English Language & Literature A Level - linear

Applications Open: - Friday 28th November 2025

Applications Close: - Friday 6 February 2026 - Please note - If you do not complete your application fully by the deadline of Friday 6 February 2026, we may not be able to consider it until August when GCSE results are published.

How to Apply:

Internal students - Applications to join our Sixth Form, via Applicaa, can be made via this link Mayfield Grammar School, Gravesend (applicaa.com). PLEASE NOTE that you should use an e-mail address that you check regularly as the Applicca system will contact you with updates about your application.

External students - Year 11 Students from other schools applying to Mayfield Grammar School should apply via KentChoices using this link - https://www.kentprospectus.co.uk/login. Please note - After sending your application, you'll receive a welcome email from Applicaa asking for further information.

If you applied to us before the deadline but have not heard from us for a while please bear with us, we are working through the applications and will get back to you with our decision and advice as soon as we can. We will continue to send messages via Applicaa so please logon from time to time to check if we need some additional information from you

Applications After the deadline

Students who are interested in applying to Mayfield Grammar School for Sixth Form but have missed our application process can contact us once they have their GCSE results in August. After the publication of GCSE examinations results in August we ask that you make an appointment to discuss your application with the Sixth Form team. You need to call 01474 352896 or email admissions@mgsg.kent.sch.uk. Please check you have met our entry criteria for the subjects you want to study and read our Options Booklet under the Sixth Form tab on our website for our general entry criteria. If you meet our criteria, please get in touch, and bring your original documents for GCSE Results Summary and Birth Certificate as ID when you are offered an appointment.

Entry Requirements: -

Entry to the Sixth Form is dependent on demonstrating achievements which show general breadth of ability as well as depth in the specific courses chosen for study in the Sixth Form. For this reason you will need to have achieved all the following:

1. A minimum of 6 GCSEs at Grade 5 and above, preferably on the higher papers, in discrete subjects, with the exception of Combined Science, which counts as two subjects.

2. Grade 5 or above in GCSE English and GCSE Mathematics.

3. To have met the requirements of the individual subjects that you intend to study at A Level/Level 3, which are all, with the exception of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Languages, a minimum of Grade 6 at GCSE on the Higher papers. This is essential.

Essential skills

The most important skill that you need is the ability to write a perceptive analytical essay in which you demonstrate your ability to use critical sources and original ideas. In your own creative writing, you are expected to structure your writing in a sophisticated manner using a consistent register and an appropriate style. Wider reading is absolutely essential to success on this course.

Year 1

This two year course is designed to ensure breadth and balance. Students will be introduced to many aspects of linguistics; they will increase their knowledge and understanding of grammar; and they will develop their literary appreciation. Students will come to understand how texts are shaped and how they are products of the society in which they were written.

We will study a wide range of examples of non-literary and digital texts from the 20th and 21st century. The anthology contains a variety of different forms, such as interviews, broadcasts, podcasts, blogs, screenplays and travelogues. In addition, we will study 2 prose fiction texts from a chosen theme (Wuthering Heights and The Bloody Chamber – theme of ‘Encounters’). We will study a drama text (All my Sons) considering the playwright’s use of linguistic and literary features and relevant contextual factors.

Students will develop their understanding of how writers and speakers shape and craft language to create a sense of voice in their work and how they communicate ideas or issues.

Assessment is by internal examination at the end of the year.

Year 2

Students will continue to study a wide range of examples of literary, non-literary and digital texts from the 20th and 21st century and, now, further explore connections between texts, informed by linguistic and literary concepts. Students will explore and evaluate the ways different writers convey similar themes and issues in different texts.

The coursework component is designed to allow students to demonstrate their skills as writers, drafting their own original texts for different audiences and purposes. Students will explore the various forms of writing and the ways different writers use linguistic and literary techniques in texts.

Assessment is by examination (80%) and coursework (20%).

Other details

The most important requirement is your interest in the subject and a willingness to discuss your ideas with others.

Students are expected to make active contributions to the lessons having read widely and thought critically about the material under examination. A highly developed personal response based on a secure and detailed knowledge of both language and literature is the key to success in this course.

Year 1

Assessment is by internal examination at the end of the year.

Year 2

Assessment is by examination (80%) and coursework (20%)

Grade 6 in GCSE English and Grade 6 in GCSE English Literature

University requirements

There are a wealth of universities offering English courses. These are some of the typical requirements: Cambridge A*AA, LSE A*AA, Bristol AAA- these are part of the Russell group. Royal Holloway AAB.

You could go on to do a degree in: English, or any other Arts or Science subject:; Linguistics; English or American Literature; Joint Honours, English with a variety of subjects; English with a foreign language; Applied English studies; Contemporary English; English Education/ Teaching; Creative Writing; English and Drama

Career Options: Business Management; Civil Servant; Law; Politics; Human Resources; Writer; Journalism; Editor; Teacher; Author; Sales; Marketing; Copywriter; Screenwriter