We know that in this academic year learners in Year 9 have some important decisions to make. The careers team at Bradford Academy are here to help, guide, inform and facilitate the next steps for those learners and below are some key messages to assist in learners in making those decisions.
At the end of this academic year, learners in Year 9 will leave Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 and 9) and move into Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11). As part of this process, they will be asked to choose their options (additional subjects in which they will receive a qualification in at end of Year 11). Alongside the core subjects, they will have the opportunity to choose some of the subjects they wish to study. Here at Bradford Academy, we offer a wide range of GSCEs and vocational subjects to choose from ensuring all learners have the chance to study something they enjoy, and can succeed in.
In KS4 learners study the core subjects of English (Language & Literature), Mathematics, Science, Religious Studies, PSHE, Physical Education and either History or Geography.
They will also be able to choose a further two subjects from the options subjects listed below. All subjects, with the exception of PSHE and PE, are accredited with nationally recognised qualifications. Please note learners are only able to choose ONE of the three art subjects on offer as all lead to the same qualification.
Selecting optional subjects at KS4 is a crucial moment in your child’s education. We aim to ensure that the information and guidance we provide will support your child through the options process and ensure that their choices are fully informed and lead to them maximising their potential. This has already been taking place in form, and through assemblies. As a parent you are well placed to help and guide your child in making these decisions. Click on the link below to access “The Parents Guide to helping your child to know what’s next” which is full of useful information on options, university, apprenticeships and much more. There is also some really useful information on UNIFROG which all Year 9 learners have a log on for – see the introduction video below. They have also created a webinar talking you through making GCSE choices – again the link for this is below.
In the first instance learners will chose 5 “taster sessions” which they will undertake on Pathways Day – Thursday 5th February 2026. Each session is designed to give them a better understanding of the subjects on offer to them. Choosing a taster session in a particular subject does not mean they have to chose this subject for KS4. Below is a copy of the booklet learners have been given access to on TEAMS to help them make these choices
Please be aware that whilst we hope to run all of the option courses shown below, they will only run subject to demand. In the instance we are not able to run the particular option a learner has chosen they will be offered their reserve choice. It is therefore extremely important they give careful consideration to both their actual choice and their reserve choices.
Loading Viewer…
All learners in Year 9 will undertake tasters in their chosen subjects on Pathways Day – Thursday 5th February 2026. After this learners will be asked to make their final choices. They will receive an email to the school email account on the morning of Friday 6th February which gives them details on how to make their choices – full instructions are shown in the booklet above. The deadline for making their choices is Friday 6th March – 2pm. If you have any questions around this process please email Mrs Taylor at info@bradfordacademy.co.uk.
Staff at all levels across the Academy feel genuinely supported and feel grateful to work in a high-trust environment where they will readily take risks. This impacts on the quality of learning and teaching thus enhancing student learning experiences.