Welcome to POST-16
Empowering pathways, personalised support and future success.
ABOUT
POST-16
Our Post-16 provision offers a dynamic and personalised learning experience designed to inspire success. We provide a diverse curriculum, including A Levels and BTECs, tailored to meet the aspirations and strengths of every student. With small class sizes and dedicated support, we ensure students are challenged academically while being fully supported in their journey towards higher education and career ambitions.
Beyond the classroom, students engage in leadership opportunities, internships and extracurricular activities that enhance personal development and prepare them for life beyond school. Our careers and university guidance team works closely with students to secure placements at top global institutions, ensuring their futures are filled with opportunity.
We provide an inclusive, respectful and supportive community where students thrive academically, socially and emotionally. Our Post-16 learners leave equipped with the confidence, skills and experience needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
meet our
Head of Secondary
At Post-16, we offer an environment where Year 12 and 13 students can thrive academically and personally. We are committed to supporting you as you work towards your A Levels or BTECs and prepare for the next steps in your educational journey, whether that be university, apprenticeships, or other pathways.
Our mission in Post-16 is to provide a supportive and stimulating environment where students develop into confident, responsible, and ambitious young adults. Our team of dedicated and experienced teachers work closely together to deliver a world-class educational experience, guided by research-based professional practices. We aim to nurture your growth as critical thinkers, resilient individuals, and empathetic leaders of the future, ready to make a positive impact on the world.
We look forward to meeting you and supporting you throughout your time at our school.
Rhys Headley - Head of Secondary

Explore Our
post-16 Pathways
Our Post-16 pathways offer flexibility to suit every learner's ambitions. With A Levels, BTECs and hybrid options, students receive personalised support, small class sizes and enrichment opportunities. Our cohesive community ensures readiness for university, careers and lifelong success.
A LEVEL
Overview of A Level Qualifications
A Levels are academically rigorous qualifications that provide students with a deep understanding of subjects, preparing them for higher education or professional careers. These qualifications focus on developing critical thinking, analytical skills and independent learning, ideal for students aiming for university or highly specialised careers.
A LEVEL
Subject Specialisation and Depth
A Levels allow students to focus on a limited number of subjects in depth, honing their expertise. With a wide variety of subject choices available, students can tailor their studies to align with their career ambitions or university courses, ensuring a strong foundation in their chosen fields.
A LEVEL
University and Career Progression
A Levels are widely accepted by universities worldwide and are essential for students pursuing higher education. They provide students with the qualifications needed for competitive university courses, as well as opportunities for internships and externships. A Levels open doors to a variety of career paths in both academia and industry.
A LEVEL
Pathways to Success
A Levels can be studied alongside other qualifications such as BTECs, and they offer flexibility for students with diverse interests. The structured approach to academic learning helps students excel in examinations while providing the analytical and research skills necessary for future academic and professional success.
BTEC
Overview of BTEC Qualifications
International BTECs combine practical learning with subject theory. Accredited by professional bodies and developed with global businesses, BTECs are recognised for building employability skills like communication, time management, problem-solving and planning. They provide hands-on learning, ideal for students who prefer a range of different assessment methods over exams.
BTEC
Industry-Relevant Learning
BTEC courses are designed in partnership with industry leaders, allowing students to gain skills employers value. Through work-based activities and coursework assessments, students are equipped with real-world knowledge and practical abilities, making them highly employable in their chosen fields.
BTEC
Flexible Pathways
Our BTEC offerings, including Applied Science, ICT, Sport and Enterprise and Entrepreneurship (Business), are career-focused and flexible. Students can study BTECs alongside A Levels or pursue a combination of BTECs, preparing them for university or direct entry into the workforce with valuable, industry-specific skills.
BTEC
Pathways to Higher Education and Employment
While many global universities accept BTECs, students should research their preferred institutions to ensure BTECs align with university requirements. BTECs provide diverse pathways, whether through higher education, apprenticeships or careers, giving students a strong foundation for success in various industries.
Wellbeing
Student wellbeing is central to our Post-16 provision. We create a safe, inclusive and supportive environment where every student feels valued and empowered to succeed. Dedicated pastoral support is available through Registration Tutors, Heads of Year, Senior Leadership Team and Student Counsellors, ensuring students have access to guidance whenever they need it.
Our planned Registration and Assembly Programme, incorporating The A Level Mindset and VESPA Model, helps students develop resilience, emotional growth and strategies to manage the pressures of examination years. Strong teacher-student-parent relationships and open lines of communication ensure personalised support, while student voice and wellbeing surveys shape a provision that genuinely meets learners' needs.
Mental health first aid training, seminars with external bodies and tailored workshops enhance our focus on preparation, mental health and life balance. In our cohesive and genuinely supportive community, students thrive academically, socially and personally.
Academic Results
Our Post-16 results reflect a strong tradition of academic excellence and continuous improvement. With increasing numbers of students choosing to study at FPS, outcomes have shown consistent growth year on year. In 2024, 99% of students achieved a pass, with a remarkable 79% securing A*-C grades, surpassing UK national averages. BTEC results were equally impressive, with a 100% pass rate and consistently significant benchmarks far exceeding UK national averages.
Strong upward trends in achievement include 51% of entries graded A*-B, with multiple students earning prestigious awards for achieving the highest marks in the UAE, Middle East, and even globally. High achievers excelled across three or more subjects, showcasing the calibre of our students. Our value-added ALPS indicator highlights progress equivalent to the top 25% of providers in the UK, reflecting our commitment to academic excellence.
University Destinations
Our students achieve outstanding university placements each year, with around 95% applying to and securing acceptance.
The UK is the most popular destination, followed by the UAE, USA and various European countries. Many graduates earn places at prestigious Russell Group universities, including Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Nottingham, Queen’s University Belfast and King’s College London. Popular courses of study include Medicine, Business and Marketing, Law, Engineering (Mechanical and Chemical), Art and Design, Biomedical Science and Computer Science.
These achievements highlight the diverse and high-calibre opportunities available to FPS graduates, preparing them for successful futures in their chosen fields.
Careers
Our robust careers programme is led by a dedicated Head of Careers who participates in UAE and international events to provide up-to-date guidance. The Unifrog platform is fully embedded to support personalised one-to-one, group and family sessions, with ongoing communication facilitated through Teams and Padlet.
Parent coffee mornings, careers fairs, on-site events and partnerships like GEMS For Life offer students valuable real-world experiences. External specialists regularly share industry insights, and we support student internships and externships, enriching students' understanding of various career pathways and professional opportunities.
Subject-specific workshops are integrated into the curriculum, and our bespoke Registration and Assembly Programme, developed with Heads of Year, prepares students for future career success. Alumni frequently return to inspire and motivate, contributing to a dynamic and comprehensive careers education.
frequently asked
questions
WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR POST-16 AT FPS?
What are the entry requirements for Post-16 at FPS? Students must achieve a minimum of 5 GCSEs or equivalent qualifications at grades 9-4, including English and Mathematics.
Subject-Specific Requirements:
AS Level Mathematics (2 years): Grade 5 on the higher-tier GCSE paper.
Mathematics: Grade 7.
Mathematics and Further Mathematics: Grade 8.
Biology, Chemistry and Physics: Grade 7 in the respective subject.
English Language and English Literature: Grade 6.
Computer Science: Grade 6 in Computer Science or Mathematics.
Economics: Grade 6 in Economics or Mathematics.
BTEC Applied Science: Grade 5 in GCSE Science.
Other BTECs: Grade 4 in similar subjects.
We are committed to working closely with all families to identify the most suitable pathway for all students, ensuring individual needs, goals and aspirations are met.
HOW MANY QUALIFICATIONS CAN I TAKE, AND CAN I MIX THEM?
How many qualifications can I take, and can I mix them?
Most students take three qualifications. These can be all A Levels, a hybrid mix of A Levels and BTECs, or entirely BTEC qualifications. This flexibility allows you to tailor your programme to suit your strengths, interests, and future goals. Students taking three qualifications are also encouraged to consider completing the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) to enhance their academic profile.
HOW IS STUDY TIME STRUCTURED IN POST-16, AND DO I HAVE ANY FREE TIME?
You will have 6 hours of class time per week for each option subject. Outside of class, your timetable includes allocated independent study periods. Research shows that students should dedicate an additional 5-6 hours of independent study per week per subject to effectively access Post-16 qualifications, which significantly boosts success rates and academic outcomes. This time should also be used to gather valuable evidence for UCAS, internships, externships and job applications. While this isn’t ‘free time’ in the traditional sense, it offers flexibility and responsibility to help you manage your workload effectively.
DOES MY CHILD HAVE TO ATTEND SCHOOL EACH DAY?
Yes, regular attendance and punctuality are essential for success in Post-16 qualifications. Research shows that students with 98% or higher attendance and punctuality tend to achieve better academic outcomes. Missing school can significantly impact learning and progression. Family holidays taken during term time will be recorded as unauthorised absence. It's important for students to be present each day to fully benefit from their studies and to maintain a strong academic performance.
WHAT ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE?
What enrichment opportunities are available?
Our enrichment programme offers a wide range of opportunities, including internships, industry projects, leadership roles, arts activities and subject intervention alongside full access to our extracurricular and sports programmes. Students can also participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award, workshops, external seminars and educational trips, all designed to build transferable skills and support personal development. If families seek specific wider learning opportunities, we are committed to working closely with them to provide tailored support and ensure students can fully benefit from these experiences.
Blogs
Highlights
Both pathways offer distinct advantages, and understanding their differences will help ensure your teenager selects the route that aligns best with their academic strengths and future aspirations.
Keeping them motivated during revision is crucial to help them achieve their full potential. At GEMS FirstPoint School in Dubai, our British curriculum equips students with the skills to prepare effectively for their exams.
At GEMS FirstPoint School in The Villa, Dubailand, we provide comprehensive university guidance as part of our British curriculum post-16 programme to help students make informed decisions. Here are some keyways you can support your teen during this important journey: