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Biology - A Level

St Gregory's Catholic School

Reynolds Lane, TUNBRIDGE WELLS, TN4 9XL

GCE A/AS Level or Equivalent
Level 3
Science and Mathematics

Available start dates

Available start dates

Tuesday, 01 September 2026
St Gregory's Catholic School
2 Year(s)
Full time
Daytime/working hours
NULL

Application Instructions

Applications Open: 3 November 2025 at 9.00am

Applications Close: 31 January 2026 at 5.00pm

Entry Requirements: At least five GCSE's at grade 4 or above. In addition, you will need to achieve specific subject entry requirements for all subjects.

How to Apply - September 2026 entry

Applications will open on Applicaa on 3 November 2025. Please refer to our Course Guide which lists subjects available along with entry criteria - this can be found on our website under Sixth Form Admissions along with our Admissions Policy. Please note our Course Guide for 2025 entry is currently displayed, Course Guide for 2026 will be available shortly.

If you need advice on Sixth Form courses or completing an application, please email sixthformadmissions@sgschool.org.uk or phone 01892 527444.

When applying students MUST enter three subject choices PLUS a reserve - in preference order - one being first choice and four being the reserve.
Please do not enter a fifth choice.
Please note some subjects cannot be studied together - these are indicated on the relevant subject page and also in the Course Guide.

Internal Applicants to Sixth Form (current St Gregory’s students)

Our current students will join a Sixth Form Taster Day in September 2025, this is an opportunity to experience Sixth Form subjects and lessons.

All students will receive ongoing support and guidance with the online application process through discussions with dedicated members of staff, subject leaders and members of the Sixth Form team. Students will also receive a session with an external Careers Advisor.

External Applicants to Sixth Form

External applicants will be required to submit their applications via Applicaa using the link provided on the school website on 3 November 2026.

External applicants will also need to complete a Sixth Form Supplementary Information Form (SIF) if they are Catholic or 'Looked After' children. This can be found on the school website under Learn/Sixth Form/Sixth Form Admissions - Supplementary Information Form 2025-26. This must be returned to sixthformadmissions@sgschool.org.uk by the closing date.

Prospective students may be invited into school for a meeting with the Sixth Form team.

Course Summary

Course outline and assessment

The Biology A Level course has been designed so that students study biology in topics, each covering different key concepts of biology, in a traditional content-led approach.

Practical endorsement for biology

This is a teacher assessed component where students will be awarded pass or fail. Candidates complete a minimum of 12 practical activities to demonstrate practical competence. Performance is reported separately to the A Level grade.

Independent study commitment: Five hours per week minimum.

Course Details

Paper 1 - Biological processes
• Multiple choice (5.5% of A Level)
• Structured questions and extended response questions covering theory and
practical skills (31.5% of A Level)

Paper 2 - Biological diversity
• Multiple choice (5.5% of A Level)
• Structured questions and extended response questions covering theory and
practical skills (31.5% of A Level)

Paper 3 - Unified biology
• Structured questions and extended response questions covering theory and
practical skills (26% of A Level)


How will it be delivered and assessed?

A combination of classroom study, self study and enrichment activities.

Entry requirements

GCSE: 6 in Biology or the Triology Science

Your next steps...

Why study Biology

Biologists try to understand how animals and organisms work (including humans), how we evolved and the things that can make us sick or improve our health.

Biologists use this knowledge to try to stop the spread of disease, track down natural resources, improve public health, animal care and conservation and work out the true impacts of things

like pollution.

Whilst studying Biology, students will acquire the following skills:

• Knowledge and understanding of biological facts and principles.

• Ability to apply these in constructing hypotheses and testing them.

• Ability to communicate biological information.

• Ability to carry out experimental work.

• Working independently and working with others.

• Essential mathematical skills.

Where can it lead?

Biology, zoology, botany, biochemistry, medicine, veterinary science, nursing, agriculture, food science, sports science, environmental science.

What does it combine well with?

Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Geography, Psychology and Physical Education.


For more courses like this, check our courses page.