Photography

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.

The Photography A Level course opens opportunities across the design industries. You will be able to pursue personal interests whilst developing your technical skills. In addition this course gives you the opportunity to develop your personal expression, imagination, sensitivity, conceptual thinking, powers of observation and analytical ability.

Throughout the course, students produce work in a number of photographic areas, such as portraiture, landscape, documentary, experimental imagery and moving image. They are introduced to a range of digital photographic and editing techniques and will undertake practical coursework projects involving recording observations and experiences, analysing sources, developing ideas, researching photographers/artists and the production of final images.

Component 1: Personal investigation.

A practical photographic investigation conducted through a series of linked projects supported by written material comprising four parts:

• An introduction to the key skills

• Investigation, to show clear development from initial intentions to the final outcomes with evidence of research and development of ideas

• A shorter, more focused unit culminating in the Year 12 mock timed assessment.

• An extended written personal study.

Assessment: teacher assessed and externally moderated. 60% of A Level

Component 2: Externally set assignment.

The question paper consists of a choice of eight questions to be used as starting points. Students are required to select one of the questions from which to develop a practical photographic project supported by written material. There is a preparatory period plus 15 hours of supervised time.

GCSE English grade 5 or above. GCSE Art is preferred although not essential.

Many A Level Photography students go on to art and design colleges or university. Previous students have made careers in photography, fashion, film making, photo journalism, fine art, travel photography and animation.