Maplesden Noakes School, The

Welcome to The Maplesden Noakes School

The Maplesden Noakes Sixth Form has a fantastic reputation and offers an extensive range of courses, both traditional A Level and some vocational courses too. The latest Ofsted inspection (May 2024) highlighted how we set high expectations for what our students can achieve and how we have an inclusive environment where all students develop key skills and knowledge. The facilities in the Sixth Form have recently been renovated, with a large study area fully equipped with computer access and a Sixth Form Café, all reserved exclusively for Sixth Form students. 

Applications open: 10 November 2025

Application deadline: 13th February 2026

Entry Requirements: - 5 x GCSEs Grade 4-9 including English. Maths desirable. Please see individual courses for subject entry requirements. Please visit our website for more information https://www.maplesden.kent.sch.uk/830/welcome

Subject Choices: - You will need to select a minimum of 3 subjects to study and these can be a mixture of A Levels and BTECs with SEFA and MWBA in addition to your full time studies.

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices

We know that the jump from GCSEs to A Levels is a big one and we also recognise that the pressures of coursework deadlines and exams looming can be overwhelming. That’s why we have a staff structure that ensures you can always get the support you need. 

Whether it’s the informal support of your own Sixth Form Tutor, or guidance from our full time Careers and Further Education Advisor you need, we are here to help.

Student support is also offered through a range of services throughout Sixth Form including Head of Sixth Form, Sixth Form Manager, Heads of Years, Personal Development programmes, Sixth Form Supervisor and dedicated SEN support.

We aim to nurture more than just academic growth focusing on the overall development of each student. Additionally Bursaries are available to support learning, ensuring financial barriers do not hinder access to education and resource.

While some schools approach Sixth Form as an extension to Year 11, we welcome the opportunity to give you the freedom you deserve in a more mature environment. This is a Sixth Form that is based on independence, trust and respect, where our students thrive. Students are entrusted to be off site when not in timetabled lessons with the expectations that they will manage their time responsibly. Sixth Form students at Maplesden do not have a formal uniform and enjoy a more relaxed dress code than students in younger years

Sixth Form students also have access SEFA (Soccer Elite Football Academy) and MWBA (Maidstone Warriors Basketball Academy) in addition to their full time studies.

As part of their Sixth Form curriculum, all students access The Business Challenge at the end of Year 12. This is a superior alternative to work experience where students work in teams alongside local and national companies (10-15) and complete real-life challenges, while competing to win £1000. The Business Challenge is our flagship event that provides students in Sixth Form with invaluable experience that gives them an advantage over others in the world of work. 

We are also unique to many other Sixth Forms in that such a large number of students choose to join us. The majority of our Yr11 students who achieve the entry requirements stay on into Sixth Form, however we also warmly welcome students from external schools, creating a new learning environment for all, similar to what you would experience at university, apprenticeships and the world of work.

We work hard to treat students like adults as much as possible and in turn have high expectations so students can make a success of their time here. At Maplesden, we see Sixth Form as a stepping stone towards greater independence.

Our Sixth Form is located in short walking distance to Maidstone town centre and two train stations (Maidstone East and Maidstone Barracks). Some students travel a significant distance to secure a place in our Sixth Form.