Keswick School sets clear academic entry criteria for admission into the Sixth Form. This is a minimum of a grade 4 and 5 (or vice versa) in English Language and Mathematics, plus at least three additional GCSEs at grade 4 or higher.
These general GCSE entry requirements are designed to ensure that students are appropriately prepared for the academic demands of advanced level study and can succeed in their chosen courses.
Where a student does not meet the published general GCSE entry requirements, the school is entitled to refuse admission on that basis. In such circumstances, parents and students have the right to submit an appeal to an independent appeal panel.
It is important to understand the legal framework within which any such appeal would be considered. An independent appeal panel does not simply reconsider the application afresh or substitute its own academic judgment for that of the school. Instead, where the published entry requirements have not been met, the panel would need to be satisfied that the school’s decision to refuse admission was unreasonable or irrational in the legal sense.
Where an independent appeals process is requested, students will not be able to start in the Sixth Form until the independent admission process has been completed. This may be 2-3 weeks into the autumn term.
Below is a copy of the Notice of Appeal Form to be completed and returned to the school by email on annabelscott@keswick.cumbria.sch.uk by Monday, 1st September. The appeals will be held online via Teams and are conducted by an independent appeal panel and clerk. The date for the appeal will be confirmed by the Clerk.
Sixth Form Admission Appeals Form
Parental Letter - February 2026