Welcome to
post-16

The first British IB World School in the region to offer IB, A-Level, BTEC and Dual Post-16 Pathways

About
post-16

Welcome to our exceptional Post-16 Provision, where ambition meets opportunity. We offer a broad and flexible curriculum to suit a wide range of interests and aspirations. Students can choose from A Levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP), BTEC qualifications, and personalised pathways designed to support individual goals.

Learning extends far beyond the classroom. Our students take part in a rich array of leadership opportunities, extra-curricular activities, and super-curricular programmes, including partnerships with prestigious post-18 institutions. Meaningful work experience placements help students build confidence, gain insight into professional environments, and develop key employability skills.
Our team of dedicated and experienced teachers, tutors, and heads of year are committed to student success, with a strong track record of excellent academic results. Personalised careers and university counselling ensures each student is supported in making informed decisions about their future.

Purpose-built, state-of-the-art facilities create a vibrant and inspiring space exclusively for Post-16 learners. Our tailored pastoral programme provides every student with the emotional and academic support they need to thrive.  Join us and discover a community where students are empowered to grow, lead, and achieve their full potential.

Welcome from our
Director of Post-16

Welcome, and thank you for considering our Post-16 provision. As the Director of Post-16, I am proud of the opportunities we offer to every student. Our mission is simple: to embrace differences and ensure the best possible outcomes for every student. A story for every child.

We are committed to ensuring that all our students are world class, world ready, equipped with the academic skills, leadership qualities, and resilience needed to thrive in an ever-changing world. Our diverse curriculum and support systems are designed to help each student find their unique path to success.

Our core values of Unity, Integrity, and Aspiration guide everything we do. We foster a community where students are encouraged to work together, uphold the highest standards of honesty, and always strive for their best.

Whether you are interested in our broad academic pathways, leadership programmes, or world-class extra-curricular opportunities, we are here to support you every step of the way. Our goal is to help each student unlock their full potential and achieve their aspirations.

We look forward to welcoming you and your family to our vibrant community.

 

Britny Goulet – Director of Post-16

Academic Success

At WSO, we deliver world-class academic results that prepare students to be truly  world ready. Our A-Level students achieved an exceptional 97% pass rate, with 48% earning A*–B grades (up 7% from 2023) and 21% achieving A*–A (up 6%).

Our International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) students secured a strong 90% pass rate, with 12% scoring 40+ points and 50% scoring 35+, a 16% increase from last year. Our average point score of 35 places us 5 points above the global average, reflecting the strength of our academic provision.

BTEC students continued their outstanding performance with a 100% pass rate and 84% of all grades awarded at Distinction or Distinction* level.

These results are a testament to our personalised pathways, expert teaching, and commitment to excellence, empowering students to thrive at top universities and in future careers around the world.

Performing Arts

At GEMS Wellington Academy - Silicon Oasis, we offer one of the region’s most dynamic and diverse Post-16 Performing Arts programmes. Students can choose the academic International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma in Theatre, Music, or Dance, or follow a vocational pathway through our BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts, equivalent to three A-levels.

Delivered in partnership with leading industry names like Urdang International and the United Dance Organisation (UDO), our BTEC course provides real-world training in acting, singing, musical theatre, physical theatre, and a range of dance styles including ballet, jazz, contemporary, and street. All students begin with a strong foundation in all three disciplines.

Our graduates have gone on to top global conservatoires such as NYU, RADA, ArtsEd, AMDA, Trinity Laban, and Berklee. Whether aiming for conservatoire training, university, or a professional career, our students leave fully equipped to excel in the performing arts.

Sports

Our Post-16 Sport programme offers a highly personalised and high-performance pathway for aspiring athletes and future sports professionals. Students can choose from A-Level PE, IB Sports, Exercise and Health Science, or BTEC Sport Level 3 Extended Diploma, each course offering a balance of academic excellence and hands-on learning.

We proudly offer the Level 3 Sports Leaders Award, empowering students with real-world leadership skills. Year 12 students benefit from exclusive work experience opportunities, including placements with Football Escapes. Our Sports Captain programme develops confident leaders who drive the school values spirit and performance. Elite athletes are able to represent WSO at prestigious events such as the annual Rugby Sevens, and our U19 squads in basketball, football, netball, athletics and cricket are consistent DASSA league champions.

Select Post-16 students have the privilege of taking part in our SWA sports tutor programme aimed at developing the elite holistic athlete. So, whether aiming for university, scholarships, or a career in sport, our Post-16 programme equips students with the knowledge, skills, and experience to succeed at the highest level. Our WSO Alumni are proof of that.

Enrichment

Our Post-16 enrichment programme is designed to inspire, empower, and prepare students for life beyond school. Students access a wide range of opportunities to explore interests, gain real-world experience, and build leadership skills that strengthen university applications and personal growth.

All Year 12 students take part in a dedicated Work Experience Week across industries including medicine, law, business, engineering, and design. Additional placements, networking events, and our Work Experience Fair connect students with professionals and potential internships.

Our vibrant ECA (Extra-Curricular Activities) programme offers something for everyone — from Model United Nations and World Scholars Cup to the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Student-led societies such as Med Society, Aviation Society, and peer tutoring promote independence and initiative.

We also support access to prestigious international programmes, including the Harvard Young Leaders Programme and summer schools at universities like Cambridge and Harvard.

At WSO, enrichment is core to building confident, capable, and world-ready individuals.

 

University destinations

Our graduating cohorts go on to study at some of the top universities, all across the globe. In 2024, 22% of our graduates were accepted into Russell Group universities, 14% into top 50 universities worldwide, and an impressive 39% into institutions ranked in the global top 200. This year we are delighted to have 15 offers to UK medical schools, a testament to our strong academic support and personalised guidance. Our students have received offers from Ivy League universities in the US, top 10 UK institutions such as Imperial, and LSE, and prestigious destinations across Canada, Europe, and the UAE. These results reflect our commitment to ensuring that every student is guided toward a university and career pathway that aligns with their strengths, ambitions, and potential, supported by our comprehensive and globally focused university and careers guidance programme.

Wellbeing

At GEMS Wellington Academy – Silicon Oasis, wellbeing is at the heart of our Post-16 experience. Our GroWell programme, tailored specifically for Post-16 students, is delivered during tutor time by specialist form tutors who understand the unique challenges of this stage.

Our dedicated counselling team offers one-to-one support as well as group sessions and presentations, ensuring every student feels heard, valued, and supported.

Across the Academy, our consistent ethos of being Ready, Respectful, and Safe provides a strong foundation for emotional security and personal growth.
Post-16 students also take an active role in leading wellbeing through our peer mentoring programme and by spearheading student-led initiatives that support others.

Guided by our core values of Unity, Integrity, and Aspiration, and driven by our mission, a story for every child, our inclusive approach ensures every student thrives personally, socially, and academically.

Post-16 Virtual Tour

Step into our Sixth Form and discover a future-focused environment where academic excellence meets personal growth. From dedicated study zones to career guidance and enrichment programmes, explore how we support students in achieving their ambitions and preparing for life beyond school.

frequently asked
questions

What kind of university and careers guidance is offered?

We provide comprehensive, personalised university and careers guidance that begins in the early secondary years and continues through to graduation. Our aim is to ensure every student feels supported, informed, and confident in making decisions about their future pathways, whether that be university, internships, or the world of work.


Our full-time Careers and University Guidance counsellors provide one-to-one counselling for students and families, alongside a structured programme of workshops, presentations, and guidance sessions. This includes support with subject selection, career exploration, university research, and the full application process for a wide range of global destinations, including the UK (via UCAS), USA (Common App and direct), Canada (OUAC and regional systems), Europe, Australia, UAE and beyond.


We deliver targeted support for students pursuing competitive courses such as Medicine, Dentistry, Law, and Oxbridge, including assistance with personal statements, entrance tests (e.g. UCAT, LNAT, TMUA), interview preparation, and reference writing. We also run extracurricular programmes such as MedSoc and UCAT Compass, and provide support with work experience opportunities and research projects to help students stand out in competitive admissions processes.


We use Unifrog, a digital platform across Years 7 to 13 to help students explore university and career options, log extracurricular experiences, and build their applications. In addition, we host individual universities on a weekly basis, termly parent workshops and large-scale university and careers fairs during the school year, and collaborate with top universities and industry partners from around the world.


As part of the wider GEMS Education network, our students also benefit from access to the GEMS For Life programme, which offers exclusive scholarships, university partnerships, and career development opportunities across the globe.

What are the entry requirements to study at post-16?

At GEMS Wellington Academy - Silicon Oasis, we have clear entry requirements for our Post-16 pathways to ensure that students are ready for the challenges of advanced study. The entry requirements are:

  • A-Level subjects: To study an A-Level subject, students need to have achieved a Grade 7 or higher in that subject at GCSE.

  • IB subjects: To study an IB subject, students need to have achieved a Grade 6 or higher in that subject at GCSE.

  • BTEC subjects: To study a BTEC subject, students need to have achieved a Grade 5 or higher in the related GCSE subject.

 

Minimum Entry Requirements for All Students:

All Post-16 students must be able to obtain equivalency from the Ministry of Education (MOE) at the end of year 13. This means that, as a minimum, students must have completed 5 approved GCSEs (including Maths, English, and Science) at Grade 3 or above to meet the MOE’s equivalency requirements.

 

However, it is important to note that entry requirements can be a little more nuanced, especially if you did not study a specific subject at GCSE. For example, if you didn’t take a subject like Economics or Psychology at GCSE, we will assess your application based on the core or related subjects you studied. We review whether your performance in subjects that are closely aligned with your desired Post-16 subject meets the entry requirements. For further details, please refer to the FAQ: "Can I take a subject at Post-16 that I haven’t taken at GCSE?"

 

Our entry requirements are rigorous and non-negotiable, as they are designed to ensure each student is set up for success. These requirements are not flexible, as they reflect the academic depth and demands of each pathway.  To clarify, the A-Level pathway has the highest entry requirements because it focuses on just three subjects, offering greater depth and breadth of study. The IB pathway involves six subjects, meaning that while the depth may not be as extensive as A-Level, the breadth of learning across multiple disciplines is broader, which is why the entry requirements are slightly lower.

 

The BTEC pathway, while still challenging, has an entry requirement of a Grade 5, not because it is easier, but because it is a more flexible pathway. Students enrolled in BTEC can start on the Extended Diploma (equivalent to three A-Levels). If the workload becomes overwhelming, students can transition to the Diploma (equivalent to two A-Levels) or the Foundation/Subsidiary Diploma (worth 1.5 and 1 A-Level, respectively). This flexibility is a unique feature of the BTEC qualification.

 

Ultimately, our entry requirements are in place to ensure that every student is on the pathway that best supports their future aspirations, setting them up for academic success.

Which pathway should I choose?

There is no single “best” Post-16 pathway at GEMS Wellington Academy – Silicon Oasis. Each of our routes: IBDP, IBCP, BTEC, and A-Level is a rigorous, respected qualification that can lead to successful entry into top university undergraduate programmes around the world.

 

The key is choosing the pathway that is best for you. Ask yourself:

  • Are you stronger in coursework, exams, or a mixture of both?

  • What subject do you want to study at university, or what industry might you want to enter after school?

  • Do you have a preferred country or region in which you'd like to study?

  • Which pathway offers the subjects you’re most passionate about?

  • How do your GCSE grades compare with the entry requirements for each option?


At WSO, we believe there is a story for every child, and our diverse pathways reflect that belief. All have led students to success, now it is about finding your best-fit story.

Can I take a subject at post-16 that I haven’t taken at GCSE?

It depends on the subject. For core subjects such as Maths, English (including English Literature), and the Sciences (including Computer Science), you must have studied the subject at GCSE (or equivalent) and achieved the minimum entry requirement in order to continue at Post-16 level.

 

For other subjects, such as Economics, Psychology, or Media Studies, for example, you may still be eligible even if you have not studied them at GCSE. In these cases, we will review your performance in related or core subjects to determine whether you meet the entry requirements.

 

This is often a nuanced, case-by-case process. Our goal is to ensure each student is on a pathway where they can thrive, so we carefully consider each application to find the best academic fit.

 

If you are unsure, our team is always happy to guide you through your options.

Do I have to attend school every day?

In short, yes. At GEMS Wellington Academy - Silicon Oasis, all Post-16 students, regardless of their pathway (A-Level, IBDP, IBCP, or BTEC), are expected to attend school every day and be present for all scheduled lessons. This includes not only their academic classes but also registration, tutor time, Arabic, and Islamic studies, where applicable.

Depending on their pathway, students may have study periods built into their timetable. These are spent on campus in the Post-16 Common Area, which includes both quiet "read zones" and relaxed collaboration spaces designed to support a range of study preferences.

Research shows that students who miss just 10 days of school per academic year reduce their likelihood of achieving a pass grade by up to 50%. That is why we place a strong emphasis on attendance and punctuality, which are often requested by universities as part of references.

This privilege allows students with study periods at the start or end of the day to arrive later or leave earlier, promoting independence and responsibility. However, this flexibility is earned, not automatic, and is only extended to those who meet our high standards for attendance and punctuality.

Blog
HIGHLIGHTS

At WSO, the Post-16 experience is about more than academic success. We believe in developing students who are balanced, ..

Through PE, students develop essential physical skills such as coordination, balance, agility, and endurance, ensuring that their overall well-being is prioritised.

At GEMS Wellington Academy – Silicon Oasis, we recognise that fine motor development in the early years plays a crucial role in shaping the cognitive, physical, and emotional growth of every child.

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Nursery to Post-16