From Key Stage 3 to Sixth Form: IGCSE, A-Levels and the pathway to university.
The British School of Tenerife educates students aged 11 to 18, divided into Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4, and Key Stage 5 (Sixth Form). The curriculum includes core subjects such as English, math, and science, alongside humanities, arts, and physical education. At BST we emphasise personal development, career guidance, and extracurricular activities.
At the end of Key Stage 3, teachers have advisory conversations with students to help them consider their future studies and choose their International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) exams. IGCSE results guide students toward further education paths, such as A-levels, vocational qualifications, or apprenticeships.
The school fully prepares students for their chosen paths, whether that involves studying abroad or taking the Spanish university access exam PAU (Prueba de acceso a la Universidad) for those wishing to attend Spanish universities.
BST students obtain strong academic results and have a track record of high achievement across a wide range of subjects and disciplines.
Key Stage 3 provides a comprehensive education across various subjects. Pupils develop their skills in core areas including English, mathematics, and science while also exploring subjects such as history, geography or modern foreign languages. The curriculum aims to foster critical thinking, creativity, and independent learning, preparing students for the challenges of future academic stages. This well-rounded approach ensures that pupils build a strong foundation for both their academic and personal lives, encouraging curiosity and a love for learning.
At the end of Key Stage 3, teachers have advisory conversations with students to help them consider their future studies and choose their International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) exams. IGCSE results guide students toward further education paths, such as A-levels, vocational qualifications, or apprenticeships.
During Key Stage 4, students focus on specializing in subjects they are interested in and work towards their IGCSE qualifications. They select specific subjects to study in greater depth, with an emphasis on preparing for assessments and examinations. The curriculum still includes core subjects like English, mathematics, and science, but with more advanced content. Additionally, students choose optional subjects based on their interests and future aspirations, which can include practical and vocational courses.
We organize our annual Y11 Futures Event in February, where students can explore A-level options (Advanced Levels qualifications) and the various pathways these choices can lead to post-secondary education. The British School of Tenerife, prepares students for their chosen paths, whether that involves studying abroad or taking the Spanish Bachillerato subjects in preparation for the PAU (Prueba de acceso a la Universidad) for those wishing to attend Spanish universities.
This stage aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and qualifications needed for their next steps, whether that involves further education, apprenticeships, or entering the workforce.
Key Stage 5, also known as Sixth Form, covers the final two years of secondary education (Years 12 and 13). During these years, students specialise in a smaller number of subjects, studying them in greater depth and working towards their A-Level qualifications.
At the British School of Tenerife, we prepare students for their chosen futures, whether they wish to attend universities in the UK, Spain, or elsewhere in the world, or pursue other educational and career pathways.
Sixth Form encourages independent learning, critical thinking, and academic excellence. Students develop deeper expertise in their chosen subjects while receiving personalised guidance on university applications, subject choices, and future careers.
Our goal is to help every student reach their full potential and take the next step with confidence.
Most BST students complete Sixth Form with three or four A-Levels, choosing subjects that reflect their strengths, interests, and university ambitions.
Our A-Level subjects are organised into option blocks. Students can select one subject from each block, allowing them to build a programme suited to their goals. These blocks are reviewed annually to reflect student interests and demand.
A-Level option blocks for 2026–2027
| Option Block | Available Subjects |
|---|---|
| Block 1 | Biology, Computer Science, Art, English Literature |
| Block 2 | Physics, History, Physical Education |
| Block 3 | Chemistry, Business, Drama |
| Block 4 | Mathematics, Psychology, English Language, French, German |
For students with exceptional mathematical ability, we also offer the Further Mathematics A-Level, taken alongside Mathematics.
For 2027-2028, we are planning to swap Chemistry with Biology. This will allow students to choose both Biology and Computer Science.
Our flexible subject choices allow students to pursue a wide range of academic interests and career ambitions. Here are some examples of.
Mathematics and Computing: Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Computer Science, and Physics (or Business) — a strong programme leading into degrees in Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, or related fields.
Science and Medicine: Chemistry, Biology, and Physics — a strong combination for students interested in scientific research or medicine.
Humanities and Arts: English Literature, History, and Drama — suitable for students interested in the humanities, performing arts, and a wide range of creative careers.
These are just examples. Many other combinations are possible, and students receive guidance to help them select the subjects most appropriate for their aspirations.
BST also supports students who wish to continue their education at Spanish universities.
Alongside their A-Levels, students can prepare for the relevant Spanish university entrance examinations, including the PAU (Prueba de Acceso a la Universidad) where applicable.
For students who speak Spanish fluently or intend to study in Spain, we offer additional subject preparation. Students can take the Spanish Language and Literature A-Level and choose some of these options: in Spanish , Biología, Física, Química, Geografía, Filosofía, Matemáticas Aplicadas a las Ciencias Sociales.
This enables students to combine the depth and international recognition of A-Levels with preparation for the specific requirements of Spanish universities.
A student aspiring to study Medicine in Spain might choose Spanish, Chemistry, Biology, and Physics at A-Level, while also preparing for the Spanish examinations in Química and Biología.
This combination provides excellent preparation for medical studies. A-Levels cover advanced scientific concepts, including some material that students encounter during their first years at Spanish universities. As a result, students can begin their university education with a strong foundation in the sciences, while also preparing for the specific entrance requirements of Spanish medical schools.
Throughout Sixth Form, students benefit from personalised guidance and practical opportunities to help them explore their interests, develop their skills, and prepare for life beyond school.
Our support includes:
One-to-one careers guidance, helping students explore career options, choose university courses, and plan their next steps.
University application support, including guidance on entry requirements, applications, and international study opportunities.
Work Experience Programme, giving students opportunities to gain practical experience in professional environments and explore potential career paths.
Career development resources, including a range of tools and access to the school’s extensive network of professional advisors.
Whether their ambitions lie in Spain, the UK, elsewhere in Europe, or further afield, we aim to give our students the academic preparation, practical experience, and confidence to succeed in their next stage of education and beyond.
See also: Future Pathways and Supporting High Achievement.
Every year, our students take the internationally recognised IGCSE (Year 11) and A-Level (Years 12-13) examinations. They consistently achieve strong results across a wide range of subjects, reflecting our school's commitment to academic excellence.
Our students achieved solid results across IGCSE and A-Level in 2026. At IGCSE, more than half of all grades were A*–B and over three-quarters were C or above. At A-Level, almost half of all grades were A*–B, with a 96% overall pass rate.
At A-Level, all 39 entries across Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics and Physics achieved passing grades, with 48.7% at A*–B.
Several of our students received Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards, recognising the highest marks in Spain in:
BST outperformed UK averages in nearly all major IGCSE subjects, particularly in Mathematics, English, Sciences and Languages, while maintaining exceptionally high pass rates across the curriculum. BST students achieved a 100% pass rate in almost every A-Level subject, with particularly strong performance in Spanish and Mathematics.
The 2022 examination results continued BST's tradition of academic excellence, with strong performances in Mathematics, Sciences, and Modern Languages, alongside outstanding overall pass rates at both IGCSE and A Level.
Our students achieved outstanding examination results in 2021, with particularly strong performances in Mathematics, Sciences, Computer Science and Modern Languages. Overall, the results reflected the consistently high academic standards of the school.
Despite the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the temporary transition to remote learning, our students achieved excellent examination results. Particularly strong performances were seen in Mathematics, Computer Science and Modern Languages. These results reflected the resilience of our students and staff during a very difficult year.
Discover the pathways our students follow after Sixth Form.
Every student has different strengths and interests. At BST, we get to know our students and provide the support and challenge they need to reach their true potential.
Our students pursue a variety of ambitious academic pathways, including:
Maths and Science, including Computer Science, are particular areas of strength at BST. Our strongest students regularly achieve A and A grades* at IGCSE and A-Level and distinguish themselves in national and international competitions.
In 2026, a BST student was selected for the Spanish national team at the International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence (IOAI), where he received an Honourable Mention.
A team of two BST Students won the 2026 Spanish National final of the World Robot Olympiad for their age category, qualifying for the International Final (to be held on Dec. 8-10, 2026).
Our students have gone on to study at leading universities in the UK and around the world, pursuing a wide variety of academic and professional pathways.
Recent destinations include:
We are also proud of students who choose to pursue excellent opportunities closer to home, including at the University of La Laguna in Tenerife. Our aim is to help every student find a university and course that match their abilities, interests and ambitions.
Our students also achieve at a high level beyond the classroom.
We encourage students to develop as well-rounded individuals alongside pursuing excellence in their strongest fields. Many of our highest-achieving students combine their academic interests with sport, music, languages, humanities and the arts.
These achievements belong first and foremost to our students. They reflect their talent, ambition and hard work, supported by teachers who recognise their potential, challenge them to go further and help them pursue ambitious goals.
At BST, we encourage students to develop their strengths, follow their interests, challenge themselves and discover how far their abilities can take them. We support high achievement through personalised teaching, regular communication with families, appropriately challenging and advanced work, opportunities to take IGCSE and A-Level examinations early when appropriate, and participation in academic competitions and enrichment activities.
Families seeking an ambitious British education within a friendly, supportive and international school community are warmly invited to visit our Admissions page and contact the school to learn more.
At the British School of Tenerife, we help students understand their strengths and interests, explore the opportunities available to them, and make informed decisions about their future.
This process begins before students choose their IGCSE subjects and continues throughout Secondary and Sixth Form, connecting academic choices with possible university courses, careers and other pathways beyond BST.
Future pathways guidance begins towards the end of Year 9, when students start considering their IGCSE choices for Year 10.
Teachers work with students and their families to discuss their strengths, interests, academic progress and aspirations. Students do not need to know exactly what they want to pursue at this stage: our aim is to help them choose a balanced programme while keeping appropriate future options open.
During Year 11, students begin deciding which subjects to study at A-Level.
Our annual Year 11 Futures Event, held in February, gives students and families the opportunity to explore the A-Level subjects available at BST and understand how different choices can lead towards particular university courses and careers.
Students also receive individual guidance to help them choose subjects that match their academic strengths and longer-term ambitions.
Students in Years 11, 12 and 13 have the opportunity to take part in a one-week work experience placement in a professional environment.
We encourage students to find placements that reflect their interests, strengths and possible career aspirations, while the school also helps identify suitable opportunities when needed.
Work experience allows students to develop practical skills and experience a potential career first-hand. For some, it has directly influenced their future choices: in recent years, BST students have gone on to pursue university courses and careers related to their placements, including software engineering, fashion and dentistry.
From Year 10 onwards, students have access to BridgeU, an online university and careers platform designed for international schools.
Students can explore career possibilities, research universities and courses around the world, identify options that match their interests and academic profile, and support their university applications.
BridgeU complements the individual guidance provided by our teachers and Sixth Form team, helping students move from exploring possibilities to identifying the pathways that are right for them.
BST hosts an annual University Fair in collaboration with SRT, bringing representatives from universities in Spain and around the world directly to Tenerife.
Students in Years 10 to 13 can speak directly with university representatives, explore courses and admissions requirements, and discover new institutions and destinations. Parents are also warmly invited to attend.
Previous BST students have made connections through the fair that subsequently led to university offers and places.
Our next University Fair will take place on 23 October 2026 at the Los Realejos Sports Pavilion, with more than 20 national and international universities expected to attend.
BST students apply to universities in Spain, the United Kingdom and countries around the world. As students progress through Sixth Form, we provide individual guidance appropriate to their chosen destinations and support them through the application process.
For students considering Spain, we also provide guidance on the recognition of their British qualifications and the requirements for access to Spanish universities.
You can read more about the steps required for Spanish convalidation here.
There is no single pathway beyond BST. Our students pursue a wide range of subjects and careers and continue their education at universities in Spain and around the world.
From the first conversations about IGCSE choices in Year 9 to university applications in Sixth Form, we work with students and their families to help each student find the pathway that is right for them and move confidently towards the next stage of their education.
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