Frequently Asked Questions
Most students will study three A level subjects for the two years of the Sixth Form. We do give students the opportunity to ‘sample’ a fourth A level choice in their first half term. If Mathematics and Further Mathematics are two of your choices, it is advisable (though not obligatory) to take four subjects for the full two years. Occasionally other students wish to take four subjects; we will discuss this with the individuals concerned.
Although QEGS has a reputation for academic excellence, we have a broad range of students from different backgrounds and various levels of ability. We encourage all prospective students to apply and speak to us when they receive their examination results.
The basic requirement for entry to our Sixth Form is 5 GCSEs at grade 5 or above, with ‘passes’ i.e. at least Grade 4 in Maths and English and, preferably, grade 6 or above in the chosen subjects.
You will have a tutor group with a Personal Tutor, who will support you in all aspects of Sixth Form life. They will be able to give you guidance in your studies, help with your study skills, give advice regarding possible career progression and application to Higher Education. Your Personal Tutor will work with you to ensure that you reach your full potential by using all the expertise we have available.
If you require transport, please contact us to discuss your location and possible options.
There is a free school shuttle bus from Penny Street, each morning, and returns at the end of the school day.
QEGS is situated within a 10-minute walk from Blackburn Town Centre, with the train station a 15-minute walk away.
As part of preparing you for life beyond school, we aim to mirror the expectations of a typical working day. The Sixth Form day begins at 8.40am, with formal lessons concluding at 3.50pm. Throughout the day, you will have allocated free periods, giving you the opportunity to develop independence through private study and self-directed learning.
Students who are working to target have the opportunity to finish at lunchtime on Wednesdays.
All Sixth Form students finish at lunchtime on Fridays.
The main base for Sixth Form students is the Sixth Form Centre, Singleton House. This purpose-built space includes a large, quiet study area with networked PCs and Wi‑Fi, providing an ideal environment for focused independent work. You are expected to use your free periods productively for private study, completing homework, or wider reading.
In addition, some departments offer dedicated Sixth Form areas with subject-specific resources. Sixth Form students also have access to the school Library, which offers a wide range of books, journals, and newspapers. The Library’s quiet study space is available for Sixth Form use throughout the school day.
At breaktimes and lunchtime, Singleton House becomes a vibrant social space. The large Common Room offers a place to relax, while The Hub café serves drinks, cold snacks, and hot meals throughout the day. For downtime, students can also enjoy facilities such as a pool table, air hockey, and a selection of board games.
Yes. We have a dedicated careers team and careers area in Singleton House, stocked with information on universities and courses, apprenticeships, gap years and careers. The majority of our pupils, always over 90%, go to university and this is the principal purpose of our Sixth Form.
Simple, just click here to submit your online application.
Certainly. We do not have a specific catchment area. No matter where you live, you can apply.
We do not have a specific catchment area.
We run a 2-week timetable consisting of 60 fifty-minute periods. The usual pattern is to have 12 periods per subject and 2 PSHEE periods totalling 38 out of the 60. The remaining are study periods taken as a mix of Directed Learning in the Sixth Form Study Room and independent study periods. Students are expected to register in for a minimum of 6 periods in the study room though in practice, many will do more than 6.
Those studying Physical Education will do sport throughout the week.
All students are expected to comply with the School’s regulations about uniform and appearance. Whilst there is no uniform to purchase, we do expect students, as the senior members of the School, to set the correct tone and example to the younger pupils. Please click here to download our Sixth Form dress code.
