Year 8 Options

Introduction to the Year 8 Options Process

This page provides an overview of the options process for Year 8 students. In Year 8, we ask students to select one option which they would like to study through to Year 11 and receive a qualification in. In Year 9, the options choice they select will be studied alongside the Key Stage 3 subjects they currently study, leading to a broadening of the curriculum which they will experience. At the end of Year 9, students will then select a further three options which they will study until the end of Year 11, alongside their first option choice and the core subjects of GCSE English Language, GCSE English Literature, GCSE Maths, and GCSE Sciences. 

Students are supported in making options choices by being guided onto one of two pathways which we feel best suit the needs of different learners.  These pathways relate to the intention to study languages beyond Year 9 with CORE PLUS facilitating entry into the Ebacc suite of qualifications. However, no learner is disadvantaged in being able to study the full suite of English Baccalaureate suite of qualifications on either pathway. The pathway which students have been guided to can be found on a sticker in their planner, and further details can be found in the relevant options booklets on this page.

We would encourage students and parents/carers to review the materials on this page carefully before submitting their options choices. The options booklet provides a comprehensive overview of the process and frequently asked questions, supplemented by subject videos to support students in making their choices.

Options evening will be held on 24 February 2025 between 4.30pm - 7pm.

Options choices should be submitted by 28 March 2025, using the paper application form.

Read our Year 8 Options Booklet here