Joining the Sixth Form

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The Admissions Department

We admit approximately 20 students each year into our Sixth Form to join pupils coming up from our own Year 11. We welcome students who bring new approaches and fresh ideas. Our entrance tests and interviews ensure that the candidates are embarking on the right Sixth Form courses and are secure in their background work.

Admissions

Find out more about how to join our Sixth Form with key dates and the full process below.

ADMISSION TO THE SIXTH FORM

The relaxed atmosphere at NLCS Sixth Form, together with the smaller classes and closer relationships with the teachers, means lessons are interactive and stimulating. The benefits of being a Sixth Former, such as heading up societies, participating in overseas trips, undertaking work experience or using the common rooms make school a really enjoyable experience.

Entry into Sixth Form is at age 16. Therefore, for entry in September 2026 students must have a date of birth between 1 September 2009 and 31 August 2010.

Students looking to study the A level programme will sit three to four 1 hour papers on the subjects they wish to study at Sixth Form.

Students looking to study the International Baccalaureate Pathway will sit three papers in Higher Level subject choices.

KEY DATES FOR SEPTEMBER 2026 ENTRY

Registration opensThursday 1 May 2025
Registration closesFriday 10 October 2025
Deadline for Bursary applicationsFriday 10 October 2025
Deadline for Sports Scholarship applicationsFriday 10 October 2025
Deadline for Music Scholarship applicationsFriday 10 October 2025
Entrance examWednesday 05 November 2025
Interviews18-21 November 2025
Sports Scholarship trialsWednesday 19 November 2025
Music Scholarship auditions18-21 November 2025
Offers notifiedFriday 2 December 2025
Acceptance byFriday 9 December 2025

 

Into the Sixth Form Evening

Sign up to our Into the Sixth Form Evening taking place on Tuesday 16 September and find out what makes our Sixth Form so special.

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN

Register your daughter for 16+ entry in September 2026 by clicking the link below.

SELECTION PROCESS

We admit approximately 20 students each year into our Sixth Form to join pupils coming up from our own Year 11. We welcome students who bring new approaches and fresh ideas. Our entrance tests and interviews ensure that the candidates are embarking on the right Sixth Form courses and are secure in their background work.

  • Bursaries

    Since its foundation in 1850, North London Collegiate School has been committed to providing accessible, affordable education for pupils of ability. To attract able students and to help those who would otherwise be unable to attend a fee-paying school, we offer bursaries and music scholarships to pupils joining the Senior School.

  • Handel Music Scholarships

    A number of Music Scholarships are awarded at 16+ on the basis of merit. Students must pass the entrance examination and a music audition conducted by the Music Department to qualify.

    For further information about joining the Sixth Form, please contact, Sixth Form & Non-Standard Admissions Officer.

  • Sophie Bryant Scholarship

    This prestigious award (for first award from September 2025) will be offered to a small number of girls entering NLCS in Year 7 and Year 12 who exhibit a deep love of learning combined with enthusiasm for wider achievement beyond the classroom.

“We want to thank you for making the process manageable for our daughter. She was treated with kindness at every turn and this matters very much to me.”

— NLCS Parent

Stage 1 – Attend an Event

The best way to find out about our school is to attend an open event. We hold a Sixth Form Evening in the Autumn Term.

Stage 2 – Register

When registration for the Sixth Form opens, you will need to complete our online registration form.

If you indicate on our registration form that you are applying for a bursary, we will send you an additional application form to complete.

Stage 3 – Entrance Exam

We welcome students who bring new approaches and fresh ideas. Our entrance tests and interviews ensure that the candidates are embarking on the right Sixth Form courses and are secure in their background work. All students who have registered will be invited for one day of entrance tests. These tests are in the subjects they are planning to study in the Sixth Form, and are based on the common core of the GCSE syllabuses.

Students looking to study the A level programme will sit three to four 1 hour papers on the subjects they wish to study at Sixth Form.

Students looking to study the International Baccalaureate Pathway will sit three papers in Higher Level subject choices and one paper in a Standard Level Choice.

Stage 4 Interview

Short-listed students will be called for informal interviews. We will ask your present school for a reference and for GCSE predictions before we call you for an interview. Offers made are conditional upon students going on to achieve an average grade 7 across their GCSEs and, in most cases, grade 8 in GCSEs linked to the subjects they wish to study in the Sixth Form.

If you have applied for a Music Scholarship, and are called back for an
interview, you will also be invited for a 20-minute audition.

If you have applied for a Sport Scholarship, and are called back for an
interview, you will also be invited for a trial.

Stage 5 – Offers

To secure a place you must confirm your acceptance in writing and make
the deposit payment.
The acceptance terms and conditions will be sent to you with the offer of a place.