FURTHER MATHEMATICS AS/A Level 3

Applications Open: - 3rd November 2025

Applications Close: - We would, ideally, like applications to be submitted by Thursday 8th January 2026, when planning for the timetable will begin, but applications will be accepted after this date

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices

Minimum Entry Requirements

The admissions criteria for the Sixth Form are as follows:

- A minimum of 6 separately identifiable GCSE subjects (or equivalent) at an average grade of 5.5 or above

- These 6 subjects must include at least a grade 4 in English Language or English Literature and at least a grade 4 in Mathematics

- You will require a grade 6 or above in most subjects you wish to study at A Level

- To study Mathematics, Modern Foreign Languages or a Science subject you will require a grade 7

- To study Economics a grade 7 or above in Mathematics is required and a 6+ or above in Business or a related subject

- Students may be able to study a Science subject with a 6 grade but their 4th option choice must be STEM Access forming part of your Personal Enrichment Pathway

- For Further Mathematics you will need an 8 or 9

- Short Courses count as half a GCSE

- A positive attitude in your chosen subjects and a respect for school aims, objectives and ethos

- Commitment to the expectations of the Sixth Form and the school community

- Students will not be admitted if they have not completed the appropriate paperwork

For a small number of students who are passionate about the subject, self-motivated and who also have considerable ability, the option of studying Further Mathematics is possible. Students who study Further Mathematics should be genuinely interested in Mathematics and its applications. Although this is an entire AS/A Level in its own right, it can only be studied in addition to A Level Mathematics, as it extends many of the concepts contained within that course. The study of Further Mathematics at A-Level is a useful tool for those wishing to take A2 courses with high mathematical content for example Mathematics and Physics, where there is a large overlap of content and skills.

The structure of the Further Mathematics course is similar to that of Mathematics. Pure Mathematics involves studying new areas of Complex Numbers, Differential Equations and Matrices.

The application of Further Mathematics extends the area of Mechanics and introduces Decision Mathematics which is an excellent foundation for anyone pursuing computer science or related fields.

Minimum Entry Requirements

The Further Mathematics course will develop Mathematical skills beyond those required for A Level Mathematics. Students will gain more of an insight into how Mathematics is used in different areas, for example the application of complex numbers to the design of aerofoils and the use of Coding Theory in transmission of data over the Internet. They will improve their understanding of fundamental Mathematical concepts, which will be essential if they go on to study the subject at university. Hopefully students will gain an appreciation of Mathematics as a subject in its own right and will develop the ability to recognise elegance in Mathematical proof. The subject is very demanding but is potentially very satisfying, as well as being an extremely worthwhile qualification for any potential engineer, scientist or anyone thinking of reading Mathematics at university. Anyone who is intending to read Science, Maths, Engineering or Computer Science at any of the top universities should consider taking Further Mathematics.