Year 10 is an extremely important year and we are keen to emphasise this. Although pupils do not typically sit any public examinations in Year 10, much work is done in this year that contributes to their final grades. This naturally includes coursework, but also it is here that key components of the GCSE programme are laid down. By consolidating GCSE work in Year 10, more time is available in Year 11 for revision, lifting pressure from this critical time. At Bales, our small classes ensure that we are able to nurture students to achieve their full potential in Year 11 from the outset of the course in Year 10.

We allow, indeed encourage, talented students to take certain GCSES in Year 10. This usually applies to Mathematics, Physics and Modern Languages. We ensure that only students who are capable of early achievement are entered for GCSE in Year 10 and we work carefully to provide extra teaching as may be required.