How do I choose my subjects and can I change my mind?
There is a lot of flexibility in how pupils can put together their Sixth Form courses, and that can make the decision a daunting one for many. That is why the initial choices we ask candidates to make are provisional ones. Pupils may be allowed to change their choices before September and in exceptional circumstances, some even make modifications to their choice up until the end of the first term of Year 12, though this may involve an additional assessment. Please note that the School does need to plan ahead and in very rare cases a late change might not be possible.
How many A Levels do pupils take?
At Westminster, most pupils study four subjects in Year 12. A decision on whether to continue all four subjects to A Level is made on the basis of an individual pupil’s own circumstances and ambitions: the majority continue with four subjects, but it suits some pupils to focus their studies on three. For now, we simply need the four subjects pupils think they want to study. Departments decide whether a course is offered as an A Level or an International A Level, depending on what they believe offers the best experience and outcomes.
Are there additional courses?
Alongside their specialist courses, pupils also take Cultural Perspectives and Options courses. Only Electronics offers an AS Level at the end of Year 12, a course offered in the Options programme, and pupils do not always continue it to A Level in Year 13.
What are the subject blocks at Westminster?
Subjects are arranged in four blocks, with one choice from each. Some subjects appear more than once to allow for a wider range of combinations. The provisional blocks for September 2026 are listed below, and any updates will appear on this page — so do check back regularly.
In the blocks below, you can click on each subject for department-specific details, including entrance requirements and exam information.
Provisional Subject Blocks for 2026
Block 2
Block 3
Choosing your subjects
We know that this is an important decision and one that deserves careful thought. Talk to as many people as possible – parents, teachers, friends – but remember that the final choice is yours, and it should be based on what you find most compelling. As you think things through, it may help to keep the following in mind:
- Choose subjects you genuinely enjoy. Try to avoid treating a subject purely as a means to an end — if the subject itself is not appealing to you, you may find the journey, and the outcome, less satisfying than expected.
- Find out what the A Level course involves. Look beyond the content: think about how you’ll be working (e.g. the number of essays and practicals, quantity of coursework, and amount of factual learning). And do not assume it will be similar to (I)GCSE; the jump in style and depth can be significant.
- Play to your strengths, but not only your strengths. Do not choose a subject simply on the basis that you are good at it now. You’ll need to work hard to aim for top grades, both inside and beyond the syllabus, so choose subjects you engage with.
- Choose a combination of subjects that complement each other but still gives you breadth. This helps keep future options open. It is also worth being aware of any subject requirements for university courses you may be considering.
Should I consider universities and course requirements before choosing my subjects?
If you are thinking about higher education, it is helpful to have an early sense of the subjects you might like to study and where you might like to study them. Certain institutions and courses require specific A Levels, which can help guide your Sixth Form subject choices.
How can I find out about UK universities and courses?
The UCAS website has useful information about UK university courses and their requirements. It is definitely worth referring to specific course pages on university websites too. It is also worth checking individual university websites for detailed guidance. If you’re considering universities outside the UK, spend some time looking at their admissions pages to understand any specific requirements for international applicants.
Many schools also subscribe to a platform called Unifrog, which is the world’s biggest database of higher education opportunities. If your school uses it, it is an excellent place to explore destinations and degree options.
Before you decide
Please read the notes below carefully, as they outline everything you will need to consider when choosing your Sixth Form subjects. For further information or advice about the curriculum, you are welcome to contact Ms Clare Leech, Deputy Head (Academic), at clare.leech@westminster.org.uk.
- At this stage, pupils are asked to choose four entrance examination subjects, selecting one subject from each Block.
- All subjects in Blocks 1 to 4 are two-year courses leading to a full A Level. Pupils wishing to take Further Mathematics must choose Mathematics in Block 1 and Further Mathematics in Block 3. These choices involve two entrance examinations and ultimately lead to two full A Levels.
- There is no formal entrance examination for Art. Instead, candidates’ portfolios are assessed on the day of the entrance exams (or online for overseas candidates).
- Those selecting Music must sit the exams in the UK.
- Some pupils may be interested in taking Electronics, but no decision about this needs to be made until a place has been offered.
- While we will make every effort to accommodate each pupil’s preferred combination of subjects, only the combinations available within the blocking system above can be guaranteed.
