Malling School, The

Welcome to The Malling School

Being a Key Stage 5 student at the Malling School encompasses both academic and personal development. We offer a balanced curriculum aimed at achieving academic excellence and take our duty to enable the personal development of sixth form students very seriously. We encourage participation in extra-curricular activities and entrust students to positions of leadership and responsibility within the student body. We believe that the combination of academic and personal development prepares students to make their next steps in the world.

Whilst the systems in place to support our students remain the same regardless of their year group, the pace at which students work and the way in which they approach their work will be significantly different to their experiences at GCSE. In addition to formal teaching periods, students will be expected to engage in private study in their own time, requiring independence and discipline. Key Stage 5 courses are demanding and students must be prepared to work beyond the formal written exercises set. Considerable extra study is required including additional reading. A successful student will need to spend additional hours each week working at home as well as in school.

By choosing to study at The Malling School you choose the things that are important to your future: committed teaching staff, outstanding pastoral support, excellent facilities, and a strong academic and personal development programme.

In Years 12 and 13 there are currently three main educational pathways: The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (Level 3), The International Baccalaureate Careers Programme (Level 3) and The Vocational Programme (Level 1 and 2).

The IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) is based on the philosophy that students should apply critical thinking skills to their experiences and learn to assess the world around them. Through this process students’ develop their academic, social, emotional, and physical wellbeing and finish their studies as internationally minded individuals ready to participate in our global society through the comprehensive study of six subjects and three core components over two years.

The IB Diploma provides our students with a stimulating and broad post-16 curriculum that allows them to develop into self-motivated, intellectually curious critical thinkers. The different subjects offered in our Diploma Programme provide a rich variety of courses for students to explore whilst benefiting from teaching that encourages them to become inquisitive, knowledgeable and reflective learners.

The International Baccalaureate Careers Programme (IBCP) combines careers related study with academic study to create a qualification that is well regarded by both universities and employers. It is aimed at young people who would like to progress to university or to the higher levels of employment (e.g. higher level apprenticeships or internships with larger companies).

The vocational course is a bespoke course aimed at young people who are working towards level 2 and would like to ultimately progress to a level 3 course or work based training. It combines work experience with vocational qualifications along with functional skills mathematics and English and is tailored to the individual aspirations or educational needs. It is particularly relevant to those with an EHCP plan.

Entry requirements for these post sixteen courses are:

• International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP): at least six GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade 6 or above, including English and Maths.
• International Baccalaureate Careers Programme (IBCP): at least five GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade 5 or above including  English and Maths.
• Vocational Programme : at least three GCSEs (or equivalent) in any subject at grade 1 or above.

Instructions - Picking Your Course Options

Please read these instructions carefully before selecting your course options. 

International Baccalaureate Careers Program

• Option 1  - Please select either 3 IB subjects and 1 Vocational
• Option 2 - Please select 2 IB subjects and 2 Vocational
• Please note BTEC Art, Sport and Exercise Science, Health and Social Care and Performing Arts can be counted as a single or a double. To select this course as a double option, please select 2 IB subjects and the 1 vocational option you wish to take as a double award.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Program

• You will need to select IB English, IB Maths and IB French Ab Initio
• Please then select a further 3 IB subject

Vocation Program

Please select the level 2 vocational program. 

Please note all course options will be finalised with the candidate prior to places being offered.

Applications Open - 3rd November 2025

Applications Close - 3rd April 2026

Entry Requirements - 

IBDP - 6 Grade 6s

IBCP - 5 Grade 5s

Level 3 - 4 Grade 4s

Level 2 - dependent 

How to Apply - Please apply via KentChoices 

To apply for courses at TMS sixth form please select the subject combination you wish to apply for. The combinations as described are subject to change so please put in your ideal choices, even if they do not match the options grid.

All course options will be confirmed post interviews.

When you access the application page you will be shown a list of subjects only. Please note they will not be separated into the 3 different pathways (vocational, IBCP, IBDP)

For those wishing to apply for the level1/2 vocational pathway, please select this as an option. You do not need to select any further subjects and individual choices will be confirmed at interview.

For those wishing to apply for the IBCP or IBDP pathway please select the individual choices from the list.

Level1/2 Vocational pathway

Select the Level1/2 vocational pathway only

Our pastoral systems have been recognised time and again as a real strength of the school. 

In Years 12-13 students are in tutor groups with their own year group as they need to focus on things relevant to their age such as examinations. They have weekly assemblies with their pastoral lead. Our sixth form students are expected to take leadership roles around the school. We also create lots of other opportunities for older students to support younger students throughout their school lives. 

During their time in our sixth form, students are supported by our KS5 guidance manager and career adviser.

Our school is built on traditional values where mutual respect is developed between students and staff. The Malling School Way is the foundation of our school and can be shown by demonstrating our three core character values of being Caring, Determined and Reflective. We encourage all Sixth Form students to strive to show these character traits as role models for our community.

Additional to the strengths mentioned above, sixth form students also have access to

• A sixth form hub - a quiet and dedicated space for KS5 students to work independently
• Designated work rooms
• A laptop scheme - members of our sixth form are given the opportunity to purchase a discounted laptop

We expect all students to play a full and active role in our wider school community. In the pursuit of personal development, we have devised pathways for all students to explore their passion in a meaningful and purposeful way that benefit all at TMS. 

• Student Council - as part of the Sixth Form, we have a student council comprising of 8 students split across Year 12 and Year 13. Each student on the council has individual responsibilities and works constructively  with the Director of Sixth Form and wider school leadership team to represent student views and explore strategies for improvement.
• Subject Lead Students - in addition to our student council, sixth form students have the opportunity to become Lead Student in one of their chosen subject discipline. This involves working constructively as a representative of these subjects at both subject specific and school wide events.
• Clubs and Other Activities - The Malling School offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities and support several different communities within our student body. It is the aim of the school that all students participate regularly in at least one of these activities and our sixth form students are expected to take a lead role alongside the supervising member of staff

Year 11 students at TMS: You will be receiving advice in school prior to your application. Once submitted electronically, later in the year, you will have an interview with the sixth form team to discuss your suitability for the courses you have chosen. Following this, we will write to you to confirm your provisional offer and the entry requirements required. 

Applicants from other schools: You will be invited to attend an interview with the sixth form team and given the opportunity to discuss your application in more detail. If your application is successful this will be followed by a letter about your admission to the school. We will, of course, write to you with the necessary details. 

All applicants will be required to complete our Induction Programme in July 2025.