Key Stage 3 / 11-14 years
A DYNAMIC LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
From the age of 11, students in Years 7 to 9 (the first three years of secondary education) move to Sage College’s Secondary School campus, which is specially designed for this stage, with advanced facilities such as science laboratories, a computer lab, an art studio, and a drama studio.
At this stage, pupils are taught by experienced subject specialist teachers who support them in developing a deeper understanding and enthusiasm for their subjects. Students are also encouraged to become increasingly independent in their learning, gradually gaining greater autonomy, responsibility, and confidence as they progress through Key Stage 3.
WHAT IS STUDIED AT THIS STAGE?
In Key Stage 3, our students follow the Cambridge International Curriculum, which includes English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, French, Art and Design, ICT, Music, Drama, Physical Education, and French or German. They also receive lessons in Spanish Language and Literature, as well as Geografía e Historia, to meet Spanish educational requirements.
To support students within our international environment, we also offer dedicated English and Spanish language development classes for those that require them to help pupils further improve their proficiency and confidence in both languages.
EVALUATION AND PROGRESS
Throughout these three years, students undergo continuous assessment within the classroom environment. As they progress through the Key Stage, they gradually become more familiar with formal assessment practices and examination techniques, helping to prepare them for the expectations and demands of IGCSE study in the following years.
“Sage College doesn’t just educate students; it educates global citizens. We’ve been here for 11 years, and we want our daughter to finish her college with them.”
Belén A.
(Mother)
Key Stage 4 / 14-16 years
BUILDING STRONG ACADEMIC FOUNDATIONS
From the age of 14, students in Years 10 and 11 enter Key Stage 4, a crucial stage in their academic journey where they begin preparing for their International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations.
At Sage College, Key Stage 4 provides students with a balanced and challenging curriculum designed to strengthen their academic foundations, develop independent learning habits, and help them make informed choices about their future studies.
Students are taught by experienced subject specialist teachers who guide them through a more focused and rigorous programme of study. During these two years, pupils develop important skills such as critical thinking, organisation, responsibility, problem-solving, and confidence in formal assessment contexts.
WHAT IS STUDIED AT THIS STAGE?
In Key Stage 4, students follow the IGCSE programme, a globally recognised qualification offered in British curriculum schools around the world.
Students usually study up to ten subjects, combining core subjects with optional choices that allow them to explore their individual interests, strengths, and future academic aspirations. Students also choose from a range of optional subjects, allowing them to begin shaping their academic pathway according to their abilities and interests.
In addition, students continue to receive Spanish Language and Literature, as well as Geografía e Historia, in order to meet Spanish educational requirements.
IGCSE qualification
A STRONG FOUNDATION FOR FUTURE SUCCESS
The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is a two-year course globally recognised qualification typically taken by students in Years 10 and 11. It provides a strong academic foundation and prepares students for further study, including A Levels, International A Levels, BTEC Level 3 qualifications, and other post-16 pathways.
Most IGCSE subjects are assessed through external examinations at the end of Year 11, although some subjects may include coursework or practical assessments as part of the final grade.
Certain subjects offer tiered entry levels, such as Core and Extended, ensuring that students are assessed at the most appropriate level for their ability. Core examinations allow students to achieve up to a grade 5 and extended examination allows a student to achieve up to a grade 9.
All of the examinations at Sage College are graded 9-1. Grade 9 is the highest mark that a student can achieve. (Except Travel and Tourism which is grades A*-G)
These qualifications are widely accepted by universities and employers worldwide and provide a strong foundation for further academic study.
Choosing the right IGCSE subjects is an important decision, as it can influence future academic and career pathways.
To support students in making informed choices, Sage College organises a series of activities in Year 9 to help them explore their interests, academic strengths, and possible career aspirations before entering Key Stage 4.
Students are encouraged to consider:
- Their academic strengths and interests
- Future university or career goals
- Subjects that may be required for A Levels, BTEC pathways, or specific degree courses
Students also receive guidance from the careers adviser, subject teachers, tutors, heads of stage, and fellow students when making their subject choices.
Throughout Key Stage 4, students are assessed through a combination of classroom-based assessment, internal examinations, coursework where applicable, and preparation for external IGCSE examinations.
Examining boards award qualifications and certificates externally, ensuring that all final outcomes are independently validated and nationally recognised.
This stage helps students become increasingly familiar with formal examination techniques, revision strategies, time management, and academic expectations. This stage helps students become increasingly familiar with formal examination techniques, revision strategies, time management, and academic expectations.
By the end of Year 11, students are prepared to sit their IGCSE examinations and move confidently into Key Stage 5, where they can specialise further through A Levels, BTEC qualifications, or a combination of both.
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Key Stage 5 / 16-18 years
A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES
From the age of 16, students in Years 12 and 13 enter Key Stage 5, the final stage of their school journey before university and higher education.
At Sage College, Key Stage 5 is a transformative stage in which students develop academic excellence, personal independence, and a clear sense of direction for their future. Students begin to specialise in subjects aligned with their interests, strengths, and future career aspirations.
Through A Level and BTEC Level 3 pathways, students gain internationally recognised qualifications that open doors to universities in Spain, the United Kingdom, Europe, the United States, and beyond.
Our approach encourages students to become independent thinkers, confident communicators, and responsible global citizens, fully prepared for the challenges of higher education and the future workplace.
WHAT IS STUDIED AT THIS STAGE?
In Key Stage 5, students follow a personalised academic pathway designed to support their future university and career goals.
Students may study A Levels, BTEC Level 3 qualifications, or a combination of both, depending on their learning style, strengths, and aspirations.
Students usually focus on a minimum of three A Level subjects, with the option to study a fourth subject in Spanish. We also offer subjects from the Spanish university entrance exam syllabus (PAU – Prueba de Acceso a la Universidad, fase específica), allowing students to complement their international A Level programme with nationally recognised content.
This stage allows students to deepen their knowledge, strengthen critical thinking skills, and develop the academic independence required for university-level study.
A Level qualification
A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES
A Level, or Advanced Level, studies are equivalent to the first and second years of the Spanish Baccalaureate. These courses allow students to tailor their studies by choosing the subjects that best suit their interests, academic strengths, and future aspirations.
In these final two years of school, students prepare for Advanced Level examinations, which may include Advanced Subsidiary Examinations in Year 12 and Advanced Level examinations in Year 13, from internationally recognised examination boards such as Cambridge International Education and Pearson Edexcel.
To progress to Year 12 at Sage College, students must have achieved strong IGCSE results in the subjects they wish to study at A Level. Between Years 12 and 13, students must complete a minimum of three A Levels, with a fourth option in Spanish also offered.
A-Level qualifications are recognised worldwide and provide access to higher education in Spain, the United Kingdom, Europe, the United States, and other international destinations.
BTEC Level 3 pathway
APPLIED LEARNING FOR REAL-WORLD SUCCESS
At Key Stage 5, Sage College also offers BTEC Level 3 qualifications, allowing students to follow a more practical and coursework-based approach to learning.
BTEC qualifications are internationally recognised and provide a strong pathway into university and higher education. They are particularly suited to students who benefit from applied learning, continuous assessment, and real-world project-based tasks.
Students may study BTEC qualifications alongside their A Level subjects, creating a flexible academic pathway that supports different learning styles and future aspirations.
PAU
A CLEAR PATHWAY TO SPANISH UNIVERSITIES
Students at Sage College benefit from the strengths of both the British and Spanish educational systems.
At Sage, students have the option to take selected subjects from the Spanish 2º de Bachillerato curriculum alongside their main international programme. This optional pathway is designed for students who wish to keep open the route to Spanish universities while continuing with an international academic track.
These subjects prepare students to sit the PCE (Pruebas de Competencias Específicas) through UNED, which form part of the specific phase of the Spanish university entrance system (PAU – Prueba de Acceso a la Universidad). By taking these exams, students can improve their admission score and potentially achieve the maximum 14 points required for entry into Spanish public universities, increasing their competitiveness for university applications in Spain.
University
COMPREHENSIVE PREPARATION FOR THE FUTURE
At Sage College, students receive personalised academic and career guidance to help them make informed decisions about their future.
In the final years of school, qualified teachers and advisers support students with course selection, university applications, personal statements, and future career planning.
Our guidance programme includes:
- University and career counselling
- Support with university applications
- Personal statement guidance
- Information about international university pathways
- University fairs and educational trips
Students are encouraged to explore a wide range of future academic and professional pathways, including fields such as Engineering, Medicine, Business, Technology, Arts, Humanities, Law, Sciences, and International Relations.
Students from Sage College have continued their studies at a wide range of international universities, including:
- TU Eindhoven
- Utrecht University
- NHL Stenden
- King’s College London
- University College London
- University of Kent
- University of Bristol
- University of Essex
- University of Nottingham
- Royal Agricultural University
- University of Aberdeen
- University of Nuremberg
Our students have also accessed leading Spanish universities, including:
- Complutense University of Madrid
- Autonomous University of Madrid
- King Juan Carlos University
- University of Seville
- University of Granada
- European University of Madrid
- Francisco de Vitoria University
- EUSA – Seville Chamber of Commerce
- Les Roches – Hotel Management School, Marbella
Recent university and career pathways chosen by Sage College students include:
- Medicine, Bio-Medicine, Pharmacy, and Bio-Technology
- Aerospace Engineering, Software Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering
- Physical Sciences and Computer Sciences
- Architecture and Interior Design
- Business Studies, Business Administration, and Marketing
- Law and International Relations
- Journalism and Audiovisual Communication
- Tourism and Hotel Management
Results
TOWARDS ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
At Sage College, we guide our students towards academic excellence, supporting them at every stage of their education within the framework of the National Curriculum of England.
Thanks to this solid educational foundation, our students earn IGCSE and A-Level certifications, globally recognised qualifications that allow them to access prestigious universities both in Spain and around the world.
Sage College’s success is based on rigour, commitment, and the pursuit of academic excellence. In the 2023/24 academic year, our students achieved a pass rate of 85.5% in the IGCSE examinations and 100% at A-Level stage.
These results reflect the hard work and dedication of our students and teachers, and have enabled all our students to gain admission to university, in most cases as their first choice.
Pastoral Care & Student Wellbeing
A SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR PERSONAL GROWTH
At Sage College, we believe that academic success is closely connected to emotional wellbeing and personal growth.
Throughout Key Stage 5, every student receives individual guidance and support as they prepare for university, adult life, and future professional opportunities.
Through close communication between tutors, teachers, and families, we create a supportive environment where students feel encouraged, motivated, and prepared to overcome challenges with confidence.
- Our pastoral care system helps students develop:
- Emotional wellbeing
- Self-confidence
- Responsibility and independence
- Positive relationships
- Resilience and self-management
“Being part of this school has helped me grow, not only academically, but as a person.”
Polina
(Year 13 Student and Head Girl)
