Academic Options

GCSE and IGCSE

Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11)

Music is at the heart of our studies here, offering students amazing opportunities to enhance their performance skills and explore new repertoire. Students will take an iGCSE in Music at the end of Year 10, providing a confidence boost and exam experience for Year 11. In Year 11, students also take part in outreach projects, composition, music technology and aural skills.

Most students take seven or eight GCSEs/iGCSEs, fewer than at mainstream schools, allowing a greater focus on music performance and achieving high-quality academic results. Our students excel in exams, with 61% achieving top grades (A*, A, 9, 8, 7) in 2023. This strong academic foundation helps students gain places at prestigious universities for music or other disciplines.

In Years 10 and 11, students will take core subjects: English Language, Maths and Science (Dual Award) plus Music. This gives five iGCSE passes. They will then choose two or three more subjects from English Literature, French, German, History, Art and Drama. Each option fits into specific blocks and it is not possible to choose more than one subject per block.

If English is not a first language, students might take English as an Additional Language (EAL) instead of another GCSE. We recommend students whose first language is English study at least one modern foreign language, provided they have prior experience in it.

GCSE

Art and Design: AQA
Drama: Eduqas
English Language: AQA (Compulsory)
English Literature: AQA
French: Pearson Edexcel
German: Pearson Edexcel
Maths: Pearson Edexcel (Compulsory)
Media Studies: Eduqas
Combined Science Trilogy: AQA (Compulsory)

iGCSE

History: Pearson Edexcel
Music: CIE (Compulsory)

Year 10 GCSE Options Booklet 2025

A LEVEL

Key Stage 5 (Years 12 and 13)

At Purcell, music is central to everything we do, offering students plenty of opportunities to hone their performance skills and prepare for auditions or university. Our classroom curriculum goes beyond the standard A Level Music course in order to deepen student understanding and build upon performance experience.

Students will choose two additional subjects to complement their music studies. We believe that the best musicianship happens with a rich and inspiring educational context, which is why we encourage ambition in all studies. Our boutique curriculum features expert teaching in subjects that young musicians love. Some students, particularly those studying English as an Additional Language, might take only one extra subject after consulting with the Head of Sixth Form and Director of Teaching and Learning, though this is an exception.

Whatever subjects are chosen, we aim to inspire our students and provide them with qualifications that enhance their CV, whether they pursue a path to conservatoire, university or something different entirely.

As with GCSEs, A Level subjects are arranged in blocks. When selecting a subject, students will need to pick two subjects from different blocks.

A Level

Music: OCR
Fine Art: AQA
Photography: AQA
Biology: AQA
Chemistry: AQA
Drama: Pearson Edexcel
English Literature: Pearson Edexcel
French: Pearson Edexcel
German: AQA
History: AQA
Maths: Pearson Edexcel
Music Technology: Pearson Edexcel
Physics: CIE

Sixth Form Options Booklet 2025

RSL Diploma in Creative Music Industries

Planned New Sixth Form Course for September 2026

The Purcell School plans to introduce the RSL Level 3 Diploma in Creative Music Industries as a two-year Sixth Form pathway for students aged 16-19 (Years 12 and 13) from September 2026, subject to demand. As the UK’s oldest specialist music school, Purcell would be the only specialist music school currently offering this industry-focused qualification.

The RSL Diploma is a nationally recognised vocational course designed to reflect the realities of today’s music industry. It offers a practical, project-based alternative to traditional academic routes, with assessment through coursework rather than exams.

Students would specialise in one of four pathways:

Pop Performance
Classical Performance
Composition
Music Production

Applicants working across a range of styles, including jazz and crossover genres, are welcome and will be supported within the pathway that best reflects their primary focus.

Alongside developing advanced skills in their chosen specialism, students would gain broader industry knowledge, including collaboration, recording and production techniques, creative entrepreneurship, self-promotion, event planning and understanding how musicians build sustainable careers.

The Diploma includes two study options. Students may enrol on the subsidiary diploma alongside A Levels in one or two other subjects, or choose the extended diploma, which is a single vocational qualification equivalent in size to three A Levels.

The programme will be led by Andrew Williams, Head of Academic Music, and would integrate fully with Purcell’s wider musical life, facilities and performance opportunities.

This pathway is intended for students who wish to combine high-level musical training with a realistic, forward-looking preparation for higher education and professional music careers.

RSL Diploma in Creative Music Industries Q&A

What is the RSL Diploma in Creative Music Industries?

It is a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification focused on practical music-making and understanding how the modern music industry works. Assessment is entirely coursework-based rather than exam-based.

When is the course expected to start?

The School plans to introduce the Diploma from September 2026, subject to sufficient student demand.

Who is the course for?

The course is designed for students aged 16-19 (Years 12 and 13) with strong musical ability who are interested in performance, composition, production or broader creative music careers, and who would benefit from a practical, project-based approach to learning.

What pathways would be offered at Purcell?

Students would specialise in one of four pathways: Pop Performance, Classical Performance, Composition or Music Production.

How long is the course?

The Diploma is typically studied over two years, in line with Sixth Form study.

How is the course assessed?

Assessment would be entirely coursework-based, including performances, compositions, recordings, projects and reflective work set through industry-style creative briefs.

Is the qualification equivalent to A Levels?

The extended diploma is equivalent in size to three A Levels. Subsidiary diploma options can be combined with one or two A Levels.

Is this course suitable for international students?

Yes. The RSL Level 3 Diploma in Creative Music Industries is suitable for international students aged 16-19 who are seeking a practical, industry-focused music qualification within the UK education system.

Teaching and assessment are conducted in English and international applicants are considered through a combination of audition and academic review. Academic qualifications are assessed on an individual basis to ensure they are comparable with UK Level 3 study.

As with all courses at The Purcell School, entry is subject to meeting the School’s academic and musical requirements.

How does this qualification compare internationally?

The RSL Level 3 Diploma is a UK post-16 qualification, typically studied over two years (Years 12 and 13). It is broadly comparable in level to the final years of secondary or high school education in many international education systems.

The extended diploma is equivalent in size to three UK A Levels and is commonly accepted for progression to higher education in the UK, including universities and specialist music institutions. Recognition by institutions outside the UK may vary and students are encouraged to check specific entry requirements with prospective universities or conservatoires in their chosen country.

What are the academic entry requirements?

Entry requirements would normally include a suitable academic profile at GCSE (or equivalent), alongside a successful audition and evidence of musical potential. Exact requirements will be confirmed closer to launch.

What can students do after completing the Diploma?

The qualification supports progression to university or conservatoire study, as well as entry into professional music and creative industry roles.

Will the course definitely run?

The School intends to offer the Diploma but final confirmation will depend on enrolment numbers. This ensures the programme can be delivered to the highest possible standard.

Auditions

Open Mornings