GCSE options information 2026-28

The GCSE options process - Jan to Feb 2026

Selecting GCSE options is the first time students begin to consider their future aspirations and are required to make decisions that affect their academic life, it is really important that students are supported both in school and at home to make informed decisions about what will facilitate their success over the next key stages of their academic careers.

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To ensure this process is successful for all students the following support events and activities will take place through the Spring term.

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Yr. 9 Exams:  8th - 16th January 2026 - We have moved our formal assessments of year 9 to the start of the Spring term to use the information to inform discussions about the suitability of subjects for each student. The exam grade alone does not decide suitability for a subject; the information is triangulated with ongoing assessments and the evaluation of attitudes to learning. The results of the exams should be discussed as part of their ongoing attainment and interests within the subject to help inform choices. 

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Yr. 9 PCE and options presentation Monday 9th February: Parents and students are invited to attend 1 of three options presentations with our Deputy Head, Academics to learn about the options process as well as attending 1-1 appointments with class teachers to discuss progress and suitability of each subject for GCSE.  The presentations will run for 30 minutes at 4:30, 5:30 and 6:30 in Edward Street Hall allowing parents to book PCE appointments around each presentation.  It is strongly advised that parents attend one of these sessions.  Our DH Academics and Head of KS3 will be available in Edward Street Hall to answer any questions throughout the evening. 

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Yr. 9 Options Assembly:  Wednesday 28th January 2026 - Students will be informed about the options available to them, the options booklet, the discussions they should have with their teachers and the sources of support in school (Careers advisor, Current GCSE and VI form students) as well as information on how to submit their options and key deadlines. 

Wednesday 4th February - Yr. 9 reports published via Edulink. This will provide a snapshot summary of current grades, progress, and an overview of Attitudes to Learning in each subject area.  This should be used to inform conversations at the PCE. 

  

Tuesday 10th February – The GCSE options form goes live for completion by students (they will need to use their KEVIGS account to complete) 

 

Tuesday 24th February 2026 – GCSE Options form deadline for completion.  

Once all options have been submitted we will begin to build our curriculum offer for 2026-28,  we do everything we can to accommodate preferred subject choices but if we are unable to accommodate students first choice options, we will inform you of the reserve subjects that have been allocated.  

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Please take time to read our GCSE options booklet below which includes information on:

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• The GCSE curriculum overview

• How to use SIMS options online to complete your options form

• Individual subject overviews with student testimonials. Please note, Music and English Language will be updated Jan 2026 ready for the launch of the GCSE options process.

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