Option Choices FAQs
Frequently asked questions our Options Process and the factors used in timetabling option choices.
- How do students choose their options?
Students, parents/carers are recommended to view our Option Process webpage and attend our Year 9 Option Information Evening in order to make informed choices about choosing the right GCSE course.
Two option forms are issued to parents/carers and students over the course of our Option Choice period.
Three first choice subjects must be chosen, and three reserve choice subjects must also be selected on both forms.
The first form allows the school to identify which course are viable to run based on the number of students showing interest in the course. This informs how we can create a timetabled based on expressions of interest for each course.
The second form shows where subjects are timetabled in our three option blocks (A, B & C). Students must select a first choice subject and a reserve choice subject from each option block.
- Is it guaranteed that my child gets their first choice options?
The school will always try give every child their first three option choices. However, there are occasions when a first-choice option subject cannot ‘fit’ into the timetable. This is where we refer to your child’s all-important reserve choices for their timetable to be fully scheduled.
There are subjects which are oversubscribed and unable to accomadate the number of students wanting to take the course.
In 2025 we have oversubscribed options choices in Art, Photography, Drama, Design Technology and Hospitality & Catering.
In these subject students will have been given one of their reserve choice option subjects. We refer to both the first and final versions of the option choice forms submitted to make these decisions.
- How does the school allocate Reserve Choice subjects?
The school applies the following considerations when allocating a reserve choice subject.
- The combination of subjects the student has chosen and do they fit within the timetable. One of their reserve choice subjects, which they child has ticked on both their option forms, is used if the combination of subjects clashes.
- The student’s Relative Progress scores from their Standard Assessment Reports which is an individual score based on their starting point in Year 7. The student’s primary school SAT score is used to calculate this. Students with Gold and Silver progress scores are showing significant progress in their own learning based on where they started at in September of Year 7. This is a good indicator that the student has the potential to be successful, or not, in this subject.
- The student’s Work Hard scores from their Standard Assessment Reports and monthly Praise List Work Hard scores for that particular subject. This shows the student’s commitment and enthusiam for the subject and whether they are demonstrating our core values to be successful on the course.
- Guidance from Subject Leaders and class teachers about their predicted outcomes at GCSE.
The final step of confirming option choices is a Options Choice meeting held with the Senior Leadership Team, SENDCO and Year Leader which forensically reviews every option subject class list to ensure students are best placed to perform well in those classes and have optimum chance of achieving the best quality GCSE results.
- How do I find out about my child's option choice allocation?
Confirmation letters are posted on Parent Portals in June confirming the three subjects each student will be studying as GCSE courses alongside English Literature, English Language, Mathematics, Combined Science*, Life Chances, and Core PE.
*If your child has Separate Science on their timetable, this replaces the Combined Science sessions and takes up one of their Option choices.
- Is there a way I can discuss my child's confirmed option choices before they start them in September?
Parents/carers can use the Options Process Google Form in the link below to request further information or ask a specific question about their child’s confirmed GCSE option choices.