Options 2026

At St Hilda’s Church of England High School, our Year 9 Options process is an exciting opportunity for students to begin shaping their future learning journey. Rooted in our Christian values and commitment to nurturing every individual, we guide students to make informed, ambitious and personalised choices for Key Stage 4. 

Throughout the spring term, students take part in a structured programme of information, guidance and reflection. This includes dedicated assemblies, subject taster sessions, one to one support, and our Options Evening, where families can speak directly with staff about course content, expectations and pathways beyond Year 11. 

In February, students will have an assembly in school followed by submitting a form of initial preferences to help with the planning process. 

In February/March, students will be provided with further information about all their subjects including participating in a taster day to sample some of the new subjects on offer to them at key stage 4. 

On the 5th March 2026, 4:15pm – 7pm parents are invited into school with their children to Options Evening to find out more about the options process. 

On Wednesday 22th March, students submit their final preferences followed by a hybrid interview with parents/carers in April to finalise their choices. 

Our aim is to ensure each student selects a balanced and engaging curriculum that supports their strengths, aspirations and wellbeing. Whether they are drawn to academic GCSEs, creative subjects, or more vocational options, we are here to champion their potential and help them take confident next steps. 

At St Hilda’s, the Options process is not simply about choosing subjects—it is about empowering young people to discover who they are, what they love, and where their future may lead. 

Final Preference Form

The final preference form will open at 4pm on Thursday 5th March. To access the form click on the link below.

Final Preference Form

Options information booklet

Important Dates 

Monday 26th February (for two weeks)  Subject & Careers information sessions 

Thursday 5th March  Year 9 Taster Day 

Thursday 5th March – 4:15pm – 7pm – Year 9 Options Evening 

Friday 13th March Final preferences submitted using online form 

April 2026  Hybrid options interviews  

To our pupils 

Dear Year 9 pupils, 

Choosing your options is an exciting milestone in your journey at St Hilda’s. Over the next few weeks, you’ll have the chance to explore new subjects, think about what you enjoy, and consider the pathways that could shape your future. 

We want you to feel confident, informed and supported every step of the way. You’ll hear from your teachers, take part in sessions designed to help you understand each subject, and have opportunities to ask questions so you can make the choices that feel right for you. 

Remember: your options should reflect your interests, your strengths, and your aspirations. There is no “right” combination, only the one that helps you grow, flourish, and become the best version of yourself. And you are never making these decisions alone — we are here to guide you. 

Take your time, think carefully, be curious, and choose the subjects that truly inspire you. 

You’ve got this — and we’re excited to see where your choices take you. 

To our Parents/Carers 

The Year 9 Options process is an important moment in your child’s education, and at St Hilda’s we are committed to ensuring families feel fully supported and informed throughout. 

Our goal is to provide every student with a balanced, engaging and ambitious curriculum that matches their strengths and future aspirations. Throughout the process, your child will receive guidance from staff, learn about the content and expectations of each subject, and have opportunities to reflect on what suits them best. 

You play a vital role in these discussions. We encourage you to explore the options booklet together, talk through interests and goals, and join us at our Options Evening, where staff will be available to offer advice and answer any questions you may have. 

Thank you for working in partnership with us as we help each student make thoughtful, confident decisions about their next steps. Together, we can ensure they are well prepared for a successful and fulfilling Key Stage 4. 

The options system 

The Year 9 Options system at St Hilda’s is designed to support each student as they begin shaping their individual learning journey. It aims to: 

• Encourage thoughtful specialisation, allowing students to deepen their knowledge in subjects they enjoy and excel in. 

• Empower pupils with genuine ownership of their learning, helping them make choices that reflect their strengths, interests and future aspirations. 

• Develop a strong sense of responsibility, inspiring students to take an active role in their education and make confident, informed decisions about their next steps. 

At St Hilda’s, our Options process is not just about selecting subjects—it’s about helping every young person flourish academically, personally, and spiritually. 

Please note:  

The options system operates within an important constraint – if insufficient numbers of pupils choose a particular subject within an option group it may not be offered. 

If a subject is over-subscribed it may be necessary to allocate the reserve subject. 

A great deal of advice is offered to all students regarding the choice of subjects. Once the final decision has been made and the online application is completed, we hope that the vast majority of pupils will have no need to change their option choices. However, we will always engage in conversations with pupils, parents and teachers to ensure that the decisions made are the best for the pupil and in exceptional circumstances we will consider making changes early in a course. 

Click here to complete the online preference form 

Please note:  

This can only be completed by the student (using their St Hilda’s email address) and can only be completed once so please take your time to carefully consider your choices. 

All online preferences to be submitted by Friday 13th March 2026