up all your choices and there is still another subject you feel sad to drop, you can do an EPQ in that subject,  with a teacher supervising. UCAS: EPQ Advice.

Do you want to study Physics, Chemistry or Engineering at University?

You will either need A level Maths or an extra year at uni. Choosing your A Levels – what you need to consider Science and Engineering Foundation Year (SEFY) | CMBE | The University of Sheffield.

Perhaps subjects St Leonard’s has recently introduced are ones that you would like to study?

Maybe you are looking into Law, Economics or Criminology? If there is enough interest, other subjects may be offered. We offer 26 subjects.

Are you thinking of a higher apprenticeship or a degree apprenticeship?

It would be best to choose at least one vocational qualification such as BTEC health and social care or BTEC IT. Best subjects for Apprenticeships.

Are you thinking of a future in business or finance?

Maths is a sound choice if you have the grades, but History and Languages are also highly sought-after in financial services.

Do you want to go to Oxford or Cambridge?

Pick traditional A Levels, and at least 1 if not 2 facilitating subjects Facilitating Subjects – Directions Which A-levels Should I Take? – Oxbridge Applications.

Are you looking to move straight into employment?

Choose vocational subjects that support your career, for instance Psychology for forensics or the police force. It’s vital you build up a skills portfolio and work experience as well.

Do you have extra-curricular interests?

Sometimes if your grades mean an academic subject like music or drama is not open to you, we will still have ways for you to continue with your passions: running clubs; coaching younger children; volunteering; gaining skills for your CV.

Do you enjoy group work and projects?

Do you prefer coursework to exams? Vocational subjects like BTEC PE or Health and Social Care allow you to work at your own pace and re-sit assessed modules over the course of 2 years. Can I mix A-levels and vocational qualifications? – BBC Bitesize.

Would you prefer to work on your own interests/ career path rather than academic subjects?

Vocational subjects like the Sports, Health and Social Care and BTEC IT  let you tailor your coursework to sports physio or child nursing for instance, which employers love. What A-levels do you need to become a nurse? – The Uni Guide.

Do you like the idea of modules/ yearly exams that can be re-taken but worry that vocational subjects are second best?

Vocational subjects are just different to traditional A levels, pick the mix that suits your style of working best, BTECS for university.

Do you have interests or passions outside the school curriculum?

You can gain a qualification in anything, from gaming to horse riding to pottery, with an EPQ. Careerpilot: Get information: A Levels: Why do an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)?

Does every degree need certain subjects?

No, some degree subjects don’t need specific Sixth Form choices, so pick your favourite subjects where you are on target for a Grade 6 or above. Subjects | Informed Choices.

Additional Resources.

Easiest Oxbridge Colleges to get into- lighthearted student newspaper

Most neurodivergent-friendly universities in the UK

UK university league table 2025 | The Times and The Sunday Times

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Updated | 17th October, 2024 |

Latest News

Family Update: 25th October

This week’s family update can be found here.

Family Update: 30th August

Please see the link to this week’s Family Update.

Sixth Form Results 2024

Students at St Leonard’s Catholic School, Durham, after a challenging year around RAAC, have pulled together to achieve another set of fantastic results of which we could not be prouder. 40% of A Level entries were awarded top A*/A grades.  82% of students are moving on to their first choice of University, including 10 students to […]

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