Chemistry - A Level

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.

A Level Chemistry involves the study of the fundamental processes behind a huge range of natural and man-made phenomena and provides a range of skills that are relevant to a wide variety of fields. There is an emphasis on numerical, communication and problem-solving skills, in addition to the teamwork involved in the practical situation.

While there is a need for learning facts to provide the groundwork for the subject, the emphasis is on the understanding and application of ideas; so students will be challenged by the subject and learn to think for themselves.

Independent study commitment: Five hours per week minimum.

There are three written papers, all two hours long.

Paper 1: Inorganic chemistry with relevant physical chemistry and practical skills.

Paper 2: Organic chemistry with relevant physical chemistry and practical skills.

Paper 3: All content and practical skills.

Practical work will be assessed in the written papers. 15% of the total A Level marks will be for practical knowledge and understanding. A separate ‘endorsement’ of practical work will be assessed by teachers. This will not be graded. If students pass, it will be reported on their certificate.

GCSE: 7 in Chemistry or the Triology Science Chemistry modules, 6 in Maths