Herne Bay High School

Introduction: 

At Herne Bay High School Sixth Form, we have a clear understanding of the strengths, aspirations and individual needs of our students. We are committed to providing an inclusive, ambitious and supportive environment where every learner can achieve their full potential, both academically and personally.

Our broad and flexible curriculum offers a wide range of academic and vocational pathways, allowing students to pursue programmes of study that reflect their interests, talents and future goals. High-quality teaching, dedicated pastoral support and a culture of high expectations ensure that students make strong progress and are well prepared for higher education, apprenticeships and employment.

We are proud of our inclusive approach, with tailored support systems that help students overcome barriers, develop confidence and achieve success. This commitment to aspiration and achievement results in excellent engagement, positive outcomes and successful progression for students from all backgrounds.

Beyond the classroom, students benefit from an extensive programme of enrichment, leadership opportunities, personal development and careers education. Through volunteering, work experience, employer encounters, student leadership roles and wider enrichment activities, students develop the resilience, independence and employability skills needed for adult life.

Our comprehensive and impartial careers programme ensures that every student receives high-quality guidance and support, enabling them to make informed decisions about their future pathways and ambitions.

*IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR SEPTEMBER 2027 APPLICATIONS*

Open Evening: - Wednesday 18 Nov 2026 from 17:00 - 19:00 at Herne Bay High School in the Covered Court Yard

Information Talk: 17.15 and 17:45 in the Bay Theatre - please click here to book for the talk.  

External Applicant Tour:  26 November 2026 from 08.50 - 09.40 - Meet at the Bay Arena(Gate 4), please pre book: click here 

Applications Open: - 19 November 2026 at 08.00

Applications Close: - 5 February 2027 at 15:00 (Except Beauty L2/3)

General Entry Requirements:

Level 3 Programmes

Applicants must achieve:

• Five GCSEs at Grades 4-9, including English and Mathematics at Grade 4 or above.

• Any additional subject-specific requirements listed within the online prospectus.

Please refer to the individual course pages for detailed entry requirements.

Level 2 Programmes

Please refer to the course information pages for specific entry requirements.

Option Blocks - Selecting Subjects

Level 3 - Select 3 subjects, one from each option block

Level 2 - just add the course required, eg beauty or finance  

Other Information: We reserve the right to withdraw courses if insufficient numbers are attracted at any time.

Induction: Attendance at our Sixth Form Induction Programme, taking place from 28 to 30 June 2027, is an important part of the transition process and is expected for all students joining the Sixth Form.

Externals: Admission to the Sixth Form is subject to both the academic entry requirements and a satisfactory reference from the applicant's current school.

How to Apply: 

Our Post 16 Open Evening takes place on the 18 November from 17:30 - 19:30 pm in the covered courtyard at Herne Bay High School.  All applicants apply on line via Kent choices and our application window is from the 19 November 2026 to 5 February 2027.  

Please refer to the online prospectus for the specific entry requirements associated with each subject. It is important that applicants meet the criteria for all courses they select.

Please contact school on 6form@hernebayhigh.org or 01227 361221 if you have any questions. 

Students should apply for the Full Level 3 Pathway and we will transfer you to the Two Plus Pathway following GCSE results if appropriate. 

Level 3 Full Pathway- Two Year Advanced Programme

Students entering Year 12 will follow a programme of three subjects over two years. This is complemented by a structured PSHEE curriculum and meaningful work experience opportunities, helping students develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed for their next steps beyond Sixth Form.

Level 3 - Two Plus Pathway- Two Year Advanced Programme

If following the Two Plus Pathway students are expected to study two subjects plus undertake work experience for the duration of the two years, along with GCSE Maths/English resit. In addition, all students follow a PSHEE programme, (Please note not all subjects are available on the Two Plus Pathway, see prospectus for further information)

Level 2 Pathway - One Year Programme

If you are not eligible to apply for the Level 3 courses, you may wish to apply to join the one year Level 2 pathways in  Beauty, or Finance along with GCSE English/Mathematics resits as required. Please read the entry requirements for each course.  Following completion of this course, students normally progress onto a vocational route.

Course Advice Meeting: 

All applicants will be invited to a Course Advice Meeting during March 2027.

Appointments should be booked using the link provided in the acknowledgement email following submission of an application.

These meetings provide an opportunity to:

• Discuss subject choices

• Review future plans and career aspirations

• Ensure applicants have selected the most appropriate programme of study

External Student Applications: 

External applicants should book appointments using the link provided in the acknowledgement email following submission of an application and should bring:

• Their most recent school report

• Attendance information

• Birth certificate

A reference will also be requested from the applicant's current school.

Admission is subject to:

• Meeting the academic entry requirements

• Receipt of a satisfactory school reference

Conditional Offers: 

Following the Course Advice Meeting, successful applicants will receive a conditional offer via Kent Choices.

Induction Programme: 

All students are expected to attend the Sixth Form Induction Programme on: 28-30 June 2027

The induction programme forms an important part of the transition into Sixth Form and allows students to meet staff, experience lessons and prepare for September.

Post GCSE Results: 

HBHS Students - If you have met the requirements of your conditional offer, an e mail/ letter confirming your place will be provided.  This information will provide enrolment details about when you need to attend school to obtain your timetable.  

If you have not met the conditional offer requirements, additional information/guidance will be offered to enable discussions regarding alternative course options. 

External students - should email their GCSE results to: 6form@hernebayhigh.org and confirm whether they wish to accept their place at Herne Bay High School Sixth Form.

All students - If however, you have made alternative arrangements and now no longer require your place at HBHS please do advise us as soon as possible on 6form@hernebayhigh.org 

* Please note if courses do not attract sufficient numbers, we reserve the right to withdraw the course offer at any time.

Applications Open - 19  November 2026 at 8am

Applications Close - 5  February 2027 at 15:00 (Except Beauty L2/3). 

General Entry Requirements:

Our level 3 Sixth Form entry requirements are five GCSEs at Grades 9-4 including Maths and English minimum Grade 4. However, please read the course information, which, provides specific details of course content and entry requirements. 

For level 2 courses please read the course information. 

Level 3 - Year 12 are expected to study the equivalent of three subjects. Chose one from blocks W/X/Y/Z.  If you wish to apply to the Football Academy, please also add this. 

Level 2 - just add the course required, eg beauty, hair, finance or fitness. 

Timetable Blocks- Please read carefully: Level 3 Courses Please select 3 subjects one from Block W/X/Y or Z.

Additional optional qualifications such as Arts Award (Gold),Core Maths, Further Maths and the EPQ are not applied for at the Kent Choice stage further information will be provided in the 6th Form induction if you would like to undertake this course in addition to your core qualifications.

How to Apply - Via Kent Choices or through link on our website https://www.hernebayhigh.org/sixth-form/how-to-apply 

Further Information: We reserve the right to withdraw courses if insufficient numbers are attracted.

Any queries, please contact 6form@hernebayhigh.org 

Post-18 Destinations

We provide students with a comprehensive programme of careers education, information, advice and guidance throughout Years 12 and 13. Support is delivered through assemblies, tutor mentoring, the Sixth Form Pathways Conference, workshops, work experience, PSHEE lessons and weekly careers newsletters.

Our annual Sixth Form Pathways Conference, held in Year 12, is a key milestone in students' Post-18 planning. The event provides valuable insight into university, apprenticeships, higher technical qualifications and employment opportunities, helping students explore their future options and make informed decisions.

Throughout their time in the Sixth Form, students receive personalised support from staff to ensure they are well prepared for their next steps. Our aim is to equip every student with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to access lifelong learning opportunities and achieve their career aspirations.

Learning Resource Centre (LRC)

The Learning Resource Centre is located at the heart of the school and provides an excellent learning environment for all students. The centre offers access to a wide range of resources to support academic study, independent research and coursework.

Students also benefit from dedicated quiet study areas, providing an ideal space for focused learning, independent work and revision throughout the school day.

Herne Bay High School Sixth Form combines academic excellence with outstanding personal development opportunities, creating confident, capable and well-rounded young adults who are ready to thrive in higher education, apprenticeships, employment and beyond.

We are a school with excellent facilities.  

• Sixth Form Centre - Common Room 

• Dedicated ICT Facilities for 6th Form 

• Learning Resource Centre and Lecture Theatre 

• Private Study Areas 

• Specialist Art Graphics/Photography Mac Studio

• Sports Arena 

• Dance Studios 

• Bay Theatre

• Dance Academy

• Beauty School

• Arts Award (Gold), Core Mathematics and the Extended Project Qualification are available as additional options - please refer to the 6th Form Prospectus at www.hernebayhigh.org 

Please see the Post 16 Travel information on the Herne Bay High website. 

The Application window is from 19 November 2026 to 5 February 2027.  

Applications will not be accepted before or after this time. 

You should: 

•read all entry criteria for the courses 

•select 3 subject choices with 2 reserve/ or a pathway Level 3/ Level 2

•carefully research the course details, before you choose your subject combination 

•consider your academic suitability for and interest in subjects before making your final decisions 

•consider how your subject combinations may impact on your choices for Higher Education and future career decisions 

Additional optional qualifications such as Arts Award, Core Maths, Further Maths and the EPQ are not applied for at the Kent Choice stage further information will be provided in the 6th Form induction if you would like to undertake this course in addition to your core qualifications.