The application process for joining our Sixth form
Thank you for considering UTC Portsmouth for Sixth Form. As a STEM specialist college, we offer a unique learning environment for students wishing to focus on subjects they are passionate about in a purpose built, small community of like-minded students.
Applications can be made directly to the college via our website when they open, usually in the first couple of weeks of October when you are in Year 11. Please take time to look at the entry criteria for our courses before applying, these can be found in our prospectus. The entry requirements are designed to help students make informed choices and to ensure that a student starting a course has a reasonable chance of success on that programme.
Once you have applied, you’ll hear from us via email within three working days. For those with predicted grades that meet our entry criteria for the pathway they have applied for, they will be invited for a meeting with a member of staff at the earliest convenience. Those applying whose predicted grades don’t match the entry requirement for the pathway applied for may be invited to come in for a discussion regarding a different pathway or clarification asked for from their current school on the likelihood of them meeting the requirements of the course applied for.
During the meeting, students are expected to:
Demonstrate a passion for STEM and a strong commitment to the ethos of the college
Explain their interest in the course/s applied for and any future career plans this links to
Talk about what they do in their spare time that links to the college values
Demonstrate their suitability for further study. Students who have already studied at the college need to be able to talk about why they want to continue their studies into the sixth form.
Alert the college if they are unable to attend a scheduled meeting for any reason
Make a full disclosure of any additional needs related to mental and physical health, learning and behavioural differences, physical disabilities and domestic responsibilities/circumstances at interview in order that the college can plan for the provision of adequate support.
The meeting is also your opportunity to ask any questions you have about the college and the courses we offer, so don’t be afraid to have a list ready of things you’d like to ask.
A provisional offer of a place can be made after the meeting takes place, which you will need to accept by return email. After the application deadline, places will be allocated and confirmed offers of places made to students. Acceptance of this offer is expected within 14 days of receipt, otherwise the place will be withdrawn and offered to another student.
To enrol in our Sixth Form, students need to visit the college in person with their GCSE results or send proof of their grades via email if they are unable to attend in person. They will then receive a letter confirming their enrolment and be ready to start studying with us from September.