How to Apply | Omagh High School

How to Apply

Applications to sixth form from pupils attending other schools are encouraged. The exceptionally supportive and caring approach of staff creates a positive study environment in which most pupils flourish.

To apply

Complete an application form (available from the school office) and send it to the school office.
Interview with the Vice Principal to review your GCSE results.
If accepted for Sixth Form you may be requested to speak to individual Heads of Subjects to confirm your suitability for Post 16 Study in particular areas.
Sixth Form students and their parents/guardians must agree to and sign a Sixth Form Code of Conduct.
Students will be required to participate in an induction activities

Sixth Form Admissions Criteria

Enrolment figures are determined by the Department of Education. Restriction will be imposed for exceeding number for admission provided that in the opinion of the Board of Governors they would not prejudice the efficient use of resources. For students to be considered for entry into Post-16 AS/A2 and BTEC Level 3 courses they must satisfy the following criteria:

Have a minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above (including English and Maths).
Meet the entry requirements to the post-16 course set by the school for the subjects chosen.
Have completed Year 12 at Omagh High School or at another post primary school.
Have evidence of attendance and punctuality of at least 90% in Year 12. Students whose attendance rate falls below this level must produce medical evidence/special circumstances to explain their absences.
Have a good behaviour record and should have demonstrated a positive attitude to work.
Students requesting admission to Year 13 must attend for interview.
Students wishing to enter Year 13 should be prepared to make a commitment to participate fully in the daily running of the school.
If it is necessary to select between applicants, selection will be determined by academic achievement using the points system below.
Students with the highest GCSE score will be considered in descending order, an applicant’s GCSE score being calculated on the basis of GCSE results as follows:
- A* – 4 points / A – 3 points / B – 2 points / C – 1 point

In the event of the school still not reaching its quota after the application of the above criteria, then the final place(s) will be offered to those applicant(s) who:

Have the highest grade scores over their best five GCSE subjects.
Live closest to the main entrance of the school.

We especially welcome students from schools where there is no post-16 provision and those whose course of choice is not on offer at their own school. A reference may be sought from the previous school as to the applicant’s attendance, behavioural record and suitability for post-16 study.

Entry to Additional Studies Courses

Applications will be considered on an individual basis to ensure that these courses can be tailored to meet the individual needs of the students. However, applicants must show evidence of an acceptable level of commitment to achieve in previous examinations and courses of study and have acceptable attendance, achievement and behaviour records.

The department of Education may, on request, increase the number of pupils that the school can admit to its Year 13. Places that become available in this way shall be allocated only to pupils who meet the basic eligibility criteria for Sixth Form study (as above) and shall be allocated in the order determined by the criteria to be applied in the order set down.

Entry to Year 14

Results in AS examinations are important indicators of success at A2 level. Progression into Year 14 remains at the discretion of the school and will be reviewed once the AS results are published using the following scoring system:

A = 60 points B = 50 points C = 40 points D = 30 points E = 20 points U = 0

Pupils who achieve a total score of 120 points or less will be reviewed. Their return to study at A2 level will not be guaranteed – a meeting will take place with the Principal, Vice Principal or a member of the Senior Leadership Team. Pupils must be accompanied by a parent/guardian in order to review progression into Year 14. The purpose of this meeting is to determine the best way forward for the pupil.

Some of the following strategies may be implemented:

A discussion with parents about the best way forward.
Regular meetings with a teacher mentor, to discuss progress and targets, will be arranged.
A decision to leave Omagh High School and pursue an alternative course of study.

If performance in one or more AS-levels has been poor, pupils must consult with subject teachers about the feasibility of studying the same subject(s) at A2 level. In some cases, if an AS Level subject is passed at grade E, pupils may be advised not to continue with that subject at A2.

A pupil’s attitude and commitment to his/her school studies and to the school community (high levels of attendance and punctuality form part of a student’s commitment to his/her work) will also be considered for entry to Year 14.