Sixth Form
welcome
Welcome to our unique and creative sixth form community where we facilitate an environment that fosters growth and success.
Established in September 2023, Shireland CBSO Academy is the results of an exciting partnership between Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO). Occupying a prominent location in West Bromwich, Sandwell, the Academy delivers an exceptional education for its students, built on a foundation of academic and musical excellence.
As a Shireland CBSO student, you will have access to brand-new, state-of-the-art facilities, dedicated social and study spaces and the latest technology including your own laptop to use for the duration of your time studying with us.
Thanks to our unique partnership, students are also provided with free vocal or instrumental tuition, regardless of previous musical experience. This includes performance opportunities, rehearsal and recording spaces, masterclasses and inspiration sessions from world-renowned musicians promoting and celebrating all genres of music from around the world, and bespoke career opportunities.
In addition, our Personal Development programmes equips students with essential tools, from employability to financial literacy, team building, and leadership. We empower you to navigate societal challenges and ensure you have a positive, fulfilling experience as you prepare for the future.
At Shireland CBSO Academy Sixth Form, we share your aspirations and passion for hard work. Our staff are dedicated to guiding and supporting you every step of the way. We believe this is a place where you can work diligently, bask in excellence, and explore the world’s opportunities with unwavering confidence.
Miss J Lawrence
Applying to Shireland CBSO sixth form just got easier!
We’re excited to announce that all applications for September 2026 entry to Shireland CBSO Sixth Form will now be made through our new online admissions platform – Applicaa.
Applicaa makes applying quicker and easier than ever – it’s simple to use, allows you to track your application in real time, sends you alerts from us about interviews and key dates, and keeps all your information in one secure place.
How to apply:
- Create your free Applicaa account
- Complete your application form
- Submit and track your progress
- Check regularly for updates including interviews, open events and induction days
Applications for September 2026 are now open – apply today!
Got questions about Applicaa or your application? Contact our Sixth Form team: Sixthform@scbso.shirelandcat.net or call 0121 818 4620.
We aim to offer a specialist programme, rich in music education and opportunity, which meets the needs and interests of our learners.
All students who choose to study with Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust have access to:
- Brand new, state of the art facilities
- Dedicated study and social spaces
- The latest technology, including their own laptop device complete with industry-leading software
- Our online platform of study resources
- Bespoke pastoral and wellbeing provision
- An extensive enrichment programme which supports pupils to further develop their skills, qualities and attributes ready for entry into higher education or the world of work
Through our partnership with the CBSO, students who study at Shireland CBSO Academy also have access to opportunities including:
- Tuition in their chosen instrument(s)
- Music theory tuition
- An on-site, state of the art auditorium
- Brand-new rehearsal spaces
- Recording studio
- Performance opportunities
- Masterclasses from world-renowned musicians
- Bespoke enrichment and career opportunities through the CBSO
Our partnerships
The Shireland CBSO Academy is the result of an exciting partnership between Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust and The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.
The academic rigour provided by the Trust is combined with the musical prowess of the CBSO. The orchestra presents over 150 concerts every year around the world and regularly collaborates with internationally renowned musicians, many of whom will visit the Academy to perform and conduct masterclasses with our pupils. Additionally, pupils are learn about and experience the organisation which surrounds the orchestra. From education and enrichment to sound and engineering; from orchestration and conducting to logistics and travel, this unique partnership provides pupils with exceptional opportunities to gain real industry experience.
In addition to the unique opportunities offered through the CBSO, students at Shireland CBSO Academy also benefit from our partnership with Laney Amplification—a global leader in British guitar and bass amplification. This collaboration redefines the music education experience for our sixth form students, offering them unparalleled opportunities to immerse themselves in the world of music technology and prepare for vibrant careers in the music industry.
Through our partnership, students gain access to:
- Hands-on learning and practical workshops to help them develop essential, cutting-edge skills taught by Laney’s expert technicians.
- Exclusive masterclasses with industry professionals and experts in sound engineering, amplification, and more, offering invaluable insights into the music industry.
- Mentoring, guidance, and career advice. With guidance from Laney’s seasoned professionals, students can confidently explore the diverse pathways into the music and sound industry.
- Work experience placements. Students can immerse themselves in the day-to-day operations of a world-renowned music specialist, gaining first-hand industry experience.
This unique collaboration equips students with practical knowledge, industry connections, and a pathway to success in the exciting world of music and sound technology.
IMPORTANT DATES FOR YEAR 12 APPLICATIONS - Sept 2026 entry:
Please note that applications remain open throughout the year – it’s not too late to apply!
- September 2025: Applications for September 2026 are now open. Apply through Applicaa here.
- Thursday 6 November 2025: Sixth Form Open Evening, 4.30pm-7.00pm
- Early 2026: Attend your consultation evening appointment. We aim to ensure that you are well supported throughout your application. As part of this, we invite you and your family to attend a consultation evening to discuss your choices and offer advice and guidance. This is not an interview. Following your consultation evening appointment, we will send you a conditional offer letter.
- May to June 2026: GCSE exam season!
- June 2026: Attend our induction programme to meet your new teachers, new classmates and start your academic studies.
- 21 August 2026: GCSE Results Day! Once you have collected your results, you can then come and enrol with us. Here we will confirm your subject choices. If you don’t meet the entry requirements, we will look at what other courses we can offer you, subject to availability.
- September 2026: Your academic studies in Sixth Form begin!
