Student experience
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.
Our Student Experience at Shireland CBSO Sixth Form
We are able to provide students who already have a passion and talent for music with unique opportunities to experience, perform and work alongside other young people with similar interests and aspirations.
Our aim is to ensure that the experience our students gain whilst studying at Shireland CBSO Academy Sixth Form is tailored to their specific needs, with an equally strong focus on academic and musical excellence and personal development. We have high expectations of all our students. We will provide you with exciting and rewarding enrichment opportunities alongside a traditional curriculum model underpinned by outstanding teaching, excellent pastoral support and unrivalled aspiration. Our students are expected to attend full time, and to utilise the study and social spaces available to them exclusively within the Academy grounds.
Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust have a proven track record of delivering outstanding Sixth Form education. We’re committed to continuing the delivery of the highest quality of teaching to ensure all our students reach their potential, utilising the latest technology to enthuse, challenge and inspire our students.
Sixth Form Funding and Support
We are committed to ensuring that every student can access the education and training they need. The 16-19 Bursary Fund is available to provide financial support, tailored to individual needs, helping students overcome any specific barriers to their participations in post-16 education and training. This funding can assist with various costs, such as travel expenses, UCAS expenses, essential resources and any reasonable expenses required for students to fully engage in their chosen courses.
Click on the links below to see our Sixth Form Funding Support documents:
16-19 Bursary Fund Application Criteria
Enrichment and voluntary programme
At Shireland CBSO Sixth Form, we are committed in supporting our students to stand out from the crowd to ensure a greater chance of success. As part of this, we believe it is important for students to experience enrichment alongside academic studies to support wellbeing.
Students will have opportunities to take part in a wide variety of enrichment activities, including sport and musical events, and aim to tailor our offer to our students interests as much as possible. Some of these activities will take place in our new sports centre on Sandwell Road, which is located a very short distance from the main academy building.
Give Back Programme
Alternatively, students may wish to use this time to participate in volunteering opportunities at local organisations such as the Salvation Army or raise funds for local charities. Students will also be given the opportunity to further their skills by joining our Give Back Programme. This programme is designed to create opportunities to enable you to experience working within our Academy. These roles include working as a midday supervisor, running after school clubs, supporting in lessons or supporting our Reception team. Depending on your interests, the Give Back Programme also creates opportunities for you to volunteer at local organisations such as the Salvation Army.
Leadership Programme
Sixth Formers are role models within the Academy and therefore play an important part in inspiring our younger students. There are several opportunities within the Academy available to students to help them develop their leadership, including:
- Supporting a year group form time one morning per week. During this time, students will help lead form quizzes or mentor students under the guidance of the Form Tutor.
- Join our Peer Reading Programme, which supports students with their reading development.
- Become an academic or pastoral coach, supporting students in our younger year groups.
- Joining our Give Back Programme by volunteering to support our students’ academic progress in lessons.
Careers resources
Our students are individuals, with their own unique combination of skills, qualities and attributes; one size does not fit all and so our careers programme aims to meet the needs of all our students. We aim to offer an insight into the world of work, higher education, and apprenticeships and encourage our students to explore all the possibilities. At regular stages during their sixth form career, we support students with impartial advice and guidance as they navigate their options, including access to universities and apprenticeship providers.
Guidance on Post-18 Pathways
Our students benefit from tailored, impartial UCAs support and continuous guidance for their post-18 career pathways. Our team is here to provide bespoke assistance in pursuing your higher education, apprenticeships, employment or gap year aspirations.
UCAS
We offer expert advice on UCAS applications, personal statements and CVs, ensuring you have the support needed to reach your goals. You can also expect individual tutorials and personalised assistance throughout the application process, making your journey to higher education or other opportunities a well-guided one.
Explore where our courses could take you with ucas
Wondering where our courses could take you? Explore your future with UCAS. From sixth form choices and apprenticeships to further education, university, and career pathways, you’ll find the tools, advice, and resources to guide you – whether you’re a student or a parent/carer.
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.
Founded in 1967 by Lyndon Laney less than a mile from Shireland CBSO Academy, in the heart of the West Midlands, this iconic brand has grown from its humble beginnings to become a hallmark of quality, trusted by musicians worldwide. As well as celebrating shared local heritage, our partnership looks ahead to inspire and nurture the next generation of music industry professionals and talent.
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.
By collaborating with Laney, we aim to empower our students to pursue ambitious careers for themselves, equipped with the knowledge, skills and confidence to excel.
