Religious Studies

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.

The most important skills that you require are the ability to write a good essay and to analyse different sources and points of view. This means that you can structure your work and understand and extract key points from the sources. You will develop communication skills and learn to clearly express your views. This will include learning to write logically and to develop reasoned arguments.

You will get the chance to investigate ultimate questions such as “what is the purpose of life?” and “why does evil exist?” Study topics that explain the diversity of life and religion in the modern world. You will also improve your philosophical thinking skills and the ability to think outside of the box and understand contemporary ethical and religious issues such as medical ethics and immigration. It is arguably the most cross-curricular subject you can take; it will fit in with your other options, whatever they are. It builds on your GCSE skills and knowledge so the transition to A Level will be smoother.

You will study three components:

Component 1: A Study of Religion (Buddhism)

This component provides the opportunity for you to acquire and develop knowledge and a critical understanding of some of the key features of a world religion, ranging from religious figures to religious practices.

Component 2: Philosophy of Religion

This component provides the opportunity for you to acquire and develop knowledge and a critical understanding of some of the key features of fundamental philosophical themes, ranging from arguments for and against the existence of God to religious experience.

Component 3: Religion and Ethics

This component provides the opportunity for you to acquire and develop knowledge and a critical understanding of key ethical concepts and theories, ranging from moral absolutism to utilitarianism.

You will develop transferrable skills that are valued by employers, such as the ability to:

• Think logically.

• Communicate clearly and effectively.

• Construct well informed and reasoned arguments substantiated by relevant evidence.

• Engage in debate in a way that recognises the right of others to hold a different view.

• Understand the importance for religious believers of religion historically and in contemporary society.

Grade 6 in GCSE Religious Studies (Full Course)

Or two from Grade 6 in GCSE English Language or Literature or a Humanity (including Short Course RE)

University requirements

The Russell Group Universities have made it clear that Religious Studies provides ‘suitable preparation for University’. Oxbridge include it in their top-level list of ‘suitable Art A Levels’ because it demonstrates your ability to study and gain insight into other areas of thought which are relevant to the understanding of human life, culture and behaviour. Philosophy and Ethics are traditional university subjects which can provide a considerable amount of valuable background knowledge to the study of other subjects which can include English Literature, Art, History, Sociology, Psychology and Medicine.

Typical offers: Manchester – ABB – BBB; Oxbridge – A*AA; Kent - BBB

Links to Further Education

Philosophy or Religious Studies; Social Science; Medical Ethics; Political Science; International Studies, Politics and History; Politics, Economics, Philosophy; Anthropology; Ethics; Religious and Philosophical Education with Secondary Teaching; History & Philosophy of Science; Theology and Religious Studies; Philosophy, Ethics and Religion; Biblical Studies and Philosophy; Theology; Archaeology

Links to Careers

Civil Service; Teacher; Medicine; Medical Research; Psychologist (with Psychology); Counsellor (with Psychology); Journalism; Probation Officer; Management; Law