16-19 Study Programmes
At West Kirby Grammar School, we aim to not only provide our students with excellent opportunities to excel academically but also grow as young adults. We recognise the importance of supporting our students in developing skills to allow them to have a positive impact on the world we live in.
WKGS offers a high-quality, fully academic 16–19 study programme tailored to students’ academic strengths and career aspirations.
Students choose from 27 A level subjects, with most studying three subjects, some four, and others completing an EPQ. Entry requirements include at least a grade 5 in GCSE English and Mathematics alongside subject-specific criteria, with flexibility applied where appropriate and where it does not compromise success at Level 3. A small number of students resit English or Mathematics to strengthen progression opportunities.
Programmes are highly individualised through a free-choice model, supported by structured Information, Advice and Guidance meetings, careers interviews and taster experiences. The school has a very high success rate in enabling students to study their preferred combination of subjects.
The weekly structure combines academic study, independent learning, careers education and personal development:
- Six 50-minute lessons per subject each week
- Daily structured form time
- A weekly afternoon “Skills for Life” session
- RSHE and wider PSHCE provision
- Supervised study and independent learning periods
Careers education is progressive and embedded across both years. Students benefit from:
- Regular Futures talks from alumni and professionals
- Use of Unifrog to research university, apprenticeship and employment pathways
- University visits, apprenticeship fairs and a dedicated careers fair
- Structured support for UCAS and apprenticeship applications
- Individual guidance from a Careers Adviser
- A period of work experience in Year 12