Transition to CBSC 6th Form isn't a single event in the summer — it's a journey we begin with students more than a year before they arrive, built on early identification, honest guidance, and rigorous checks that every student is on the right course for them.

Identifying and guiding students early

Our Aim Higher pipeline begins supporting future 6th Form applicants from as early as Year 7 & 8. In Year 10 we work  closely with the Year 10 leadership team to identify students likely to progress to CBSC 6th Form, and we start reviewing academic data at this early stage so that guidance can begin well before formal applications open.
Alongside this, our PSHCE curriculum gives every Year 10 student a structured journey through Post-16 decision-making, and our 6th Form team runs bespoke Year 10 sessions unpicking every aspect of Post-16 choice — subject demands, entry requirements, and what different pathways actually involve day to day — so students are equipped to make an informed choice, not just a popular one.

Launching the formal process

In September of Year 11, we launch formally with internal information events for students and a Parents' Information Evening, giving families a clear, shared understanding of the process, timeline, and what we look for.

Rigorous screening, not a rubber stamp

Every internal applicant goes through 6th Form screening and an interview. Offers are conditional, and where a student's current profile doesn't yet support their choices, we place them on hold or under review with clear, individual targets — so students know exactly what they need to achieve and why. We revisit Year 11 academic data at every data point across the year, checking and re-checking that students are on track for the courses they've chosen, rather than waiting until results day to find out.
External applicants follow a parallel process, with dedicated applicant events and interviews to ensure the same rigour applies regardless of where a student is joining us from.

The Transition Event

Once course choices are confirmed, students attend our multi-day Transition Event — the practical, hands-on culmination of everything above. This year's event began on 29th June 2026, for four days  and included:

• Grade prediction pre-screening, so every student experiences a taster course that genuinely matches a realistic pathway for them
• Two taster classes in every subject, giving a real sense of A Level or Level 3 study before term begins
• An induction assembly and team-building activities, helping students form new relationships ahead of September
• A structured audit of course choice against entry requirements, giving staff a final opportunity to check advice and guidance has landed correctly for every individual
• An Enrichment and Leisure lesson, reflecting the breadth of 6th Form life beyond the classroom
• Private study time, using our dedicated transition website, packed with exploration materials and subject-specific tasks
• An assembly on choosing the right courses, including a live demonstration of key resources like Informed Choices, to support students in thinking critically about their next steps
• A farewell induction and team-building close to the event

Looking ahead

Students are required to complete subject-specific summer transition work, ready to submit at the start of term, Thursday 3rd September 2026. Full details and materials are available on our dedicated Transition website: Home 
Following enrolment in August 2026, all students will receive a detailed enrolment pack outlining everything needed for a successful start in September.

If you have any questions, or would like advice or guidance at any stage of this process, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Kind regards,

Paula Cowell

Assistant Head / Director of 6th Form

pcowell@carshaltonboys.org