Business Studies

For students applying from other schools please see the information below.

For existing students at OPGS - you will be applying internally and will receive separate instructions

Applications Open - 11th December 2025

Applications Close - 30th January 2026

Entry Requirements:-

Students achieving a minimum of at least six GCSEs (9 – 5) of which at least four are at a grade 6 (or equivalent).

In addition, students must meet subject entry requirements, which in most cases require a minimum of Grade 6 in the subject to be studied, or related subjects. Some subjects will require a grade 7 or higher. Please see school website (https://www.opgs.org) for entry requirements needed for individual A level subjects.

Students must also achieve a minimum of a grade 5 in English Language and Mathematics.

Typically, we would expect students following essay-based subjects to gain at least a grade 6 in English Language and students following scientific courses to gain at least a grade 7 in Mathematics.

The school shall determine which grades at 6 are required when A level subjects requested have not been taken at GCSE Level.

Priority will be given to existing pupils transferring from Year 11 who meet the entrance criteria

How to Apply

Students should select three or four A level subjects and include a 4th/5th as a reserve subjects. Please list your subjects in priority order and indicate which is your reserve choice.

Subject Choice

In choosing your subjects for A level you need to find out about the syllabus, examination requirements, coursework and the approach to study. Choose subjects that interest you and think carefully about the range and combination of subjects you would like to study. You may also wish to consider requirements for Higher Education or career paths.

Students should also note that the school cannot guarantee courses will run if there are not enough applicants. It is also possible that, in some subjects, numbers will have to be limited.

The A Level Business Studies course aims to develop enthusiasm for business studies. It will provide students with an insight into real life business case studies, which gives time to be critical thinkers about business activities. Enterprise is at the forefront of the course and developing young people interest in enterprise is enriched throughout the course. Student’s will get the opportunity involve themselves in a range of opportunities.

The course aims to:

Give students a holistic understanding of business in a range of context. Provide young people with the understanding of organisations and the ability to meet society’s needs and wants. Allow students to generate enterprising and creative approach to business opportunities, problems and issues.

The course is organised into teaching units, each of which is freestanding and builds upon work carried out in GCSEs. The course is split into four teaching themes:

• Theme 1 – Marketing and People

• Theme 2 – Managing business activities

• Theme 3 – Business decisions activities

• Theme 4 – Global business

Topic Assessment % of grade

Paper 1 – Marketing, people and global business 100 marks

2 hours

written paper 35% of total A level

Paper 2 – Business activities, decisions and strategy 100 marks

2 hours

Written paper 35% of total A level

Paper 3 – Investigating business in a competitive environment 100 marks

2 hours

written paper 30%

of total A level

Grade 5 in English Language and Maths

Plus the school's overall entry requirements