Academic Excellence

The Scholars’ Programme at Pendleton Sixth Form College is designed to support high-achieving students in their pursuit of excellence in A Level and Vocational courses. The programme focuses on preparing students for applications to highly competitive degree courses at Russell Group universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, as well as professional pathways in Medicine, Dentistry, and Veterinary Science.

Students are selected based on their GCSE results, recommendations from their previous schools, and referrals from college teaching staff.

The programme’s ethos is centred on stretching and challenging each student, regardless of their prior ability. Participants benefit from a diverse range of learning materials and assessment methods while being encouraged to engage in wider reading and independent study.

The Scholars’ Programme nurtures high-ability learners, helping them to exceed expectations and develop essential skills such as resilience, discipline, and self-management. It also provides valuable opportunities for students to explore academic and contemporary issues beyond the standard curriculum.

Pendleton Sixth Form College is a member of the Cambridge HE+ Manchester Hub, an initiative led by the University of Cambridge to support high-achieving students in preparing for applications to the most competitive universities. The programme is designed for Lower Sixth students and aims to broaden subject knowledge, develop academic skills, and provide insight into university learning.

Through this programme, students benefit from:

• Stretch and challenge activities that go beyond the standard A Level curriculum, encouraging independent thinking and problem-solving.
• Preparation for learning at elite universities, including research-based study techniques and critical analysis skills applicable to top institutions, not just Oxford and Cambridge.
• Subject-specific masterclasses, where students engage with advanced topics delivered by university academics.
• Presentations on UCAS applications, interviews, and university life, offering valuable guidance on how to make a competitive application.
• Access to a series of virtual learning sessions, providing additional academic content and support.

The programme culminates in an overnight residential at Cambridge University, where students experience lectures, seminars, and college life, gaining a real insight into what it means to study at one of the world’s leading universities.

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is an independent research project equivalent in size to an AS Level, but with the depth and challenge of an A Level. It is graded A-E* and allows students to explore a topic of personal interest in detail.

Students undertaking the EPQ can choose to:

• Write a dissertation on a subject of academic interest.
• Conduct an investigation to explore a hypothesis or research question.
• Organise an event or create a product, showcasing practical skills alongside research.

The EPQ is highly valued by both universities and employers, as it helps students develop key skills such as independent research, critical thinking, time management, and academic writing. Many universities recognise the EPQ as evidence of a student’s ability to work independently, with some offering reduced entry requirements for students who achieve high grades.