Admissions

Online applications for SEPTEMBER 2025 entry closed on 14th February.

If you would like to submit an application please email sixth form : reception.sixthform@marling.school.

GCSE tips from Y12s

Hello, we are some of the Y12 student leaders.

First of all, congratulations on your application to Marling School! We wish you the best of luck with your upcoming exams. We understand that this time can be both exciting and challenging (we were exactly the same place last year!) so here are just a few tips on things that we found useful.

Each of us has given advice on four questions. Click the arrows in each section to read all the advice.

We hope you can find something here that helps you and we look forward to seeing you at Marling in the future.

Best of luck with your exams!

Eve, Dan, Gabrielle and Grace.

What is your top tip?

“My top tip is use different revision materials. If you get to the stage where you can confidently complete and know flashcards, mind maps, brain blurbs, long answers, short answers and mini quizzes for a topic, you can rest assured that you will do well in the exam. I would also really recommend traffic-light coding every topic of your subjects to efficiently revise. For subjects such as History, Geography, Science, Maths and RE, this method is extremely useful, so you can pinpoint what exactly you need to strengthen, or not revisit as much, and use your time efficiently.
Eve
“I would say my top tip is rest. You're not going to be able to focus on anything without rest. You could be up until 2am revising nonstop, but the chances are you're going to have to redo that revision session because none of it actually stuck. Rest also helps to de stress and decompress.
Gabrielle
“My top tip would be to not be so hard on yourself because there were so many days where I would have zero motivation and found it really difficult. There is always another day and sometimes you need to take a rest day in order to be productive.
Grace
“My top tip would be to utilise teachers and the resources they provide. For subjects such as English, I would give them example creative writing pieces or paragraphs for them to read and mark. This is the same for other subjects where I would hand in past papers. This meant that I could pinpoint my weaknesses and strengthen knowledge or exam techniques. Additionally, teachers understand the mark schemes and exam boards more than you or I so their marking is much more accurate than your own.
Dan

Looking back, what should you have done differently?

“One thing I would have done differently is I would have done more exam style questions or past papers. This is because I had lots of knowledge and knew the information but wasn't sure how to apply it to questions, and wasn't sure what questions were asking from me, which limited my marks in previous mocks.
“If I could have changed my techniques I would have moved rooms more frequently for a change of scenery. I think this would have really helped me to refocus my mind because I would get so bored being in the same place for a long period of time and this would hinder me from actually doing productive revision.
“I procrastinated way too much in the months leading up to my exams. In January, I told myself that I was going to start my revision then so that I wouldn't have to rush closer to my exams. But then January passed, and I said, "it's fine, I've still got months to revise" February passed and I said the same thing. Same with March, then April came, and I realised I hadn't done anything. So, if I could go back, I would definitely not procrastinate.
“I should have done less revision during the week of exams. Doing too much led to burn out and made it harder to relax, sleep, and focus. I would just do 10 minutes of key info for the exam the next day. These should be flashcards and quick info, not large-scale answers.

How did you motivate yourself when it felt hard?

“Whenever I lost my motivation, rather than forcing myself to focus, I just went down to the kitchen and made myself a meal. So take a break, go for a walk. Just take your mind off it and come back later.
“When it came to motivation, I would tell myself if I got a certain amount done or revised a topic or subject I didn't enjoy I would treat myself with my favourite chocolate or an activity I enjoy because that would be the only thing that got me through.
“The main thing I would do to motivate myself was to just get started (easier said than done!). I would tell myself I was going to do ten minutes, or even five, of the subject on my timetable. This reduces procrastination as the revision feels less of a big overwhelming task and once the ten minutes is over you will probably keep going and get lots done. (THIS IS CALLED THE TEN-MINUTE RULE)
“Having an exam timetable really stopped my procrastination and motivated me. This stopped procrastination because I wasn't constantly thinking about what to revise when I sat down to work or during the day at school, meaning that revision didn't become a dreaded thing and made it easier to just begin.

What did you do when preparing for your exams and what would you recommend?

“When preparing for my exams I made sure to plan what I was going to do that day so I had a structure to follow. For me the hardest thing was actually starting, so I just had to force myself to start and then it became easier as it went on.
“I find it really difficult to focus if it's dead silent. My mind kept going through everything and anything that had happened during that day. I would replay conversations and wonder why I said certain things. So, whenever I revised, I would listen to music. Not through headphones because that would make me focus too much on the lyrics, but through a speaker on low volume, just so it's in the background. If the same thing happens to you then I highly recommend this. Just turn on some nice calm music and you'll be able to focus so much more.
“I had an exam revision timetable - 4 subjects per night, 20 minutes each. (This doesn't include any past paper practice). When I did Art, I dedicated at least 1 hour a week for different pieces. I also played music to keep me focused. This was always instrumental or songs that I didn't know the lyrics to that well so I could focus on absorbing info, but the music made it less of a chore. I went to as many after school revision clubs as I could. GCSE Art club on Monday, English on Tuesday, Maths on Wednesday and Science on Thursday. For me, it was important to separate my work space (school), from my relaxing space (home), so that I could avoid distractions and stop procrastination. Whilst I could revise at home. I found it so much easier revising in school because whilst I was there, revision was the only thing I could do. Being in school forces you to focus.
“One thing I would really suggest is trying to teach or explain the topic to someone else, although it might sound strange, I would explain it to myself by talking out loud. Doing this cements your learning and shows you truly understand it.

Hear from Marling Sixth Formers

This section is to help you find out about life at Marling Sixth Form. Scroll through the profiles below to read about our student leaders.

“Hi! My name is Natasha, and I am one of the leads for Student Engagement. Within this role, I aim to develop communication within the school through Student Council and Student-led Tutor Time to increase both student engagement and integration within the whole school community. I am currently studying 3D Art, Maths, Physics and Geology. Outside of School, I volunteer with my local Scout’s group, and I am working towards my gold DofE. I also enjoy lots of sports including climbing, athletics, and badminton.
“Hi there! My name is Harry, and I am a member of the Student Engagement team. Our job is to run Student Council, Student-led Tutor Time and Student Voice. I am studying English Literature, Psychology, and Sociology. Outside of school, I volunteer at events such as Gloucester rugby games to provide first aid to members of the public with St John Ambulance. I teach first aid to people between the ages of 11-18. In the future, I hope to become a Consultant Paramedic and continue down the medical field.
“Hi, my name is Grace, and I am a part of the Student Engagement team here at Marling. Within this role, I hope to ensure that every voice is heard and truly valued. I want to create an environment where everyone feels respected and empowered to succeed. I am currently studying Computer Science, Mathematics and English Literature alongside EPQ as my breadth option. My EPQ is focused on information warfare and misinformation within online media. Beyond academics, I contribute to the school community by participating in Student-led Tutor Time and supporting younger students in library sessions which I thoroughly enjoy. After A Levels, I plan to study Computer Science at university, with a focus on Cyber Security or Artificial Intelligence.
“I am Theo and part of the Culture and Inclusion team, specifically interested in interreligious relationships and dialogue. I am studying History, English Literature, Philosophy Ethics and Belief as well as a Classical Civilisation AS Level. I help in the lower school RE classes and with reading in library lessons. I participated in the Mental Health First Aid training. I study Norwegian outside of school. I enjoy walking/running, painting, reading and playing the piano as well as the djembe. I hope to go to Durham University and study religion, society and culture. I would like to be a lecturer/professor of religious studies at a university.
“My name is Eva, and I am part of the Culture and Inclusion team. I hope to integrate important occasions into the school calendar such as International Women’s Day, Culture Day, and Eid. I want to show off the incredible diversity within Marling as well as increase knowledge on different cultures. I am studying History, Politics and French. I plan to attend university to study Internation Relations, History and French. I’m involved with the lower school Debate Club and French Club, Student-led Tutor Time, the upcoming school play, and recently started supporting a Year 8 French class. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with friends and going to the gym.
“Hi, my name is Daniel, and I am a member of the Culture and Inclusion team. I am currently studying Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, and a breath option of Core Maths. My plans are to go to dental school, and I aspire to run my own dental practice. You may know me from my roles within library and Biology lessons, 4B Choir or Student-led Tutor Time. Outside of school, I volunteer at Cotswold House Care Home in Stroud. I am a member of a Virtual Dental Society where I present conferences to others hoping to study dentistry.
“Hi, my name is Aliyah, and I am part of the Cultural and Inclusion team. I currently study English Literature, History, Psychology, and Creative Writing as a breadth option. You may know me from Student-led Tutor Time. In my role, I aim to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment at Marling, where everyone feels safe and empowered to be themselves. I am passionate about educating the wider community on cultural diversity and sharing knowledge that may not be widely known. Outside of school, I run a small charity dedicated to raising funds for third world countries and supporting those affected by war. I hope to bring this work into the Marling community.
“My name is Aidan, and I am one of the student leaders for the Environment team. I aim to engage the whole school in having a more positive relationship with the environment and encourage a sustainable mindset. I plan to seek suggestions from across the school community for how to achieve this. I am currently studying Physics, Maths, Further Maths and Chemistry. I take part in the Particle Physics Club and the Early Applicants group. I’m also involved in Student-led Tutor Time and the Coaching and Mentoring Programme. I play and coach tennis outside of school. After A levels, I hope study Physics at university to pursue a career in Particle or Astrophysics.
“My name is Gabrielle, and I am a part of the Outreach and Publicity team. Within this role I hope to promote and display all the opportunities that Sixth Form has to offer. I study French, Psychology and Business Studies with Fashion and Textiles as a breadth option. In school, I take part in Student-led Tutor Time and have joined the Coaching and Mentoring Programme. When I leave Marling, I intend to go to university to study Fashion Marketing.
“Hello, I'm Oscar and I am one of Environment representatives. I'm studying Physics, Computing, Maths and Further Maths. I hope to work with Sixth Form and lower school to make an impact on the school's environmental footprint. Outside of the Student Leadership Team, I help at Particle Physics Society and work in the Green Car race team.
“Hi! My name is Eve, and I’m so excited to be a part of your new Publicity and Outreach branch of Student Leadership! I am currently studying English Literature, History and Drama. I plan to go to Drama school, eventually performing on the West End in the future. You might know me from the production of Everybody’s Talking about Jamie, the 4B Choir, school concerts, or student mentoring. If not, I aim to make Marling a welcoming space for students and to be a proud pillar in the local community.
“Hi, I'm Finn, one of the Wellbeing representatives. I hope to foster a welcoming and connected community in Marling. I study Maths, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. I am involved with Dissection Club, Chemistry Club, Early Applicants which I enjoy thoroughly. I like to run and play tennis outside of school. A career in dentistry/engineering interests me.
“Hi, my name is Grace, and I am part of the Publicity and Outreach team. I study Sociology, Politics, English Literature and Creative Writing as my breadth option. Outside of school, I take part in competitive indoor climbing and bouldering. Within my role, I hope to promote the school and all the opportunities that our Sixth Form has to offer. I have become really involved within the school community, including taking part in a Mental Health First Aid Course, so would love to give back.
“My name is Alex, I study Maths, Economics and Psychology. I am one of the representatives for Wellbeing. I hope to help keep the school as a nice place to study and learn in. Outside of school, I play football and do the park run. In the future I plan to study either Psychology or Economics in university.
“My name is Jenny, and I am one of the student leaders for Charity. In this role, I hope to raise awareness for lesser-known charities and well-known ones to provide them with support. One of my main goals is to encourage greater involvement in the charity sector to the lower school. Charities around the world are vital to society, and without them, millions of people would face significant hardships. I am currently studying Music, Drama, and Chemistry. My goal is to study vocal studies, followed by opera studies, as I aspire to become an opera singer. I am involved in several extracurricular activities which include choir, orchestra, the flute quartet and the school musical, all of which I enjoy immensely! Additionally, I take part in music mentoring with lower school students. This has been incredibly rewarding as it allows me to experience lessons from a unique perspective. I am enjoying my time at Marling.
“ My name’s George and I am currently studying Biology, Chemistry, and French. In the future, I would like to work as an interpreter for the UN. My role as a student leader is on the Wellbeing team. I am striving to make Marling a more positive place for everyone.
“I’m Josh and one of the leaders for Wellbeing. Along with the rest of the Wellbeing team, I plan to create a safe and supportive environment within the school. We plan to further develop the hub rooms in school to provide safe spaces where students can go. I am currently studying Biology, Chemistry, History and doing an EPQ. In school, I am involved in the following: Student-led Tutor Time, Mentoring Programme, Early Applicants, Dissection Club, Chemistry Club and Gold DofE. Outside of school, I enjoy playing cricket and doing water sports. In the future, I hope to pursue a career in medicine.
“Hi, my name is Bryony, and I am one of the student leaders for the Elliott Learning Community. I am currently studying Biology, Maths and History as well as an EPQ. After Sixth Form, I hope to go to university. I have joined the netball team and helped at various events to support the school. In my role, I am involved with the Coaching and Mentoring Programme which I hope will help students feel supported and able to achieve their goals.
“Hi, I'm Lewis and one of the leads for Wellbeing. In my role, I aim to make our school a safer environment, which incorporates everyone and fulfils the needs of student. Mental health is something that should be discussed by everyone, and I hope to push this message in our team's work. It has been great to work with some of you already in Mentoring and I am excited to work with many more of you in the future! I am currently studying Biology, Chemistry and Psychology and I take part in Med Soc, Dissection Club, Chem Soc and Early Applicants.
“My name is Etien, and I am a Charity lead. I study Maths, Further Maths, Physics and History. After A Levels, I hope to go to university. In school, I help with Student Led Tutor Time and Mentoring. Outside of school, I enjoy playing guitar and cycling.
“My name is Bliss, and I have the role of Greenstreet Learning Community leader and KS4 Engagement. Within my role, I hope to create a profound sense of community between Sixth Form and the lower school. I hope to make sure KS4 feel supported in their post-16 decisions. I am taking Maths, Politics, Philosophy and Ethics as well as an EPQ. I participate in the school production and along with a few others I run Debate Club. Outside of school, I enjoy dance, including ballet and tap dancing. In the future, I hope to pursue a career in law.
“My name is Ben, and I am a lead for Bennett Learning Community. In this role, I will be supporting the organisation of a Community Championship as well as other house events and activities. I am studying Further Maths, Maths, Physics and Sport Science which I am enjoying and finding interesting due to the challenging concepts. I am also a member of the school football team and play for Randwick Men’s Football Club. In the future, I plan to attend Warwick University to take a Maths Degree and become an accountant.
“I am Romy, a lead for Bennett Learning Community. I want to ensure the interests of Bennet Learning Community are represented in leadership decisions. I plan to coordinate house championship events and ensure these are fruitful and enjoyable. I am studying Maths, Further Maths, History, Philosophy Ethics and Belief. I am involved with house assemblies and Community Championships. Outside of school, my main extra-curricular hobby is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I plan to attend university and I am looking at a career in Finance.
“Hi, name is Sidratul, and I am a lead for Carter Learning Community and in charge of KS3 Engagement. I hope to make the students’ lives more fun and engaging to help them keep motivated during their school year. For A Levels, I take Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Computer Science. I am currently involved in Student-led Tutor Time for 7G. I am also a volunteer for the NHS at the Great Western Hospital. I hope to become an aeronautical/aerospace engineer and work for a Formula One team.
“Hello, I am Charles, lead for Carter Learning Community focusing on student engagement for KS3. Within this role, I hope to explore and enhance teaching methods for KS3 to provide a more enriching learning experience for the students. I am currently studying Physics, Chemistry, Maths and Further Maths which aligns with my interests in STEM and trying to understand the world around me. Outside of academics, I am involved in Maths mentoring and Student-led Tutor Time. I also participate in Particle Physics Society, a field of research I am particularly fascinated by, which I hope to continue to explore by studying Physics at university in the future.
“Hi, my name is Alfie, and I am a lead for Elliott Learning Community. In this role, I hope to get to know members of the Elliot Community, to assist in running the house, expand and help run the Coaching and Mentoring Programme. I study Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Latin and Classical Civilisation AS Level. I am involved in the school music concerts. I enjoy playing the piano and cycling outside of school. I plan to study Classics at university and become a solicitor.
“My name is Henry, and I am a lead for Greenstreet Learning Community. I hope to support younger year groups through various schemes aiding in Key Stage 4 engagement, plan tutor time activities and help in house events. I am studying Chemistry, Biology, Maths and EPQ where I am writing on the topic of euthanasia. I frequently help run Debate Club. I am half German, a qualified ski instructor and outside of school I play football. After A Levels, I am planning to do a gap year. Then I plan to attend university to study a biomedical engineering course.
“My name is Beau and I’m one of the leads for Fuller Learning Community. I hope to engage with my learning community and help facilitate meaningful change for the whole school. I’m studying Physics, Chemistry, Maths and Music for my A Levels. I participate in lots of different activities around the school such as the Coaching and Mentoring Programme, Fencing Club and Downfielders Folk Group. Outside of school, I attend Gloucestershire Youth Wind Orchestra and enjoy watching American Football. In the future, I would like to either do something in engineering or dietetics.