1-Year GCSE Pathway

The 1-Year fast track GCSE programme is designed to prepare pupils for Sixth Form study, including the Stonyhurst IB Diploma, and also aims to rapidly integrate non-UK pupils into the academic, social, spiritual and co-curricular life of the College.


The curriculum of this pathway is primarily designed to be tailored to the likely future subject choices of each pupil through offering breadth of study across a range of subject areas (languages and literature, humanities, sciences, mathematics, and arts). The individual pupil’s academic interests as well as ambitions for university and their career help to drive the process.

Fast Track GCSE Syllabus

Students starting the 1-Year GCSE in Year 11 are, in most cases, joining a course of study that normally takes two years. Pupils therefore take fewer subjects, with the norm being 6 or 7 instead of 10 or 11). They also have more lessons per subject in one week to ensure that they have covered the syllabus before the examinations in May/June.

It is important to recognise that the full 1-Year GCSE is an academically challenging programme, so a small minority of students will need to follow a reduced number of subjects and instead have a greater degree of English language tuition. This will be negotiated as part of the interview and selection process.

For more information or questions about our 1-Year GCSE programme, please contact our Admissions team.

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You can also speak to relevant members of staff at an Open Event or through arranging a private visit.

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