THIS ISSixth Form Academic Pathways
Combine qualifications to create a bespoke pathway to unleash your potential
The Sherfield Sixth Form learner journey reflects our belief in human-centred education, where academic success sits alongside personal growth and wellbeing.
We offer a broad, diverse range of A-level, BTEC, and AAQ qualifications, plus specialist courses like the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
Sherfield Sixth Formers create a personalised pathway that includes strong academic qualifications and credentialled skills awarded as the International Advanced Diploma (IAD).
Our graduates leave us with outstanding results, skills that will set them apart in their university applications, and the confidence and capabilities to thrive in life beyond school.
Qualifications Available
A-levels, BTECs & AAQs
World-class, two-year A-level qualifications that open doors to top universities worldwide. Career-focused, vocational qualifications designed to provide practical, work-related learning.
Learn more about A-levels, BTECs & AAQs at Sherfield
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
An independent research project that develops highly transferable skills. Equivalent to half an A level in UCAS points.
Learn more about the EPQ at Sherfield
International Advanced Diploma (IAD)
A highly personalisable, pioneering diploma combining A levels with real-world skills developed in real-world contexts. Students choose their:
- A-level qualifications
- EPQ topic
- IAD pathway, including complementary certifications and programmes
The qualifications and credentials gained are saved to a personalised digital wallet containing each student’s Real-world Skills Profile.
Learn more about the IAD at Sherfield
A-levels, BTECs & AAQs
Students aged 16-18 have a huge range of options to choose from at Sherfield.
A-levels are respected worldwide for their depth, challenge, and academic rigour; they open doors to top universities worldwide and prestigious global career opportunities.
BTECs are career-focused, vocational qualifications designed to provide practical, work-related learning.
Similar to BTECs, Alternative Academic Qualifications (AAQs) are new Level 3 vocational qualifications designed to complement A-levels and provide practical, industry-relevant skills for higher education or employment.
Students typically choose three (sometimes four) A levels, which are assessed by a series of examinations. At Sherfield, the options include:
| Subject | Qualification | Exam Board |
|---|---|---|
| Applied Science | AAQ Extended Certificate (equivalent to one A-level) | Pearson Edexcel |
| Art | A-level | AQA |
| Biology | A-level | AQA |
| Business | A-level | — |
| Business | BTEC Extended Certificate (equivalent to one A-level) | Pearson Edexcel |
| Chemistry | A-level | AQA |
| Computing | AAQ Level 3 National Extended Certificate (equivalent to one A-level) | Pearson Edexcel |
| Design Technology | A-level | AQA |
| Drama and Theatre | A-level | Eduqas |
| Economics | A-level | Edexcel |
| Engineering | AAQ Extended Certificate (equivalent to one A-level) | Pearson Edexcel |
| English Literature | A-level | AQA |
| French | A-level | AQA |
| Geography | A-level | CIE |
| History | A-level | AQA |
| Maths | A-level | Pearson Edexcel |
| Further Maths | A-level | Pearson Edexcel |
| Media Studies | A-level | OCR |
| Music | A-level | Pearson Edexcel |
| Physics | A-level | AQA |
| Politics | A-level | Pearson Edexcel |
| Psychology | A-level | AQA |
| Sociology | A-level | CIE |
| Spanish | A-level | AQA |
| Sport | BTEC Extended Certificate (1 A-level) / BTEC Diploma (2 A-levels) | Pearson Edexcel |
Extended Project Qualification
Exam Board: AQA
As part of their A-level studies, students can undertake an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) - a one-year independent research journey that encourages curiosity, independence, and creativity. Equivalent to half an A level, the EPQ helps students develop highly transferable skills such as research, analysis, organisation, and critical reflection - qualities that universities and employers consistently value.
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Each project is unique. Students choose a topic or question that genuinely excites them and explore it in depth, producing either a 5,000-word dissertation or a creative or practical outcome - from artwork to engineered prototypes - and presenting their findings to an audience. Recognised and respected by universities, the EPQ can earn students up to 28 UCAS points, equivalent to half an A level, providing both an academic advantage and valuable experience in independent learning. In many cases, universities may also lower their offer by up to one grade in recognition of a strong EPQ performance. Furthermore, research conducted by the University of Southampton demonstrates that students who complete an EPQ go on to perform significantly better in their undergraduate degrees, highlighting the lasting academic impact of undertaking independent research at Sixth Form level. As such, students who choose not to complete the full Extended Project Qualification still engage in smaller internal research projects, ensuring they continue to develop the independent learning, analytical, and reflective skills that will enable them to thrive in higher education and beyond. |
International Advanced Diploma
The IAD is a signature programme from EiM. Students combine A levels with real-world skills development to create a personalised pathway.
Every IAD journey is unique. Students design their own curriculum by choosing their:
- A-level qualifications
- EPQ topic
- IAD pathway from up to 5 options
- Certifications and programmes to complement their chosen IAD pathway
IAD Pathways
- Arts, Design & Emerging Media
- STEM & Engineering
- Medical Sciences, Leadership & Coaching
- Environmental Sciences & Ecopreneurship
- Global Systems & Strategic Leadership
Real-world Skills & Real-world Context
At Sherfield, we know that academic success is only part of the story. The world our students are entering calls for adaptability, empathy, clear communication, and the confidence to thrive amid change. That’s why the International Advanced Diploma puts Real-World Skills and Real-World Context to the fore - preparing young people to achieve and contribute meaningfully to the world around them.
Drawing on the University of Melbourne’s New Metrics for Success, a globally recognised framework for next-generation learning, the IAD intentionally develops seven real-world skills:
Digital Wallet
All achievements - from qualifications to microcredentials - are stored in a secure, personalised digital wallet. This becomes a Real-world Skills Profile, showcasing each student’s academic success, adaptable skills, and real-world experiences, creating a powerful record of their readiness for the future.
"Support from A-level subject teachers has been great. Lessons are tailored and I get lots of personalised help. I often go to my teachers outside of lessons and they always spend time helping me perfect my knowledge and exam technique"Will, Year 13 Student
“The level of support given by my teachers has been fantastic especially as I know that others at different schools and colleges have not been so lucky.”
Year 12 Student