Academic Ethos

Our Sixth Form students’ bespoke programmes of academic and co-curricular study encourage their curiosity, insight and knowledge as well as developing skills to prepare them to thrive in life beyond school. We currently offer 26 A Level subjects plus the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), which is an independent project in any topic equivalent to half an A Level. We also offer the HSK Chinese Proficiency Language Training as well as the GDST LEAD programme and volunteering and work experience opportunities, many of which take place during our Kinza co-curricular afternoons. We know and value our students as individuals, nurturing their potential, challenging them to be ambitious, and encouraging them to pursue further studies and life opportunities. Supported by the Director of Sixth Form, Heads of Year, Head of Futures and Aspirations and form tutors, our students pursue  personalised pathways, echoing our ethos of ‘family, not factory’. 

Each student benefits from: 

• One-to-one time with specialists: dedicated support from in-house subject, universities and careers experts 

• Smaller class sizes: personalised attention from subject teachers 

• Bespoke programmes: hands-on preparation for the outside world and a bright future. 

As part of the GDST network, our students benefit from a wealth of expertise, facilities, and enrichment opportunities, such as: 

• GDST CareerStart Programme 

• Shared Alumnae Network 

• GDST Leadership and Enterprise Diploma with the London School of Economics 

• Diverse scholarships, prizes, and competitions. 

A Level Options  

When choosing their A Level subjects, students must consider what they will enjoy studying in depth for two years, as well as where their strengths lie. In Year 11, we provide a wealth of information and opportunity to learn about, discuss and refine these choices and students in our Sixth Form really do love their learning as a result. All students start Year 12 studying either three or (in a small number of cases) four A Level subjects. Everyone also takes part in Sixth Form Enrichment, which includes PSHE and EPQ teaching and guidance, but also comprises MOOCs, competitions, lectures, volunteering, work experience and workshops.  Students are expected to achieve a grade 7 in the GCSE subjects they wish to continue at A Level, and expected to achieve at least six grade 7s in their GCSEs to continue in the Sixth Form at SCHS.  

Subjects include: Fine Art, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Chinese, Classical Civilisation, Classical Greek, Computer Science, Drama and Theatre, Design Technology: Product Design, Economics, English Literature, Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), French, Geography, Government and Politics, History, Latin, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Physics, Psychology, Philosophy, Religion & Ethics (PRE), Sociology and Spanish. 

The Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) offers various scholarship and prize opportunities for pupils already attending its schools, including Streatham & Clapham High School (SCHS). These awards recognise and encourage excellence across a range of academic and creative fields. Scholarships are designed to support students pursuing subjects like Law at university, while other prizes honour achievements in areas such as creative writing, poetry, and modern foreign languages. Through these recognitions, GDST aims to foster talent, reward dedication, and provide opportunities for pupils to advance their studies and interests. Scholarship and Prize opportunities include: Travel Scholarships, Johnston Memorial Scholarship, Creative Writing Prize, Minerva Prize, Pearson and Silver Award, Somerville & Gurney Award, Laurie Magnus Poetry Prize and the GDST University Scholarships (Lorna Cocking and Mo Bosch).