Year 9 Options Process

During the Year 9 Spring Term, students will choose the subjects they wish to pursue in Years 10 and 11, with support from their teachers. This is often a mix of GCSE and vocational courses, which will prepare them for a Fantastic Future. They have the opportunity to reflect and discuss their choices with their subject teachers at our annual Year 9 Options Evening.
Students will take:
  • English Language
  • English Literature
  • Combined Science
  • Mathematics
  • Fantastic Futures - not an examined course
  • Core PE - not an examined course
  • One humanities subject - either Geography or History
  • Two subjects from a choice of: GCSE Art, Craft & Design, Business Studies, Computer Science, 3D Design, Hair & Beauty, Health & Social Care, Hospitality & Catering, iMedia, Music, Performing Arts, Photography, Separate Science (Biology, Chemistry or Physics), Spanish, Sports Studies, and Travel & Tourism.

Some students will also take Spanish as a compulsory subject.

Please note that some subjects have entry criteria that students have to meet before they are accepted, and certain combinations of subjects will not be possible due to timetabling constraints. Students will choose five subjects in priority order and the school will consider their preferences, and progress in them, before making the final decision.

Before making their choices, students should research the courses in their Year 9 Options Booklet and seek teachers' advice on which subjects are best for them.Subjects should not be chosen because of friends, or because a student likes the current teacher.

A mix of GCSE and vocational courses are available. In most GCSE qualifications, coursework no longer exists so students must work hard to learn all the information in preparation for their Summer Exams. Vocational courses have assignments that require completing over time, but also have an exam unit too.

To read more about the Options Process, download our Year 9 Options Booklets below:

Options Booklet 2025 - With Spanish

Options Booklet 2025 - Without Spanish